Getting into photography

How to get into photography

• Have a reason to be into photography
• Start with cheap gear
• Put yourself in challenging situations

Have a reason

If you don’t find a sense of purpose, trying to grasp a technically complex creative skill is going to be a frustrating experience without a lot of reward.

The first time I tried to learn, I fell off quickly. The learning curve was steep and I had nothing motivating me to do it beyond curiosity. When I was 15 I started going to small music venues. I had a simple, strong desire to immerse myself in music stuff. I went alone, got there early, stood next to the stage, and watched every opening act. I didn’t know people. Everyone was older than me. I spent a lot of time feeling awkward and fidgeting. The first time I brought a camera everything clicked: I had something to do with my hands, a reason to be in the front, a direct tap into the creative experience. And the first couple times I made photos that were better than I thought I was capable of, I was hooked.

Limit yourself

I can’t tell you how common it is to see people with extremely expensive gear who can’t take photos for shit.