Beginner Photography Techniques :: 20 Things Every New Photographer Should Know
- J. Logan
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
So, you’ve got your first camera—maybe a sleek mirrorless, a trusty DSLR, or even a capable compact—and you’re ready to start creating powerful, expressive photos. But with all the dials, menus, and settings, where do you begin?
Photography is both an art and a technical craft. To make great images, you need to understand how your camera sees the world and how you can control that vision. This post walks through 20 essential beginner photography techniques that will help you build a solid foundation—from understanding manual exposure and camera settings to exploring aperture, composition, and different photographic styles.
Let’s get into it.
Why should you start with beginner photography techniques?
Photography is like learning a language or playing an instrument. You don’t write poetry before learning grammar. Likewise, mastering beginner photography techniques gives you the tools to fully express your creativity with more advanced methods later on.
Beginner photographers often rely too much on auto mode, ignore lighting, and overlook composition rules like the rule of thirds. They may also neglect focus, shoot without intention, or over-edit images. Rushing to buy expensive gear without mastering basics is another common mistake that hinders real progress and creativity.
1. Master the Exposure Triangle
The exposure triangle is the backbone of manual photography. It consists of:
Shutter Speed – Controls how long your sensor is exposed to light.
Aperture (f-stop) – Regulates how wide your lens opens to let in light.
ISO – Determines your camera sensor’s sensitivity to light.
Balancing these three is how you achieve correct exposure. Understanding how they affect each other is key. For instance, lowering your aperture (wider opening) lets in more light but affects depth of field; increasing shutter speed reduces motion blur but lets in less light.
2. Start Shooting in Manual (M) Mode
Auto is convenient, but Manual Mode teaches you how and why an image turns out the way it does. When you shoot manually, you control every exposure setting. At first, it may feel overwhelming, but you’ll quickly learn how each adjustment impacts the final image.
Tip: Use your camera’s built-in light meter (typically a scale that runs from -3 to +3) as a guide while composing your shot.
3. Understand How Aperture Affects Depth of Field
Aperture is not just about exposure—it’s also your tool for creative control.
Wide Aperture (e.g., f/1.8) – Shallow depth of field (blurry background); ideal for portraits.
Narrow Aperture (e.g., f/11) – Deep depth of field (more of the scene in focus); great for landscapes.
Experiment with aperture priority mode (A or Av) to get a feel for how depth of field works.
4. Learn the Impact of Shutter Speed on Motion
Shutter speed affects how motion is captured in your images.
Fast Shutter (1/1000s) – Freezes action; ideal for sports or wildlife.
Slow Shutter (1/30s or slower) – Captures motion blur; great for waterfalls, light trails, or panning shots.
Use a tripod for slower shutter speeds to avoid camera shake.
5. Get Comfortable Adjusting ISO
ISO allows you to brighten your photo when there’s not enough light. But there’s a catch: higher ISOs introduce noise (grain).
ISO 100–400 – Best for bright, outdoor conditions.
ISO 800–1600+ – Suitable for indoor or low-light environments, but expect some noise.
Modern cameras handle high ISO surprisingly well, but aim to use the lowest possible ISO for cleaner images.
6. Use Histogram to Check Exposure
Relying on your LCD screen can be misleading. The histogram gives a better representation of exposure, showing a graph of light levels in your photo.
Left side = shadows
Right side = highlights
Aim for a balanced graph, unless you’re intentionally exposing for shadows or highlights.
7. Understand White Balance
White balance affects the color temperature of your image. Cameras offer presets like Daylight, Cloudy, and Tungsten, but you can also set custom white balance or shoot in Kelvin for more control.
Shooting in RAW lets you adjust white balance in post without degrading quality.
8. Focus Modes Matter
There are several types of focus modes:
Single (AF-S / One-Shot) – Locks focus once; best for still subjects.
Continuous (AF-C / AI Servo) – Continuously tracks focus; good for moving subjects.
Manual Focus – Gives full control; useful in tricky lighting or macro work.
Also, experiment with focus points and back-button focusing for more control.
9. Shoot in RAW Format
RAW files retain all image data, unlike JPEGs which compress and discard information. RAW allows for greater flexibility in post-processing, especially for adjusting exposure, contrast, and white balance.
