What I Wish I Knew Before Learning Photography

I still remember how excited I was when I first picked up a camera. I had big dreams of capturing beautiful memories — cozy family moments, glowing sunsets, maybe even content for a creative side hustle. But that excitement quickly turned into overwhelm. There was so much I didn’t know — and so much I didn’t know I didn’t know.

If you're just starting out on your photography journey, I want to share a few things I wish someone had told me back then. These are the reminders I needed, and maybe they’re the ones you need, too.

1. You Don’t Need Fancy Gear to Take Beautiful Photos

I used to think I needed the latest camera body, a collection of lenses, and a whole studio setup to get photos that felt “good enough.” But the truth? You can take stunning photos with a basic camera — or even your phone — if you understand light, composition, and how to see creatively. It’s not about the gear. It’s about how you use what you have.

2. Manual Mode Isn’t as Scary as It Seems

Manual mode used to feel like some kind of elite-level setting — like it was only for professionals. But learning the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO gave me so much more freedom to get the look I wanted. You don’t have to master it overnight. Just take it one piece at a time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it starts to make sense.

3. You’re Allowed to Take Bad Photos

Seriously. Not every photo you take has to be perfect — or even good. In fact, the “bad” ones are often the best teachers. I spent way too long criticizing myself for blurry images or weird lighting when I should’ve been celebrating that I was learning. Progress comes through practice — not perfection.

4. You Don’t Have to Learn It All at Once

Photography can feel like this giant world with endless terms, settings, techniques, and styles. It’s easy to feel like you’ll never catch up. But learning one skill at a time — and giving yourself room to grow — is the fastest way to build confidence. Focus on one thing. Then the next. Let it stack.

5. Your Perspective Matters

This might be the most important thing of all. There are a million photographers out there, but there’s only one you. Your story, your experiences, and the way you see the world — they all shape the images you create. And that’s what makes your work special. Even as a beginner, your eye is worth trusting. If you're just getting started, or even if you’ve been dabbling for a while, I hope this gave you a little permission to breathe, go easy on yourself, and keep going.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up.

You’ve got this. 💛