Learning photography can be like delving into a new world with its unique language and nuances. But you need to approach it like learning to ride a bike or playing a game – the better you know the rules and tools, the more you improve and see results. Here are 4 free guides that we’ve compiled to be your roadmap to becoming fluent in understanding your camera better.

Camera Basics Series: ISO Explained

ISO, shutter speed, and aperture are like the three musketeers of photography, making up what we call the ‘photography exposure triangle’. If you didn’t know, ISO stands for ‘International Standards Organization’. Thanks to this standard, no matter where you are in the world, cameras determine exposure in the same way. By grasping and mastering the concept of ISO, you’ll be able to understand the crucial role it plays in the brightness and graininess of your photos. This guide covers what ISO is; the different ISO settings that can change the vibe of your photos; how to tweak the ISO settings and what is best for different situations; and an overview of commonly used ISO levels. Read more here →

Camera Basics Series: Aperture Explained

Aperture might sound complicated at first, even for those who’ve been taking photos for a while. But as we mentioned earlier, with time and practice, it becomes clearer. If you’re unfamiliar with the word, ‘aperture’ means an opening in the lens that lets light in. Knowing how aperture works is a basic photography skill – and also works in conjunction with shutter speed (we’ll get to that soon). You’ll learn a heap in this guide ranging from how aperture works; what a diaphragm in a camera does; how aperture can change your photos; how to measure aperture; and how to control it for the effect you’re going for. Read more here →

Camera Basics Series: Shutter Speed Explained

When you think of taking a picture, you probably think of pressing the camera’s button, right? We all know that button takes the photo. But do you know why it’s so important or what it actually controls in the camera? This guide will help explain the mechanics of shutter speed from what that button (called the shutter) does; what ‘shutter speed’ means; and how it changes the look of your photos, especially with movement and light. Author Angela Fulks also covers tips on how to pick the best shutter speed for your shots. Read more here →

What Exactly Does a Tripod Do Anyway?

Buying a tripod is often one of the first big purchases for photographers because some types of photos can’t be taken without one. But with so many tripods to choose from, picking the right one can be tricky. In this free guide by Charles Haacker, he breaks down what you need to know when shopping for a tripod. He talks about different types, why you shouldn’t just go for the cheapest one, the difference in materials like carbon fiber and aluminium, and various features like height and head types. Whether you’re thinking about getting a tripod or want to use yours better, this guide is super helpful. Read more here →

Wrapping It Up

Photography can seem complex, but with the right tools and guidance, it becomes easier and a lot more fun. We hope these 4 guides act as your personal coach while you’re getting started, helping you understand your camera’s basics – from ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to why tripods are essential. So, dive into these resources, practise what you learn, and soon, you’ll be capturing shots and mastering your camera like a pro.

Additional Resources

If you’re eager to dive deeper into photography and enjoy hands-on learning, check out Photzy’s Snap Card: Essentials set. It includes 20 handy photography cheat sheets, designed to cover everything you need to know and allows you to learn by doing. Grab yours here!