Photography and Using What You Have

Taking photos, flirting with and then furthermore entering the world of photography is something many think about as they gain more and more interest in the idea.

However, a common misconception I have noticed preventing others from stepping into the world of photography properly is the thought that you need the latest high-end equipment and modern technology.

Spoiler Alert : No you don’t.

The word photography can be used loosely, simply put you don’t need a proper camera to go out there and take photos, for example I was happy with just using my phone and then a GoPro alongside for years.

Using a phone to take photos is extremely easy, effective and efficient, and therefore a great starting point for those who like and enjoy taking photographs. Simply take the phone out your pocket, open the camera, click the white shutter button once and just like that the photo is taken and you’re done. For many like myself for years this will be more than enough to take photos, it’s a simple and quick process which provides many benefits and pros.

If you simply like taking photos for memories sake when out and about there will be no need to invest in and upgrade your equipment past this stage, and this is where you can just enjoy photography by using what you have. For sure, the quality of the photos won’t be as high as using a proper camera, however it’s important to take into account what you will using the photos for and if the investment in further equipment would be worthwhile.

For many, seeing others have and using the latest camera equipment puts them off taking photography more seriously, which is a real shame. It’s incredibly important to know and remember it’s not all about the equipment, because more importantly it’s also about the person behind the lens taking the photo.

You could have the best equipment available, however if you don’t take the time to learn and practice by going out there and taking photos with the actual camera, the investment in one means basically nothing at all. I’ve seen numerous examples of this over the years, people boasting about having the latest camera and lenses… but they haven't even learnt the basics of photography, for example a lot of their photos aren’t even in focus.

Therefore let it be known that equipment isn’t everything, far from it, and those who simply use their phone for photos can still create and produce much better photos than those with a proper camera. The more you get into and enjoy taking photographs, the more you learn what helps to create a higher standard of photo, the composition, the lighting, the distance between yourself and the subject, your thought process will naturally expand over time.

At the end of the day, photography is subjective and therefore a hobby open to everyone, no matter at what level and what others may say. If it’s something you enjoy doing, then no one elses opinion matters, and ultimately it will always be about the photos, and using what you have.