Photography is a form of artistic expression. If you’re trying to immerse yourself in this hobby, you may not know where to start. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review (HBR), many aspiring photographers get discouraged and give up on their interest before they even learn the basics. As a result, you must learn some of photography’s basics before diving in.
This guide will discuss about how to get into photography as a hobby and some tips for starting photography hobbies based on the experience and advice provided by professional photographers.
Covering everything from choosing the right equipment to learning the basics of photography composition, you will be equipped with all the knowledge you need to pursue this hobby.
So, read on for some helpful advice!
How to Get Into Photography as a Hobby?
01. Become Well-Versed in Different Types of Photography
Different types of photography require different techniques to be successful. Here are some approaches that you can leverage:
Macro Photography
If you want to optimize your skills, why not try macro photography? Macro photography is all about capturing extreme close-up images of small objects. This technique requires specialized equipment, such as a macro lens or extension tubes, a steady hand, and an eye for detail.
By exploring the world around you at this level of detail, you’ll uncover some truly fascinating subjects, from bugs and flowers to intricate patterns in everyday objects.
Street Photography
While it can be somewhat intimidating getting up close and personal with strangers on the street, with practice comes confidence.
Street photography allows you to catch candid moments that regular portrait or landscape shots cannot quite capture. You can even get creative by combining street photography with other hobbies, such as music or drawing.
Digital Art
This type of photography takes the traditional tools of a photographer and combines them with the power of image manipulation software to create something entirely new.
From surrealism to abstract expressionism, digital art offers endless possibilities for budding photographers looking to make their mark on the world. All you need is some basic software knowledge and a willingness to experiment—the rest will take care of itself.
02. Researching The Best Cameras and Equipment
Once you have narrowed your genre, the next step is to research and compare different camera systems. Finding the perfect camera for your photography genre may take trial and error. There are many factors to consider, including how you plan to use it and what type of results you want.
Best Quality of Lenses
Camera lenses are essential to any photographer’s toolkit, and choosing the right lenses can make or break your shots. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or anything else, having the right lens for the job is key. To get started, you can invest the following lenses.
Wide Angle Zoom Lens
A wide-angle zoom lens is ideal for capturing broader images. With this lens, you can freeze a more extensive image of the location while keeping objects within focus. A good starter option would be Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens, which offers great sharpness and low-light performance.
Telephoto Zoom Lens
For portrait photography, consider the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4 to 5.6 IS II USM Lens. This offers great image quality, and its large focal range makes it perfect for shooting portraits or capturing distant subjects like wildlife. Its built-in image stabilization also helps keep shots steady during long exposures.
Why Should Choose the Macro Lens?
A dedicated macro lens is a way to go when shooting macro photos. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens is an excellent choice – its wide aperture allows you to experiment with shallow depth of field effects and capture stunning close-ups of small objects in great detail.
Importance of Prime Lens
Prime lenses have permanent focal lengths. This make them ideal for creating aesthetically pleasing images. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is an excellent budget-friendly choice – its wide aperture offers great low-light performance and shallow depth of field effects that will give your shots a professional look.
Fixed Your Budget
It’s important to also consider how much money you’re willing to spend on camera equipment. Quality lenses and cameras can be expensive, but it’s worth investing in the right equipment if you’re serious about photography.
Consider what features are most important for your genre and look for models that offer the most value without breaking your budget.
For example, if you capture landscapes, you can invest a tripod with an adjustable head. If you’re more into street photography, you may opt for a lightweight camera body and shorter lenses.
It’s also important to consider other accessories, such as filters, tripods, lighting equipment, and backpacks. These can add up quickly, so explore different marketplaces to find the best deals and compare prices of different brands to find quality and affordable equipment.
In fact, you can take outstanding photos with affordable gear as well. There are several inexpensive options that will allow you to take mesmerizing images. However, be sure to find equipment that allows you to capture the kind of images that you want.
03. Experiment With Different Techniques and Settings
No matter your skill level, you can practice plenty of photography techniques to improve your shots. Let’s take a look at a few techniques that you can play around with:
Master the Rule of Thirds
This rule helps create more interest and better composition. To apply this technique, separate the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically. Then, place points of interest along those lines- or their intersections, to achieve a balanced shot.
Experiment with Different Angles
Taking photos from different points of view can yield interesting results! Try crouching down for an up-close macro shot, zooming in to capture details, or even straightening your camera for an abstract look.
Capture Motion Blur
This is an astonishing way to add dynamism and exhilaration to the photograph. To achieve this effect, keep the shutter speed slow while you move your camera or subject in different directions.
Use Panning
Panning captures motion by moving behind the subject with your camera as it travels across the frame. It’s a great technique for movement-focused shots like sports photos or nature scenes.
These techniques are just some of the many ways to practice photography and take your shots to the next level! You can master these techniques and create stunning images with enough practice and dedication. So get out there, start trying new things, and have fun!
How Is Professional Photography Different From A Hobby?
Professional photography is more than just a hobby – it’s a career. Professional photographers have the skills, experience, and knowledge to capture images that reflect their client’s needs and create stunning artworks that can be cherished in perpetuity. These individuals use high-end equipment and spend time mastering their craft to provide their clients with the highest-quality photos.
Professional photographers also have a much higher level of customer service and communication, so they can better understand the client’s wishes and deliver results that truly satisfy them.
They also often offer additional services, including retouching, custom printing, framing, or other post-production work. Finally, professional photographers charge a fee for their services, whereas hobbyists may do it simply for enjoyment.
Ultimately, you can turn your hobby into a profession but you will have to hone your skills and meet the client’s expectations. You will also need to have a trained eye and know how to use light, composition, and other photographic techniques to create stunning images that a hobbyist can only achieve by investing in the craft religiously.
Wrapping Up
Photography is an exceptional form of self-expression. You can always keep learning to evolve your skills. When you pursue photography as a hobby, be sure to take lots of pictures and experiment with different styles.
Find a few photography books or online tutorials to help you improve your technique, and never be afraid to ask questions or seek advice when needed. Once you start taking great photos, don’t forget to share them with the world! Feature some of your best work on social media, and sell prints of your exceptional photos online.
No matter how you apply your new skills, photography can be a great way to create lasting memories and express yourself artistically.