Start Shooting Smarter: 5 Beginner Photography Tips

The Shutterbug
2 days ago
3 min read

Learning photography is an exciting journey—one that blends creativity, curiosity, and just enough technical know-how to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or finally learning what all those settings do, starting with the right fundamentals makes all the difference.

At The Shutterbug, a locally owned camera store in Portland, Beaverton, Salem, and Eugene, Oregon, we help new photographers every day. From choosing the right Canon, Nikon, or Sony camera to offering beginner-friendly online photography classes, our goal is simple: help you take better photos and enjoy the process along the way.

Here are five essential beginner photography tips to get you started.

1. Choose a Camera That Matches Your Photography Goals

You don’t need the most expensive camera to take great photos. A dependable entry-level mirrorless camera from Canon, Nikon, or Sony is more than capable of producing beautiful images while giving you room to grow.

If you’re unsure where to start, visiting a knowledgeable camera store, like The Shutterbug, can save you time and frustration. Pre-owned cameras are also a great option if you’re budget-conscious.

📸 New to Canon or Sony? Our Beginner Canon Photography Class and Beginner Sony Photography Class are designed to help you understand your camera faster and shoot with confidence.👉 The Sony online class is happening today, and you can sign up for either (or both) classes on our Events page.

2. Use a Tripod for Sharper Photos

A tripod is one of the best accessories for beginner photographers. It stabilizes your camera, reduces blur from hand movement, and helps you slow down and think about composition.

Tripods are especially useful for:

Low-light photography
Landscapes and long exposures
Group photos and self-portraits

It’s a small investment that pays off immediately in image quality.

3. Pay Attention to Lighting

Light is one of the most important elements in photography. Natural light can be soft and flattering, or dramatic and bold—it all depends on how you use it.

Try repositioning your subject, changing the time of day you shoot, or moving to a different location to see how light affects your photos. Early morning and late afternoon often offer the most pleasing light for beginners.

4. Keep Your Camera Ready

Some of the best photos happen in unplanned moments. Keeping your camera nearby makes it easier to capture candid expressions, spontaneous scenes, and unexpected light.

Even when you’re not shooting, start training your eye. Take note of locations, textures, and moments you’d like to come back and photograph later.

5. Experiment With Camera Settings

Learning how aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance work together is key to growing as a photographer. Don’t be afraid to experiment—mistakes are part of the learning process.

Many cameras offer scene modes and built-in guides, but hands-on instruction can make everything click faster.

🎓 Our beginner Canon and Sony online photography classes walk you through these settings step by step, helping you understand not just how to change them—but why you would.