top of page

Photography for beginners

Professional Photographer on the beach

Taking up photography can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. There are so many cameras, techniques, and styles to explore that it can be difficult to figure out where to begin.


For me, the journey began with curiosity and a simple desire to capture the beauty around me. Over time, I discovered that photography is about noticing the small details, connecting with the world, and preserving moments that spark joy and wonder.


In this post, I’ll share some tips for beginners, from getting started with your first camera to understanding composition and light, all inspired by my adventures in New England landscape photography.


  1. Why I fell in love with New England landscape photography

  2. Photography for beginners: Getting started

  3. Learning the basics: Composition and light



  1. Why I fell in love with New England landscape photography


Photography has been a way for me to find calm, spark my creativity, and connect with the world around me. When I first moved to Boston, I started exploring the coastlines, forests, and mountains with my camera, and I quickly fell in love with capturing the way the light danced across these landscapes.


Every beginner has to start somewhere, and it was when I discovered the magical wonder of New England landscape photography that my new hobby became a passion. The way morning fog rolls over a harbor, the fiery colors of autumn in the White Mountains, or the quiet serenity of a snowy trail. Every time I snap a photo, I’m not just capturing a scene; I’m preserving a feeling, a moment of wonder I want to share with others.


Finding your own passion, whether it’s a particular place, subject, or style, is the key to getting started in photography. Once you know what excites you, the next steps, from choosing your first camera to learning the basics of composition and light, become much more meaningful and enjoyable.



  1. Photography for beginners: Getting started


Once you’ve discovered what excites you in photography, the next step is simply picking up your camera and exploring. Every photography journey begins with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, and you don’t need to have all the gear or know every technique right away.


For beginners, I often recommend starting with a camera you feel comfortable with, whether that’s a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or even experimenting with the manual settings on your smartphone camera. The goal isn’t to have the fanciest equipment; it’s to start noticing light, shapes, and textures in the world around you.


Carry your camera everywhere: on nature walks, visits to local parks, even around your neighborhood. Exploring the coastlines, forests, and mountains of New England with my camera taught me more than any guidebook or tutorial could. Don’t worry about taking ‘perfect’ photos; the first steps are about observation and experimentation.



  1. Learning the basics: Composition and light


Once you’ve started exploring photography, the next step is learning to see the world through your camera’s lens. Two of the most important elements to focus on as a beginner are composition and light, because they can completely transform an ordinary scene into something memorable.


Composition is all about how you arrange elements within your frame to guide the viewer’s eye and create a more balanced, compelling photo. Here are a few key composition tips I use regularly:

  • Rule of thirds: Divide your frame into an imaginary 3x3 grid and place your subject along these lines or at the intersections to create a natural balance.

  • Leading lines: Use roads, rivers, fences, or tree lines to lead the viewer’s eye, adding depth, dimension, and movement.

  • Natural framing: Look for elements like tree branches, windows, arches, or even shadows to frame your subject.

  • Perspective & angles: Even small changes in angle can completely transform a photo, so don’t be afraid to get low, climb higher, or move side to side.


Light is everything in photography. The soft glow of early morning or the warm hues of late afternoon can add drama, warmth, or serenity to your shots. Overcast or foggy days might feel limiting, but they often create moody, atmospheric images that tell a story in a completely different way.


As I’ve found, photography is a journey of curiosity, patience, and wonder. By exploring your surroundings, experimenting with composition and light, and following what inspires you, you’ll discover your own style and voice as a photographer.



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.


Comments

SHOP ALL

bottom of page