How I Got Started in Photography (And How You Can Too!)
Introduction
Getting started in photography can feel overwhelming—especially if you don’t have access to expensive gear or formal training. I know that struggle firsthand. Where I come from, resources weren’t always readily available, but my passion for capturing moments pushed me forward. Today, I want to share how I got into photography, what inspired me, and how you can start your own journey—no matter where you are.
Early Inspirations
My fascination with photography started at a young age. The moment I had access to a phone, I began taking pictures. At first, I was drawn to sports photography—particularly slow-motion replays. As an athlete, I loved watching those crisp, detailed action shots on TV, and I wanted to replicate them myself.
I remember playing Madden and spending more time in instant replay mode than actually playing the game. Every play, I’d rewind, analyze, and watch it in slow motion. Something about freezing time and studying movement captured my imagination.
Beyond sports, I’d take pictures of anything—random objects in my backyard, my cat on the fence, or anything else that caught my eye. I didn’t realize it at the time, but these small moments were the foundation of my creative journey.
The First Real Camera Experience
One of the turning points in my photography journey was when my mom’s friend let me borrow her camera. I had no idea what I was doing, but I asked my brother to jump off the back of a pickup truck so I could capture him mid-air. The moment I saw the image, I was hooked. That single shot made me realize how powerful photography could be.
At the time, I didn’t even understand camera settings—I probably shot in full auto mode—but the ability to freeze a moment in time felt like magic. That experience made me want to learn more.
Growing Passion Through Filmmaking & Vlogging
Photography wasn’t my only passion. I also loved filmmaking. I’d watch The Slow Mo Guys on YouTube, fascinated by their ability to capture tiny details the human eye would normally miss. I also spent a lot of time at the movies, completely immersed in the big screen experience, even though I didn’t yet understand the technical side of filmmaking.
In high school, I started vlogging. Inspired by creators like Casey Neistat, I picked up my phone and started documenting my life. I wasn’t worried about quality or perfection—I just wanted to create. That’s when I truly started integrating photography and filmmaking into my daily routine.
Making the Jump: Buying My First Camera
Like many beginners, I started with what I had—my phone. But I wanted more control over my images. So, I decided to buy my first real camera.
To save up money, I started mowing lawns. I even used the Nextdoor app to find clients, charging $20 per yard. Eventually, I saved around $500-$600 and bought a Nikon D3400, my first DSLR. It had a flip-out screen, which was perfect for vlogging. I was beyond excited—I finally had a camera that felt like a real tool for my creativity.
At that point, I didn’t even own a computer, so I used an adapter to transfer photos to my phone and edited everything there. That’s how I started—working with what I had and making the most of it.
Lessons from My Journey
Looking back, my journey into photography wasn’t about having the best gear or formal training—it was about taking action. Here are some key takeaways if you’re thinking about getting into photography:
Start with What You Have – Whether it’s a phone or an old camera, the best tool is the one you use. Experiment & Practice – Take pictures of everything. Play around with angles, lighting, and composition. Find Inspiration – Watch films, study photographers, and immerse yourself in creative content. Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions – I started with a phone, then saved up for a camera. Work with what you’ve got and improve along the way. Enjoy the Process – Photography isn’t just about the final image—it’s about capturing the world through your perspective. Final Thoughts Photography has been a decade-long journey for me, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If you’re thinking about starting, my advice is simple: just do it. Pick up whatever camera you have, take pictures, make mistakes, and learn from them. You never know where this creative path might take you.
I’m grateful for the friends and family who have supported me along the way, and I hope my story inspires you to start your own. If you’re interested in photography or filmmaking, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story!
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