This article aims to provide you with a guide and prepare you for photography, because Photography has already changed in the past and will change in the future, but only from a technological point of view. The beauty, the concept, the photographic subjects, the effects, but above all the mental attitude are still the same.
Steps
Step 1. Have the right mental attitude
To be able to do any kind of photography, you need to be patient and very creative. Without patience and creativity you will never be able to make the perfect shot. Sex, religion and culture have little or no effect on your photographic results.
Step 2. Understand the philosophy of photography as an art form
Before moving on, it is very important for anyone to understand the basic idea and concept of photography. Photography is not just a topic, it is an art that has no boundaries. The camera is a device with which you can capture the beauty of nature that encompasses everything we see. The photograph is within us, not in the camera. Photographs capture moments and it is the photographer who values the image.
Step 3. Read a book
Reading a manual or book on photography will improve your understanding of photography and help you immensely in your work. This type of reading must be done by EVERYONE, and the benefits will only be visible afterwards. This is a very useful and practical way to improve your photographic skills and allow you more creativity.
Step 4. Decide which type of photography interests you the most
It is best to decide your photographic genre in advance. Examples of photographic genres are landscape photography, which deals with natural or urban landscapes, and nature photography, which deals with photographs of animals in their natural habitat.
Step 5. Get a camera
The first step to start photographing is to choose the camera as it is the most important tool in photography, after the photographer himself. Compact digital cameras are the best choice to start with because they have simpler controls than an SLR camera. Maintenance and purchase cost are also cheaper than SLRs. Compact cameras also allow the photographer to unleash his creativity. But cameras differ in several ways and it's important to keep their technical specifications in mind. An important difference between the different models is the type of sensor, which can be: CCD (from the English Charged Coupled Device] or CMOS [from the English Complementry Metal Oxide Semi-conductor]. While the CCD is cheaper and easier to produce and repair, however it is slower and consumes more electricity. It also has limitations regarding ISO sensitivity. On the other hand, CMOS is more expensive and complicated, but consumes less power and is faster and offers ISO sensitivity Another factor of difference lies in the models. While compact cameras are sold in various sizes and with various features, the quality and number of features depend on the price. Compact cameras have non-interchangeable lenses and several limitations including the lack of an optical viewfinder, smaller sensors resulting in loss of depth, lack of advanced features etc. More advanced models have larger sensors, and offer greater durability and more features. Mirrorless cameras offer the convenience of compacts, with the advantage of interchangeable lenses. Then come the entry level SLRs, which are at a lower level than other SLRs and a little cheaper, but have enough features for a professional photographer to use them as excellent backup cameras. The semi-professional and professional SLRs are the best of what the market offers. Semi-pro SLRs provide pretty much everything pro's do, except sturdiness, which is a pretty good deal.
Step 6. Carefully consider your budget and needs before purchasing a camera
The camera should be worth what you spend. It should also be equipped with the features suitable for the type of photography you want to do. Normal cameras are ideal for landscapes, while there are professional cameras, suitable for extreme climatic and weather conditions where regular digital cameras would be ineffective.
Step 7. Prepare yourself before you begin
Before diving into the world of photography, you need to do a few things. The first thing you should do is decide when and where you will be photographing. This is important because it is not recommended to spend your time with the camera while having a meeting, unless you have turned to photography as a profession, rather than a hobby. During the periods you have planned to dedicate to photography, try to do nothing else and use all your energy only for photography.
Step 8. The next thing to do is learn how to “feel” the camera
Read the manual and then study every single feature before using it. Also try to see the work done by other photographers and outline your preferences.
Step 9. Practice, practice, practice
Photographs are best taken in a peaceful mood and always improve with practice.
Step 10. Read photography magazines, brochures, etc. and analyze the photos
Think about your strengths and those to improve. This will help you analyze your photos and understand what makes a photo beautiful.
Advice
- Keep at least 2 additional copies of the photos you can't afford to lose.
- Consider a used camera if your budget is low.
- When choosing a film roll for a camera, remember to check the ISOs.
- When you are on a professional trip to photograph, it is advisable to bring a spare camera.
