The Complete Photography Guide: Tips, Techniques, and Inspiration
5.00/5Stop taking pictures with your phone or camera in auto mode. Our photography guide helps you understand the basic settings, rules, and tips so you can start taking photos with confidence. It also guides you through the importance of this visual art and its many applications in everyday life.
Let’s get started, and please remember that although there are many technical terms, it’s important to remember them because they serve as the foundation for understanding your camera and taking great pictures.
What is Photography?
The word photography comes from the Greek words “photos” and “graphia,” meaning light and drawing, respectively. It refers to the art and science of capturing light with a camera to create images.
The first image can be traced back to 1826 or 1827 (authors can’t agree on the exact date) and shows the roof of a building lit by the sun. Since then, photography has evolved in so many different ways. Thanks to technological advances and artistic innovations, we can all enjoy the beauty of photography today.
For one, photographs are now in color. On the other hand, there is no need for large and heavy equipment to achieve a beautiful and impressive image. With a small camera, or even your smartphone, you can capture moments in a spectacular way.
+7 Types of Photography
As photography has become a very popular hobby, every day we find ourselves looking at a new genre. They vary depending on the technique used and what they represent.
Some of the most common types of photography include:
- Landscape photography: captures the presence of nature and the spaces within the world.
- Portrait photography: captures a person or group showing their expressions, personalities and moods.
- Wildlife photography: focuses on animals in their natural habitat.
- Macro photography: captures images at a closer range to highlight the details.
- Fashion photography: Focuses on models to show items such as their clothes, shoes, or accessories.
- Product photography: Captures images of a product for use in marketing materials.
- Street photography: Focuses on people in their daily lives.
Other options include long exposure, sports, architecture, event, editorial, brand, wedding, and even food photography. As you can see, almost anything qualifies as a type of photography. Of course, there are some that are easier to get started with (wedding photography for example) and others that require very specific skills and equipment (wildlife photography).
Why Should You Learn Photography?
Learning photography can be a good reason because it gives you career opportunities, it allows you to express yourself, it helps you push your boundaries, change your perspective and be more creative, and it is the perfect way to document your life and the world around you.
Mastering this art adds technical skills (taking pictures, using lenses, editing, using filters, etc.) to your profile that can be used in many different fields and aspects of your life. It also helps you develop more human or soft skills (mindfulness and problem-solving skills) that have an impact on almost everything you do.
So why wait to learn how to take photos?
How to Apply Photography Skills to Everyday Job Roles
Adding photography as one of your skills comes with great benefits. On the one hand, you will embark on a transformational journey to develop your creativity and expression. On the other hand, you will learn to communicate messages and ideas in a powerful and compelling way, opening the doors to many different professional development opportunities.
Photography has many different applications in the workplace including:
- Business and marketing benefit from it because they need to showcase products, services, events and promotions in a way that makes them stand out in a crowded environment.
- Journalism and documentaries also rely on photography to capture and share important events (natural disasters, wars, social issues, etc.) with the world.
- Design and graphics roles use photography to enhance the layout and visual appeal of their creations, including web designs.
- Business development uses photography to illustrate concepts, proposals, or project progress during client presentations, and to capture key moments at conferences, networking events, or company meetings for future reference and marketing.
- Human resourcesdepartments use photography to capture professional headshots for employee profiles on company websites or internal directories, and to document company events and team activities to showcase workplace culture.
How would your current role benefit from adding photography to your resume?
Minimum Equipment Needed for Photography for Starters
As you embark on your journey to learn photography, you need to understand that there is some equipment involved. This list covers the bare minimum you will need to invest some money in, but as you master this art you will likely need more.
Camera
As obvious as it sounds, you need to buy a camera with interchangeable lenses. There are many different options and brands out there, so take the time to read the reviews for each one and find yourself a good deal.
Do You Need a Fancy Camera to Succeed?
No, you do not need a fancy camera to learn photography; the most important thing is to focus on learning the photography basics of composition, lighting, and exposure, which can be done with any camera you have available. If you don’t have a camera and need to buy one, we highly recommend starting with an entry-level camera.
- Canon EOS R100
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
- Fujifilm X-T30 II
- Nikon Z fc
- Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D
- Ricoh GR IIIx
As we said before, take the time to read the reviews that others have shared and ask around to find out what your peers have to say. Keep in mind that DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras are often more affordable and easier to use for people just starting out in photography.
Lenses
Next you will want to invest in some lenses. Keep in mind that you will find many options out there, so focus on getting those that will help you take the type of photos you want. There are specific lenses for sports, portraits, macro photography, and more.
We suggest you start with
- Standard zoom lens (it can be a 24-70mm or a 18-55mm)
- Nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8)
- Versatile zoom lens (either a 24-70mm f/2.8 or f/4)
As you read about each of these lenses and choose your best option, it’s important to remember that the best lens for you is the one you use the most. Don’t worry about having the most expensive gear; focus on learning and having fun with your camera.
