In this blog, I will explain how to exactly prepare or start your photography journey. Photography is a common hobby shared by many around the world and it is a very easy and fast hobby. There might be a lot of requirements for a perfect photo, but if you’re only a starter then this “blog” is a perfect place to learn some facts and tips to begin your journey into the photography world.
For one, I have an extreme experience with this hobby. I mostly or mainly photograph on a cell phone, specifically the iPhone 11, formerly with a XS. To this day, both of these cell phones just listed hold up pretty well with photography. Most of the captures from these photos will assure you with satisfaction. Even though they’re showing their age, they still will hold up with everyday usage and photography, but I recommend going for a larger storage option and having a backup app to store many photos, like Google Photos. Below I will begin on how to begin photography and slowly make your way to become a “professional” at this hobby.
As I mentioned once or twice in the beginning, or the introduction, you can begin practicing photography by using your own cell phone that has a camera. Photography doesn’t already begin from an overpriced camera. For one, you likely won’t have the budget for the camera and two, you’re only starting this hobby. Your cell phone camera however has one flaw from the rest of flagship digital cameras; they don’t have a larger sensor. Most cell phone cameras have a much smaller sensor than main cameras. But it’s really the only flaw from photographing from the phone. The further you zoom into, the blurrier the picture will likely turn out.
Once you have your cell phone ready, open the camera app. Most flagship phones will have multiple options in order to capture a stunning shot. There is also more than one photo format instead of using the common 4:3 photo format. If the format options aren’t really it, you can later crop it in your gallery or photos app, or when using a photoshop application or site. Another thing you may have noticed when it comes to photography with flash, it might come out better than expected, because a flash will highlight a lot of the photo and if you tend to be shaky, you will give it a bit of a polaroid or retro type of photo. This goes for the same without flash, but with nearby lighting. This technique is almost similarly related to “motion blur”. These will sometimes occur in photos when you’re capturing something moving at a faster speed than you moving the camera. For example, you’re rotating at a 90 degree angle northeast at a speed of 10 mph, and the thing you’re capturing is moving at 15 to 30 mph. Do not stress so much on this step or the blur effect.
Filters also play a big role in the photography world. They can heavily enhance a photo and make it look just as good as someone that could’ve taken that on a digital camera. Some photo apps will have the edit option, which features many settings to fix lighting, shadow, contrast, etc. You can choose to mess around with it until you’re satisfied with what you selected. Do NOT also stress on this step either. This step is mainly optional but it is a good feature to add onto your photos.
After the previous steps, you’re done with your first ever photograph! Photography is really simple and easy. No one can mess it up really badly. You will not assuredly become a professional right away if you’re only capturing on your phone. Once you begin getting used to the wonky and silly features many photos have to edit your photos, you will soon eventually be ready to use the real deal, digital camera. I cannot afford a digital camera yet, but I’m pretty satisfied with my photo’s photo captures.
Photo Credits: Gatherina, on Deposit Photos.
Emery Libera- Cristo Rey Jesuit- DMSF Class of 2028