Beginners 101 Guide to Photography

As a new photographer, stepping out of the comfort of “automatic shooting” mode can feel daunting. However, the rewards on the other side are immense and will have you hooked in no time. While it may seem tricky at first, remember how satisfying it will be to confidently switch between settings, no matter what you're shooting. We're here to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right camera to setting it up for the best results.

We’ll cover everything you need to know: the ideal setup, preparing an efficient workflow, understanding different settings, shooting various subjects, and mastering light.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, there’s something here for everyone to learn and a great opportunity to sharpen your skills. Use it as a step-by-step guide or as a handy reference on the go — the choice is yours.

What We'll Cover:

1. Finding a camera that’s right for you
2. Setting up your camera
3. Exposure Triangle Explained
4. Shooting different subjects
5. Tripods, flashes, and other bits and bobs
6. Tips on organizing your workflow

1. Finding a Camera

In recent years, we've all noticed a remarkable increase in the availability of cameras, lenses, flashes, gimbals, and other gear. As humans, we naturally want our memories to last forever, and that desire often leads us to seek the best cameras. With so many options, even choosing a camera can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — we’ll break down the key differences (and similarities) to help you find a camera you'll love.

Remember, while gear matters, it’s ultimately a personal choice, and what works best comes down to your individual preferences.

⚡ DSLRs

Often considered the "grandfather" of camera gear due to their long-standing presence and influence in the industry, DSLR stands for "Digital Single Lens Reflex." Without diving too deep into the technicalities, it means that light hits a mirror inside the camera at a 45-degree angle, directing it into the viewfinder. This allows you to see exactly what you're shooting without any digital processing in between. When you press the shutter button, the mirror moves out of the way to capture your image, creating that familiar and satisfying "click" sound.

DSLRs have long been the industry standard, producing the high-resolution images used in most magazines and billboards. They also offer a wide range of lenses that can adapt to any situation, and they typically have longer battery life. However, their bulky size has led some photographers to prefer mirrorless options.

You’ll have two sensor types to choose from: APS-C, also known as crop sensors, and full-frame (35mm). Full-frame sensors are more expensive but provide better image quality and low-light performance.

Writer's Pick: Nikon D3500
Why: Great battery life and user-friendly menus make this the best overall choice.

Alternative: Canon EOS 2000D
Why: It records full HD videos and captures 24-megapixel photos.

⚡ Mirrorless Cameras

The biggest competitor to the DSLR — and probably the one you're debating about — are mirrorless cameras. As the name suggests, these cameras don't have a mirror inside. Instead, light passes directly through the lens and onto the sensor. The image is then displayed either on the back screen, the viewfinder, or both, depending on your preference. By removing the mirror, you get a lighter, smaller camera, which is why mirrorless models have gained so much popularity. This design also allows for faster focusing and higher frame rates.

If you're looking for a portable camera you can take anywhere, that also delivers excellent video quality, a mirrorless camera is likely your best choice.

Writers Pick: Fujifilm X100VI

Why: Small and portable it’s the perfect camera for everyday use and landscapes.

Alternative: Sony a7 IV paired with a 24-70mm lens

Why: A 33MP sensor that produces the highest quality pictures whilst not weighing you down. Autofocus is incredibly fast and impressive. What’s more? You can record 4k videos.

⚡ Compact (Point-and-Shoot) Cameras

Smaller still, because size doesn’t always matter, are compact cameras, also known as point-and-shoot. These are perfect if you want to step up from your phone's camera without spending a fortune. They're pocket-sized, lightweight, and incredibly user-friendly — just point and shoot, as the name suggests. There's no need to worry about lenses, film, or complex settings.

However, this simplicity does come at a cost to creative control. You’ll need to adapt to the camera's fixed shutter speed and aperture, the zoom range may be limited, and the focus might not always be perfect.

Writers Pick: Sony Cyber-Shot RX100

Why: It has a high-resolution zoom lens, built-in flash, flip touch screen, and the possibility to add a mic input.

