Photography is an art form that is highly appreciated these years. Most people think that being a photographer is very easy – you press the button, take the picture, let the camera do its job and get paid. Being a photographer is much more than that and if you are just starting out in this field you should not expect immediate earnings as this does not happen very easily. Below are some tips to help you get started in photography.
#1 Understand photography
The first step to becoming a photographer is to understand what photography is about and why you want to practice it. Photographers are made to capture moments, create memories that last forever. If you want to practice photography just to make money you probably won’t do it at all. Photography requires passion, curiosity and effort to turn your camera into a money making machine. So don’t expect it to happen overnight.
#2 Read a guide
The best way to start learning about photography is to get a written guide and read about this art. That way you’ll know what to expect and how to do it better. You will also learn how a camera works and how you can market your photos to get money.
#3 Choose a niche
Portraits, landscapes, architecture… there are many types of photography to choose from. Some photographers choose one or two types of photography while others like to combine a little bit of everything. Over time you will learn what you like more and what you don’t and then you will be able to choose what to focus on.
#4 Buy a camera
Obviously, the most important part of becoming a professional photographer is buying a camera. Most beginners don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment, which is understandable. Fortunately, nowadays cameras are not as expensive as they used to be and you can even get a DSLR for relatively low prices.
Make sure the camera you buy has the ability to shoot in RAW and give you the ability to make certain settings like ISO, aperture, focus, etc. You will need these throughout your life as a photographer. Before buying your camera set a budget and make this purchase according to it. Read and watch reviews of different cameras to see what their strengths and weaknesses are. It is important to know that the camera you want to buy meets the needs in relation to the quality you want and the type of photography you have chosen to start with.
#5 Study your camera
Now that you have your own camera you need to learn all about it. You can go through the user manual or watch online tutorials to familiarize yourself with the features your camera offers. You have to learn these very well to be able to handle them very quickly.
#6 Take pictures
Eventually you will have to practice a lot. It will take some time to get used to your camera but once you do your photos will come out perfect. Until then, keep practicing and posting the results on your photography pages. This will help you market your work, and you will be able to receive feedback to help you improve your technique.