Why You Should Begin Your Photography Journey in 2024

Jess Chibueze @jessjessfinesse

March 29, 2024

2024 is an amazing time to begin one’s pursuit of creative expression. The once impenetrable titanium gates that kept many of us from pursuing certain interests and industries are now open for all to run through. The old guard, who many times utilized class and knowledge-hoarding to keep us at bay, has now been overtaken.

Today’s overflow of information, digital connection, and technology breed opportunities like never before. If you’re determined and patient, you can be and do almost anything. As a self-taught photographer, my intention today is to act as a catalyst for future members of our tribe.

If you’ve ever been interested in photography but have been discouraged from starting, here are 4 reasons I believe you are ready right now.

1. Build a Portfolio From Your Environment

Depending on the specific niche(s) of photography you desire to explore, you can probably start building your portfolio right now. Whether you’re pursuing photography as a therapeutic hobby or a professional business, being able to collate a body of work to track growth or pitch to potential clients is important. Some people talk themselves out of picking up a camera (or phone) to start shooting because they don’t believe they have access to spaces, places, or people. That most likely isn’t true!

Interested in capturing lifestyle portraits? Ask family members, friends at school, or even co-workers to be your first models.

Want to transition your love of eating good food to shooting it? Start by preparing a simple meal and look for a source of natural lighting to practice.

Have a dream of becoming a fashion photographer? Your best friend’s closet could be the first “showroom” you pull from!

I know this seems easier said than done, but to begin anything worthwhile requires audacity. You have to start from somewhere. For many of us, myself included, starting requires child-like imagination, a sprinkle of blissful ignorance, and watching different videos on Moment’s YouTube channel for bursts of inspiration.

Take, for example, these portraits I shot of a beautiful woman I met in my hometown on a random day of thrifting. Say hello to Robyn. Robyn and I connected over, trying to troubleshoot an old film camera I was interested in purchasing. Our conversation resulted in her expressing an interest in modeling and me remembering that I wanted to add fashion portraiture to my portfolio. We both had needs that we could help each other meet! I shot these images of Robyn on my Fujifilm X100V, in her home next to the balcony door, with items from her closet. This was my first time shooting fashion-focused images, and this was Robyn’s first time using this style. We spent $0 to achieve these images, and look how they turned out.

Take a deep breath and use the world around you to start.

2. Use Your Fears as a Tool To Create

I’m an introvert who, by the nature of my work, finds myself in many social situations. From parties to brand activations, being out and about drains me with ease. In December of 2021, I bought my first big camera, the Fujifilm X-S10, and in April of 2022, I took it out for the first time to an album listening party in Lagos, Nigeria. Standing incognito near the exit door, I began shooting.

That night, my tendency to be hyper-aware of my surroundings sparked my desire to appreciate the most mundane actions around me. I could use my camera to recharge from a long stint of social interactions and seamlessly insert myself into the scene again once I was ready. This marked the beginning of my event photography journey.

It may sound outlandish if you experience nervousness, shyness, or general anxiety at events and social gatherings, but consider pivoting from attendee to photographer to change your perspective. I derive joy from capturing other people experiencing joy. Taking images of people who are the life of the party is my type of party, lol. Partnering with event organizers, brands, and celebrants to tell their stories through my eyes brings me great satisfaction. Getting compensated to do it is the icing on the cake. If you resonate with point #2, purchasing your first camera or gear to enhance a current camera is extremely easy on Moment’s website.

This leads to reason #3.

3. Buy New OR Used Gear

Buying with Moment makes it easy!

I’m a big believer in moving practically when beginning a new venture. Without wisdom, guidance, or even self-control, photography can quickly become capital-intensive too early in one’s journey. If anyone asks me for advice on photography, I’d say start with what you have. For many people with whom this article will hopefully resonate, you may not even have a camera.

I began my photography journey in 2011 with a $200 Nikon D50 I bought at a pawn shop. I used this camera to take pictures during missionary trips to Uganda. When I restarted my photography journey in 2020, I started with my iPhone 7+ and mobile phone lenses. I upgraded to an iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2021 and bought my first mid-range mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-S10, later that year.

If you have a smartphone, you can start TODAY. Like right now. I was already compensated to shoot BTS photos on music video sets with my iPhone before I purchased my first Fujifilm camera. If you aren’t ready to commit to buying a professional camera, it's beautiful! If you can afford to enhance your mobile phone, Moment is one of the top producers of mobile lenses and camera lens filters online. My secret photography weapon is having a 5%, 10%, or sometimes 20% Cinebloom filter on almost every camera lens I use. They hardly come off. I use them on my mobile phone too.

When you’re ready to start your journey, whether it begins on a smartphone or a mirrorless camera, Moment is here to start this very important journey with you.

Pictures 1 & 2, I took on my iPhone 7+. Picture 3 I took on my friend’s iPhone 11+.

4. "Too Many Photographers" Is a Myth. There's Space For You, Too.

Although social media plays a pivotal role in dismantling the old guard, sometimes social media suffocates our way of thinking. Although many of us understand that there’s “nothing new under the sun,” many sectors, like photography, can easily seem over-saturated with no room for new creatives to make a dent or impact.

That isn’t true. There is room for everybody. I follow many photographers worldwide and am in awe of how each of these creatives holds a unique space in the global pool of visual art. Photography and visual art, in general, can help you learn new things about yourself. Your editing style speaks to how you envision the world. What you choose to photograph can inform others of your values. Just like no two humans are the same, no two photographers are the same, even if their work seems similar. Don’t miss out on an amazing opportunity to learn new things about yourself through photography because you’re scared there are too many of us. On Moment’s website, numerous photographers are dropping gems through courses, presets, and products to benefit other photographers. Everyone can eat, and there’s a seat for you next to me at the table.

5. Conclusion

Beginning something new is challenging for many of us. The 4 reasons I stated above aren’t anywhere near exhaustive, but hopefully, they get you thinking and taking steps in the right direction. Many websites, YouTube channels, and forum groups have thousands of voices giving their opinions on photography. New camera models are released every quarter, promising to trump their predecessors. Understandably, this all can be very intimidating. If you can cut through the noise and begin your journey at your own pace, you’ll be surprised at where the journey takes you.