I Taught Myself Photography From Scratch — Here’s How

From Zero to Hero: My Journey Teaching Myself Photography

Introduction

For many years, I’ve been fascinated by the art of photography. With a camera in hand, I could capture the beauty of the world around me. Unfortunately, I grew up with a camera but lacked the skills to unlock its true potential. That all changed when I made the decision to teach myself photography from scratch. It took time, patience, and dedication, but eventually, I was able to transform into a seasoned photographer. In this article, I will share my journey and provide tips and resources for anyone who wants to do the same.

Step 1: Understanding the Basics

Before I started taking pictures, I needed to understand the fundamentals of photography. I began by reading books, online tutorials, and watching YouTube videos. I was amazed at how much I didn’t know, and I realized that the key to improvement was to start with the basics.

Understanding the Exposure Triangle

The first concept I learned was the exposure triangle, which consists of three elements:

1. Aperture: Aperture refers to the size of the camera’s aperture, which controls the amount of light that enters the lens. A small f-stop value (like f/2.8) means a large aperture, while a larger f-stop value (like f/16) means a small aperture.

2. Shutter Speed: Shutter speed determines the length of time the camera’s shutter remains open. Faster shutter speeds are used to freeze fast-moving subjects, while slower speeds are used to create motion blur.

3. ISO: ISO measures the camera’s sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values are used in low-light situations, but they can also introduce noise or digital artifacts.

Understanding Composition

Next, I learned about composition, which refers to the arrangement of elements within a photograph. I discovered that good composition can make or break a photo, and that it’s essential to consider elements such as:

1. Rule of Thirds: Divide the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Place important elements along these lines or at their intersections.

2. Leading Lines: Look for lines that lead the viewer’s eye to the subject or create a sense of depth in the image.

3. Framing: Use natural or man-made features to frame the subject, which helps to isolate it from the surroundings.

Step 2: Experimenting with Equipment

Once I understood the basics, I started experimenting with equipment. I had a basic kit lens (18-55mm) and a point-and-shoot camera, but I soon realized that they were limiting my creative potential.

Investing in a DSLR

I decided to upgrade to a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, which offered me more manual control and flexibility. I chose a Canon EOS Rebel, which was a great entry-level camera for beginners.

Investing in Lenses

I soon discovered that lenses could make a huge difference in the quality of my photos. I started with a kit lens and then invested in a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, which was a game-changer for portrait photography.

Using Accessories

I also started using accessories such as a tripod, flash, and remote shutter release. These tools allowed me to stabilize the camera, reduce camera shake, and capture images in low-light conditions.

Step 3: Practicing and Refining Skills

With my equipment in place, I started taking photos regularly. I practiced and refined my skills by experimenting with different techniques and styles.

Understanding Light

Light is the key to good photography, and I learned to identify and manipulate different light sources.

1. Natural Light: I learned to use natural light, which can create soft, warm, and inviting effects in portraits and landscapes.

2. Artificial Light: I also experimented with artificial light, such as studio strobes and LED panel lights, which can create crisp, sharp, and controlled effects.

Using Flash

I soon discovered that flash can add depth, texture, and emotion to an image. However, I learned to use it judiciously, as excessive use can create harsh effects.

Editing Photos

Editing photos is an essential step in post-processing, and I learned to use Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance and manipulate my images.

Understanding Histograms

I learned to read and understand histograms, which show the distribution of tonal values in an image. This helped me to adjust the exposure, contrast, and brightness to achieve better results.

Using Presets

Presets can save time and simplify the editing process. I learned to create and use custom presets for specific styles and genres.

Step 4: Sharing and Feedback

As I continued to improve my skills, I started sharing my work with others. This helped me to get feedback, identify areas for improvement, and connect with fellow photographers.

Joining Online Communities

I joined online forums and groups to connect with other photographers who shared similar interests and goals.

Participating in Photography Contests

I entered online photography contests, which provided me with a platform to share my work and get feedback from judges and peers.

Collaborating with Others

I collaborated with fellow photographers on projects, which allowed us to learn from each other and achieve better results.

Step 5: Staying Inspired and Motivated

The journey to improve photography skills is not a linear one, and setbacks are inevitable. To stay inspired and motivated, I followed some simple tips:

Inspiration from Nature

I found inspiration in nature, which provided endless subjects and settings for photography.

Inspiration from Other Photographers

I followed other photographers on social media, attended workshops, and studied their work to learn new techniques and styles.

Inspiration from Books and Online Resources

I read books, online tutorials, and blogs to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.

Conclusion

Teaching myself photography from scratch was not an easy task, but it was a rewarding one. Through dedication, practice, and experimentation, I transformed from a beginner to a seasoned photographer. I hope that my journey will inspire others to take up photography, whether as a hobby or a career. If you’re interested in improving your photography skills, I encourage you to start with the basics, invest in good equipment, practice regularly, and stay inspired and motivated.

Tips for Learning Photography

• Start with the basics and understand the fundamentals of photography
• Experiment with different equipment and accessories
• Practice regularly and take feedback from others
• Stay inspired and motivated by following other photographers and attending workshops
• Understand light and manipulate it to achieve better results
• Edit photos using Lightroom and Photoshop
• Join online communities and participate in photography contests

Recommended Reading

• "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson: A comprehensive guide to mastering aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
• "The Art of Photography" by Bruce Barnbaum: A thought-provoking book that explores the artistic and philosophical aspects of photography.
• "Photoshop and Lightroom CC for Photographers" by Rob Woodman: A comprehensive guide to using Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications.

Recommended Online Resources

• Udemy: An online learning platform that offers courses on photography and post-processing.
• Skillshare: A subscription-based platform that provides courses and workshops on photography and creative topics.
• The Digital Photography School: A blog that provides tips, tutorials, and inspiration for photographers.
• Canon and Nikon forums: Online communities for users of Canon and Nikon cameras.

Remember

Photography is a journey, not a destination. With dedication, practice, and patience, you can improve your skills and achieve your goals. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, and always stay inspired and motivated to continue learning and growing.