The First Step to Photography – Just Doing It
Have you ever picked up a camera and wondered if you were good enough to be a photographer? You’re not alone.
In the endless cycle of balancing jobs, evolving your style to keep up with trends, turning a passion into a career, and constantly critiquing and educating yourself on your art, it’s easy to get lost under a mental load of stress. No matter what stage you’re at when picking up a camera, one question always lingers:
“Am I good enough?”
My personal beginnings in photography are hard to pinpoint. My parents have footage of my two-year-old self pointing a toy camera at my father’s camcorder, gleefully saying, “Say cheese for Amanda’s camera!” I remember begging my mother to let me take our disposable film camera to school in first grade—only for her to be upset when I used up the entire roll in one afternoon. Then came middle school darkroom electives, high school darkroom electives, and part-time jobs selling cameras for a now-bankrupt retailer.
Perhaps my career beginnings are much simpler. I played a video game called Life is Strange, where you step into the shoes of Max Caulfield, an aspiring photographer and high school student. She enters a nationwide photography competition, The Everyday Hero, with her Polaroid camera. The game blended two things I loved—photography and first-person gaming. Inspired, I entered a local photography competition with my own Polaroid image—and lost. But instead of discouraging me, it pushed me forward. I started researching other competitions, and with my birthday money, I bought my first DSLR—a Nikon D3300.
Determined, I entered a photo competition hosted by Insert Coin Clothing while cosplaying Max Caulfield. That competition, still one of the greatest for the gaming community, was fair, exciting, and celebrated loyal fanbases. I was chosen as a finalist and won runner-up. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a great photographer.
I often reflect on the early days of my photography journey to remind myself of what can be easily lost in the stress of a fast-paced, highly competitive industry. Every photographer picks up a camera for a different reason, and I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside passionate and talented individuals. Their stories, like mine, create a rich mosaic—some filled with joy and experience, others with pain and self-doubt.
Self-doubt and competition can make us put down the camera. But I’ve learned that supporting fellow photographers, no matter where they are in their journey, is invaluable. People enter photography at different stages, and it’s essential to remain open to everyone. I find it easier to focus on the strengths of other photographers rather than dwelling on my own “advantages.”
The Five Stages of a Photographer
Stage One – The Beginner (Automatic, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority)
This is my favorite stage to witness—the moment someone takes their first steps with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Creativity overflows in first-year photographers. I always advise them to write down every idea they have, even if it feels unrealistic at the moment. Draw it out, describe it in detail—these early sparks of inspiration often lead to greatness.
If you find yourself in this stage, document your ideas as soon as they come to you.
Stage Two – The “Everything” Photographer
At this stage, photographers understand camera settings and how they affect an image. They shoot in manual mode (or at least a priority mode) and have consumed endless online resources. Everything in photo theory starts feeling repetitive, and they’re eager to capture everything—macro, landscape, portrait, fine art, architecture.
This stage can feel chaotic, but it’s a crucial period of exploration and growth.
Stage Three – A Found Passion
Eventually, the excitement settles into a focused passion. The photographer starts specializing in a field that sustains their enthusiasm.
But this is also where burnout looms. At this point, they’ve made significant investments in photography, but external pressures—competition, self-doubt, financial concerns—begin to creep in. Many talented photographers leave the field here.
My best advice?
Revisit your early notes and sketches. The enthusiasm from your beginner days can reignite your passion.
Seek inspiration through Pinterest boards, mood boards, and workshops to keep your creativity alive.
Connect with others who share your passion—community support is everything.
Stage Four – Technical Overload
This stage is the least creative. Photography is a science—you manipulate light, depth of field, color balance, and composition.
Outdoor shoots demand quick adaptability to changing conditions; studio shoots require maximizing limited space. While mastering these technicalities is rewarding, it can also become routine. The creativity that once fueled your passion starts feeling drained.
If you reach this point, turn back to your old notes and sketches—they hold the key to rekindling your artistic spark.
Stage Five – Professional
I hesitate to label this stage “professional” because it carries an air of arrogance. But it fits—this is when you have regular clients, go-to setups, and established workflows.
Yet, with professionalism comes higher expectations, increased competition, and the risk of self-doubt. One of the best things you can do at this stage is to connect with photography associations, both local and international. Surrounding yourself with photographers at all levels not only fosters learning but also deepens your appreciation for the human experience behind the lens.
Final Thoughts: Keep Going
Photography is a journey, not a destination. Each stage brings its own challenges and joys, and every photographer navigates them differently.
The key is to keep going—keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep supporting one another.
Where are you in your photography journey? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
