Picture-Perfect Memories: 30 Basic Photography Tips for Beginners

You don’t need a fancy camera or years of experience to take beautiful photos—just the right techniques and a little know-how.

If you’re wondering how to get into photography, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice out there. Where should you stand? How do you get the lighting right? And what makes a photo feel special?

Don’t worry. You don’t need a fancy setup or years of experience to start taking beautiful pictures. With a few simple techniques, you can capture the kind of moments you’ll want to print, frame, or even include in your first photography portfolio.

Inspired by real creators and photographers, we’ve rounded up the best photography tips for beginners. These easy-to-follow tricks will help you take better pictures right away—perfect for your next Mixbook photo book.

Let’s dive in and turn your everyday photos into something unforgettable.

1. Stay curious and don’t aim for perfection

The best way to grow as a photographer is to stay curious and keep exploring. Not every photo will turn out perfectly, and that’s completely okay. Mistakes and “almost” shots are part of the learning process. What matters most is enjoying the experience and finding joy in capturing everyday moments.

Expert tip: If you’re frustrated that your photos don’t match your vision, keep going. The best way to close the gap between your taste and your skill is to keep shooting, experimenting, and learning.

2. Get comfortable with your camera

Before you dive into settings or techniques, take a little time to get familiar with your camera, whether it’s your phone or a DSLR. If you’re looking for phone photography tips, start by exploring basic features like focus, gridlines, and portrait mode.

Your camera’s basics are one of the most useful beginner photography tips, as they help you feel more confident when it’s time to shoot.

Learn how to adjust the focus, switch between modes, and find the settings menu. The more comfortable you are with your gear, the better.

Expert tip: Try taking a few test shots in different lighting and environments to see how your camera responds.

3. Understand your camera settings

Your camera (or phone) has more power than you might think—if you know where to look. Getting familiar with key settings like focus mode, white balance, and exposure compensation can help you capture better images right from the start.

Here are a few to explore:

• Focus mode: Tells your camera what to focus on—great for switching between still objects and moving subjects
• Exposure compensation (+/-): Helps you brighten or darken a photo without switching to manual mode
• White balance: Adjusts the color temperature so your photos don’t look too warm or cool

Expert tip: Try adjusting one setting at a time in different environments to see how it changes your photo. A little practice here goes a long way toward making more confident creative decisions.

4. Learn the exposure triangle

The exposure triangle, which consists of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, controls how light or dark your photo looks. Think of it as the foundation of photography. Each setting captures the right amount of light, and learning how they work together helps you avoid overexposed (too bright) or underexposed (too dark) photos.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the exposure triangle:

• ISO controls how sensitive your camera is to light. Lower ISO = less grain.
• Shutter speed affects how motion is captured. Fast shutter = sharp. Slow shutter = blur.
• Aperture (f-stop) controls how much light enters the lens and how blurry your background looks.

Expert tip: Start with auto mode, then try adjusting just one setting at a time to see how it changes your shot.

5. Understand how lighting affects your photos

Lighting can make or break a photo. Natural light, like sunlight from a window or the golden glow before sunset, usually gives you the most flattering results. Harsh overhead lighting or flash can create unflattering shadows, while soft, even light helps bring out detail and color.

Expert tip: For portraits, face your subject toward the light source (like a window) to get soft, natural highlights and fewer harsh shadows.

9. Use burst mode for action or candid moments

When your subjects are in motion, it can be hard to snap the right shot at the right time. That’s where burst mode comes in. It takes a rapid series of photos, giving you multiple frames to choose from so you don’t miss a genuine expression or quick movement.

Burst mode is perfect for group photos, candid portraits, and moments with kids or pets. It also helps you capture life’s special moments in a more natural, energetic way—ideal for filling your photo book with authentic memories.

Most phone cameras and DSLRs have a burst or continuous shooting mode. To activate it, hold down the shutter button (or check your settings).

Expert tip: After shooting in burst mode, scroll through the series to find the frame with the best expressions and sharpest focus. Then, delete the extras to save space.

10. Clean your lens regularly

It might sound obvious, but a dirty lens is one of the easiest ways to ruin a good photo. Smudges, dust, or fingerprints can make your pictures look blurry, hazy, or dull. A quick wipe can instantly boost the clarity and sharpness of your shots.

Use a microfiber cloth or lens wipe to gently clean your lens before shooting. And if you’re using your phone, remember that pockets and bags can collect lint fast.

Expert tip: Avoid cleaning your lens with your shirt or tissue, as these can scratch it over time. Keep a lens cloth in your bag or wallet so it’s always handy.

