The photography market has grown 0.8%
every single year, on average, since 2016.
This type of growth shows that as a hobby, photography continues to capture hearts and minds. Some people may even turn that hobby into something more, given they understand the photography basics.
If you are interested in some basic photography tips to add to the photography knowledge you already have, or if you are just getting started, keep reading! We’ll go over three things we think you should know.
1. Read the Light
Photography lighting basics start with learning how to expose an image properly. Learn all you can about ISO, f-stops, and shutter speeds to determine what proper exposure is. It isn’t easy to fix an under or over-exposed image in the post process, so you’ll be better off learning how to do it at the beginning of your photography journey.
As you are learning how to expose images properly, try to notice the light around you daily. Take note of how much sunlight is coming through your office window; consider where the light is coming from when watching movies or television shows. These observations can help you get a good idea of what you’d like to recreate in your images.
2. Frame Your Shot
Photography basics include learning how to best frame your subject matter. The rule of thirds is a great way to play with interesting and balanced images. Most cameras with a screen will come with a lined guide you can put up to divide your picture into nine equal sections.
Consider placing your subject to the left of the center, where the lines from your grid intersect. You don’t always have to keep what you are shooting dead center. Play with the space while you learn how to compose your images.
If you want more information on composing images, you can take basic photography classes online or in person. These classes can give you a fantastic foundation to build off of to expand your photographic prowess.
3. Learn the Rules, Break Them Later
As you get comfortable with photography basics for DSLR & mirrorless cameras, you can start to break some of the rules we’ve outlined above. If you learn the basics first, you may discover you like a particular style of photography that pushes boundaries. If you decide to break the rules, break them with purpose, not because you don’t understand a concept. Do this, and you’ll be able to take your photography to new levels.
Understanding the rules can also help you determine the type of camera you’d like. Take a micro four-thirds system; for example, you may enjoy this type of camera because of its stabilization capabilities or compact body. As you expand your knowledge past photography basics for beginners, you’ll figure out what’s best for you.
Now You Know the Photography Basics, Go Out and Shoot!
With a crash course in photography basics under your belt, it’s time to go out and try some things! Play with the settings on your camera, or even start with the provided settings on your phone. Nothing is standing in your way; go out and create.
If you want more information on types of cameras, or want to see some M43 snapshots, click on our other pages! Here at M43 Photography, we love to share our creative expression and what we learn along the way.