8 Steps to Begin Photography: Understanding the Basics

The Detroit Media Company welcomes you to a new journey exploring photography!

Photography is an art form that allows us to capture moments, emotions, and stories with the click of a button. But behind every great photograph lies a deeper understanding of the technical aspects that make it possible. If you're just beginning your journey in photography, it might feel a bit overwhelming at first. However, with the right guidance and foundational knowledge, you can quickly start creating beautiful and meaningful images. In this blog, we’ll explore how to start taking photos and emphasize the importance of one of the most crucial concepts in photography: the exposure triangle.

1. Start with the Right Mindset

Before diving into the technical details, it’s important to approach photography with the right mindset. Photography is not just about the camera you have; it's about how you see the world and express that vision through your lens. Don’t worry about having the most expensive equipment. Many amazing photos have been captured with basic cameras or even smartphones. Start by understanding that photography is a creative process. Your goal should be to learn, practice, and experiment, rather than striving for perfection right away.

2. Choose Your Camera

To get started with photography, you’ll need a camera. This could be a DSLR, mirrorless camera, point-and-shoot, or even your smartphone. If you already have a camera, great! Start by learning how to use it and experiment with its different settings. If you don’t have one yet, consider borrowing a camera or using a smartphone with a decent camera. Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you. When choosing a camera, consider factors like budget, ease of use, and the type of photography you want to explore. If you plan to invest in a camera, opt for a model that offers manual settings, which will allow you to experiment and learn more about the exposure triangle.

3. Learn the Basics of Composition

Before diving into the technical aspects, spend some time understanding basic composition rules. The way you frame a photograph can drastically change its impact. Start with simple concepts such as the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and patterns. Practice framing your subjects using these rules to create visually appealing photographs. As you become more comfortable with composition, you’ll develop your own style and know when to break the rules for creative effect.

4. Understanding the Exposure Triangle

Now, let’s dive into the heart of photography: understanding exposure. Exposure refers to the amount of light that reaches your camera sensor, which determines how bright or dark your photo will be. The exposure triangle is a fundamental concept in photography that comprises three elements: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. Mastering the exposure triangle is key to capturing well-exposed and dynamic images.

Aperture refers to the opening in the camera lens through which light passes to reach the sensor. It is measured in f-stops (e.g., f/1.8, f/3.5, f/8, etc.). The aperture controls the depth of field in a photograph, which is the area of the image that appears in focus. Wide Aperture (small f-number, like f/1.8 or f/2.8): More light enters the camera, creating a shallow depth of field. This is great for portraits, where you want the subject in sharp focus while the background is blurred. Narrow Aperture (large f-number, like f/16 or f/22): Less light enters, resulting in a greater depth of field. This is ideal for landscapes, where you want most of the scene in sharp focus.

Shutter speed refers to the length of time the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second (e.g., 1/1000, 1/250, 1/30). Shutter speed controls how motion is captured in a photograph. Fast Shutter Speed (e.g., 1/1000): Captures fast-moving subjects sharply. It’s useful for sports or wildlife photography. Slow Shutter Speed (e.g., 1/30 or longer): Blurs motion, which can be used creatively in long-exposure shots of waterfalls or night photography to capture light trails.

ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. A lower ISO (e.g., 100 or 200) means less sensitivity, which is ideal for bright conditions. A higher ISO (e.g., 1600 or 3200) increases sensitivity, allowing you to shoot in low light, but it also introduces noise or grain into your image.

5. Why the Exposure Triangle Matters

Understanding and mastering the exposure triangle is critical for several reasons:

Creative Control: It allows you to control the visual outcome of your photos. For instance, if you want a blurry background (bokeh) in a portrait, you’ll know to use a wider aperture. If you want to capture a fast-moving subject sharply, you’ll opt for a faster shutter speed.

Adaptability: Once you understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, you can adapt to different lighting conditions quickly. Whether you’re shooting indoors, at night, or on a bright sunny day, you’ll know how to adjust your settings to achieve a balanced exposure.

Consistency: Understanding these elements ensures that you consistently produce high-quality images. You won’t be left wondering why your photos are too bright, too dark, blurry, or noisy.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

Now that you have a basic understanding of the exposure triangle, it's time to practice. Start by shooting in manual mode, where you have full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Take photos in different lighting conditions and of various subjects to see how each element of the exposure triangle affects your image. Experiment with adjusting each setting and observe how it impacts the exposure, depth of field, motion, and noise.

7. Learn from Mistakes and Seek Feedback

Photography is a continuous learning process. Review your photos regularly and analyze what worked and what didn’t. Learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. Join photography communities or forums where you can share your work, ask questions, and learn from more experienced photographers. Heck, even send it to us at The Detroit Media Company and we will give you some pointers!

8. Keep Evolving

Finally, remember that photography is both an art and a science. As you progress, explore different genres like portraiture, landscape, street photography, or macro photography to discover what you’re passionate about. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and never stop learning. Technology and techniques will continue to evolve, and so should you.

Conclusion

Beginning your photography journey can be exciting and fulfilling. By understanding and mastering the basics, especially the exposure triangle, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images. Remember, great photography is not about having the best gear but about knowing how to use what you have creatively and effectively. So grab your camera, step outside, and start shooting!