Is Photography Hard? (11 Things To Consider)

Are you interested in photography but don’t know where to start? 

As camera technology has improved in recent years, so has the quality of imagery. So it’s no surprise photography is as popular as other art forms, music, and cinema. So let’s check out what photography has to offer!

Is Photography Hard? 

Photography is a lifetime of learning and practicing. It is more than just taking pictures—it’s an art form that requires skills and creative vision to create beautiful images. Becoming an excellent photographer requires artistic and technical skills, experience, and aptitude. Most importantly, you’ll have to learn how to make your camera work for you!

Let’s begin!

1. Art of Capturing Images

Photography is not challenging, but it takes practice to master. Photography is the creative art of using a camera to record light to create an image, generally using an electronic sensor or microfilm.

You can even snap photographs of different wavelengths undetectable to the human eye with the suitable camera gear.

Learning photography gives you much freedom while snapping photos that can be only a passion, a side hustle, or even full-time employment!

2. Lifetime to Master

Photography is both easy and challenging. Good composition can make a great photograph, but learning the art of framing your photos takes practice. Learning photography requires both time and effort to perfect, so take the time to create great shots that show off the beauty of the world around you!

Because it is so easy to pick up a camera, anyone can take up photography. However, photography is difficult since it takes a lifetime to master it.

In this skill, there are tedious, repetitive tasks. For example, several hours are spent on prep work.

However, Photographers have many career options in the industry, including photojournalist, event photography, and digital editing. 

Regardless of how skilled you are as a photographer, you will stumble if you aren’t excellent at the marketing part of the process.

3. Required Skills

A good photographer needs to be both technically proficient and creative. You can always express yourself creatively using photos. 

Literally, “photography” means “drawing with light.” 

Modern photography is used as decor in homes, workplaces, and practically anywhere else.

Those who are both intellectually and artistically inclined commonly encounter that photography suits them well. While a few may be naturally artistic, most people can develop this skill with practice and time.

4. Artistic and Technical Skills

Learning technical knowledge is only the start.

How skillfully you choose visually pleasing poses, angles, color, and still images are additional factors to consider when measuring your artistic talent behind the lens.

Notable characteristics of a photograph include:

  • Lighting
  • Emotion
  • Storytelling
  • Composition

Lighting levels, exposures, maximum contrast ratio, and optimum shutter speeds are characteristics of practical photography skills. 

5. First Camera

A camera is an evident piece of equipment you’ll need for photography, but selecting one out might be tricky if you don’t know what to look for.

Among the top manufacturers in the marketplace are Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony. Expect to shell out between $300 and $700.

You can buy from online stores like Best Buy, Amazon, eBay, MPB, and KEH.

However, there are specific essential attributes you might want to think about while purchasing your first camera:

  • Data Storage
  • Options for Shooting Modes
  • Features for Interchangeable Lenses
  • Preview of The Depth Of Field
  • Focus Areas

6. Self Expression

Self Expression

Discovering your photographic interests can develop into a variety of possibilities. Both technical skill enhancement and self-expression are achievable with photography.

For some newbies, it serves as both a type of art and a means of resistance, and it can be used to responses or draw attention to oneself.

While some enroll in classes, having a background might enable you to develop your capabilities and amaze your family when you post photos online.

Finally, anyone with real photography passion can make it their vocation.

7. Photography Gear and Equipment

It’s not just the camera that a newbie photographer needs to acquire; necessary gear and equipment can be overwhelming too.

Make sure to allocate extra funds to build a set, including,

  • Lenses
  • Tripod
  • Lights
  • External Hard Drive
  • Memory Cards 
  • Reflector
  • Polarizing and ND Filters

Overall, the tools you choose will depend entirely on your interests, budget, and the style of photography you want to create!

8. Make a Living

Upon learning photography, you can start to earn enough income to support yourself with the right mix of hard work and creativity.

Photographers may also create additional income by selling stock photos and leasing their gear. 

Whatever the nature of your profession, you can pursue photography as a passion that generates income regardless of where you reside or the camera you possess.

Learn more: Is Photography a good career?

9. Click and Practice

It may take you three to four years to grasp the principles of photography.

However, in achieving this, you must familiarize yourself with your camera. Then watch online courses and follow YouTube channels.

You might also benefit from enrolling in online photography classes that cover various subjects and skill levels. Some options include the Certificate in Photography from the iPhotography Course and the Introductory Photography Course from Udemy.

Third, read a good book. Border Cantos by Richard Misrach and Nicholas Evariste Photography are great examples of photography books.

Finally, practice will be your best teacher. So take your camera anywhere you go, then click and practice!

10. Relying on Filters and Software Applications

For image applications, some photographers rely extensively on filter technologies.

Photographers of all skill levels can benefit from tools like Lightroom and Photoshop. 

However, amateur photographers may take some photos and then over-filter them, resulting in terrible images. 

11. Overdoing and Over-editing

Visual acuity or clarity, brightness or vividness, and contrasts are the elements of photo editing that demand the most attention for professionals.

Some photographers overprocess HDR photography, making it look tacky and strange. This happens due to excessive editing of HDR photographs.

A good teacher will teach you to do better and help you avoid applying extensive vibrance in each photograph resulting in unrealistic reflections & shadows.

Additionally, keep retouching to a minimum and spend time taking natural photos instead with little edits. 

Conclusion

In learning photography, the most critical aspect is to shoot and not worry too much about mistakes you make. You can always learn from these mistakes and improve them over time. 

Photography can seem intimidating. But with a bit of practice, and in time and with more experience, you begin to realize just how easy it can be.

You’ll know when you’re ready to leap from hobby to career, so be patient and continue improving your skills!