I’ve had some lovely feedback of late on my Instagram photos. Often these comments make my day and quietly encourage me to keep improving and developing my own photography. Inspired by a lovely comment a few weeks ago, I thought I’d share a few photography tips for beginners.
Now, I am by no means a professional photographer. I consider myself an intermediate, a ‘hobby’ photographer if you like. But since I’ve been learning for a few years now, I think that qualifies me well enough to share some of my own experiences and learnings.
Tips from my photography journey
1. It is a journey
Accept you cannot learn photography in a day or a weekend. Photography is a combination of technical and creative skills and it truly takes time to master them both. For me it’s really a journey and once you realise this, you can take the pressure off yourself.
2.Slow down
When out with your camera, slow down and really observe what’s around you. This helps to connect you with your surroundings and often you will notice things you hadn’t noticed before. Observe the light, as light creates mood and can transform a scene into something magical.
3.Enjoy it
Learning photography is challenging but it can also be great for your wellbeing. It encourages you to get outside and connect with your environment.
4.Do your research
The internet is saturated with photography advice and courses. Do your research and opt for something which fits in with your preferred learning method, budget and time.
5. Stay safe
Stay safe when out and about with your camera. I do like to venture off the beaten track from time to time, so I always tell my husband where I am going and I make sure to bring my mobile phone.
6. Grow your own flowers
If you are interested in flower photography, try growing your own from seed. This is a really inexpensive way to have plenty of flowers to photograph and deepens your understanding and connection to the subject matter.
7. It’s not the gear
Don’t get carried away with buying lots of expensive camera gear (at least not at first). I know it sounds terribly cliched but it is really the person behind the camera who makes the photograph. When I first heard this, I thought it was nonsense, but you come to realise that we all see the world differently and it is your own unique view on the world that will make your photo different to the next person’s. My own camera, for example, is a Canon EoS 200d, an entry level DSLR and I use a prime 50mm lens. The camera is light, fits in my bag and is a great all rounder.
8. Print your photographs
Photographs are meant to be printed and not left languishing on your phone or computer hard drive. It really does bring your photography to life. Each year I create a photobook using the services of online providers such as Papier, BonusPrint and Atelier Rosemood
9. Mistakes are meant to happen
Accept you will make mistakes. It’s part of the journey. Be patient and try and learn from them.
10. Comparison kills creativity
Most important of all, don’t compare your photography to others. Compare where you are now to where you were before.
Useful Links
Which Camera Is Right For You? A Simple Buying Guide – CHRISTINA GREVE
How to shoot flowers & plants like a pro — 91 Magazine
Gardens Illustrated photographer’s favourite images 2020 – Gardens Illustrated
For photobooks – https://www.papier.com/ , https://www.rosemood.co.uk/
A little more about me here
My first steps into product photography
You can find my Instagram feed here : Paula Green (@type_writer_girl) • Instagram photos and videos
You do have a good eye for finding those shots that capture the moment!! All your photos are beautiful 😍
Aww..you are too kind, but thank you. Hope you had a nice holiday yesterday x
Good advice, I’ve been following you for a few years now and have really noticed how your photography has evolved, you’ve found your own aesthetic style. 😊
Awww…thank you so much. That means the world to me xx
Hi, I’m new to your blog. This post caught my eye because I love photography but I only use my cell phone to capture. This list is very nice, something I would love to go back to and check if I’m doing right.