When I first picked up a camera, I thought that mastering photography would involve buying the latest gear and figuring out all the fancy camera settings. If only I knew then what I know now — my journey as a photographer could have been much smoother. Here are some tips that I wish someone had told me before I took up photography.
1. It’s not about the gear — it’s about the eye.
At first, I spent so much time obsessing over lenses, camera bodies, and megapixels because I thought that upgrading my gear would instantly make me a better photographer. But the truth is that your camera is just a tool. What matters more is how you see the world. Your perspective, creativity, and ability to capture emotions truly set your photos apart. You can have the best camera in the world, but if you don’t train your eye, your photos will still fall flat.
2. Composition is king.
If there’s one technical skill that makes a massive difference in your photography, it’s composition. I used to think that lighting and camera settings were the most important aspects of taking beautiful photos, but framing your subject correctly can elevate a simple shot into something extraordinary. The rule of thirds, leading lines, and using negative space can dramatically improve your images. Once I focused on how I arranged my shots, the quality of my photos skyrocketed.
3. Light is everything.
Good lighting can make or break a photo, but I didn’t realize just how important it was until I started experimenting with natural light. Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) became my best friend. I also learned that harsh midday sun can be challenging to work with and often results in unflattering shadows. Understanding how to manipulate natural and artificial light transformed my images from “just OK” to “wow!”
4. Don’t be afraid to shoot manually.
In the beginning, I relied heavily on “auto mode” because it felt like a safety net. But once I switched to manual mode, I learned that I can control every aspect of my shots, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Adjusting camera settings manually seemed intimidating at first, but learning how the settings work together gave me creative freedom. If I had started shooting in manual mode earlier, I could have developed a deeper understanding of how to capture the mood that I wanted to convey.
5. Post-processing is art too.
I used to believe that editing was “cheating,” and that good photos shouldn’t need any touch-ups. But post-processing is part of the art of photography. Whether you adjust brightness, tweak contrast, or enhance colors, photo editing allows you to bring your vision to life. The key is to avoid overdoing edits — small adjustments often go a long way. Learning the basics of Lightroom and Photoshop earlier could have saved me so much time and effort.
6. Choose consistency over perfection.
When I began photography, I often beat myself up when my photos didn’t come out the way that I wanted them to. What I didn’t realize is that photography, like any skill, requires practice and is more about shooting consistently than trying to capture the perfect shot every time. Don’t be discouraged by failures; instead, embrace them as learning opportunities. If I had taken this approach, I would have been kinder to myself and more patient with the process.
7. Finding your style takes time.
In my early days as a photographer, I tried to mimic the styles of photographers I admired. While this helped me learn, I often felt defeat when my work didn’t look like theirs. What I didn’t realize then is that it takes time to develop your photographic style. It’s OK if your style changes over time — it’s part of the process. Experiment with different genres, like landscapes, portraits, and street photography, and eventually, you’ll find your creative vision.
8. Networking matters.
Photography can feel like a solitary pursuit, but I wish that I had connected with other photographers sooner. Joining photography groups, attending workshops, and getting involved in the community can open up new opportunities for learning and collaboration. Feedback from others, especially constructive criticism, is invaluable for growth.
9. You don’t have to master everything.
At first, I tried to become an expert in every type of photography. But eventually, I learned that it’s OK to specialize in just one or two areas that you truly enjoy. Focus on what you love, and you’ll find your niche as a photographer. You’ll still pick up general photography skills along the way, but having a specific focus helps you stand out.
10. You’ll keep learning forever.
Photography is a never-ending journey of learning. I used to think that I’d reach a point where I’d “arrive” as a photographer, but I’ve realized that between new techniques and developing technology, there’s always something new to learn as a photographer. That’s what makes this art form so exciting!
When you take up photography, the more you shoot, the more you’ll grow. If you’re a new photographer, enjoy the journey, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. After all, some of the best photos come from the lessons you learn on the journey.
Featured Photo by Andre Furtado on Unsplash.
