How to get started as a photographer
Starting photography from scratch can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you have no experience, no fancy gear, and no idea where to begin. But the truth is, photography is more about seeing than owning expensive equipment. You can absolutely begin your photography journey right where you are, with what you have, and build your skills and confidence one step at a time.
The first thing to do is shift your mindset. You don’t need to be a professional to start taking photos. Photography is simply the art of noticing. Begin by observing light throughout your day. Notice how shadows fall across your kitchen counter in the morning, how golden the evening light hits your street, or how your pet looks while napping in a sunbeam. Becoming aware of light is the foundation of good photography, and this can be practiced without ever touching a camera.
Once you’re ready to begin capturing images, use whatever camera you have. This might be your phone—and that’s more than enough to start. Don’t wait until you can afford a DSLR or mirrorless camera. The best way to learn is by doing, and smartphone cameras are capable of producing beautiful, high-quality images. Begin by taking photos every day. Photograph ordinary moments in your life: your coffee mug, your shoes by the door, your child playing, or the view from your favorite walk. These everyday moments help train your eye to find beauty and story in simplicity.
As you begin to take more photos, start noticing patterns in what you enjoy. Are you drawn to portraits, still life, landscapes, or street photography? This discovery process is part of finding your photographic voice. Don’t worry about choosing a niche right away. Let curiosity lead and follow what interests you. If something makes you pause or feel something, take a photo of it. Over time, your style and preferences will naturally begin to emerge.
You’ll also want to learn some of the technical basics to take more control over your images. If you’re using a phone, explore the manual or pro mode if it’s available. If you’re using a camera, begin to understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together to expose an image. There are endless free resources online—YouTube tutorials, blogs, and beginner courses—that can teach you these fundamentals in a very approachable way.
Don’t underestimate the value of studying other photographers. Look at the work of both professionals and everyday hobbyists. Try to figure out what you love about their images. Is it the lighting? The mood? The composition? Inspiration helps you develop your own eye. Just make sure you use others’ work to inspire rather than compare—everyone starts somewhere, and everyone’s journey is different.
As you gain confidence, begin to edit your photos. There are free apps and programs like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile that allow you to make simple adjustments to exposure, contrast, and color. Editing helps bring out the mood and intention behind your photo. It’s not about making something fake—it’s about refining your vision and expressing how a moment felt.
The most important thing as a beginner is to keep creating. Make a habit of shooting often, even if it’s just for five minutes a day. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Don’t worry about getting likes or having a big audience. Create because you enjoy it. Document your life, your people, your surroundings. Over time, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.
Eventually, if you want to invest in a camera, start simple. Entry-level DSLR or mirrorless cameras paired with a basic lens are great tools to grow with. But remember, no piece of gear will ever replace your eye or your perspective. Photography is about connection, about learning to see the world differently. And that’s something you can begin right now, no experience required.