Yes, the files are larger—but they’re worth it.
10. Use a Tripod for Stability
Even with image stabilization, a tripod is essential for:
Long exposures (e.g., night or landscape shots)
Self-portraits
Consistent framing in time-lapses or video
Go for a sturdy, lightweight tripod if you plan on shooting outdoors.
11. Practice Good Composition
A well-composed photo draws the eye and tells a story. Key techniques include:
Rule of Thirds – Imagine a grid dividing your frame into 9 parts; place key elements along these lines.
Leading Lines – Use roads, rivers, or fences to guide the viewer’s eye.
Framing – Use elements (windows, arches, trees) to frame your subject.
Negative Space – Allow room around your subject to emphasize isolation or mood.
Rule of thirds is a classic way of framing your composition. But don't be afraid to break the rules.
12. Understand the Different Genres of Photography
Exploring different styles will help you find your passion and develop versatile skills. Some popular photography styles include:
Portrait Photography – Focuses on people and expressions.
Street Photography – Candid moments in public spaces.
Landscape Photography – Nature, cityscapes, wide vistas.
Macro Photography – Close-ups of tiny details.
Event Photography – Capturing real-time action and emotion.
Product & Still Life – Controlled, studio-style setups.
Each genre has different gear preferences and shooting techniques.
13. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
Learning to see and use available light is crucial. Observe:
Golden Hour – Just after sunrise and before sunset; warm, flattering light.
Midday Light – Harsh and contrasty, but can be used creatively.
Overcast Days – Soft, diffused light great for portraits and macro.
Always watch how shadows and highlights fall on your subject.
14. Don’t Rely on the LCD Screen
Use your viewfinder or live view with grid lines to compose accurately. LCD screens can mislead you about sharpness and exposure—zoom in to check critical focus or use your histogram.
15. Learn Basic Post-Processing
Post-processing is part of modern photography. Apps like Lightroom, Capture One, or even mobile editors can:
Adjust exposure, contrast, and white balance
Crop and straighten compositions
Remove distractions and enhance details
Keep edits natural—less is often more.
16. Use Exposure Compensation
In semi-auto modes (Aperture or Shutter Priority), use Exposure Compensation (+/- button) to tell your camera to make the image brighter or darker. It’s especially useful when your subject is backlit or against a bright background.
17. Understand Metering Modes
Your camera evaluates the scene’s brightness using metering. Common modes include:
Evaluative/Matrix – Analyzes the whole frame; default choice.
Center-weighted – Prioritizes the center of the frame.
Spot Metering – Measures a tiny area; useful for tricky lighting.
Try spot metering for portraits when light is hitting your subject unevenly.
18. Work on Timing and Patience
Great photography often comes down to when you press the shutter. Whether it's a fleeting expression in a portrait or the perfect wave in a seascape, being present, observant, and patient will pay off.
19. Keep Your Gear Simple at First
You don’t need ten lenses to take great photos. A basic kit with a versatile zoom (like an 18–55mm or 24–70mm) or a sharp prime lens (like a 35mm f/1.8) is enough to learn and grow. Focus on technique before collecting gear.
20. Shoot. Review. Repeat.
The fastest way to learn photography is through consistent practice. Set goals like “one photo a day” or “a photo walk every weekend.” Review your images critically—look for what works and what doesn’t. Over time, your eye will sharpen, and your style will emerge.
Final Thoughts
Photography is one of the most rewarding creative pursuits. It teaches you to see the world differently—to appreciate light, moments, and subtle details you’d otherwise miss.
The beauty of starting now is that cameras are better than ever, and the internet is filled with resources, communities, and inspiration. But remember, the best camera is the one in your hands—and the most important piece of gear is your eye.
So go out, practice these 20 beginner photography techniques, and most of all—have fun.
Got a question, or a tip you wish you knew when you started? Drop it in the comments!
My name is Jason Logan. I'm a photographer and content creator from North Jersey. My hometown is Jersey City. I love cameras, art, basketball, boxing, and martial arts. Visit my website www.jmtphotographymedia.com to check out my work.
Comments