Post-Processing Software
Once you start taking photos, you will find that you will always need to edit them. This includes correcting imperfections, optimizing colors and contrast, reducing noise, resizing, and so on. Fortunately, there are many different options of post-production software on the market this 2024. We recommend that you start with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom. While you will need to take some courses to really maximize their use, these tools are among the most popular on the market and there are plenty of resources online to help you get started.
Tripod
A tripod will help you achieve maximum stability and reduce camera shake. They are also a key element if you opt for long exposure photography, portraits, group shots, landscape photography.
Extra Batteries
You should buy at least one or two extra batteries for your camera. See if your camera allows off-brand options, they tend to be cheaper and might be just what you need to get started.
Flash
Depending on the type of photography you want to specialize in, you may or may not need to invest in an expensive flash. If you want to take portraits or work with macro photography, a good flash is a must.
If you are just getting started in this field and have not decided what type of photos you want to work with, then you should really consider some of these popular and affordable options:
- Godox TT685
- Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II
- Flashpoint Xplor 600
Before you choose one, whether from this list or not, just make sure that the flash you are considering has the following features:
- TTL metering: Automatically adjusts the flash output to achieve the correct exposure, making it easier to achieve consistent results.
- HSS (high-speed sync): Allows you to use your flash at faster shutter speeds, useful for freezing motion in bright conditions.
- Wireless triggering: Allows you to use your flash off-camera, giving you more creative control over your lighting.
- Power output: Higher output allows you to light subjects from further away or in darker environments.
- Build quality and durability: A well-built flash will last longer and withstand regular use.
Memory Cards
Finally, you need a place to store your photos. Invest in memory cards ranging from 64GB to 128GB, but don’t just get one. Once you start traveling and shooting photos, you will find that one memory card is not enough. You need to have more in your camera bag so that storage is not an obstacle in your learning process.
Photography Basics: Camera Settings You Should Know
Once you start searching for cameras, you will see that they all have many different buttons (shutter button, front dial, power switch, lens release button, LCD screen, menu, trash, etc) and menu options (ISO, aperture, shutter speed, autofocus, auto white balance, etc.). Don’t let that scare you. Once you start learning photography, you will get the hang of it.
To get started, you need to familiarize yourself with the three most basic camera settings, also known as the exposure triangle: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. They are responsible for controlling the brightness in your photo. They all do this in different ways that work together to create the perfect balance in every photo.
Shutter Speed
When you click the shutter on your camera, you expose your piece of film to light and capture an image. When the shutter closes, your camera stops. The shutter speed refers to the exact amount of time (from milliseconds to minutes) that the shutter stays open to let light in.
This is one of the three elements of the exposure triangle that affect how bright or dark your picture will be. With this in mind, you need to understand how to set the correct shutter speed. Keep this in mind:
- If the shutter speed is too fast, the photo will be too dark.
- If you leave the shutter open too long, the picture will be too bright, or overexposed.
So what’s the ideal shutter speed? It depends on how much light is available when and where you take your photos. For example, if you are shooting outdoors on a sunny day, you should set your shutter speed to 1/500. If you are shooting indoors, you can slow it down to 1/100. If you are taking pictures of children or pets, you will want to set it to 1/250.
Aperture
Aperture, in photography, refers to how wide the opening of the lens is; you can think of it as something similar to the pupil of the human eye. But in a camera, instead of being something natural, it is adjusted by a set of circular blades that widen and narrow as needed.
This concept can be a little tricky at first, so keep in mind that small numbers mean wide apertures and large numbers mean narrow apertures. Wide apertures are for dark places, while narrow apertures are for bright places.
The wider the aperture, the more light gets into your image, which is perfect for taking pictures at night. But if you want to take a beautiful photo of a group of people on a sunny day, you want to narrow the aperture and reduce the amount of light coming in.
ISO
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, is the third pillar of photography and the one with the biggest impact on your photos. In short, it’s responsible for making your photos brighter or darker, but it should be used carefully and only when you can’t brighten your image through shutter speed and aperture.
Keep in mind that ISO values can vary from camera to camera, but a common range goes from ISO 100 (low or base) to ISO 6400 (high). As you increase the number of your ISO setting, your photos will be brighter, but going too high can add a lot of grain or noise, making your image blurry.
Ideally, you should try to stick to your base ISO setting (on DSLR cameras, it’s usually set to ISO 200), as this will help you get the best quality for your images. But if you are working in darker environments, you may need to increase it. Again, always try to work with shutter speed and aperture first, it will help you get better results without risking the quality of your work.
How to Get Into Photography?
Today everyone takes pictures with their smartphones, but in real life not everyone can be considered a photographer. You need to know your camera settings, composition rules, the rule of thirds, the exposure triangle, and other photography basics. While this guide serves as a starting point, you need to go the extra mile and dedicate time to learning and practicing.
The interesting thing is that there is no single path to photography. You can learn in many different ways. Study the work of famous photographers. Attend workshops. Watch tutorials online. Find a mentor to guide you through the basics. Take an online course.
Whatever path you choose, just be aware that you have to:
- Find a source of inspiration.
- Experiment with different types of photography to understand what works for you.
