Learning Photography: Getting Started

Most people receive their first cameras when they are quite young. In the 21^st century, children learn to photograph using their parent’s or even their own cell phone probably before learning to write. The technology of digital cameras in 2016 makes it possible for anyone to quickly learn how to produce a technically perfect or near perfect photograph.

If the above is correct, than what is there to learn about photography anymore? Actually, there is still quite a bit to learn if you want to pursue this as a hobby, career, part-time job, or to complement another skill or talent such as cooking or writing. Technically perfect photographs make great snapshots, but may not be artistic, nor do they necessarily convey meaning, make an impact, or tell a story. That is still the job of the person holding the camera: the photographer.

Start at the Beginning

Even now, when photography holds an important place in my work life, I still make a habit of going back and reviewing the basics. This reinforces the basic concepts, and corrects any bad habits that slowly make their way into my technique.

Find your camera manual, and read it. Go online to the website of the camera manufacturer, and find other references to download or watch. The first step in any art is learning your medium, and learning it well. To do this, you must know your camera and what the manufacturer says it can do, and be able to find and adjust all those settings.

Next, make sure you have a good, basic photography reference on the book shelf or on your electronic reader. I admit to a preference for a physical book in this case, and for most photography books. They contain photographs showing technique and for close study, and print can make a difference. There are many excellent books out there, but not all of them will resonate with you. Browse online for recommendations and in an actual bookstore to find the one or two that work for you. I purchased my go-to book in Ireland in the 1980s after weeks of browsing every photography section of every bookstore I could find, Photoschool by Michael Freeman. It is dated, and I need to find a comparable resource for digital photography, but this one has never left my library.

USE the Books

Once you find your manual and your personal photography reference book, USE them. Browse the chapters, read the text, study the photographs, try the camera settings, and do the projects. If you own the books, make notes in the margin and tab the pages you need often. Whether you do some or all of the exercises and projects depends entirely on you, your personal interests, and your objectives.

Next we delve deeper into the basics of your camera.