All the Gear and no idea? Getting started with photography

Wojciech gives us a run down on how to get into the world of photography, with or without a fancy camera.

Wojciech Cajdler
19th March 2024
photographer by pixabay
Photography is slowly becoming a more popular hobby, with film photography exploding in recent years. But many are unsure of how and where to start, being bombarded with different cameras and lenses to get. The list of accessories that you must have to be a photographer seems to be never ending.

After taking photos for almost 10 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that you don’t actually need much to get started. All you need is a camera, any that can take photos will do, be it an old film, a borrowed digital camera from a friend or just your phone. I’d recommend an old digital camera that allows you to control all the settings (aperture, ISO and shutter speed) and a 50mm lens, but any lens will do when starting out. I myself started out by borrowing my Dad’s old digital camera with the basic kit lens.

A long exposure of fireworks in Nottingham. Image Credit: Wojciech Cajdler

The next step I would recommend is to learn the very basics of photography. Watching a short video on the internet about light and composition, what the settings on your camera do, will give you a foundation from which to build and develop. These videos can also be a great source of inspiration - I have found many photos that I wanted to emulate and by trying to do so, honed my skill.

After getting a camera and the basics nailed, I would suggest simply going out and taking pictures. As with anything, practising the skill over and over again will help you slowly develop a better understanding of how light can affect your photos, what settings to use to achieve your desired look and how to best compose the scene. Quantity is more important than quality at this stage. For this reason, I would recommend a digital camera over a film camera as it is much easier and quicker to see the photo you took and see what works and adjust.

One of the guitarists in the band URNE. Image Credit: Wojciech Cajdler

Going out for photo walks is a great way to motivate yourself to take photos. These can be done by yourself or in a small group. I found these incredible for meeting other photographers and helping answer any photography questions I have. The Newcastle Photography Society hosts these kinds of events and it’s always a great atmosphere. Everyone is always happy to answer any queries you may have about your photos.

Sunrise at St. Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. Image Credit: Wojciech Cajdler

Going on these walks is one of the reasons I enjoy photography. You can rediscover the areas around you that you otherwise wouldn’t have had reason to. Walking around and taking the time to absorb your surroundings, observing potential subjects and trying to frame them with your camera is a great way to learn. It’s also a way of documenting and capturing a specific point in life. In a world that's changing so rapidly, photography gives you an anchor to look back on and notice life, which can otherwise pass us by.

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