/socialketchup/media/agency_attachments/oTmmYmTemGaSn2TxEWbL.png)
/socialketchup/media/media_files/2024/10/29/5nWH2wX9bJ525bXgAc73.png)
/socialketchup/media/member_avatars/2024/10/28/2024-10-28t135614899z-1000235363.jpg )
Follow Us/socialketchup/media/media_files/HLaqfpV9WBDrT2rugIuA.png)
Content creator and photography enthusiast, Naveen Singh, shares his tried-and-tested tips to help beginners find clarity in their photography journey!
Starting out in photography can often feel as overwhelming as finding your way out of a maze. If you are reading this article you probably have just purchased your first camera and are excited to click beautiful pictures, but equally overwhelmed by all the settings and buttons. I can totally relate to this feeling from my own experience of holding a camera for the first time and being confused by the number of settings involved too. The struggle to understand the right adjustment of the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO based on your subject, along with the fear of making rookie mistakes, can be daunting and can make you give up on your photography dreams. But that feeling shouldn't stop you from pursuing your passion. You may have everything necessary to click good pictures, but what you need is the right guidance that directs you right. To help you with the push you need, we spoke with Naveen Kumar Singh aka Bean on Instagram, a dedicated photography enthusiast and content creator. Naveen shares his guidance on how to get started on a professional photography path, the crucial technical skills to develop, and the common pitfalls one can avoid.
Also Read: 10 times Nivya Rodrigues turned the ordinary into something extraordinary with her Reels!
Here is what he shared!
As a beginner, focus on mastering the basics!
First, get familiar with your camera and understand the exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Composition is key—learn the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to make your shots stand out. Lighting is crucial too, especially natural light during the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. While getting things right in-camera is important, basic editing with tools like Lightroom or Photoshop can enhance your photos. Remember, photography takes patience and practice, so keep experimenting and learning. Don’t worry about having the latest gear—focus on honing your skills. Embrace the process, stay curious, and let your creativity flow.
Naveen emphasizes the importance of composition in photography and shares tips for clicking visually appealing images.
Composition is like the secret sauce that can turn a good photograph into a stunning piece of art. It's all about how you arrange the elements within your frame. Composition guides the viewer's eye, conveys emotions, and tells the story of your photo. A well-composed image can grab attention, evoke feelings, and make your audience feel connected to the scene. If you want to know how to go with it as a beginner. First, try using the rule of thirds by imagining your frame divided into a tic-tac-toe grid, and placing your main subject where the lines intersect. This adds balance and naturally draws the viewer's eye. Leading lines, like roads or rivers, can guide the viewer's gaze toward your focal point, adding depth and movement. Framing your subject with natural elements like windows or trees can also add layers and focus attention. Symmetry and patterns create a sense of harmony while adding an interesting element in the foreground can give your photo depth and make the scene more immersive. Playing with color and contrast, like using a pop of color against a muted background, can also make your images stand out. Finally, when editing, keep composition in mind—crop if needed, adjust exposure, and enhance key elements to make your image even stronger.
Equip yourself with the basics
To kickstart your photography journey, here’s a simple rundown of the basic equipment you’ll want in your toolkit. Start with a digital camera that has manual settings, whether it’s a DSLR or mirrorless, depending on your budget and desired image quality. A versatile kit lens, like an 18-55mm, is great to start with, and as you progress, you might want to add prime lenses for better low-light shots and creative effects. Make sure you have a couple of high-capacity, fast memory cards for storing your photos, and always carry extra batteries since photography can drain them quickly. A sturdy tripod is essential for landscapes, long exposures, and low-light conditions, helping keep your camera steady. A good-quality camera bag is also important to keep your gear safe, organized, and easy to carry. Don’t forget a lens cleaning kit to keep your lenses and camera sensor free of dust and smudges. Lastly, photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop is key for enhancing your images during post-processing.
Which camera to choose as a beginner?
