Photography is a hobby that many not only enjoy, but have adopted as a profession earning money from some of the great photographs produced using acquired photography skills. Becoming a great photographer requires at least three essentials: practice, technical know-how, and an artistic eye.

Below are a few simple guidelines to assist beginners to move in that direction.

1. Choose the right camera

For a photographer, the camera is a significant part of life and separation from it can leave a photographer feeling almost as if physically disabled. Choosing the right camera is critical for taking great pictures. There are a wide variety of cameras available on the market, all within various price ranges. As with just about anything in life, a good quality camera will be more expensive.

The common types of cameras follow:

I. Disposable camera
II. Compact camera
III. Digital camera
IV. Single Lens Reflex camera (SLR)

It is advisable that beginners not spend too much initially on a camera. That advice is because the higher priced ones typically include features that are only useful for experts already familiar with their benefits. Try using a camera like Pentax, Canon, or Minolta. These types of cameras take pictures with almost as good quality as the expensive ones.

2. Select a suitable lens

There are two types of lenses that will meet the needs of a person just beginning in photography. They include 28mm to 80mm and 80mm to 270mm. Within those two broad categories are macro, zoom, and wide-angle lenses.

3. Film types

The type of film selected is also very important. You will want a good quality film both for the beauty of the picture and also for longer-term storage. Of course, you can select between color film or black and white.

4. Consider film speed

Generally, faster films are the ones with the higher ISO number. Typically fast ISO films are used to capture quick movements, such as birds or sports players in action. It is also used to take pictures when the preferred amount of light is not available. If plenty of light is available, then a 100 or 200 ISO film will work great.

5. Color balance

Always consider the type of light under which you plan to shoot. Film is very sensitive to light colors. If the film doesn't match with the light, then unfortunately the colors in the pictures after development will be a mess.

Photography as a hobby is not limited by age groups. Whether young or old, anyone can find enjoyment in it. To become a great photographer, take the time to learn proper techniques and develop your skills. The guidelines above will assist you to begin producing pictures that over time may amaze even you!

6. Photographing People

The job of a good photographer is to capture their subject's best moments, such as when they are truly at ease and not actually trying hard to "act natural" in front of a camera - usually a prescription for capturing a horrible pose.

A photographer should also make sure the people in the pictures look as natural as possible. A great picture will bring out the innate personality and beauty of the subject - rather than serving as an attempt to create what isn't really there.