How to get started in photography

I started my photography journey ten years ago, saying that feels totally nuts but it’s true! The experience as a whole has been super rewarding but of course, in hindsight, there are things I would have done differently. I thought that I needed to go to photography school to learn, and while I did learn a ton at the college level, there is so much more I’ve been able to dive into by assisting, networking and continuing to shoot everyday.

If you’re looking to get into photography the most important thing to know is that you don’t need expensive equipment to start shooting. The best camera is the one you have in your hand, your phone is a good place to start. Grab your cell phone and go around familiar places and photograph things in a unique way, like only you can. When I was in school I did things like this, I would take out my camera and go around my apartment and shoot everyday objects like candles or furniture but I would try to make the shot interesting in some way. This is a great exercise to test your eye, I highly recommend it. If you think you’d dig photographing people, start with your friends or family, ask them to help you practice taking some portraits, this was super fun for me when I got into portraits.

One of the best things I did when I was starting out was assist established photographers, I was like a little sponge, absorbing all the info, this time was critical because I was learning from the best, getting a behind the scenes look into running a photo biz, finding out little tips and tricks that photographers used. All of this put me ahead of my peers. I also learned a great deal about how the business side works. This time was priceless and not something I could have learned at school. Find a few photographers in your area that you admire or would like to work with, ask them to shadow or to assist them, more often than not they will be glad to have you, specially if you’re eager and they see the passion in you. Be helpful, learn and grow.

The last thing you should do is let fear deter you from trying something you love. Stop overthinking it and just start today. I can’t stress this enough, fear is crippling and the lies we tell ourselves are just there to distract you. The lies are bullshit and the fear is just a guide. Use the fear you feel as a guide toward the things you want the most. Think about it, why does it scare you? Probably because it matters a great deal to you and the feeling of vulnerability is terrifying. If you think of it from that perspective, fear can be used as a powerful guiding tool.

Try something that scares you today, pick up your camera, go outside and start shooting! I’d love to see what you create, so give me a shout anytime!