If you have a passion for capturing beautiful images and telling stories through your lens, then you may be interested in getting into photography. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced photographer looking to improve your skills, here are five tips to help you get started:
One: Find Your Niche
One of the first things you should do as a photographer is to find your niche. I’m honestly torn between street photography, portraits and food…so I actually have dedicated websites or social handles for each. Let’s face it, when potential clients are looking for a photographer, they do NOT want a jack-of-all-trades. They want a qualified and experienced professional whose portfolio demonstrate the type of work that is to be expected. This will help you focus your efforts and find your unique style. Some other popular niches in photography include documentary, landscape, wildlife, street, and wedding photography.
Two: Invest in Equipment
While it's possible to take great photos with a smartphone, investing in a good camera and lenses can significantly improve the quality of your images. I started with a Nikon D7000 and for what it’s worth, was a great initial investment. Keyword, investment. Are you willing to drop a few extra dollars to invest in what will give you a comparative advantage in an incredibly saturated market? I’ve invested more money into my lens and lighting since my journey started, and have produced quality work with a Sony a7iii, which was released about 5 years ago! Consider your budget and the types of photos you want to take before making a purchase. Be practical though, because the next tip will absolutely help you produce stellar shots without the latest and more expensive gear.
Three: Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you'll become. Take your camera with you wherever you go and try to capture as many different subjects as possible. I honestly keep my Sony a6500 in my car at all times. At one point in my career, it was my main camera body. Since the technology has gotten better, I just use it as my dependable camera that is always with me. Main point is, just keep shooting. Creativity comes in waves but I’d rather be equipped with any camera when I’m inspired by the moment. Experiment with different compositions, lighting, and settings to see what works best for you. This is how I’ve engrained street photography into my practice. Yes, practice. The road to mastery is constant practice, and I am certainly not a master even seven years into the game.
Four: Learn From Others
There are countless resources available to help you learn more about photography, including books, online tutorials, and workshops. Follow photographers you admire and learn from their work, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback and advice from more experienced photographers. I am still enamored with Peter McKinnon’s work till this day! He is one of my main inspirations because of his storytelling and his ability to produce phenomenal photo and video work. There are so many inspirational artists out there, you just have to find which ones you want to emulate the most!
Five: Share Your Work
One of the best ways to improve as a photographer is to share your work with others. This can help you get constructive feedback and learn from others who may have different perspectives and techniques. Consider joining a photography group or starting a blog or social media account to share your photos. Instagram was a phenomenal space to do this before the reels era ruined everything, but I’ve found that Twitter and Vero aren’t so bad. Be careful though, because social media is changing and evolving in a way that deviating from simply sharing your work. Nowadays social media rewards those who consume it the most, which is very dangerous and discouraging. Remember why you got into photography in the first place. It’s about making and producing something meaningful to you, not for social clout or validation.