Beginner Photography Tips - A Guide to Improving Photographic Skills

So, you’ve got a camera in your hands, and you’re itching to snap some stunning shots. But where do you start? Photography can feel like a vast ocean of settings, rules, and techniques.

Don’t worry - I’ve been there too!

Let’s dive into some friendly, practical advice that’ll help you improve photography skills and capture images that truly tell a story with some handy beginner photography tips.

Beginner Photography Tips to Get You Started

First things first, let’s talk about the basics. You don’t need the fanciest camera or the most expensive lens to take great photos. What you do need is a bit of know-how and a sprinkle of creativity.

• Understand your camera: Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless, or even your smartphone, get to know what your camera can do. Play around with the settings. Try shooting in different modes like aperture priority or manual mode. It might feel overwhelming at first, but trust me, it’s worth it.

  
  

• Focus on composition: Ever heard of the rule of thirds? Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid. Placing your subject along these lines or their intersections makes your photo more balanced and interesting. It’s a simple trick that instantly upgrades your shots.

  
  

• Lighting is everything: Natural light is your best friend. Early mornings and late afternoons (the golden hours) offer soft, warm light that flatters almost any subject. Avoid harsh midday sun unless you’re going for dramatic shadows.

  
  

• Keep it steady: Blurry photos are the bane of every beginner. Use a tripod or steady your camera against a solid surface. If you’re shooting handheld, try to hold your breath and press the shutter gently.

  
  

• Experiment and have fun: Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Try different angles, perspectives, and subjects. The more you shoot, the better you’ll get.

Setting up a tripod for steady shots

What is the 3/4 Rule in Photography?

Now, here’s a little gem that might sound fancy but is actually quite simple - the 3/4 rule. It’s a compositional guideline often used in portrait photography to create a natural and engaging look.

Instead of having your subject face the camera straight on, you position them so they’re turned about three-quarters towards the camera. This angle adds depth and dimension to the photo, making the subject look more dynamic and less flat.

Why does this work? Because it mimics how we naturally see people in real life - not just a flat face but a bit of profile and personality. It’s especially useful for capturing authentic emotions and expressions, which is exactly what makes a photo stand out.

Try it next time you’re shooting portraits or even lifestyle shots. You might be surprised how much more alive your photos feel.

Portrait shot using the 3/4 rule for a flattering look.

Mastering Focus and Depth of Field

Let’s get a bit technical, but don’t worry, I’ll keep it light - you can always dig further into the technical settings with some useful guides I've linked below this section.

Focus and depth of field (DoF) are two crucial elements that can transform your photos from meh to wow.

• Focus: This is where your camera sharpens the image. You want your main subject to be crisp and clear. Most cameras let you choose where to focus - use single-point autofocus to pinpoint exactly what you want sharp.

  
  

• Depth of Field: This is how much of your photo is in focus from front to back. A shallow DoF means only a small part of the image is sharp, with the background beautifully blurred (bokeh effect). A deep DoF keeps everything in focus, great for landscapes.

  
  

How do you control DoF? It’s all about aperture (the f-number). A low f-number like f/1.8 gives you that dreamy blurred background, while a high f-number like f/16 keeps everything sharp.

Playing with focus and DoF lets you guide the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it. For example, in a portrait, you want the eyes razor-sharp and the background soft. In a landscape, you want everything crisp from the flowers in front to the mountains in the distance.

Using shallow depth of field to isolate the subject

Useful Beginner Photography Guides for Further Learning

• Understanding the Exposure Triangle in Photography

• Understanding Aperture

• Understanding Shutter Speed

• ISO in Photography

• Why You Should Shoot in RAW

Lighting Tricks to Elevate Your Photos

Lighting can make or break a photo. But guess what? You don’t need fancy studio lights to get great results.

Here are some easy lighting tips:

• Use natural reflectors: Walls, pavements, and even white shirts can bounce light back onto your subject, softening shadows.

  
  

• Avoid direct flash: On-camera flash can create harsh, unflattering light. Instead, try bouncing the flash off a ceiling or wall if you’re indoors.

  
  

• Golden hour magic: As mentioned earlier, shoot during the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The light is warm, soft, and flattering.

  
  

• Silhouettes and shadows: Don’t shy away from shadows. They can add drama and mood. Try shooting a silhouette by placing your subject between the camera and a bright light source.

  
  

• Use shadows creatively: Shadows can add texture and interest. Look for patterns created by leaves, blinds, or fences.

  
  

Remember, light is your paintbrush. The more you experiment, the more you’ll understand how it shapes your images.

Read: Natural vs Artificial Light Explained

Practice Makes Perfect - Keep Shooting!

Photography is a journey, not a destination. The more you practice, the more your eye develops, and the better your photos become.

Here are some fun ways to keep your skills sharp:

1. Daily photo challenge: Take one photo every day. It could be anything - your morning coffee, a street scene, or a pet.

   
   

2. Try different genres: Portraits, landscapes, street photography, macro - each teaches you something new.

   
   

3. Join a local photography group or class: Getting feedback and tips from others is invaluable.

   
   

4. Review your photos critically: Look at what worked and what didn’t. Learn from your mistakes.

   
   

5. Use online resources: There are tons of tutorials, forums, and courses out there. For example, if you want to improve photography skills, check out some professional lessons tailored to your needs.

   
   

Photography is all about telling stories through images. Whether you’re capturing a couple’s special moment, a dramatic landscape, or a sleek car photoshoot, these tips will help you create photos that resonate.

So grab your camera, get out there, and start shooting.

Your next favourite photo is just a click away!