⚡ Film Cameras

We can’t talk about cameras without mentioning film, which has been making a strong comeback in recent years. More people are using disposable cameras and falling in love with the nostalgic, grainy look of film. And honestly, who could resist the charm of a classic 35mm film camera? We'll use "film cameras" or "analog cameras" as umbrella terms for the various types out there.

Whether you're using a disposable camera on vacation or a medium format camera, there's something uniquely rewarding about film. It might feel like diving into the deep end, but it forces you to think more about settings and lighting. Keep in mind, though, that film is an investment and comes with ongoing costs for film stock.

Writers Pick: Start with the 35mm Film Camera by Long Weekend: Perfect to get started, easy to use, point and shoot feel, and can be taken with you everywhere.

Progress To: The Canon AE-1 is relatively easy to find without breaking your bank account. A timeless piece that achieves high-quality pictures.

⚡ Action Cameras

A while back, I wouldn’t have even mentioned these, but with the improvements made in recent years, it would be a shame not to consider them. They’re small, and durable, and you can even drop them into a swimming pool without worry — because that’s exactly what they’re built for. While they won’t meet all your photography needs, they’re a great addition to your bag for your next trip, offering fun and the chance to explore different angles.

Writers Pick: DJI OSMO 4

Why: Better low light recording than other similar cameras, D-log M recording, incredible stabilization with RockSteady mode, dual touch screens.

⚡ Phone

Why mention this type of camera? Because we’ve all heard the saying, “the best camera is the one you have with you,” and it’s true. The best way to grow as a photographer is by getting out there and shooting often. You already have your phone with you, so why not take advantage of it? These days, most phones allow you to experiment with settings and even try long exposures. It’s a great way to take the first step into learning settings and experimenting with photography.

Writers Pick: iPhone 16 Pro

Why: It's the latest and greatest smartphone camera technology on the market, Apple outdoes itself year after year with real glass and hardware upgrades, rather than relying on AI like Samsung or Google Pixel.

In Conclusion

If you're here, you're probably deciding between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras (which we’ll cover in depth). While other types of cameras can be fun and make a great addition to your kit, these two stand out for the exceptional image quality they offer and the creative freedom they provide.

Oh, and before you commit to buying? Consider renting first — it’s the perfect way to try out different cameras and see what works best for you.

2. Setting Up Your Camera

So you’ve unboxed your freshly received camera and you might start to feel a little overwhelmed by the number of buttons and settings you’re staring down at. Here are a few things to consider before you get started.

⚡ SD Cards

Some camera bundles might already include an SD card, so that could solve the problem for you. However, if you need to buy one, we’ll help you choose the best option and, more importantly, check your camera’s requirements—your device will likely specify what it needs.

Standard SD vs. MicroSD: Your camera will probably decide this for you. MicroSD cards are typically used for smaller devices like action cameras or drones, while DSLRs and mirrorless cameras usually require standard SD cards. MicroSDs are a bit more versatile since you can pair them with an SD adapter to use them across different gear.

⚡ Storage Capacities:

SD or MicroSD: 2GB and Under (usually the smallest capacity, not ideal for a camera)

SDHC or MicroSDHC: Up to 32GB

SDXC or MicroSDXC: Up to 2TB

SDUC or MicroSDUC: Up to 1238TB (only available since 2018 so might not be available widely and isn’t used as an industry standard.

The general rule of thumb here is that you can go down in your choice of card if your device supports a higher capacity however you can’t go up. A device that only supports SDXC can’t use an SDUC card but can host an SDHC card.

⚡ Speeds:

There are three different speed classes to choose from, and without making it too complicated, they break down into: the Original Speed Class "C," the UHS (Ultra High Speed) Class, marked by a number inside a "U" shape, and the Video Speed Class "V."

Original Speed Class: This one's straightforward—the higher the class, the faster the speed. It ranges from Class 2 (2MB/s) to Class 10 (10MB/s).

UHS Class: This class has only two ratings: U1 and U3. As with the original class, the higher the number, the faster the speed. UHS is the most common in high-end cameras today, and some devices may require at least U3.

