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Top 10 Tips for Beginners in Photography

Poole Camera Creations

So, you’ve got a camera and you're ready to dive into the world of photography? That's fantastic! Whether you're snapping shots with a fancy DSLR, a sleek mirrorless camera, or even just your trusty smartphone, we’ve got some photography tips for beginners to help you take fantastic photos from the start!

A black and white illustration of a DSLR camera on a grey background
Illustration of a DSLR Camera

1. Get to Know Your Camera Settings

First things first, take some time to familiarise yourself with your camera. It might all feel a bit overwhelming at first, but understanding key settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO will make a huge difference.


  • Aperture: This controls the depth of field. Lower f-numbers mean blurrier backgrounds, which are great for portraits.

  • Shutter Speed: This determines how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. Faster speeds freeze action, while slower speeds can create cool motion blur effects.

  • ISO: This adjusts your camera’s sensitivity to light. Higher ISO is useful in low light but can make your photos look grainy or pixelated.


2. Embrace the Rule of Thirds

One of the first composition tricks you'll learn is the rule of thirds. Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid. Place key elements along these lines or where they intersect to create balanced and interesting photos.


3. Light is Your Best Friend

Lighting is everything in photography. Natural light is usually the best, especially during the golden hours just after sunrise and before sunset.

  • Avoid harsh midday sun: It can create strong shadows and highlights.

  • Use diffused light: Cloudy days or shaded areas provide softer, more even lighting.


4. Focus on Focusing

Sharp photos are all about good focusing. Learn how to use both manual and automatic focus modes on your camera.

  • Single-point focus: Perfect for precise focusing on a specific subject.

  • Continuous focus: Ideal for moving subjects, as the camera keeps adjusting the focus.


5. Change Up Your Perspective

Don’t just shoot everything from eye level. Changing your perspective can make your photos much more interesting.

  • Get low: Shooting from ground level can make your subjects look larger or create unique angles.

  • Shoot from above: Create a bird’s-eye view for a different perspective.


6. Use Leading Lines

Leading lines guide the viewer’s eye through your photo and can add depth and interest. Look for roads, rivers, fences, or other lines that lead naturally to your main subject.


7. Stay Steady

Blurry photos are often due to camera shake. Hold your camera steady with both hands, keep your elbows close to your body, and consider using a tripod for added stability, especially in low-light conditions.


8. Play with Composition

While the rule of thirds is a great starting point, don't be afraid to mix things up. Experiment with different compositions to see what works best for your subject and style.

  • Symmetry: Creates striking and balanced images.

  • Negative space: Leaving empty space around your subject can make it stand out more.


9. Learn to Edit

Post-processing is where you can really make your photos shine. Learn basic editing techniques to enhance your images without overdoing it.

  • Adjust exposure and contrast: To make your photos pop.

  • Crop and straighten: To improve composition.

  • Use filters and pre-sets: To quickly apply consistent styles.


10. Keep Practicing

The best way to get better at photography is to keep practicing. The more you shoot, the more you’ll learn about your camera, your style, and the art of photography. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re all part of the learning process.

Photography can be such a rewarding hobby, and I’m so excited for you to start this journey. By getting to know your camera, mastering some basic techniques, and practicing regularly, you’ll see your skills grow in no time. Now go out there and capture some amazing shots! Happy shooting!

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