An older person's guide to digital photography

Photography is a hobby that can be experienced by anyone, no matter your age, skill level or equipment. Whether you’re seeking the perfect landscape, portrait shot, or simply taking snaps of the family at home, photography is an amazing way to capture memories that would otherwise be lost in memory. Taking photographs is a fun activity that can even be enjoyed whatever your level of mobility, whether you use a mobility aid like stairlifts regularly or are much more mobile.

With digital cameras having come on so much in recent years, they are now much smaller and contrary to belief, can be much simpler to use. So, if you’re a novice who would like to learn more, our guide should be able to help you grasp the basics and have you taking quality images in no time.

Starting out

Getting into photography can be daunting , but with manuals, online tutorials and cameras that are a lot easier to manage, the process doesn’t need to be difficult. If you need to buy a camera, or are borrowing from a friend, then you will want to make sure that you do your research before you start using it. This is because if you’re a beginner, there are a number of cameras which will be more suited to you.

One of the best pieces of advice is to purchase a simple and easy-to-use camera. Although it may seem obvious, once you have your camera, there are a number of things that you will need to remember. Here, professional wedding and lifestyle photographer Kayleigh Pope reminds you of what you need to think about before heading out with your camera.

“This might sound simple, but I have watched my Nan go to use her camera to find out she has forgotten to charge the battery. Most point and shoot cameras come with a specific battery as opposed to standard batteries. So, you must make sure the battery is charged, so you’re able to use it.” 

She continues to explain a bit more about the SD cards that cameras use and which ones you should be considering when buying your equipment: “Most ‘point and shoot’ cameras use an SD card, but can differ with each manufacturer, so check on your camera’s box/manual. A memory card holds all of your photographs so that you can remove it and print from it.” 

Getting to know your camera

It may be tempting to start taking photographs as soon as you can, but it is advised that you take the time to get to grips with your camera. This will prevent you from learning any bad habits and will stop any frustrations when you are out and about. Consider doing the points below before you start taking photographs with your camera.

Read the manual. The large wodge of paper that comes with any new equipment might seem like a waste of time, but with complex equipment like cameras, it might explain a lot that you may not otherwise know and will really help you on your journey to taking better photos.

If you’re still a little confused after reading the manual, then why not consider taking a tutorial, which is something Lauren and Rob explain a little more? Lauren and Rob of Photography Concentrate understand the importance of knowing your camera and learning the essential features that it possesses, which is why they’ve put together a downloadable guide. Their Camera Skills tutorial will help you learn even more in-depth settings for those of you that want to take a photography hobby even further.

Setting up the photo

Depending on what you are trying to capture, there may be times when you need to set up the photo. When shooting in bright or low lighting, you may need to change the settings on your camera appropriately. Or alternatively, it may be that you need to use extra equipment to get the shot for which you are hoping.

Composition and lighting are one of the most important things to consider when setting up a photograph, but how do you know what a good position or composition is? Kayleigh Pope explains the sort of set-up you should look for when taking photos as a beginner: “Look around for a nice background to use. If you’re photographing people when it’s sunny, I suggest standing in the shade or with their backs facing the sun (so they don’t squint!). If you’re indoors, always look for a light source. A window is a great place to stand so that natural light falls on your subject.”

Lighting is crucial to a great photo, so to begin with, just consider taking photos in scenarios where there is great lighting or a lot of natural sunlight so you can practice your composition and not have to worry about the finer details.

A tripod or other support equipment are also a great way to make sure that your photograph is steady and that the photo will be level and clear. Tripods are also great for beginners who want to focus their efforts on capturing beautiful photos.

Taking up a hobby like photography is a great way to get outdoors, keep yourself active and explore locations you might not have considered before. If mobility is something that concerns you, then you should check that the area you are intending to visit is accessible, and you should consider bringing a walking aid with you.

If you want to stay independent and mobile at home, why not consider looking into stairlift prices to help you access all of your house?

For more information and guides like these, make sure you take a look at our blog.