A Beginner’s Guide to Photography: My Journey and Tips for You

Photo by Kaique Rocha

As a photographer with over ten years of experience capturing moments that tell unique stories. When I first started, I had little more than a basic camera, a lot of curiosity, and the belief that photography was more than just taking pictures—it was about freezing emotions, stories, and life itself. For anyone just beginning their photography journey, here’s a guide inspired by my early days to help you get started.

1. Start with What You Have

Many beginners believe they need the most expensive camera to take great photos. Trust me, it’s not about the gear; it’s about your vision. When I began, I used an entry-level DSLR. Before that, my phone camera was my tool for learning composition and experimenting with light.

Tip: Begin with what’s available to you. The basics of light, angles, and composition are the same, no matter the device.

2. Learn the Fundamentals

One of the best decisions I made was to learn the “exposure triangle”—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Understanding how these work together will give you control over your images.

Tip: Spend time practicing in manual mode. Take the same shot with different settings and observe how the changes impact the photo.

3. Experiment with Genres

When I started, I dabbled in portraits, landscapes, weddings, and even product photography. This exploration helped me discover my passion and strength in corporate events, media campaigns, and storytelling through visuals.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to try different types of photography. Whether it’s street photography, wildlife, or macro, every genre teaches you something unique.

4. Embrace Mistakes

In the beginning, I made countless mistakes—blurry images, poor lighting, or over-editing. But each one taught me something valuable.

Tip: Don’t be discouraged by less-than-perfect shots. Analyze what went wrong and use that as a stepping stone to improve.

5. Seek Feedback and Keep Learning

One thing that boosted my growth was showing my work to others, even when I felt it wasn’t perfect. Constructive criticism helped me refine my craft.

Tip: Join online photography communities or local groups. Learning from others and sharing your progress can be incredibly motivating.

6. Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio is vital, especially if you’re planning to turn photography into a career. Early in my journey, I took on small projects for free or minimal fees to build my collection of work.

Tip: Focus on quality over quantity. Showcase a variety of your best work to demonstrate your versatility.

7. Find Your Style

It took years for me to develop my distinct approach to photography. For you, it may come sooner—or later—and that’s okay.

Tip: Study the work of photographers you admire and identify what resonates with you. Over time, your unique style will emerge.

8. Invest Wisely

As I advanced, I gradually invested in better equipment and software. But the priority was always knowledge.

Tip: Before buying gear, ask yourself, “Will this improve my skills or just my collection?” Sometimes, a new lens or workshop can make more of a difference than an entirely new camera.

Final Thoughts

Photography is a journey, not a destination. Even now, I continue to learn and adapt. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to remain curious and never stop exploring.

If you’re just starting out, remember: every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the process, take plenty of photos, and, most importantly, enjoy every moment of the journey.

Let’s connect! If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out.

Together, let’s create and capture something extraordinary!

- Nov 29 . written by Abiodun Oyeniyi

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