How to become a photographer

Let’s clear something up real quick: You don’t need a fancy camera — or any camera — to start your photography journey.

Seriously.

Becoming a photographer isn’t about owning the latest gear right out of the gate. It’s about learning to see. To frame the world through your lens — whether that’s your iPhone or a Canon R5.

What matters most? Story, light, and the courage to start.

Here’s your no-fluff, beginner-friendly guide to going from zero to photographer (without maxing out your credit card).

Let’s go.

Start With What You Have (Yes, Your Phone Counts)

Forget what anyone says about needing “real” equipment to start.

Your phone camera? That’s your training ground.

Photography is at least 90% lighting, but the other 10%? That’s where you come in.

Practice shooting every day:

• Experiment with natural light — avoid harsh midday sun and find shade, golden hour, or soft window light.
• Shoot different subjects, angles, and moments.
• Think about what story you're telling. What does the photo feel like?

One of the greatest portrait photographers once shot someone from behind — because he understood the story. And that’s the key.

Lighting is your tool. Story is your soul.

Master The Triangle (Don’t Skip This)

This is the part where things sound technical—but stick with us. It’s called the exposure triangle, and it’s made up of: 📸 ISO, shutter speed, and aperture (a.k.a. your f-stop)

Together, they control how your photo looks—and once you get the hang of them, you’re unstoppable.

Let’s break it down:

• ISO = Your camera’s sensitivity to light. Lower ISO (like 100–400) = less sensitive, cleaner image. Higher ISO (like 1600+) = more sensitive, brighter shot, but more grain. 📌 Don’t be afraid of grain. Sharp + gritty > blurry + clean.
• Shutter speed = How fast your camera takes the photo. Fast shutter (1/500+) = freeze motion (think running kids). Slow shutter (1/60 or below) = more light, but more motion blur. 📌 Match your speed to the moment. Action needs speed.
• Aperture (f-stop) = How wide your lens opens. Lower f-number (like f/1.2) = shallow depth of field (blurry background). Higher f-number (like f/8) = more in focus (great for group shots or landscapes). 📌 Don’t default to wide open. Ask: What’s the story here?

Now here’s what a lot of new photographers do (no shame): They shoot everything wide open—f/1.2, dreamy blur city.

But let’s be real: Not every photo needs to be shot at f/1.2. Shallow depth of field doesn’t automatically = cinematic. What matters more? The story.

Ask yourself:

→ What needs to be in focus?
→ What’s the moment here?
→ What does this image need to feel like?

Then use your settings like a pro:

• Shutter speed should match the action (don’t let the shot go blurry unless it’s on purpose)
• ISO is your friend—don’t fear a little grain
• Aperture should serve the image, not just the aesthetic

A sharp, grainy photo that tells a story will always beat a clean, blurry one that doesn’t.

So yeah — master the triangle. It’s not about getting fancy. It’s about getting intentional.

Borrow Before You Buy

Before you spend your rent money on gear, try before you buy.

• Ask a friend to borrow a camera
• Rent from local shops
• Or use platforms like ShareGrid or KitSplit to rent gear short-term and test what you like

Hands-on experience > impulse purchase. Let your style guide your gear, not the other way around.

Find Your Photography People (Feedback Edition)

Community is everything—but not all opinions deserve a seat at your table.

• Join local groups or online communities (Session’s FB crew is 🔥)
• Ask for specific feedback—"How’s my lighting?" or "Would you crop this differently?"
• But also? Take it with a grain of salt.

If you wouldn’t take their advice, don’t take their criticism. Follow photographers you respect. Let them shape how you grow.

Learn to Move Like a Photographer

Here’s a secret the pros don’t always tell you: Good photographers move.

Life doesn’t sit still, and neither should you.

Whether it’s chasing kids around a park, adjusting mid-wedding chaos, or dodging unpredictable weather, the best photographers know how to:

• Stay flexible
• Flow with their subjects
• Anticipate the next moment before it happens

Practice moving your feet, not just your zoom. Squat, climb, lean in, step back. Try shooting from every angle and distance.

The magic isn’t always where you’re standing. You have to move to find it.

Start Offering Free or Low-Cost Sessions (Yes, Really)

Once you’ve got any camera in hand, start practicing with real people. Offer free or low-cost shoots for:

• Friends
• Family
• Local businesses

The goal isn’t to make money (yet) — it’s to build your portfolio, learn to work with clients, and start getting comfortable behind the lens.

Build a Starter Portfolio (Don’t Overthink It)

Start with:

• 10 to 15 of your favorite shots
• A mix of portraits, candids, details, and whatever you love to shoot
• Use a free website builder or even Instagram as your starter portfolio

You’re not here to look like everyone else.

You’re here to look like you.

Learn How to Edit (This Is Where The Magic Happens)

Editing is half the art.

No, we’re not talking about slapping on a filter and calling it a day.

• Invest in proper editing software: we love Lightroom, Capture One, and Evoto (hello, smart AI features)
• Watch tutorials. Learn how to tweak light, color, contrast, and vibe.
• Develop your signature look through trial, error, and consistency. Don’t rely on presets you can buy on Etsy.

Protect Your Work (This Is Work Now)

Even if you’re just getting started, the second someone hires you — it’s business.

• Use a contract. Every. Single. Time.
• Set clear expectations on scope, delivery, payment, and rights.
• Communicate well and professionally.

When you're ready to go full pro, Session is here for it all: 📑 Contracts, 💬 Emails, 💸 Payments, 📷 Galleries—you name it. We're your behind-the-scenes BFF.

Keep Going (Even When You Think You’re “Not Good Enough”)

Let’s be honest: You’ll mess up. You’ll overexpose, underdeliver, and overthink.

But here’s the thing: The difference between a person who wants to be a photographer and one who becomes one?

They kept going.

Quick Recap: Your No-Excuses Starter Pack

✅ Start with your phone
✅ Learn lighting and story first
✅ Master the exposure triangle
✅ Borrow gear before buying
✅ Find community (and filter your feedback)
✅ Move like a photographer
✅ Practice with real people
✅ Build a simple portfolio
✅ Learn to edit like a pro
✅ Protect your work with contracts (get Session!)
✅ Keep going — even when it’s messy

Final Truth?

You don’t need all the gear. You don’t need a studio. You don’t need to feel “ready.”

You just need to start.

And the best part? You’ve already taken the first step: You’re here.