How to learn photography
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
Learning photography doesn’t happen all at once. It builds slowly, through noticing, experimenting, and returning to the same ideas again and again. What matters most early on is not how much you shoot, but how you observe.
And if, like me, you’re drawn to landscape photography, you already have an incredible advantage: a region rich in texture, light, and seasonal contrast that naturally teaches you how different elements come together to create an image.
1) How to understand light in photography
Light is one of the most important elements in photography, and learning how to work with it can completely change the way you approach an image.
Light levels can shift quickly throughout the day. Early mornings bring softer tones and gentle contrast, while the golden hour before sunset adds warmth and depth to a scene. Overcast conditions, fog, and changing weather can be used to create mood and atmosphere.
When I’m photographing landscapes, I pay close attention to how the light is interacting with the environment. Where are the highlights? Where are the shadows? Is the light adding something to the story of the image, or would a different time of day create a stronger result?
Learning to recognize these differences takes time, but it’s one of the most valuable skills you can develop. The more you observe light without immediately taking a photo, the easier it becomes to make intentional choices when you are behind the camera.
2) How to improve your photography composition
Composition is about deciding what to include in an image and how those elements work together. The way you frame the scene is what helps guide the viewer’s eye, so think about balance, perspective, and what first draws your attention.
Simple adjustments can make a big difference in composition. Things like using leading lines, creating depth with foreground elements, or including layers within the landscape can help create a more engaging image. Sometimes moving a few steps to the left or right, stepping up onto a rock, or crouching down can completely change the relationship between the foreground, background, and main subject.
3) How to master exposure in photography
Exposure determines how much light reaches your camera’s sensor, and it is controlled through three key settings: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
Shutter speed controls movement and light. A faster shutter speed freezes movement, which can be useful for capturing sharp details. A slower shutter speed allows more light into the camera and can create a softer, smoother image.
Aperture controls depth of field. A smaller aperture keeps more of the scene in focus, which is useful when you want detail from the foreground through to the background. A wider aperture creates a shallower depth of field, which can help isolate a specific subject.
ISO controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO setting generally produces the cleanest image with the most detail, ideal for when there is plenty of natural light. Increasing ISO can help in darker conditions, but may result in a grainier image.
4) How practice improves your landscape photography
One of the best ways to learn photography is to return to the same locations more than once. When photographing landscapes, a familiar scene can look completely different depending on the season, the weather, and time of day. Revisiting a place helps you notice details you may have missed before and encourages you to approach the scene differently.
After each shoot, take time to carefully review your images. Consider what worked, what could be improved, and what you would do differently next time. This reflection is where much of the learning happens.
Over time, photography becomes less about guessing your settings and more about making confident, intentional choices.
Hi, I’m Erica Joy, and photography has been a way for me to foster connections, find my calm, and spark my creativity. Every time I set up my camera, whether I’m capturing a quintessential New England scene or wonders around the world, my goal is to preserve not only the beauty in front of me but also the emotions it stirs within me. Whether you’re interested in landscape photography, browsing my art prints, joining me for workshops or community events, or commissioning a custom print, I’d love to help you connect with the beauty of the world.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like “Photography tips for beginners”.
To explore my entire photography portfolio, head over here.
To purchase a print or commission a custom piece, contact me here.
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