Let's face it, photography can be intimidating. I mean, there are so many different settings and buttons that it can be hard to know where to start. But don't worry! With a little practice, some help from your friends here at BrightEdge and some tips from other pros in the field, you'll be taking gorgeous photos in no time.


Experiment with light

Now that you've got your camera in hand, it's time to start experimenting with light.

  • Natural Light: The easiest way to get started is by using natural light. This can be as simple as setting up a tripod and shooting outside during the day or evening. If you want more control over your shots, then consider investing in some sort of diffusing material like an umbrella or softbox. You'll also want something heavy enough to weigh down the tripod so that it doesn't blow away on windy days!
  • Flash: Using flash is another great way to add dimensionality and shadows into your shot. You can do this by purchasing a dedicated flash unit for DSLR cameras or point-and-shoot cameras (as long as they have one). Most smartphones are also compatible with external flashes if you're looking for something smaller than carrying around an entire setup that fits inside a bag/backpack (or wherever else). When using these devices outdoors during daylight hours, make sure there isn't direct sunlight hitting them directly otherwise they won't work properly due to lack of power source needed when there isn't much sun shining down on them!

Set your camera up so it is ready to shoot when you are.

Set your camera up so it is ready to shoot when you are.


If you want to improve your photography, there are many things that can help. However, one of the most important aspects of improving your photos is being able to capture that perfect shot at just the right moment. In order for this to happen, you need to make sure that your camera is set up so it’s ready whenever inspiration strikes—and in order for inspiration to strike at all, you need a camera that’s already set up!


In short: Set up your camera so it's ready when inspiration strikes


Think about composition.

Composition is the way you arrange your subject in the frame. It's how you decide where to place things and how to emphasize certain elements of your photo.

You can use composition to tell a story, or make something more beautiful. You can focus attention on the most important part of an image, or create symmetry and balance that makes everything look better.


Learn what works and doesn't work.

As you take photos, you'll learn what works and what doesn't. You'll also start to understand the difference between a good photo and a bad one.

One of the most important things that can help improve your photography is learning how to take lots of pictures. When I say "lots," I mean LOTS! At least 1,000 per year if possible (more is better). This will help you see patterns in your work so that when you're trying something new, or working on improving an existing technique, you already have some knowledge about what kind of results are likely to occur.


You should not be afraid to delete bad photos - in fact it's important that you do so often so that they don't clutter up your computer with unnecessary clutter...and because even worse than having them clutter up space on your hard drive is having someone else look at them and think less highly of your artwork than they would have otherwise!


Get close to the subject and out of auto mode.

These days, you can find cameras with a full range of manual controls. But if you're just starting out, don't worry about mastering them all at once. Instead, try these simple tricks:

  • Get closer to the subject and put your camera in "A" mode (for aperture priority). This will allow more light into the lens and help improve sharpness and contrast. Set your aperture to f/8 or smaller for best results!
  • Use a tripod if you have one so that every photo comes out perfectly focused on your subject's eyes—not their ears!

Look at other images and don't be afraid to try new things.

Another great way to improve your photography is by looking at other images and not being afraid to try new things. Look at other photographers' work and try to figure out what they are doing different or better than you. If you can’t figure it out, ask them!


Also, don’t be afraid of failure! We all want our photos to look amazing but don’t realize that sometimes that comes with the risk of failing a few times along the way. You will learn from those mistakes if you don't give up after one failed attempt so stay committed and keep experimenting until something clicks for you!


Shoot everyday, even if it's just with an iPhone

Consistency is the key to becoming a better photographer. You can't improve if you don't practice, and practicing takes time.

The best way to find time for your photography is by finding ways to make it fit into your life and schedule, even if it means only taking photos on days when you have nothing else going on. If that's not an option for you, try using your phone to practice whenever possible: take photos around town, of friends and family members who are willing models (or objects), or simply snap an image during a quiet moment in the day. You'll probably find yourself picking up some new skills this way that will help shape your approach as a whole—and remember: creativity is no respecter of medium!


You can do it!

Don't get discouraged if your photos aren't perfect. You can improve your photography, but it takes time and practice to get there. You might not be able to take amazing photos right away, but you'll learn from the mistakes you make along the way.


Being an amateur photographer doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money on equipment or classes—just learn from others and have fun!


There is truly no limit to the amazing things you can do with your camera, and it's up to you to keep learning and improving. Remember, this is supposed to be fun! If you're not enjoying yourself, then there's something wrong with what you're doing or how you're doing it. So get out there and shoot some photos today!