No matter if you want to take pictures for your portfolio, start a business or simply hone your skills, there are plenty of resources available.
Books, online courses and YouTube videos can all be useful resources; however if you’re serious about learning photography, consider hiring a mentor for guidance.
1. Best Camera
If you’re serious about mastering photography, investing in a quality camera is a must. Not only will this enable you to capture better shots but it will also boost your skills as a photographer to the next level.
The ideal cameras for beginners are user-friendly and provide superb image quality. Plus, they come with a range of shooting modes to meet all your needs.
When selecting a camera for beginners, research the models available and find one that best suits your style, budget and objectives. Look for models with large sensors, good low-light performance, ease of use and manual settings as these will make for an excellent starter camera.
Another option is purchasing a mirrorless camera, which has a smaller body and can be held in your hand. Although they’re not as advanced as DSLRs, mirrorless cameras still offer usefulness for beginners who wish to capture landscapes or people.
Mirrorless cameras are ideal for beginners as they’re user-friendly and provide a variety of exposure settings. Furthermore, the LCD screen of a mirrorless camera allows you to preview your photographs before taking them – this can be especially helpful to those who aren’t sure what their settings will look like when taking photos.
2. Manual Mode
If you want to master photography and take your skills to the next level, start by understanding manual mode on your camera. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and how they come together to capture an accurately exposed photo.
Aperture is one of the most crucial and intricate settings in the exposure triangle. It controls how much light enters your camera, as well as affecting other key aspects like depth of field, sensor noise, and subject motion blur.
Shutter speed is the third crucial element in the exposure triangle and it dictates how long your shutter stays open during an exposure. Your shutter speed can drastically affect how sharp and detailed your photo looks, so be mindful when changing it up!
Gain control over your shutter speed and aperture by practicing with different exposures by bracketing. This involves taking three consecutive shots, each with a different shutter speed.
It doesn’t have to be complicated; once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to master all the essentials quickly! Additionally, this is an excellent way to build up confidence and gain knowledge about your camera as you make sure everything is set correctly before beginning shooting.
3. Auto Mode
Auto mode can be a great starting point in learning photography. In this mode, your camera automatically selects the optimal settings for your shot so that you can focus on framing that perfect picture.
However, as a beginner photographer, you should still learn the technical aspects of photography so that you can gain control over your camera and capture better photos. Your camera may not know how to properly meter or expose a scene, but with practice you can improve results.
For instance, you might want to capture a landscape photo with a shallow depth of field. In this instance, auto mode can set the aperture and shutter speed while manual mode requires you to manually adjust ISO and white balance settings.
Additionally, you must learn how to utilize the in-camera light metering function so that you can accurately determine exposure for each shot. This essential skill will allow you to take better pictures and make your camera more user friendly in the future.
Additionally, it’s wise to practice shooting in Manual mode before moving on to semi-automatic modes like Program or Scene. These options can be beneficial for beginners and will give you a better image than Auto would have captured, however they aren’t as reliable as shooting with manual focus.
4. Online Courses
If you’re serious about mastering photography, Udemy offers several excellent online courses. These classes will teach the science behind digital photography as well as help improve your technique and give you confidence with editing software.
There are also short courses on camera-agnostic topics, like Photo 101: How to Take Great Photos, as well as model-specific options that teach specific techniques for shooting with a specific brand of camera. Most courses last only 20 minutes long so they’re easy to fit into your schedule.
Some of these courses provide one-on-one tuition with renowned photographers or industry professionals. These can be invaluable if you’re just starting out or already have some expertise but lack confidence. Or if you are an experienced pro looking to develop new skillsets or refine existing ones.
Annie Leibovitz’s Portrait Photography course is an excellent option to learn the craft of creating stunning portraits with real-world examples and a comprehensive Photoshop walkthrough from an experienced Adobe expert. Fstoppers’ Photography 101 also provides great guidance on using your DSLR camera and taking control of manual settings.
Harvard University offers Exposing Digital Photography as an advanced course that goes beyond the fundamentals. This free OpenCourseWare (OCW) offering features 12 video lessons on technical subjects like light metering, exposure modes, shutter speed – everything necessary for understanding digital photography as a science.
5. Books
Books for learning photography can be an excellent way to spark your creative mind. Not only are they more cost-effective than purchasing equipment, but they’re also a powerful source of motivation and knowledge that you may never have encountered before.
Some of the best books for learning photography can be found online, while others must be purchased from your local bookstore. It’s important to find a book that matches both your skill level and interests, so take your time reading this list before making your final choice.
One of the most essential skills in photography is understanding composition. That’s why I highly recommend John Freeman’s The Photographer’s Guide to Composition.
This indispensable reference is essential for all photographers, from novice to professional. It explains the fundamentals of composition and provides practical tips that will help you create better photos.
A great composition book will instruct you on how to position your subjects within the frame, as well as other key elements like color, lines, and texture. Furthermore, these books often include examples from renowned photographers and helpful sidebars that can help you steer clear of common compositional mistakes.
If you’re a serious photographer, you might want to invest in some books on various subjects such as lighting, digital editing and business. This way, you can be certain to find something that meets both your needs and style of work.
6. YouTube Videos
YouTube provides a wealth of photography tutorials, from basic terms and techniques for beginners to in-depth Photoshop lessons. Best of all? These videos can be downloaded for free!
Photographic YouTube channels abound, but few stand out among the rest. Here are the best places to begin learning photography techniques.
COOPH is a community-driven channel that caters to both novice and expert photographers with educational content ranging from photography 101 to in-depth Photoshop and Lightroom tutorials.
Another excellent option is B&H Photo, a popular camera and lens shop that also runs an established YouTube channel dedicated to teaching photographers and videographers. Their tips and tricks, product reviews, as well as podcasts with industry experts are available on their platform.
Jared Polin is one of the most renowned photographers on YouTube and his tutorials are ideal for new photographers. His videos cover everything from lighting and color theory to composition.
Pierre Lambert’s video reviews and comparisons are essential viewing for gear enthusiasts, while his vlogs offer captivating content geared toward travel photographers as well as street photographers.
The Art of Photography is a popular channel that provides expert tips for both amateur and professional photographers. Its content covers various topics like famous photographer profiles and features, composition techniques, as well as how to join social media challenges with your own work.
7. Mentor
Mentors are an invaluable source of guidance and support for photographers. Not only can they teach you new techniques or sharpen your skills, but they may also draw upon their own professional experiences to impart lessons learned.
Finding an appropriate mentor can be challenging. It requires both parties to put in effort and dedication in order to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
Finding a photography mentor who takes the time to understand your needs and desires is essential. Together, you should create guidelines that will enable both of you to get the most out of the relationship.
Begin your search by selecting a few mentors whose work you admire and whose subject matter and style align with yours. Check their websites and social media to see if they’re active in any photography groups or forums where you can network with other photographers.
You can also assess their online teaching resources, such as courses, books and blog posts to see if they meet your requirements. Furthermore, you can discover if they’re comfortable mentoring via video calls on tools like Zoom or Skype.
Once you’ve identified the ideal photographer, arrange to meet in person or over video call to discuss your needs and objectives for mentoring. It may also be beneficial to set calendar reminders for future follow-ups so that the conversation can continue smoothly.
