What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Photography
Photography for Beginners: What Helped Me Start My Journey
In this article, I’ll be sharing the exact things that helped me get started on my photography journey—think of it like a beginner’s guide or a photographer’s starter book. These tips helped me step out of my comfort zone and grow in confidence, knowledge, and creativity. They’ve truly changed my life!
Shoot with Confidence
For the longest time, I thought photography was all about owning the right, most expensive 4K camera—but it really isn’t! It starts with believing in yourself.
I had the idea to start a wedding photography business back in 2022, but I didn’t actually begin until 2024. Why? Because I lacked confidence. I didn’t believe I could really do it. But it only took one person believing in me to spark that fire—and the rest is history.
You Are Who You Surround Yourself With
I spent years surrounded by people who didn’t lift me up—people who weren’t trying to grow or pursue anything meaningful. And guess what? It showed in my life and my business.
Once I made the choice to distance myself from that environment, everything started to change. My business began to bloom!
You might wonder, “What does this have to do with photography?” EVERYTHING.
When I surrounded myself with people who inspired me, I suddenly had photographers reaching out to collaborate, inviting me to assist on shoots—including weddings. A total dream come true!
What Could This Look Like for You?
Follow photographers who inspire you on social media.
Study their work and ask: What do I love about their photos? What draws me in? What’s their editing style?
This will help you develop your own eye and find your photography style.
Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to photographers. Ask if you can shadow them at weddings or shoots. Volunteer to shoot a community event for free. That’s how I started! A friend of mine organized events, and I asked to take photos just for practice. It’s a great way to build connections, gain experience, and get your name out there.
It’s Not the Camera—It’s What You Do With It
Here’s some real talk: It’s not about having the latest gear. These days, the pressure to buy the newest iPhone, camera, wallet, whatever—it’s real.
But let me tell you something: You don’t need the fanciest camera to start a business. You need a camera within your budget and the drive to learn it inside and out.
Take the time to understand your camera’s settings, menus, and features. That knowledge is gold—and it will set you apart.
Invest in a Good Lens
One of the best investments I made was buying a quality lens. I use a 24mm–75mm f/2.8 lens, and it has completely changed my workflow and image quality.
A good lens lets you explore new angles, use depth creatively, and capture crisp images even in low light. Trust me, this one purchase simplified my entire photoshoot process.
Buy an ND Filter
Think of an ND filter like sunglasses for your camera. Just as sunglasses protect your eyes and reduce glare, an ND filter controls how much light hits your lens.
This helps you:
Keep your images from being too grainy
Avoid blown-out highlights
Maintain proper exposure in bright conditions
Prevent you from cranking up your f-stop or shutter speed unnecessarily
If you're shooting outdoors—especially weddings or portraits—this is a must-have.
Practise, Practise, Practise!
Don’t just wait for paid gigs. Reach out to friends, local models, or creators and ask if they’d be open to creative shoots.
These help you:
Grow your creativity
Expand your portfolio
Discover your photography style
Improve your composition skills
And most importantly… get better with every click!
Every shoot is a step toward becoming a better photographer.
Finally, Starting out in photography isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about taking one step at a time, learning your tools, building your confidence, and surrounding yourself with people who fuel your growth.
Believe in yourself, start with what you have, and shoot with purpose. Your journey matters—and it starts today.
