A Beginner’s Photography Guide to Passion, Editing, and Gear Essentials

Indigo Diaries
20 hours ago
5 min read

Black and white cityscape of tall buildings against sky. "IndigoDiaries" text and parking signs in foreground add urban vibe.

In this blog, explore how to find your spark in this photography guide, the importance of editing to bring out the best in your shots, and how using the right equipment can enhance your creative process. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these tips will help you take control of your photography journey and start capturing images that truly reflect your vision.

Choose your spark

Hockey players in white jerseys on ice. Player with "29" prepares to swing stick. Other players in background. Dimly lit rink. — *Throw back to my early photography!*

I believe that every passion is fueled by a reason, a moment, or a curiosity that keeps you coming back. For a musician, they might practice their guitar for hours on end in the hope of performing in front of a crowd. For photographers, it is discovering the subjects, scenes, or moments that ignite your creativity. Finding your spark in photography can feel natural for some, while for others it takes time and exploration.

I started photography during the midst of covid where I spent a few months in Florida. The wildlife was abundant and it was easy to find birds, and sceneries that I enjoyed to capture. However, when I returned to boarding school, I quickly lost my spark. Being "stuck" in the middle of nowhere, with seemingly nothing to photograph except a plain tree, I had to find something else to photograph. That's when I found a new interest: athletes in action. (If you are an athlete or friend reading this, feel free to reach out.)

Ice hockey players in action near the goal. Culver team in maroon and white faces opponents in blue. Intense focus on the puck.

Your spark could be anything. Maybe it is documenting city life, photographing landscapes during your travels, capturing the thrill of sports, or creating memorable portraits. Portrait photography is a unique way to connect with your subjects and tell their stories through your lens. The opportunities are endless, and every photographer’s journey is unique.

Don't get catfished...

Observation tower with a round, concrete observation deck, brown and gray stripes, and an orange elevator moving up on a light background.

Dark tower against gray sky, featuring a large observation deck and an orange lift moving upwards. Minimalist and somber mood.

Yes, you are staring at the same picture.

The truth about photography is that capturing the picture is actually only half the battle. Once you get home, that's when the real fun begins (in my opinion). You get to make decisions and show you're true creativity shine through.

First tip for photographers: Set your camera to shoot in RAW format. RAW files preserve the most image data, giving you greater flexibility in post-processing. You can adjust lighting, colors, and details more effectively than with standard JPEGs, ensuring your photos look their best.

After your shoot: Review all your photos at home and curate your collection. Keep the best shots, and delete any that are blurry, repetitive, or simply don’t capture your interest. This process ensures a high-quality, visually compelling photo gallery. Next, choose a photo editor that works best for you. There are many free and easy-to-use options available online, so you can try a few to see which interface you prefer. Take your time experimenting with cropping, adjusting color contrast, enhancing clarity, and fine-tuning exposure. These edits allow you to transform your photos and bring out the full potential of each image, creating a polished and visually striking gallery.

Equipment

Getting into photography often starts with one simple step: finding the right equipment. While we all carry cameras on our phones, capturing truly stunning shots often requires a dedicated camera.

Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming with so many options available, but the best camera is not necessarily the most expensive one. What matters most is finding a camera that matches your style, comfort, and creative goals. Start by defining your purpose.

If you enjoy portrait photography, look for a camera with reliable autofocus and pair it with a wide aperture lens to create beautiful background blur. For travel photography, a lightweight mirrorless camera with long battery life and weather resistance is often ideal. If you prefer sports or wildlife photography, you may want to prioritize a fast shutter speed.

I’ve been using the Canon Rebel T7 for years, and it’s been amazing. It connects easily to my phone, delivers sharp, vibrant photos, and has every feature I’ve needed as I’ve grown in my photography journey. If you’re just starting out, this camera is a fantastic and reliable choice to begin with.

Here's a link: https://amzn.to/4oM2Xmt

Remember, the camera is only part of the equation. The lens you use can make an even bigger difference in image quality, depth, and overall style. Investing in the right lens for your photography goals will help you capture sharper, more professional-looking photos and elevate your creative potential.

A black camera lens with hood, showing zoom numbers and switches on a white background. Text: 105, 70, 50, 35, VR, AM, ON/OFF.

Once you’ve got your camera, the next step is choosing a lens that fits your photography style. For me, the 75–300mm close-up lens has been a game changer. The type of lens you choose will depend a bit on what you’re most interested in photographing, but this one has worked wonders for wildlife photography and detailed close-ups.

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One of the key reasons I love this lens is

its low aperture range. Aperture refers to how wide the lens opens when taking a photo, which controls how much light enters the camera. A lower aperture number (like f/4 or f/5.6) means the lens opens wider, allowing more light in and creating that beautiful blurred background effect that makes your subject stand out. This makes it perfect for capturing crisp, focused images of animals, flowers, or any small details you want to highlight.

Last but not least, don’t forget a camera bag.

Why, you ask? Because trust me, you do not want to make the same rookie mistakes I did. Camera gear is both expensive and fragile, and one careless bump or drop can quickly turn your investment into a very sad paperweight. A good camera bag keeps everything safe, organized, and easy to carry when you’re out shooting.

Whether you are hiking through trails for wildlife photography or strolling around the city snapping street shots, a padded, weather-resistant camera bag can save you a lot of stress and money. So take it from me, protect your camera equipment before your equipment teaches you a hard lesson.

Finding your spark in photography, learning to edit your images, and using the right equipment are all pieces of the same puzzle. Each step builds on the other, helping you grow as a photographer and express your unique vision. Remember, photography is as much about experimenting and exploring as it is about technical skills. Don’t be afraid to try new subjects, angles, or editing techniques, and always follow what excites you behind the lens.

Whether you are capturing breathtaking landscapes, fast-paced sports, or intimate portraits, the key is to stay curious and keep practicing. The more you experiment and refine your process, the more your own style will emerge. At the end of the day, photography is not just about taking pictures, it’s about telling stories, capturing moments, and sharing your perspective with the world.

Thank you for reading this far! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment—I’d be happy to help. You can also find more of my pictures on Instagram: @Stelle_photography.