Everyone needs a hobby to help them unwind after work. Taking up a hobby helps you feel relaxed and is a good way to de-stress. Photography is a great hobby where you end with amazing photographs that will make people go wow. It is also a hobby that you can convert into a profession if you wish.
If you are thinking of taking up photography as a hobby, it is a good idea. We have some tips to help you get started. Follow our tips and become a hobby photographer. You will definitely enjoy the experience.
Taking up photography as a hobby – getting started
1. Decide what you want to do
You want to be a hobby photographer? Great! But what do you want to photograph? People? Animals? Nature? Or a bit of everything? The first thing to do is decide on your photography niche. Do you want to be a jack of all trades and photograph anything you want? If your answer is yes, it is fine. Photography is not your job, it is only a hobby.
So, you have the freedom to do what you want. Anything that you find photo worthy can be captured in your camera. You can choose to specialize in one niche. For instance, if you travel a lot you can take up travel photography. Alternatively, if you want to use photography to uplift people and make them feel confident, you might wish to offer something like a boudoir photo shoot Edmonton (or wherever it is you are). Decide based on your interests and what inspires you. If more than one niche inspires you, do it. The idea of a hobby is to pursue a passion and have fun while doing it.
2. Get the basics ready
There are some basics you need to be ready with before starting. The first and most basic requirement is a camera. Generally, most photographers use a DSLR camera. However, they are professionals and need the best quality camera. Since you are a hobby photographer, you have the freedom to choose any camera. You can even do with a mobile camera.
Today’s mobile phones come with multiple cameras with high resolution. These cameras are as powerful as professional cameras. Depending on your preference, you can either shoot using mobile camera or choose a DSLR or a point and shoot camera. You can start with your mobile camera. Once you master the skill of photography, you can then get an advanced camera.
There are many other equipment photographers need. All of them are optional. If you choose a professional camera, you need lenses and filters. You also need lighting equipment, tripod, batteries, memory card, and a camera bag. If you are shooting using your mobile, consider getting a tripod for the mobile. This will help you stabilize the photo and prevent shakes.
3. Keep learning
Professional photographers need to be masters of the art of photography. They should know the in and out of photography. They should know all the tricks of photography, so they can take top quality photos. Since you are an amateur, you only need basic skills. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to learn. Keep learning every time you take photos.
Even if you are a hobby photographer, you will want to get appreciated for your photos. The better the quality of photos, the more the appreciation. You need to learn the nuances of photography, but you can do as per your convenience. You have the option of learning from experts either in person or online. Courses on photography are available to help you learn new skills.
4. Learn composition
The first thing you need to learn is the art of composition. When you take a photo, you are capturing an image. Plan your shot and decide how you want to do it. Decide what the subject of your photo is and ensure it is prominent in your photo. You then need to decide how much of the background to cover.
Then, choose the angle from which you will take the photo. Tilting your camera even a little bit will make the photo look different. Try out different techniques until you get the perfect photo that satisfies you. Don’t just start clicking once you take the camera. Take some time to compose the photo, so you get the best results.
5. Experiment, experiment, and experiment
As a hobby photographer, you have the freedom to do what you want. This is an advantage over professionals who worry about deadlines and satisfying the client. You have the freedom to experiment while taking photos. So, experiment as much as you want. Practice taking different types of photos. Change the settings of your camera and try out photos.
Once you understand concepts like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO you will be able to hone your photography skills. An ideal way of learning these skills is by experimenting using your camera. Keep experimenting and learn new things every time you use your camera. That way you learn and also have fun while doing it.
6. Learn editing
Photography is incomplete without editing. You may not be creating professional photos, but you would want your photos to be appreciated by friends. So, make them look better by editing them. There are many software tools for editing. Many of them are available for free. Use them to learn how to rotate images, improve contrast, balance saturation, and a lot more. Then apply them to the photographs you have clicked.
While taking photos, click as many as you can. Take maximum photos and then download them to your laptop. Now, review each photo and delete the ones you don’t like. The ones you like can be edited to enhance their appearance. You can explore the range of Adobe editing software, including Photoshop and Lightroom. Using these apps could help you improve and master editing skills with the help of tools like the photoshop color wheel plugin, color mixer, and brush organizer. Further, you may also get access to unique images and textures for pic overlays and enhancements. Experiment with editing so you can add fineness to your craft and achieve expertise.
7. Showcase your work
Even though you are a photographer by hobby, showcase your work to the world. You can do this on social media by sharing photos on Insta, Facebook, and other platforms. Do this not just to win appreciation, but to get feedback. When you share photos online, you will get feedback from others, including experts. Be a part of photography groups. Sharing your photos to such groups allows you to get precise feedback. You can use the feedback to improve your skills and take better photos.