- Invest in the equipment we discussed earlier.
- Use your camera in manual mode.
- Spend time practicing and experimenting with composition, lighting, and framing.
Remember, you want to start your journey by mastering everything about the exposure triangle. Once you understand how and when to change ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, you will find that everything else becomes easier and you will be able to present photos with a good image quality.
How Can I Teach Myself Photography?
With the right drive, motivation, discipline, and grit, you can teach yourself photography. Here are a few things you need to do if you want to become a self-taught photographer.
- Read your camera manual to become familiar with every aspect of your camera. You need to understand every button and setting it has so that it does not interrupt your photo taking process.
- Watch online tutorials about your camera and videos with tips and tricks for photographers. You can start by subscribing to and watching The Art of Photography, Fstoppers, Mango Street, and Sean Tucker.
- Spend time reading photography books (Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson, The Photographer’s Eye by Michael Freeman, Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs by Henry Carroll) and browsing photography portfolios to find inspiration and learn from others.
- Attend webinars, exhibitions, photography talks, and seminars. Active participation in these events will help you understand key concepts and learn from experienced photographers.
- Follow photographers on social media, especially on Instagram, as you can enjoy beautiful images. Some we highly recommend are Adam Senatori, Tobias Hagg, David Guttenfelder, and Theron Humphrey.
- Identify the type of photography you want to specialize in and the style you want to follow.
- Practice by taking your camera everywhere and shooting. It can be a group of people, nature, your surroundings, or whatever you want. Just spend time developing your style and skills. That’s the only way you can understand what mistakes you make and figure out how to fix them.
- Join photography forums and participate in discussions. You can also post some of your work and ask for honest feedback.
- Enter photography contests. There are many opportunities online and probably in your area. Take the time to check them out and submit your work.
- Build your photography portfolio. It will help showcase your skills and work.
Photography Tips for Beginners
In addition to everything that we have said here, we have a few tips that will help you to ace your next set of photos.
Think About your Composition
Work with the composition of your image by following the Rule of Thirds, which is a compositional guideline that divides an image into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have nine parts and four grid lines. With this in mind, you should place the most important elements of your image along the gridlines.
This concept is not complicated and requires no training. You just need to understand how to apply it and use it whenever you think it will help you compose a better image. Remember, this is just one of many guidelines available.
Use Your Camera in Manual Mode
You will learn nothing if your camera does all the thinking. So be brave, turn on the manual mode, and get ready to experiment with the art of photography in real life. Practice with the three elements of the exposure triangle first, then move on to the different autofocus modes, and so on.
Avoid Overexposing Highlights
As you shoot, be sure to check the LCD screen for overexposure. If there is, double check that the ISO is set to the base value. If it is, you will want to increase the shutter speed and check that the aperture is set to a standard value.
Balance the Light Intensity
The most important part of a good picture is light. You need to find the right balance and intensity between the subject of your photo and the background. Ignoring this will completely ruin your photo.
Pay close attention to the direction and intensity of the light to avoid shadows across your image. If you are working indoors, move the light source to a better angle. If you are working outdoors, move the subject you are photographing. Use a flash if necessary.
Take your Time to Photograph
As you get ready to shoot, you will want to go through a quick checklist:
- Check your camera settings for the type of image, lighting, and style you are working with.
- Check your composition and the correct use of the rule of thirds.
- Look at the autofocus and make sure it’s set correctly.
- Improve the lighting conditions.
Clean your Camera Lenses
A dusty, dirty lens will only ruin your photos and make them blurry. Make sure you clean your lens before you go out to shoot. You can do this with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution.
Work with the Scenes in front of you
Great pictures often happen without a preconceived idea. Take your Nikon or Canon camera out and start photographing the scenes that are happening in front of you. Do not expect nature to arrange the clouds, sun, and birds in the perfect order. Just start filling your memory card with great pictures.
Key Takeaways
- Photography Basics: Understand the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) and how they work together to control the brightness of your photos.
- Camera Equipment: Invest in a good quality camera with interchangeable lenses, a tripod, extra batteries, and memory cards.
- Photography Genres: Explore different types of photography like landscape, portrait, wildlife, macro, fashion, product, and street photography.
- Learning Photography: Practice regularly, experiment with different settings, and learn from online tutorials, photography books, and workshops.
- Applying Photography Skills: Photography skills can be applied to various fields like business, marketing, journalism, design, and human resources.
Conclusion
Learning photography is not only personally fulfilling, but also opens the doors to many different career opportunities. If it’s something you’re passionate about, don’t hesitate to invest the time and money to follow your dreams. As you read through the concepts and theories, you will find yourself immersed in a vast world of possibilities to achieve great quality images.
Enroll in courses, watch tutorials, attend workshops, and participate in content. These are all great opportunities to hone your skills, learn from others, and master the art of capturing moments that will last a lifetime.
Remember, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a Nikon or Canon camera to get started. You can choose a DSLR or an entry-level camera. What matters right now is that you don’t use a smartphone, that you work in manual mode, and that you understand basic photography concepts.
