So, you have invested in your first camera and decided that photography is for you. That’s great, and we should welcome to what may very well prove to be a rewarding hobby and could even open up all kinds of doors for you in the future.
Before you get too involved in your photography, though, there are a few things you should know. These things include what equipment you need, what free photo sharing sites you may want to use when you get a fantastic shot, and how photography can be much harder than you imagine.
You will want to invest in a good camera for taking your photographs. However, what most professional photographers will tell you is that while there is no denying the importance of a good camera body, the area that you should invest in is camera lenses. A poor-quality lens will be like looking through a window that needs cleaning. If you want clean, sharp images, you want a high-quality lens. If you are not sure what you are looking for, opt to shop in a specialist camera shop and ask for expert opinions. They will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Once you have spent out on good quality equipment, don’t forget to invest in a camera strap and good quality camera bag to protect it all. You might also want to consider insuring it.
Everyone wants to point their camera at something and capture the perfect shot, but the reality is that this rarely happens. Expect to take lots and lots of shots in a row before you get one you like. This is normal and is why digital cameras offer a lot more, particularly to a novice, than cameras previously have been able to. You will see if the image you have captured is what you were hoping for before moving onto your next photo.
Sometimes you can get a fantastic shot just like that, but even the most practiced professionals will tell you this is often more about being in the right place at the right time than anything else.
When you are just starting with your photography, you will probably slot this new hobby into your existing schedule. Make time just for photography, get out and about with your camera, practice taking shots with different lenses, different compositions, and different lighting. Go out at other times of the day; this will help you understand your camera and all of the elements that need to come together to make a great photograph.
Like so many things in life, great photography needs practice, and if you are not willing to put the hours in, you won’t achieve those shots you have been dreaming of.
If your ultimate goal is to become a professional, then do not rush in. Take your time and get in plenty of practice. If you want to specialize in portraits, for example, ask family and friends to sit for you, get feedback on your shots and work on improvements. There are plenty of professional photographers out there, so you want to be confident before setting yourself up in business.
When you feel like you are almost ready, share some of your photos, this might be via social media or a photo-sharing platform, and see what feedback you get. This will tell you when you are ready to set yourself up in business and have the best chance of making a go of it.