For those who cycle regularly, do you remember the first time you cycle on your own without any help from others?
Before you could find your balance and control your speed as you cycle, there are a few steps that you need to go through.
Like getting the right bicycle. Putting on the right safety gear just in case you fall. Learning how to control the speed of your pedalling when you are cycling up a slope or going down one.
For some of us, the act of staying balanced can keep us on our toes for a whole day, a week or even months.
It's inevitable that when you are learning something new for the first time, everything seems intimidating or even complex at first glance. You could even think to yourself, "How do I even start?"
When it comes to learning photography, the same principle applies too. You have to start somewhere.
In this article, we will give you an overview of photography and go through the steps to be a good photographer.
Step 1: Buying Your First Camera (How To Decide?)
Just as we need a bicycle to learn to cycle, you need a camera to start your photography learning journey.
Let's take a look at three criteria that you should take into consideration when you get your first camera.
#1: Budget
Whether you are planning to get a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera from Canon, Sony or Nikon, or opt for a mirrorless camera, it's good to start with the budget.
A brand-new DSLR camera can cost up from four figures to five figures ranging from RM1,000 to even RM30,000.
To secure a good deal, you can compare and review the prices of different camera models and features as well as look out for any promotion from the brand that you plan to buy.
Tip: It's usually more affordable to purchase a camera online via e-commerce platforms like Lazada or Shopee.
Photo by Marco Xu on Unsplash
#2: Frequency & Purpose of Using The Camera
The next criterion is related to the first one. Be honest about how frequently you will use the camera.
For instance, are you using it as a full-time photography student or an aspiring freelance photographer who plans to venture into wedding photography? Or are you picking it as a new hobby?
If you plan to use it long term, then it would be fitting to invest in a better camera that could cost slightly more.
#3: Features & Functionality of Camera
This is when you go into all the technicalities of the camera.
Whether it's in terms of shooting modes, focus modes, or exposure compensation, you can take your time to study them before settling on your desired camera.
Step 2: Making The Best Of Your Phone Camera
Photography is easily accessible these days. With just a phone camera, anyone can come out with a beautiful picture.
In fact, many Insta-worthy images that you scroll and like on a daily basis are mostly shot with a phone camera.
The most basic function of a phone camera is none other than taking selfies. By optimising the right angle and lighting, anyone is capable of taking a selfie with high resolution.
If you are into landscape photography, you should opt for a phone camera with a series of wide-angle lenses as well as telephoto lenses.
Wide-angle lenses enable you to capture a wider composition (literally) when you want to take a full picture of a sunflower field, for instance.
On the other hand, telephoto lenses help you to focus and zoom in on a particular attraction that you want to capture such as an evening sunset.
For those who are "appointed photographers" during gatherings and trips, many camera phones are equipped to take good quality portrait photos these days.
It doesn't matter if you are an Apple or Android user, you can still take amazing pictures if you are well-versed with the features of the camera of your phone model.
Plus, taking photos with your phone camera is certainly more convenient and lighter, so you can bring it anywhere and anytime with ease.
Having said that, don't forget to check out these learning resources to sharpen your photography skills.
Photo by Dominik Dancs on Unsplash
Step 3: Mastering Some Basic Photography Skills From Different Resources
Once you get your gear ready, it's time to put in the effort to equip yourself with a mixture of theoretical and practical camera skills.
Depending on your preferences and learning styles, you can either read books on photography or watch YouTube tutorials to learn the basics of photography.
For example, there are books that can guide you on the rules of composition such as the significance of the golden ratio, the rule of three, the applications of diagonals and so forth.
Likewise, for those who are interested in lifestyle photography, you can watch YouTube tutorials on how to take images that capture people in the most natural state in terms of their postures, attires and facial expressions.
The sky is the limit when it comes to acquiring a new skill these days. In just a few clicks, you can access a whole list of diverse and comprehensive photography learning resources at an affordable rate.
Not only that, physical and online photography workshops that are held in photography academies or organisations like Canon or Sony are also open to the general public.
Learn more about different branches of photography and the related career paths in the industry.
Step 4: Taking Photography Lessons From An Experienced Tutor
There might come a time when you find yourself on a plateau when you are exploring photography all by yourself.
It's a bit vague to tell if you are on the right track as you do not have someone experienced to provide feedback on the pictures that you have taken.
That's why you need someone to help you monitor your progress objectively, from another angle.
Trust us, an experienced photography tutor will be a good guide in your learning journey regardless of your learning level, learning pace and learning needs.
Finding a reliable and experienced photography tutor can be easy when you use the right platform.
Introducing to you — Superprof!
Superprof is a tutoring platform that effectively connects students and tutors to have the best learning experience regardless of the subject that they are learning.
With Superprof, you don't have to worry about geographical limitations because you can choose from a wide selection of home tutors and online tutors.
This means you can opt for face-to-face photography lessons in Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh. You can also take online photography lessons in the comfort of your home from a photography tutor who is not from the same city as yours.
The learning experience at Superprof is essentially student-friendly because it is designed with the student in mind.
Image by Freepik
You are free to arrange your schedule with your tutor, the learning syllabus, the area of specialisation, and even the learning methodology.
Most importantly, you get to set the maximum budget of your hourly rate before you even browse the profiles of the photography tutors. Once you have set the preferred hourly rate via the filtering tabs, you will only be directed to the tutors' profiles that offer their lessons within that range. So, you can save lots of time!
Don't be surprised to learn from our Superprof photography tutors who have a solid background in photography or possess an extensive portfolio or clientele.
When you learn photography directly from an experienced and professional tutor, you are able to learn better through personalised guidance and consistent feedback.
That way, you can immediately identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your photography skills.
Not only that, you can also learn from your tutor's experience over the years as they work in the industry.
Explore where you can study photography professionally in Malaysia.
Step 5: Start Building Your Portfolio And Developing Your Photography Niche
Once you have taken photography lessons, you can start compiling and building your photography portfolio.
You can save them in a digital folder, create a Flicker account or even curate an Instagram page for record purposes. You will never know who will come across your pictures.
At the same time, diversify the pictures that you take. It's best not to limit your photography style when you are just starting. Whether it's taking portraits for family or friends, food pictures during dinners, light landscape photos, or even random street happenings, you can try everything!
The more pictures you take, the more you will realise where your passion and strength lie. Also, do pay attention to the feedback you receive regarding your pictures because it could help you to develop your photography niche.
For instance, you might realise that portrait photography comes easier to you because you are comfortable and confident in helping people to pose beautifully and naturally. You could also have an eye for beauty when it comes to capturing "hidden" emotions and facial expressions.
From there, you can start volunteering to be the official photographer during family gatherings and later even start becoming a freelance wedding photographer.
The key is to start somewhere. Let your portfolio speak for yourself.
There you have it. An overview of photography and five simple steps to become a photographer.
What are you waiting for? Reach out to your camera and start snapping away!
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