Ah, photography. The art that drew me in with promises of unforgettable moments and creative satisfaction. Years (and thousands of photos) later, it’s safe to say that while I’ve had my fair share of memorable experiences, photography has surprised me in more ways than one. Here are five things I wish someone had told me before I picked up that first camera – stuff you don’t always read in the manuals or hear in the workshops.

1. **There’s No Such Thing as the “Perfect Shot”**

As much as I tried to chase it, the “perfect shot” turned out to be more of a mirage. Photography, I’ve learned, isn’t about flawlessness; it’s about expression and sometimes even imperfection. Some of my favourite photos have slight blurs, unexpected shadows, or little quirks. They’re not “perfect” – they’re better.

2. **You’ll Spend as Much Time on Editing as Shooting (and It’s Okay!)**

I used to think photographers just snapped photos and, voilà, they were gallery-ready. Nope. Editing is an art form all its own. You can enhance the mood, reveal details, or completely transform an image with the right tweaks. I used to resist it, but now I see it as an extension of my creativity. If only someone had warned me about the hours that come with it, though!

3. **People Skills Matter as Much as Camera Skills**

From getting the right shot of a shy street vendor to calming a nervous client during a portrait session, people skills are just as crucial as knowing your aperture from your ISO. Connecting with people – your subjects, clients, or even fellow photographers – often brings out the best in your shots. A simple smile or a quick chat can work wonders.

4. **The Gear Game Never Ends**

I thought one camera and a couple of lenses would be enough. How naive! The truth is, there’s always a new lens, a better camera body, or a fancy gadget promising to improve your photos. It took me years to realize that gear can enhance your photography, but it won’t define it. Master what you have first – it’s the eye behind the camera that matters.

5. **Every Photo Has a Story – And That’s the Best Part**

There’s always a story behind a shot, whether it’s the struggle to get the right angle, the surprise factor in a candid moment, or the unexpected weather that changed the whole scene. The stories you build around each photo make it memorable. Looking back at my work, it’s these memories – often random and chaotic – that have made photography a lifelong love.

Final Thoughts So, to anyone starting out: embrace the quirks, the learning curves, and even the missteps. Photography is as much about the journey as the result. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll have a lot of stories (and maybe a bit of gear obsession) to show for it.

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5 Things I Wish I’d Known About Photography Before Starting Out