EPISODE 4 - Photo Basics Guide - 30/07/25

Starting out in photography? Here are 5 no-nonsense tips to improve your photos straight away.

Whether you’ve just picked up your first DSLR, started experimenting with your phone camera, or are thinking about turning your hobby into a side hustle — photography can feel overwhelming at the beginning. With so much technical stuff floating around, it's hard to know where to start.

So here are 5 simple, real-world photography tips I wish I knew when I was just starting out — especially if you’re learning photography in Australia and want to get confident shooting in all kinds of light, weather, and scenes.

1. Start Shooting — A Lot

You don’t need the perfect subject or the right weather. You just need to start.

The more you shoot, the better your eye gets. Start by photographing what’s around you — your neighbourhood, your dog, your morning coffee, your mates at the beach. The key to becoming a better photographer is consistency.

Beginner tip: Set yourself a challenge — one photo a day for 30 days. You’ll learn to spot interesting light and compositions in your everyday surroundings.

2. Manual Mode Isn’t Scary — Learn One Setting at a Time

Manual mode can look terrifying at first. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO… it’s a lot. But learning to shoot outside of Auto gives you more creative control and helps you understand how your camera works.

Start small — try changing just one setting at a time. Shoot the same subject at different apertures to see how depth of field changes. Then experiment with shutter speed or ISO next time.

Beginner tip: You don’t need to master manual mode in a day. Focus on understanding why each setting affects your image, not just what it does.

3. Light > Gear, Every Time

Great photos rely more on light than on expensive gear. If you can understand how to use light — soft vs harsh, backlight vs side light, golden hour vs midday sun — you’ll instantly take better photos.

Watch how the light falls on your subject. Is it flattering? Is it dramatic? Does it tell a story? Use shadows and highlights to create depth and mood in your images.

Beginner tip: Cloudy days are actually perfect for portraits — soft, diffused light is super flattering.

4. Use What You’ve Got (Gear Comes Later)

It’s tempting to think you need the best camera and lens to get started — but honestly, you don’t. Your entry-level DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even your smartphone can take incredible photos if you understand light, composition, and timing.

Focus on learning the fundamentals first. Once you hit the limits of your current gear, then you’ll know exactly what to upgrade and why.

Beginner tip: Take the time to master your current gear — know its strengths and weaknesses.

5. Copy to Learn, Then Make It Yours

Yep — copying is actually a great way to improve when you’re starting out. Look at photos you love and try to recreate them. Pay attention to the composition, the lighting, the editing style. Over time, your own preferences and creativity will kick in.

Think of it like learning guitar — you start by playing other people’s songs before writing your own.

Beginner tip: Try recreating one image a week from a photographer you admire. Add your own twist as you go.

Final Word

Photography is a craft. And like anything creative, it takes time, patience, and a heap of practice. Don’t stress about being perfect. Just start. Shoot often, learn the basics, and stay curious.

You’ve got this.

If you’re based around Newcastle, the Central Coast, or Port Stephens and want to level up your photos — whether for family portraits, brand shoots, or even drone photography — I offer beginner-friendly photo tutorials and content packages.