If I Had to Start Photography From 0 This is What I Would Do!

Laura BC
5 Feb 202317:03
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRLaura, a Spanish photographer now based in London, shares from her 14 years of experience learning photography from zero. She advises not getting overwhelmed, but rather embracing the learning process through constant practice and experimentation with different niches to find one's style and passion. Laura suggests analyzing photos to improve - checking framing, lighting, pose - rather than focusing on gear or technical details. She encourages enjoying photography as a hobby first before trying to make money, in order to avoid frustration and loss of motivation. Her key message is to compare yourself to your earlier work, focus on improving, and success will come.

Takeaways
  • 😊 You don't need a university degree to become a good photographer. YouTube, Skillshare, and online courses are great alternatives.
  • 👌 Experiment with different photography niches to find out what you enjoy shooting and editing the most.
  • 📷 Practice regularly with your camera and analyze your photos to improve - look at framing, lighting, poses etc.
  • 🔍 Finding your niche takes time - stay open-minded and don't overthink it.
  • 🤳 Use social media to connect with other local photographers and collaborate.
  • ☀️ Pay attention to light direction and make sure your subjects are well-lit.
  • 🚫 Don't get overwhelmed by complex terminology - focus on the practical side.
  • 📈 Start as a hobby first, master your craft, then later focus on monetization.
  • ⏳ Be patient for the right moments when doing street or wildlife photography.
  • 😊 Embrace the learning process - you will make mistakes but keep practicing.
Q & A

  • What are some effective ways to start learning photography according to Laura?

    -Laura recommends learning for free on YouTube, taking online courses on platforms like Skillshare, and buying courses from other photographers to support the creative community. She advises practicing a lot with your own camera to gain experience.

  • Why does Laura believe you don't need to go to university to learn photography?

    -Laura says nowadays there are many free resources to learn photography online, like YouTube tutorials and online courses. Going to university can be overly theoretical and expensive. She believes you can network and collaborate without a photography degree.

  • What does Laura suggest doing to figure out your niche in photography?

    -Laura recommends experimenting by shooting different genres like food, products, travel, wildlife etc. Then look at what you most enjoy shooting, editing and analyzing to understand your interests and strengths.

  • What are some key things Laura advises analyzing in your photos when practicing?

    -Laura suggests analyzing framing, composition, lighting, exposure, light source, model poses, moments/timing to get the perfect shot, and image sharpness to improve with practice.

  • Why does Laura advise not to focus too much on making money when starting out?

    -Laura suggests enjoying the learning process first rather than getting frustrated about money. Develop your skills and creativity without pressure initially, then focus on monetization once you have more experience.

  • What mindset does Laura recommend having as a beginner photographer?

    -Laura says to embrace the process of learning, expect to make mistakes and not be perfect at first. Compare yourself to your previous work rather than others. Go at your own pace without overwhelming yourself.

  • Why should you analyze your own photos systematically as a beginner?

    -Analyzing photos helps identify areas needing improvement like composition, exposure, focus etc. It allows you to correct mistakes and refine technique for better shots next time.

  • How can online photography communities supplement self-learning?

    -Communities let you connect with mentors, get feedback on work, access exclusive tutorials/resources and find collaborators - accelerating growth.

  • What equipment does Laura suggest starting out with?

    -Laura doesn't recommend any specific gear. She says to simply buy a camera you can afford and start practicing photography without worrying about equipment quality initially.

  • Why is photography a lifelong learning process according to Laura?

    -Laura has 14+ years experience but still constantly experiments, learns new techniques, and challenges herself. There are endless creative possibilities in photography.

Outlines
00:00
📷 Starting photography requires commitment to learn techniques, settings, styles, and more through practice

The first paragraph explains that starting photography requires commitment to learn many aspects like gear, techniques, settings, personal style, editing, etc. It shares the speaker's experience of struggling for years before finding success. The paragraph mentions resources like the speaker's YouTube channel, Skillshare, and courses to learn photography.

05:01
🎓 University photography courses may not provide enough practical experience; social media enables connections

The second paragraph argues that university photography courses are very expensive and don't provide enough practical experience. Social media enables connecting and collaborating with other photographers without needing a photography degree. The paragraph states that a good portfolio matters more than certificates or titles.

10:02
📸 Practicing and analyzing your photos is key; focus on composition, lighting, pose, moments and sharpness

The third paragraph provides tips on aspects to analyze when practicing photography, including composition, exposure, light source, pose, capturing moments, and sharpness. It explains how analyzing photos systematically will help identify areas for improvement.

15:03
😊 Initially enjoy the photography learning process without pressure; persistence leads to mastery

The fourth paragraph advises beginners not to worry about monetization initially but focus on skill development. It shares the speaker's experience of persisting through mistakes and struggles before finding success. The paragraph encourages embracing the learning process and promises growth through practice.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Photography techniques
This refers to the different methods, settings, and skills required to take high quality photographs. The video emphasizes the importance of learning techniques like composition, lighting, pose, moments, shutter speed control etc. Mastering techniques is critical for progressing from a beginner to an expert photographer.
💡Practice
The act of actively using your camera and taking photographs is referred to as practice. The video repeatedly stresses the need to practice often, make mistakes, and learn in order to improve photography skills.
💡Niche
A niche refers to a particular style or category of photography that a photographer specializes in, such as portrait, travel, wildlife etc. The video advises experimenting with different niches to find one's strengths and passions.
💡Framing and composition
Framing refers to how subjects are positioned within the camera frame. Composition involves arranging visual elements in an aesthetically pleasing way by using techniques like the rule of thirds. Proper framing and composition are crucial photography skills.
💡Learning process
The long-term journey of building one's skill and knowledge as a photographer is referred to as the learning process. The video emphasizes embracing this process rather than rushing towards monetization.
💡Editing
Editing refers to processing and enhancing photographs after they have been taken, using photo editing software. One's affinity for editing certain niches can help identify strengths and interests.
💡Social media
Platforms like Instagram and YouTube that allow photographers to showcase work, find inspiration, and connect with other creatives for collaborations and learning. An alternative to formal university education.
💡Patience
The ability to wait calmly for the right moment to capture the perfect shot. Critical for niches like street or wildlife photography that rely on timing.
💡Comparison
The act of measuring one's own progress and ability as a photographer in relation to others. The video advises against comparison with others and to focus on self-improvement.
💡Shutter speed
Shutter speed refers to the camera setting that determines how long its shutter remains open to expose the camera sensor to light. Using faster shutter speeds help avoid blurry photos due to camera shake, especially for beginners.
Highlights

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to learn photography and everything I know through tutorials and exclusive content

You can learn photography for free nowadays through YouTube, Skillshare, and buying courses from other creators

I don't believe you need to go to university to learn photography with all the resources available today

The best way to learn is by practicing with your camera since digital allows you to experiment at no cost

Experiment with different photography niches to find what you enjoy shooting and editing the most

Analyze your photos - check framing, lighting, light source, model pose, moments and sharpness to improve

Learn the photography rules and terminology but don't get caught up in technicism

Ramp up shutter speed initially to avoid blurry photos from shaky hands

Be patient for the right moments as a street photographer

Don't rush into making money from photography, enjoy learning it as a hobby first

It takes time to develop photography skills - you'll make mistakes but keep practicing

Stay passionate, get better at your craft before focusing on monetization

Photography is intense, overwhelm comes from wanting quick results

Compare your progress to your past self, not others

With patience you can turn photography first into a passion, then a business

Transcripts

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