Have you been asking how to become a successful photographer? Some people with innate talent in photography still desire to learn more. They want to pursue this interest. But, they are still unconfident with their skills. Taking the best online photography courses can boost their skills and level up.
Basic photography
Anyone beginning to work in photography must learn its fundamentals. A solid foundation of the concepts of photography makes you:
- capturing better images
- improving photography skills
Yet, things are uneasy when starting. There are many questions in your mind about:
- photography basics
- concepts of digital photography
- best way to know the basic elements
Everyone has been in this position, even those professionals now. It is hard to start even though you have the skills to do it. You can find plenty of basic photography articles online, yet the information is incomplete. Still not enough, and some are displayed in a non-logical order.
A photography basics guide provides all the important information you need to understand, such as the main photography concepts. Some new information will be learned in an online photography course. Photography keeps on developing since technologies make it more advanced.
Basic concepts of photography
Photography means drawing with light. Even in a dark environment, light is still present to appreciate the photo. The process is to capture light to create a lasting image by understanding various aspects:
- exposure
- camera settings
- composition
Main photography basics
Exposure
Exposure is the main element of photography. It is the most important photography basics and the first concept to understand. The expression you heard about photography as painting with light is true. Photography is to capture light. Exposure is the amount of light being collected by the camera.
There are different elements of the photography exposure basics that are composed of, namely:
- aperture
- shutter speed
- ISO
The effect of exposure is a fundamental thing to understand. You capture an image with a determined brightness.
Aperture
The first concept of photography exposure basics is called aperture. It works like an eye pupil. The opening of the camera lens controls the amount of light going through the lens to the camera sensor. It has a direct effect on the exposure.
The roles of aperture in an image are:
- depth of field
- sharpness
Shutter speed
The second photography fundamental is related to exposure basics called shutter speed. It is how long the camera shutter is open and how much light it captures. The exposure is impacted.
For example:
- A shorter shutter speed translates into a darker image.
- A longer shutter speed captures a brighter image.
Shutter speed captures motion, which is something important in some genres. It affects the following:
- camera shakiness
- possibility of shooting handheld
ISO
ISO is a must in any basic photography guide. It is the last in the exposure photography basics. It increases the light captured by the camera sensor. ISO affects the exposure. The image becomes brighter with higher ISO. The darker the image, the lower the ISO.
ISO impacts two factors:
- exposure
- digital noise
FAQs
Are there only four concepts in basic photography?
No. There are more concepts in basic photography to learn, including:
- Exposure triangle
- Focal length
- Depth of field
- Focus
- Sensor size
- Camera settings
- Sharpness
- Camera modes and more
What is the role of the exposure triangle?
The exposure triangle is the time to put the three concepts of photography basics in one image:
- aperture
- shutter speed
- ISO
You will see how these elements interact with each other in an image.
How to ensure the subject is clearly captured?
There are two options to capture an image clearly, such as:
- adjust the lens
- autofocus system

