Photography as a hobby can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It allows you to capture moments that would otherwise be forgotten and see things from a new perspective. Practicing photography can help you reduce stress and express yourself creatively while building self-confidence and connecting with others. To get started with photography as a hobby, all you need is a camera and an open mind! Start by exploring your local area or nature and take pictures of things that interest you. Don’t worry about taking perfect pictures at first; just have fun and experiment with different angles and lighting conditions until you find your style
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Photography
as a hobby
Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.
Aaron Siskind
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We curated content to familiarize you with photography as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.
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The word “photography” comes from two Greek words that mean “writing with light”.
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Aperture: The opening in the lens that controls how much light enters the camera.
- Shutter speed: The length of time the shutter stays open to expose the sensor to light.
- ISO: The sensitivity of the sensor to light. A higher ISO means more noise but also more brightness.
- Exposure: The amount of light that reaches the sensor. A correct exposure depends on the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings.
- White balance: The adjustment of the color temperature to match the lighting conditions.
- Focus: The sharpness of the image. Autofocus (AF) lets the camera choose the focus point, while manual focus (MF) lets you do it yourself.
- Depth of field: The range of distance that appears sharp in the image. A shallow depth of field means only a small area is in focus, while a large depth of field means more of the scene is in focus.
- Composition: The arrangement of elements in the image. There are various rules and guidelines to help you create a pleasing composition, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry.
- Post-processing: The editing of the image after it is taken. You can use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance the colors, contrast, sharpness, and other aspects of your image.
- Point-and-shoot cameras are small and simple cameras with a fixed lens and a small sensor. They are good for casual photography. Example: Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II.
- Bridge cameras are cameras that have a larger sensor and more features than point-and-shoot cameras. They also have a fixed lens with a wide zoom range. They are good for versatile photography. Example: Nikon Coolpix P1000.
- DSLR cameras are cameras that use a mirror and prism system to show what the lens sees. They have a large sensor and interchangeable lenses, giving them high quality and flexibility. They are good for professional and enthusiast photographers. Example: Canon EOS 90D.
- Mirrorless cameras are cameras that do not have a mirror or optical viewfinder but may have an electronic viewfinder or a digital display. They also have a large sensor and interchangeable lenses, but they are smaller and quieter than DSLR cameras. They are good for compact and modern photography. Example: Sony A7 IV.
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How to break the ice and make a start.
Start capturing the world around you with your smartphone:
- Shoot portraits of yourself, your family, your friends, or your pets.
- Shoot landscapes of your favorite places, such as parks, beaches, mountains, or cities.
- Shoot still life of objects that interest you, such as flowers, food, books, or toys.
- Shoot macro of small details that you normally overlook, such as insects, leaves, water drops, or textures.
- Shoot abstract shapes, colors, patterns, or movements that catch your eye.
And ask for honest feedback.
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Photography as a hobby gets you active. It encourages you to go outside, explore new places, and meet new people.
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What can I do with my photos after taking them? (It’s pointless if nobody sees them)
- Make sure you enjoy them yourself. Utilize features like Google Photos Memories to relive beautiful moments. Looking at your photos can be uplifting and enlightening.
- Use your photos as a background or screensaver on your phone, laptop, TV, or a dedicated digital frame: for yourself, family, and friends to enjoy.
- Use social media, but go beyond Instagram and explore photography-dedicated platforms such as Flickr and 500px.
- Consider sending your photos to magazines or entering photography competitions.
- Consider creating a photography blog.
What are the basic elements of photography?
The basic elements of photography are exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Exposure is the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor. Aperture is the size of the opening in the lens that controls how much light enters the camera. Shutter speed is the length of time that the camera shutter is open to expose the sensor to light. ISO is the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light
How can I get feedback on my photos?
You can join photography groups or communities to share your work and get feedback from other photographers. You can also ask for honest feedback from friends and family.
What types of cameras are there?
There are four main types of cameras: point-and-shoot cameras, bridge cameras, DSLR cameras, and mirrorless cameras. Each type of camera has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your photography needs and preferences. You can learn more about each type of camera in the terms section.
Are standalone cameras better than phone cameras? In what ways do they differ?
Standalone cameras are usually better than phone cameras in terms of image quality, zoom range, low-light performance, and creative control. Standalone cameras differ from phone cameras in several ways, such as sensor size, lens options, and manual controls.
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Photography can inspire others. It can share your vision, raise awareness, and create positive change.
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| Activities | |
|---|---|
| Fields | |
| Locations | Abroad, City, Countryside, Forest, Lake, Mountain, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Sea, Studio |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Attention to Detail, Creativity, Cultural Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Patience, Planning |