DSLR Cameras are known for their great image quality and flexibility. They use a mirror to show you what the lens sees through an optical viewfinder and let you swap lenses for different effects. These are ideal if you want to dive deep into photography and learn manual controls, but they can be a bit bulky. Mirrorless Cameras are lighter and more compact because they don’t have a mirror. Instead, they use electronic screens or viewfinders to show your shot. They strike a nice balance between performance and portability with user-friendly controls, making them a solid choice if you want something more compact without sacrificing too much quality. When it comes to Point-and-Shoot Cameras they focus on simplicity with fixed lenses and automatic settings. They’re perfect for taking quick, easy photos without fussing over settings. Small and easy to carry around, they’re convenient but might not offer the best quality in tricky lighting.
They all have their own perks and thus, choosing the right camera type depends on your preferences and goals. If you're eager to start with photography and don’t mind a larger, heavier camera, a DSLR could be a great choice. For a balance between performance and portability, a mirrorless camera might be the perfect fit. If you prefer simplicity and ease of use for everyday moments, a point-and-shoot camera could be your go-to.
To make the most of natural light, especially when starting out, there are tips that you can follow -
Golden hours, right after sunrise and before sunset, provide soft, warm light perfect for landscapes, portraits, and architecture.
Avoid the harsh midday sun to prevent harsh shadows and blown-out highlights; seek shade or use diffusers instead. Overcast days are great because the clouds act as a natural diffuser, offering even, soft light ideal for portraits and detailed shots.
Pay attention to the direction of light: side lighting adds depth, front lighting can flatten subjects, and backlighting creates lovely halos. For portraits, find open shade or position your subject with their back to the sun to avoid squinting and harsh shadows. Adjust your camera’s white balance to match the lighting for accurate colors.
Experiment with silhouettes by shooting against bright backgrounds, and consider capturing sunflares for a dreamy effect.
Finally, use shadows creatively to add depth and dimension to your photos.
Common mistakes beginners make in photography and how to avoid them.
I’ve made my fair share of rookie mistakes, so here’s how you can avoid some common ones. First, don’t ignore composition; instead of centring your subject, try techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to make your photos more interesting. Pay attention to lighting—the harsh midday sun can ruin a shot, so go for the soft light during golden hours or on cloudy days. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles, perspectives, and editing styles to find what works for you. Be careful not to over-edit your photos; aim for a natural look rather than something overly dramatic. Plan ahead by scouting locations and understanding your subject to avoid missed opportunities. Remember the basics, like cleaning your lens, carrying spare batteries, and having enough memory space. While it’s fine to get inspiration from others, avoid comparing yourself too much—focus on your own growth. Lastly, take the time to read your camera’s manual; it’s packed with useful information to help you get the most out of your gear.
How to approach post-processing and which beginner-friendly software tools to use?
Start with a clear vision of what you want your final image to look like. This will guide your editing choices. Remember, less is often more—subtle tweaks can enhance your image without making it look unnatural. Use post-processing to boost colors, adjust exposure, and refine details, but keep your editing consistent to maintain a professional look across your portfolio. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and tools to learn and improve.
For beginners, consider these user-friendly software tools:
Adobe Lightroom is great for starters, offering a simple interface and tools for color correction, exposure, and more. Plus, it allows non-destructive editing, so you can always revert to the original image. Snapseed is a handy mobile app for quick edits on your phone, with tools for adjusting exposure, color, and details. GIMP is a free alternative to Photoshop with many editing features, though it has a bit of a learning curve. Luminar is known for its AI-based enhancements and user-friendly interface, offering both standalone and plugin versions to make your edits easier.
Here are some awesome YouTube channels and videos that can help you level up your photography game:
Be a Better Photographer in 45 minutes by Sudhir Shivaram @sudhirshivaramphotography
PiXimperfect @PiXimperfect
Peter McKinnon @PeterMcKinnon
Saurav Sinha @sauravus
What's your favorite photography technique? Share with us in the comments below!
And for more such content follow us @Social Ketchup