The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
~ Mark Twain
we all have to start somewhere with our photography
Above is a photo I took in 2010.
As I went looking through my archives to find earlier photos for this post, I cringed.
Poorly lit.
Poorly composed.
Poorly posed.
But then I took a minute. I had only made a return to taking photos in earnest about 12 months before.
I was a beginner photographer
and I didn’t know much at all
So, for those of you who are totally new to photography, this series is for you.
I’m going to start at the absolute beginning, show you how you can improve your photos and, most of all, have fun with your photography.
But before I let you know what I’ll be covering in coming weeks, there are a few common excuses I want to address.
Excuse 1: My photos never turn out the way I want them to, so what’s the point.
We’ve all been there. Hell, I’m still there some days, depending on the circumstances!
You’ve missed the shot. It’s blurry because you couldn’t get the camera to focus, or the photo is too light or too dark.
Despite how clever cameras are now, they will still miss a shot. But with the tips and tricks I’m going to share with you, you’ll start missing a lot less.
Excuse 2: If I buy better gear, I’ll be a better photographer.
It’s natural for a new photographer to want the fanciest camera money can buy. But it doesn’t make sense for beginner photographers to start out with complex cameras.
If you already have a camera, learning to explore its limitations is one of the best ways to increase your skills.
Excuse 3: The technology and software is too hard to understand.
It’s intimidating to learn new things. Whether it’s a new camera, new software or figuring out how to print your photos from home, there are times when photography is downright frustrating.
But once you become familiar with these things – and the key is practice – you’ll find the tasks much easier than you realise.
Excuse 4: It’s taking too long to get good at photography.
Time is tight, but we all get the same 24-hours each day. It’s how you manage your time that is key.
And if you want to improve, then you’re going to have to make time to practice. No excuses.
Excuse 5: My photos look terrible compared to (insert name of other photographer here).
There is great value in looking at other photographers work for inspiration. It’s when you give in to the urge to compare your own work with those others, that things go pear-shaped. Use other people’s work to inspire you to better your own skills and you will see your works improve, but always remember
you are on your own photography journey
It’s all too easy to let the excuses get in the way of improving your photography skills.
My intention for this series is to be your cheerleader, and encourage you all the way!
So, what will we be covering in coming weeks of The Absolute Beginners Guide to Photography?
I’ll answer questions like:
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what is photography?
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the basics of photography
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composition rules and tips
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and lots more!
hoping you’ll join me as you embark on your own beginner photography journey
Tasha xo
If you’ve found The Absolute Beginners Guide to Photography useful, I’d love it if you would share it with your friends!
