How to Get Started in Photography

Congratulations! You have decided to embark on the wondrous journey of photography. This popular hobby is not only a creative outlet; it is also a chance to share your artistic vision with friends, family and fellow enthusiasts alike. The first step is learning the basics, let’s get started with the most frequently asked question; what is photography?

What are the basics of photography?

The simplest definition of photography is the production of a still picture by recording light radiation. Many believe this favorite hobby was first introduced in the 1800’s, but the standard consensus is the year 1900. This was the year the infamous company Kodak first introduced its “Brownie” camera to the general population.

Most will agree that photography is in fact an art form. Capturing the vision of a still picture requires a creative eye. However, photography does differ from traditional art forms such as drawing or painting in that it depends upon technical knowledge. It is very rare to come across a professional photographer who is not intimately familiar with the technical aspects of photography.

What sort of camera will I need?

This question has two very different answers. On the one hand, any kind of camera at all can be used to make interesting images, so one could say that thats the answer: any kind of camera at all. On the other hand, photography is arguably its most enjoyable when done with a camera that is versatile and easy to control manually, and so one could say that the answer can only be an SLR. Certainly if you don’t currently own a camera, you’re even remotely interested in taking up photography as a hobby, and you have the money, an entry-level (digital) SLR is the right way to go.

How do I improve my photography technique?

Unsurprisingly, getting better at photography involves a lot of trial and error. While digital photography makes trial and error a much better strategy than it used to be by massively reducing the cost of taking a photo, there’s still no need to do this blindly. Reading about photography in books, magazines and online is also a useful way to improve, as is looking at a lot of photographs taken by other people. You’ll quickly learn that people generally agree on a set of rules that produce pleasing photography, and while eventually you’ll break these rules to good effect, there’s no question that its worth learning them first.