11. Learn beginner photo editing techniques

Even simple edits can turn an average photo into something print-worthy. Focus on small changes that enhance clarity, color, and composition while keeping your photo looking natural.

When you’re reviewing images, editing can also help you choose the best photos for your photo book by making it easier to spot which ones have the strongest lighting, focus, and overall feel.

When editing, try adjusting:

• Brightness and contrast to improve clarity
• Cropping to clean up the frame
• Straightening to fix tilted horizons
• Color temperature to warm up or cool down the tone

Expert tip: Don’t over-edit. A light touch helps your photos stay natural and print beautifully in your photo book.

12. Use free or beginner-friendly editing platforms

Once you're ready to start editing, beginner-friendly tools can help you enhance your photos without feeling overwhelmed. Many free apps and built-in phone editors offer simple features like brightness adjustment, cropping, and color correction. These are great for getting started and improving your images with just a few taps.

When it’s time to bring your edited photos into something more meaningful, Mixbook Studio™ makes it easy to turn them into a custom photo book. You can upload your images, adjust layouts, and fine-tune the design to match your style—no design experience necessary.

Expert tip: Keep your final format in mind while editing. Clean, natural-looking photos tend to look best in print.

13. Hold your camera steady to avoid blur

A shaky hand can easily lead to blurry photos, especially in low light or when zoomed in. One of the most helpful camera tips is to keep your device as steady as possible. This helps you capture sharper, clearer images with more detail.

To stabilize your shot:

• Use both hands and keep your elbows close to your body
• Lean against a wall or rest your arms on a surface
• Use a timer or voice command to avoid movement when pressing the shutter

Expert tip: If you're shooting with your phone, hold it with two hands like a point-and-shoot camera. This simple adjustment can instantly improve your stability and sharpness.

14. Explore how posture and positioning affect portraits

How someone stands, sits, or angles their body can completely change the feel of a portrait. When posing for pictures, a strong posture can help your subject look more confident and relaxed.

Even small adjustments, like turning slightly to the side or tilting the chin, help highlight your subject’s best features and create a more natural-looking photo.

15. Use a tripod to avoid camera shake

Even the steadiest hands can cause a slight blur. A tripod keeps your camera still, helping you capture sharp, clear images. It’s a must-have for group photos, night shots, or anytime you want your framing to stay consistent.

You don’t need anything fancy. A compact phone tripod or a tabletop stand works great for everyday photography.

Expert tip: No tripod? Prop your phone or camera on a sturdy surface and use a self-timer to avoid the shake from pressing the shutter.

16. Experiment with different angles

Instead of always shooting straight on, try getting low, holding your camera overhead, or tilting it slightly for a fresh perspective. These small shifts can make everyday subjects feel more dynamic and visually interesting.

Expert tip: Try taking three shots of the same subject: one from eye level, one from above, and one from below. Then, compare them to see which feels most natural or compelling.

17. Frame your shot before pressing the shutter

Before you snap the photo, take a moment to check what’s in and out of the frame. Is your subject centered (or intentionally off-center)? Are there any distractions around the edges? A little extra attention before you press the shutter can help you avoid awkward crops and improve your composition instantly.

Expert tip: Think of your camera screen like a canvas. Everything you include (or leave out) affects how your photo tells a story.

18. Try using leading lines

Leading lines are visual elements like roads, fences, or shadows that guide the viewer’s eye toward the main subject in your photo. They add depth and direction, making your composition feel more intentional and engaging.

Expert tip: Look for lines that naturally point to your subject and position them in the frame to lead the eye right where you want it to go.

19. Back up and organize your photos regularly

Keeping your photos backed up and organized makes creating a photo book faster and easier. Use the cloud, an external hard drive, or a photo storage app to protect your images and keep them in one place.

With the Mixbook app, you can upload and organize photos into custom albums so your favorite shots are easy to find when it’s time to start your next project.

Expert tip: Create folders by date, event, or theme so you’re not digging through hundreds of files later. A little organization now saves time down the road.

20. Get closer for better details

Sometimes, the best way to improve a photo is to simply move closer. Filling the frame with your subject brings out textures, expressions, and small details that can get lost in a wide shot.

If you plan to enlarge photos for a photo book or wall print, getting closer helps capture the kind of detail that stands out, especially in portraits, food, and nature shots.

Expert tip: Avoid using digital zoom when possible, as it can reduce image quality. Instead, take a step forward to capture sharper, more detailed photos.

