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What things do I try related to photography to get a head start on experience?

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Cameron’s Answer

The answer is the same as with any artform. Get the tools to make art, in this case a camera, even your phone is fine as a starting point, since at first your primary concern initially should be composition, and then practice. A LOT. Take classes, watch YouTube tutorials, and generally just familiarize yourself with the basics of composition and lighting first and foremost. After that, get a DSLR (or mirrorless), and then learn to use that on manual mode, and once again, practice a TON. Outside of all this, a classroom setting where your stuff gets dissected via formal critique is probably the fastest way to improve (noted, this is not just telling you something sucks or is great, but why and how you can improve in the future), though it's not always a fun experience.

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Carrie’s Answer

If you are looking to learn photography and gain experience, I would first say that you need to be comfortable using your camera. One thing that I found helpful when I first learned photography was taking my camera and spending time learning each camera mode available. Take time to use each mode, learning how it works, what results you get, etc. Make sure you learn how to use manual mode as that will give you the most control. When I first had my own camera I shot each one for a week, seeing what I expected vs what I saw when using it. This helped me to better understand my camera.

Carrie recommends the following next steps:

To add more to your experience you can bring your camera to family events, try shooting in different lighting situations(inside, outside), different times of day (see how the sun, its strength and its direction changes), etc
Find a local group to donate time and take photos of events for practice (for example Senior living facilities, Boy Scout activities, Girl Scouts, Recreational Sport teams)
Take photos of your friends
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David’s Answer

Hi Anna, to start, learn how to use a DSLR camera. Since I prefer reading, try The Photographers Handbook by Michael Freeman. I've been reading Freeman's books for 30 years and they are excellent. If you do not own a DSLR, I would suggest you start with an inexpensive used camera and lens. If you're thinking about photography as a career, this is where you start.
If your school has a yearbook staff, join them. Bring your camera with you everywhere and take pics. Look at the websites of working photographers and see what are considered good photographs. How do your images measure up? Shoot what interests you visually. Look at the work of other photographers; why does an image attract you?
I have been a professional photographer for over 50 years and I'm still practicing and learning. Good luck!
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