On a Budget? Here’s How You Can Still Grow as a Photographer

For most of us out here, budget and photography don’t go together in the same sentence. To someone who’s unfamiliar with the world of photography, a DSLR camera is all you need to get started. That’s right, “get started” is the keyword here, but when you want to grow and improve as a photographer – just the DLSR wouldn’t do.

It wouldn’t be wrong to state that photography is an expensive interest to have or business to own – but we still keep them. To say the least, our interests define who we are, and to leave something we love doing just because it’s expensive to carry on, doesn’t make much sense.

When you want to grow as a photographer, you need to constantly upgrade your equipment and lens to make the most of your hobby and talent. But, how do you manage that when you’re on a budget?

photo of a Hot model

Maybe this set of tips can help you with that:

Invest in a High-Quality Prime Lens
Obviously, the lens that comes with your camera isn’t enough. You need prime lenses that provide top quality crisp images. Besides, it’s better than investing in premium zoom lens which can cost you thousands of dollars – not something you can afford when you’re on a budget. The nifty fifty is one we recommend.

Prime lenses, on the other hand, can be bought in about a couple hundred dollars and the improvement in image quality is drastic – definitely worth an investment! You can begin with a Nikon or Canon 50mm 1.8.

Don’t Pine Over What Other Photographers Have
While we agree that camera gear is important for image quality, it is not the only factor that influences it. When you look at the works of other photographers and find out about the gear they’re using, it’s quite natural to feel that you could have been as good as them if only you had their equipment.

At times like these, it is important to remember that stunning images are a collective contribution of composition, use of light, and post-processing. You can still capture photographs that mesmerize as long as you know your gear and how to use it well. You can upgrade your gear when you know EXACTLY what is it that your camera can’t do that the other one can.

Don’t Buy, Rent It
Okay, we understand that longing you have of trying out different lenses and genres of photography, but there is a good chance that you may not like it so much once you’ve tried it. Saving up and buying the new lens just for that is an expensive mistake to make. Don’t do that. Just go out and rent the equipment instead. It can save you a great deal of money and regret – trust us! We like to use BorrowLenses and Lens Rentals.

Take Up a Photography Project
Practice makes perfect and what better way to do that than assigning yourself certain photography projects that help you click it up a notch. Begin with “A Picture a Day” and you’ll have 365 pictures by the end of the year. You can even pick a theme and get started on that – something like trees or flags or even doors – whatever works best for you!

Look for Free Resources
It helps to know as much as you can about photography. This is where you can actually pull out tech-savvy and budget-friendly ways of continuing your hobby on your own. Photography blogs such as ShutYourAperture.com and books in the nearby library or book store contain tons of information, tips, and tricks that can help you get started. Remember, you can’t master the art unless you obtain a profound knowledge of it. Dig in and get started!

Lastly, never give up. There will be times when you can’t find inspiration or you’re too busy to click photographs, but make it a point to always find your way back to your camera and equipment. Keep shooting and keep having fun!

What tip do you have? Leave it on the comments below!