21. Pay attention to symmetry and patterns

Symmetry and patterns naturally catch the eye, making your photos feel more polished and thoughtfully composed. Repeating shapes, balanced lines, or mirrored reflections help create structure in an image and give it a sense of calm or visual rhythm.

Expert tip: Try positioning your subject in the center of a symmetrical scene or using patterns as a backdrop to add depth and interest.

22. Adjust white balance for natural-looking colors

White balance controls the overall color tone of your photo and helps ensure that whites look white—not too blue, yellow, or green. When it’s off, your photos might look colder or warmer than they should, especially in indoor lighting or at different times of day.

Most cameras and phones have automatic white balance, but you can often fine-tune it in your settings or during editing.

Expert tip: If a photo looks “off,” try using the “daylight,” “shade,” or “tungsten” white balance presets to see which one looks the most natural.

23. Avoid busy backgrounds

A cluttered background can distract from your subject and make your photo feel chaotic. Simplifying what’s behind your subject helps keep the focus where it belongs. Look for clean, neutral backgrounds like open walls, natural scenery, or areas with soft blur.

Expert tip: If you can’t move your subject, try changing your angle or getting closer to crop out distractions.

24. Use framing and negative space

Framing means using elements in the scene like windows, doorways, or tree branches to surround your subject and draw attention to it. Negative space refers to the empty or open areas around your subject that give the photo room to “breathe.”

Both are important elements of design that can make your photos feel more intentional and artistic, even in everyday settings.

Expert tip: Don’t be afraid to leave space around your subject. A little breathing room can make your composition feel cleaner and more focused.

25. Practice with easy subjects

Starting with simple, still subjects makes it easier to learn the basics of photography without the pressure of chasing movement or perfect timing. Try photographing objects around your home, flowers in the yard, or your morning cup of coffee. These calm, low-stakes subjects give you time to experiment with lighting, angles, and settings.

Expert tip: Focus on one setting at a time, like adjusting brightness or using portrait mode, so you can see how it impacts your results without getting overwhelmed.

26. Capture candid moments, not just poses

Candid photos often feel more authentic and memorable than posed ones. A genuine laugh, quick glance, or spontaneous reaction can tell a deeper story. This is especially true for family photos, where natural moments often say more than perfect poses.

Keeping your camera ready between shots helps you catch the ones that bring your photo book to life.

Expert tip: Instead of asking people to pose, engage them in conversation or give them something to do. Capturing moments while they're relaxed and distracted often leads to the most genuine photos.

27. Join photography communities or take a course

Learning with others can make a big difference, especially when you’re just starting out. Online communities, local clubs, and beginner-friendly courses are great places to ask questions, share your work, and pick up tips from more experienced photographers.

Getting feedback and seeing how others approach photography can help you grow faster and stay inspired along the way.

Expert tip: Look for beginner groups on Reddit, Facebook, or photography apps. Many free online courses also offer quick lessons you can take at your own pace.

28. Learn when to break the rules

Photography has plenty of helpful guidelines like the rule of thirds or keeping your subject in focus, but sometimes the most striking images happen when you do the opposite. Once you understand the basics, don’t be afraid to experiment with off-center framing, motion blur, or unusual lighting to create a more artistic or emotional effect.

Breaking the rules with purpose can help your photos stand out and reflect your unique style.

Expert tip: Try breaking one rule at a time and see how it changes the mood of your image. It’s all about experimenting and finding what feels right to you.

29. Practice every single day

Like any skill, photography gets easier (and more fun) the more you practice. You don’t need a big event or a perfect setting. Simply start snapping photos of your everyday life. Even a few minutes a day can help you build confidence and start spotting photo opportunities everywhere.

Expert tip: Keep a small photo journal on your phone or in a notebook to track what worked and what didn’t. Reflecting on your progress makes it easier to spot patterns, grow your skills, and stay motivated.

30. Try a photo challenge to stay motivated

Sticking with photography is easier when you make it fun, and photo challenges are a great way to do just that. They give you a simple prompt each day or week, like “shadows,” “something blue,” or “a favorite object,” to help spark creativity and build your skills over time.

Challenges take the pressure off perfection and encourage you to keep experimenting, even when you’re not feeling super inspired.

Expert tip: Create your own challenge or join one online. Even five minutes a day can help you improve and stay consistent.

Bring Your Best Photos to Life With Mixbook

Learning the basics of photography is just the beginning. With the right techniques, even everyday moments can become meaningful memories worth preserving. From spontaneous smiles to thoughtfully composed shots, every photo has the potential to become something special.

Mixbook makes it easy to turn your favorite images into custom photo books, canvas prints, and sentimental gifts so you can relive those moments again and again.