Video Speed Class: As the name suggests, this class is designed for high-resolution video recording without lag. You'll need this if you're using a drone or shooting 8K videos.

It might seem complicated, but the best card for your device will be specified either on the camera itself or in the user manual, so be sure to check that before accidentally buying the wrong card.

Writers Pick: SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB – This size is my go-to in most of my cameras. I would prioritize multiple cards over one card with a larger capacity. The speed is perfect and allows for high-resolution pictures and lag-free 4k videos.

⚡ JPEG vs RAW:

We recommend checking your camera settings and shooting in both JPEG and RAW formats simultaneously. Here’s why:

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): These files are smaller and easier to transfer between devices (especially via Wi-Fi). However, because they are compressed, some data may be lost during processing. White balance is applied while shooting, making it harder to adjust highlights and shadows later.

RAW: Though larger in size, RAW files are preferred by most professionals. They retain more data, allowing for greater flexibility in post-production and capturing every detail of the image.

Writer's Note: So, why use both? It’s a personal preference. I like to quickly work on JPEGs for instant sharing or event coverage. I can send them to myself, do quick edits, and share them. Later, when I have more time, I dive into the RAW files to refine the images and fully capture their mood and vision.

⚡ Rule of Thirds:

If you haven't done so already, go to your settings and enable the 3x3 grid on your LCD screen. This will make composing your photos much easier by helping you align objects and keep your horizons straight.

Do you prefer to shoot and post right away, or do you enjoy spending a little extra time editing your photos?

3: Exposure Triangle

Different combinations of these settings can give you the same exposure, so it's important to decide what you want to prioritize in your shot. The control is in your hands, and you get to shape the outcome of your photos.

The best part? There's no "right" way to use them. Experiment and find what works best for you.

⚡ ISO

ISO controls how much light the sensor captures. Be mindful of it, as a high ISO can introduce a lot of 'noise' or grain into your images. While grain can be aesthetically pleasing, it's something you may prefer to manage in post-production.

A general rule of thumb: for daylight, use ISO 400. In darker environments, like nighttime or concerts, go for ISO 1600. The lower the ISO, the better the image quality.

⚡ Shutter Speed

Want a sharp, crisp image or a motion blur effect? That all depends on shutter speed. Shutter speed refers to how long the camera’s shutter remains open. The longer it stays open, the more motion blur you’ll get — ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like cars or runners.

For freezing motion, use a fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/500th of a second or faster). Slower shutter speeds (e.g., 1/2 second) will create motion blur.

⚡ Aperture

Aperture works similarly to how the human eye functions. It controls how much light enters the camera.

• Wide aperture (low f-stop number): lets in more light and creates a blurred background, great for portraits.
• Narrow aperture (high f-stop number): lets in less light and produces a sharper background, ideal for landscapes.

A wide aperture helps add depth by limiting the focus range, making elements in the foreground stand out in layers.

Use your surroundings to guide the viewer’s eye — trees, flowers, or people in the foreground can create interesting depth when you focus beyond them on your subject.

⚡ Using a Tripod

Whether it's the Peak Design Travel Tripod or the Manfrotto Compact Alumnimun Tripod, we've compiled our seven favorite ones for every photographer so you have a better understanding of which ones can better suit your preferences.

A tripod can be a game-changer once you've mastered your camera and developed your shooting style. It’s essential for getting sharp images, especially in low-light conditions, without needing to raise your ISO. By stabilizing your camera, a tripod allows you to use slower shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear shots without introducing blur.

Tripods are especially useful for long-exposure photography, such as capturing the night sky. If you're fortunate enough to escape light pollution, a tripod can help you photograph stunning nightscapes or even the Milky Way.

⚡ Use the Light Around You

While it might be tempting to shoot at midday when the sun is high, there’s a reason photographers are drawn to sunsets. The soft, warm glow during the golden hour brings out details that can be lost in harsh, overexposed midday light.

In post-production, adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation can further enhance these details, but starting with the right lighting makes a world of difference in capturing the full beauty of your scene.