Photography for Beginners

What you need to know to get started

Once you’ve chosen your subject and got your camera kit together, it’s time to learn the basics of digital photography for beginners. While you could just point your camera and shoot, capturing better quality photos relies on an understanding of your camera settings. 

Exposure

Exposure is the amount of light which reaches your camera sensor or film, which determines how bright or dark your images appear. Exposure is made up of the Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed. You’ll be able to adjust these elements when you select the ‘manual’ mode on your camera. 

ISO

ISO  controls how sensitive your camera is to light, and it’s measured in ISO units. If you’re shooting in darker lighting, you’ll want to set your ISO higher, as this means more light can be captured. However, you’ll notice that your images may appear grainy because of the lighting. 

Aperture

Aperture refers to the opening of a lens's diaphragm through which light passes. This is measured in f/stops and generally written as numbers such as 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11 and 16.  The smaller the f-stop, the wider the aperture, which allows more light in. 

Shutter speed

The third element of exposure is shutter speed, which controls how long the shutter is left open for. The faster the shutter speed, the less light hits the sensor or film. Additionally, shutter speed controls the sensitivity to motion, with a faster shutter speed able to capture a frozen motion and a slower speed producing motion blur. 

Shooting in RAW

RAW is a file format which lets you capture your images in higher quality, as well as giving you more control when post-processing by not compressing your image automatically. We recommend shooting all images in RAW as this gives you better flexibility to adjust the white balance, contrast, temperature and more when retouching your images.

Rule of Thirds

Considering the composition of your shot is key. The rule of thirds is a simple principle which suggests images are better balanced when the subject is slightly off-centre. If you were following the rule of thirds, you’d mentally split your shot into a grid with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines that divide the picture into nine equal sections. When you compose your shot, you’d place the subject of your image at any of the four intersections. Photography is all about creativity, so while you can be creative and compose images as you like, the rule of thirds is a great technique to fall back on.

How to stay engaged with photography

If you’re looking for more beginner photography tips, take a look at our best-selling photography magazines. Covering a wide range of styles and techniques, they offer the perfect opportunity to discover your unique style of photography and hone your skills. Available to download instantly, you can begin practising today! 

Outdoor Photography

The UK’s only digital magazine dedicated to the wonderful outdoors, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful photography featured inside every issue. Brimming with guides on how to improve your skills and techniques and where best to shoot across the UK, as well as how to shoot different types of nature. Combining stunning landscape shots with expert advice on how to achieve these perfect photos, Outdoor Photography magazine is excellent for serious amateurs and semi-professionals alike. Discover the best locations to capture jaw-dropping photos, even if that means waking up at 2 am!

Price: From £2.50 per issue

Black White Photography

Dedicated to the art of monochrome photography, this magazine covers everything from portraiture and wildlife to still life and outdoor photography. Featuring the best techniques to boost your creative options, as well as the latest camera gear reviewed and tested, you’ll discover everything there is to know about black and white photography. If Black White Photography interests you, then download an issue today and be inspired to take your photography to a new dimension.

Price: From £3 per issue

Amateur Photographer

Full of informative articles on all aspects of photography, you’ll learn something new with every issue. Helping up-and-coming photographers to improve their skills and take fantastic photographs, Amateur Photographer magazine is perfect for those who are just starting out. Whether you’re looking for reviews on the latest gear, pictures to inspire you, or advice on photo editing tools, you’ll be sure to find it here. 

Price: From £1.57 per issue

Photography Week

The world’s best selling digital photography magazine packed full of inspiration, ideas and in-depth reviews. Brimming with stunning photography from both readers and professionals, you’ll sure be inspired to pick up your camera each week. From beginner tips to articles on how to take your hobby to the next level, Photography Week magazine is the go-to supplement for photographers all around the world. If you’re looking to get the most from your camera, learn how to use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and stay up to date with the photography world, then subscribe to Photography Week magazine today.

Price: From £0.38 per issue

Practical Photography

Practical Photography magazine is great for beginners looking to advance their skills and start getting creative with their visions. Brimming with interviews with expert photographers, as well as tips and tricks to take better photographs, this magazine is jam-packed with helpful guides and jargon-free reviews. Whether you’re shooting, landscapes, portraits or wildlife, Practical Photography will teach you how to shoot outside of your comfort zone.

Price: From £2.92 per issue

Digital Photographer

The essential monthly read for enthusiasts and pros. Discover the latest insider announcements, inspiring photographs, reviews on upcoming gear, and features on different photography styles. Motivating you to take your best shots, Digital Photographer magazine covers a wide range of techniques to help enhance your photography. Whether you’re looking for tips on capturing your dream photo or advice on taking photos throughout the day, you’ll be learning new techniques with each monthly issue. 

Price: From £2.38 per issue

With photography magazines covering everything from outdoor and landscape photography, to black and white and amateur photography, there’s a photography magazine subscription that’s perfect for you at Pocketmags.

Whatever your interests are, browse our full selection of photography magazine subscriptions and give yourself something to look forward to reading each month.