How do I get into Photography? Master the basics.
Photography Basics for Beginners: How to Get Better with Every Shot
If you're serious about getting into photography, you need to master some key concepts. This post breaks down the technical basics — from aperture to composition — so you can finally take control of your camera and create beautiful images with intention.
Get Familiar with your camera and settings:
1. What is Aperture?
(Its like the Iris of your eye)
Controls the depth of field (blurry background or sharp everything)
Measured in f-stops (f/1.8 = more blur, f/11 = sharper background)
Affects how much light enters your lens
2. What is Shutter Speed?
(Its like you blinking)
Controls how long the shutter stays open
Fast shutter (1/1000 sec) freezes motion; slow (1/30 sec) creates blur
Use tripods for long exposures to prevent camera shake (long exposures like capturing the night sky)
3. What is ISO?
Controls your camera's sensitivity to light
Lower ISO = cleaner image, higher ISO = more light but more grain
Ideal for low light or when adjusting for aperture/shutter constraints
4. Understanding Lighting
Natural vs artificial light (window light is your best friend)
Understanding color temperatures and what to do about mixed lighting
Golden hour is ideal for soft, flattering light
Backlight, side light, and front light dramatically change mood
5. Composition Tips
Rule of thirds: place subject off-center for better balance
Leading lines: draw viewer’s eye through the photo
Framing: use windows, arches, or foreground objects for depth
6. How to Practice These Elements
Find inspiration, photography you want to try and recreate
Break down the picture, is the photo grainy? If yes than thats a high ISO. Is the back ground blurry? If yes than its a low aperture setting. Work on recreating those settings.
Focus on one setting at a time (e.g., just practice aperture for a week)
Use manual mode or aperture/shutter priority modes
Take before-and-after photos to compare results
Learning how to get into photography is about building muscle memory through practice and experimentation. Start small, master the basics, and your creative voice will follow.
