Where To Begin?


So where do we begin if we would like to get better at photography? Many of you reading this would probably or have probably asked yourself this question. Because we all learn differently, there are many answers. However, there are some good guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Get yourself a camera that has manual controls: this means a camera with a "Manual" setting that allows you to control your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Until you can master these settings, it will be very difficult to improve your photography. The good news about this is that you can still find simple point-and-shoot cameras with Manual controls for less than 200 dollars.

2. Make every excuse to keep your camera with you: Just like anything, if you aren't going to practice, you aren't going to get better. At least if you have your camera with you, you are more likely to use it.

3. Spend time learning: besides experience, I would have to say that most of what I've learned about photography came from finding good websites and reading blogs and articles on how to do things. There are so many resources out there, but one of my favorites over the years has been a website called: http:///www.digital-photography-school.com  I have spent a lot of time on this site, in their forums, and even lately written an article for them. Their site centers a lot around the beginner, and so it's a great place to begin if you are looking for online resources. Best of all, its free!

Lastly, I'd say that you should surround yourselves with other photographers. Join a community or local camera club. If that is too intimidating, find another friend who wants to learn and do photo walks and other things together. Maybe trade photo challenges on Facebook? This is something that I am eventually looking to do here as well, so stay tuned for eventual information on the very first We Learn Photography Photowalk. 

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