7 Things Beginning Photographers Should Do

I thought I would post this blog because I had just been asked for some advice by a friend who is just starting to get into photography. I am no major professional photographer, no guru,  not making too much money at it and don't claim to have 'arrived'. However, if I had it all to do over again, I would do these 7 things:

1. Just start shooting. Take whatever camera you have and just get out there and start shooting things. Whether you have a point and shoot camera, a plastic 35mm throwaway camera or a cell phone, just start taking pics and see what you get.
   
2. Hold off on any “education”. Just get out there and see where it takes you. It is sort of a talent check. See what kind of raw talent you may have. Don't let yourself get tainted by following the “rules of photography”. Do this for a few months, you probably hit a wall and start getting hungry to expand your technical skills. Then check out some higher learning.
   
3. Get a manual camera. Get a camera that you can change the settings on. ISO, f stop and shutter speed. Don't spend too much cash when you first get started, there are plenty of really good used semi pro cameras out there for low prices, especialy if you get one that does not have video capabilities.
   
4. Shoot one camera, one lens. When you first get started it is good to just stick to one piece of equipement so that you can get to know it inside and out. When you are not focusing on the equipment it helps you to focus more on creativity, you are allowing yourself to spend a bit more time thinking about composition and your subject. Using one camera and one lens allows you to get to know the sweet spot and or limitations of your equipment and let your creativity flow.
   
5. Start shooting what is around you. Find local spots, parks, historical places and friends. No need to go too far to find that crazy unique spot. Make your ordinary spot unique.
   
6. Learn from others. When you are ready to expand your knowledge base on the 'finer' points of photography, find a mentor that can help and encourage you in your new endeavor. Other places to learn: Youtube, vimeo, photography.com, and trade magazines.
   
7. Shoot everyday. Take at least one photograph everyday. Just get out there and do it. I read somewhere that it takes 10,000 hours of practice before a person reaches the level where you would be considered professional or the equivalent.
   

Well there you have it some advice from a guy who has 7121 hours behind the lens of a camera. Tomorrow I am going to log another 6 hours. Happy shooting everyone.