Skip to content
Photography guides

Getting started

Start taking photos with the camera you already have.

Your first photo walk

Take the camera you already have. Go for a walk and follow the light.

A phone is enough. Look for reflections, gestures, and anything happening near the edge of the frame.

Photo by Dylan Chu
Photo by @Dylan Chu

Watch the light. Choose the frame. Leave out anything that does not help.

01

Use what you have

Use your phone or camera. Learn how it handles bright light, shadows, motion, and color before buying a lens.

02

Try different light

Shoot near a window, at sunset, under neon, on a cloudy day, and at noon. Compare the results.

03

Choose the frame

Move closer or farther away. Check the corners. Remove anything that pulls attention from the subject.

Before buying gear

Find what you like to photograph

Cameras get expensive fast. First, notice what you enjoy photographing: portraits, cars, concerts, campus at night, or small details. That will tell you what gear you need.

When you are ready to buy, read the gear guide. Until then, keep practicing.

Photo by Dylan Chu
Photo by @Dylan Chu

Next, read Basics to learn aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and camera modes.

Thanks to Dylan Chu for creating this guide.

Expanded photograph