10 Photography Tips for Absolute Beginners

Because everyone starts somewhere - and you don’t need a fancy camera to take quality photos!

So you’ve decided to dive into photography - welcome to the party! Whether you’re snapping with a phone or a basic camera, the good news is: great photos aren’t always about expensive gear (although with experience, gear becomes quite helpful). They’re about knowing how to see. And that’s exactly what these beginner tips are here to help with!

Let’s make photography feel easy, fun, and totally doable!

Use Natural Light Whenever You Can

Indoor lighting can be tricky, so try shooting near a window or go outside.

Pro tip: Cloudy days are my favorite for portraits! No squinting or harsh shadows!

Clean Your Lens

Sounds easy, but so many people forget. If your photos are coming out blurry or hazy, give your lens a quick wipe and try again!

Keep It Simple

You don’t need every photo to have a complicated scene. In fact, less is more a lot of the time. Try shooting against a clean background or focusing on one subject at a time.

Try this: Place a coffee mug on a table with window light, and take a shot with no distractions in the background.

Learn the Rule of Thirds

Imagine your photo split into a grid of 9 equal parts. Placing your subject along those lines (or where they intersect) makes your photo more balanced and interesting.

On your phone? Turn on the grid in your settings!

Tap to Focus + Adjust Exposure

Most phones let you tap on the subject to focus and then drag up/down to brighten or darken the image. It’s a quick way to take control of your shot instead of relying on auto mode.

Don’t Zoom - Move Your Feet

Digital zoom on phones = instant potato quality. Instead, use your feet and walk closer to the subject. Your photo will be sharper.

Watch the Background

Ever taken a cute photo only to realize there’s a trash can behind you? Yeah, it happens to the best of us. Always glance at the background before you snap.

Quick fix: Move a few steps or change your angle. Clean background = cleaner shot.

Try Different Angles

Most people shoot from eye level - and that works for a lot of instances. But crouch down or shoot from above and you’ll instantly make your photo more dynamic. Experimenting with angles is one of the easiest way to elevate your photos.

Don’t Be Afraid of Editing

Editing doesn’t mean changing everything. It means enhancing what’s already there - like brightening, adding contrast, or cropping. I suggest starting with beginner friendly apps like Lightroom Mobile.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

The best way to get better? Just start taking photos. Of anything. Every single day! You’ll learn by doing - and your “eye” will sharpen faster than you think.

Here’s a fun challenge: Take 5 photos of the same object, each from a different angle or with different lighting. You’ll be surprised how much variety you can create.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big camera. You don’t need to know everything. You just need curiousity, patience, and a willingness to play. So go out, take a million photos, make mistakes - and have fun doing it.

Want more beginner-friendly tips? Follow me on Instagram, and stay in touch for a surprise coming this year!

xoxo,

janie lin