Getting Started with Photography

Getting started with photography can be a daunting, but very rewarding, process. With all of the information available – on-line, in books, from experts and hobbyists alike – a person can become easily overwhelmed. We at Beyond Megapixels strive to provide information and advice in plain language so that those just starting to explore photography, as well as those with more advanced skills, can quickly gain the abilities and knowledge that they need. With that in mind, we have put together this “beginner’s guide”, drawing from over two years of archived posts and articles written by a variety of experienced authors, and organizing them here in a linear and coherent fashion. This page will continue to grow as articles are written, geared toward the beginning photographer. This page is just a representation of all of the information that Beyond Megapixels has to offer, so be sure to check out all of our archives (from the main page).

As always, if you have suggestions for this page, wish for more information, or want us to write about a specific topic, please feel free to e-mail us!

Basics:
From what to look for in your very first camera, to understanding the basics of your camera’s settings, to some simple rules of thumb, start with these articles to get yourself up to speed quickly:

• Copyrights and Licensing
• Three Things I Wish I Knew Then
• Stops 101
• Things to Consider When Buying Your First Camera.
• Buying Your First SLR.
• Understanding Camera Exposure Modes.
• Going Manual: Learning Exposure Basics.
• Flash 101: Part One (on-camera) and Part Two (off-camera).
• Histogram 101.
• White Balance 101: Part One and Part Two.
• Sunny 16 – A Rule of Thumb.
• Cold Weather Photography.
• The Rule of Thirds Explained.

Composition:
Learn how to create interesting effects, capture your images in a way that draws the eye, and get tips and tricks of composition – some that follow the “rules”, and some that break them!

• Composition Tips – Balance
• Bokeh.
• How to Create Bokeh in Your Photos.
• Tips on How To Take Better Portraits.
• Macro Photography 101: Part One and Part Two.
• Macro Photography and You.
• Five Tips for Better Portraits.
• Composition Tips – Simplicity.
• Six Tips for Photographing Wildflowers.
• Still Life Photography.
• Composition Tip – Avoid Mergers.
• Five Tips for Great City Shots.
• Sports Photography Tips.

Technique:
Now that you’ve mastered some of the basics, further improve upon your skills with these tips. Start with the “100 Steps” series roundup, then move on to the other articles that feature more advanced techniques.

• 100 Steps to Improve Your Photography – Article Round-Up.
• Food Photography
• Correcting White Balance.
• Shooting With Slow Shutter Speed.
• Hyperfocal Distance – Maximizing Your Depth of Field.
• Studying Light in Photography.
• Continuous Shoot Advantages.
• HDR 101 – High Dynamic Range Imaging.
• 8 Tips for Photographing Babies.
• Portfolio Tips.
• Tips for Focusing in the Dark.
• The Finer Points of Focus

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• Creative Croppoing.
• Macro Photography Without a Macro Lens.
• Celestial Photography.

Equipment:
Gear addiction is inevitable, once you’ve discovered your passion for photography! Use these articles for some inexpensive “do it yourself” solutions, plus information to help you decide what absolutely have to have!

• Great Beginner’s Light Sources
• Filters
• Tripod Heads 101.
• Lens 101.
• Tips for DSLR Beginners – Get a 50mm Lens.
• How To Make a Light Box and Macro Studio for Under $20.
• Filters 101: Part One and Part Two.
• Quick Tip: Use a Reflector.
• Lens Hood.
• Lens Nomenclature Decoded.
• Stepping Up Your Gear.

Maintenance:
Take care of your camera gear so that it continues to provide years of enjoyment! Use these tips to keep your gear clean and functioning properly.

• How to Clean Your Camera’s Sensor.
• How to Clean Your Lens.
• Storing Your Photography Equipment.
• Tips for Keeping Your Camera Clean.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “March of the Cameras” by Suss-Man on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Long exposure of Sunwapta Falls, Jasper National Park” by Alaskan Dude on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Lily Macro” by Swami on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Felixstowe pier HDR” by stevoarnold on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “My budget SLR gear” by Claudio Matsuoka on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “South Mountain afternoon” by Page Dooley on Flickr Creative Commons.