5 Things I Wish I Knew When I First Got Into Photography
So, you're diving into the world of photography? That's awesome! It's an incredible journey, but there are a few things I wish someone had told me when I was starting out. Hopefully, these tips will save you some time, money, and frustration.
1. Gear Shouldn't Matter (At First)
Seriously, I can't emphasize this enough. Don't get caught up in the gear race right away. How are you supposed to know if you even enjoy photography if you're just drooling over the latest cameras and lenses?
I've seen amazing photos taken with decades-old equipment. Just check out Roman Fox's recent Sony Cybershot challenge or James Popsys' work with an old Lumix M4/3 camera. You don't need the newest autofocus system if you haven't mastered composition yet.
What if you discover photography isn't for you? You'll be stuck with a bunch of expensive gear and a lighter wallet. Instead, explore and experiment. Once you're hooked, then start thinking about gear that aligns with your passions. You wouldn't want to lug a heavy Z9 around for street photography any more than you'd want a Fuji X100VI for portraiture.
And remember, specs aren't everything. I'm filming this on a Z30 with a kit lens, cheap lights, and a budget-friendly wireless mic – all for under $1000. You don't even need all that! Ambient light and the built-in mic can work wonders given a well lit room and quiet environment.
2. Composition is King (or Queen!)
You can spend hours learning about exposure, shutter speed, ISO, and metering, but if you don't understand what makes a photo visually appealing, none of that matters.
The rule of thirds is a good starting point, but don't become obsessed with it. Your subject should be interesting, and it should draw the viewer's eye. But composition is an art, not a science. There's no single "perfect" way to do it.
It takes time and practice to develop your eye for composition. You'll constantly learn and grow, even when you think you've got it figured out.
3. Do It For You, Not the 'Gram
This passion should be about you first and foremost, not chasing likes and followers. Photograph what inspires you, what makes you want to pick up your camera and shoot more.
I once tried landscape photography because I thought it would get me more attention. But my heart wasn't in it. The photos were technically fine, but they lacked the passion that comes from photographing what you truly love.
4. It's a Journey, Not a Destination (and It Will Be Frustrating)
Forget the idea that you'll eventually "learn everything" and be done. Photography is a continuous journey of learning and growth. There's no final destination, just stops along the way.
I spent too much time learning and not enough time doing when I first started. Get out there and shoot! Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. And yes, it will be frustrating at times, but that's part of the process.
5. Don't Pigeonhole Yourself!
All of these points tie together. This is a never-ending journey, and you have to do it for yourself. Learn to create images that please you. Find gear that complements your passions, not hinders them.
When I got back into photography, I bought gear suited for landscapes, only to realize I loved street photography. A heavy camera isn't ideal for that! Your passions might change, and that's okay. Do first, then invest. You can shoot any genre with almost any camera, even your phone.
Bonus Tip: Learn Your Camera!
Once you've got composition down, master the fundamentals of exposure, ISO, shutter speed, metering, white balance, and how they all work together. Knowing your camera inside and out will allow you to make adjustments on the fly and capture the image you envision. Want to expose for the background and create a silhouette? Need to quickly adjust for flickering lights? Understanding your camera's controls will get you there.
I learned this the hard way at my first wedding with the Nikon Z8. I hadn't taken the time to really learn the camera, and I couldn't get my flash to work during the reception. Turns out, silent shooting disables the flash! It could have cost me some important shots. Knowing your camera is essential.
In Conclusion
Gear is tempting, but it's not the most important thing. Find your passion, then find the gear that helps you bring your vision to life. Develop your eye for composition, and always shoot for yourself. Embrace the journey, and don't be afraid to experiment and grow. And finally, take the time to learn your camera inside and out. It will make a world of difference.
