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The Photo Method

BEGINNER
PHOTOGRAPHER

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Learn how your camera works and start taking photos you actually love

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find your way around

Welcome to photography...

If you walked into my classroom on the first day…this is exactly what I would say.

Hello, and welcome to photography.

Starting something new can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to learning your camera, understanding settings, and figuring out how to turn what you see into a photo you’re proud of and want to share. But it is also the best part.

I’ve taught photography for over 20 years, and I’ve never grown tired of seeing that moment when everything starts to click for a student. When they go from guessing to actually understanding. From just “taking photos” to really creating images.

This beginner photography guide is designed to help you get there.

Here you’ll find simple, beginner friendly info to help you understand your camera settings, learn how light and composition work together, and start taking photos with confidence.

You don’t need to know everything right now, you just need a place to start.

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THE BEST CAMERAS FOR BEGINNERS

Being a photography educator for two decades has lots of advantages. I get to see new photographers become actual confident artists...I get to be a part of their artistic journey...I get to help them find their visual voice...and I get to figure out what items and gear work BEST for beginners! Read on for my list of the best gear for beginner photographers.

Understanding Light

Photography studio setup with a tripod-mounted DSLR, softbox light, and white paper backdrop—showing essential tools for producing tack sharp images and reducing motion blur.

Why Are My Photos Always Blurry?

Before-and-after comparison of a portrait edited with different white balances, helping to explain what a Kelvin temperature scale is in visual terms.

What Is A Kelvin Temperature Scale

Amber-toned glassware casting intricate shadows on a warm-toned fabric surface. Highlighting the sun’s angle and warmth during golden hour.

What is Golden Hour in Photography?

Close-up photo of vibrant pink ranunculus flowers with soft, creamy background. Demonstrating how shallow depth of field creates dreamy bokeh effects.

What is Bokeh?

Composition & Creativity

A young woman stands gently holding hanging willow tree branches, using the draped foliage for soft natural framing.

Composition Techniques :: Natural Framing

Side-by-side example images of the rule of thirds grid and the golden ratio spiral—a family backlit in a field with the golden ratio circle overlay and a girl sitting at a table with the rule of thirds grid overlay. composition.

Compositional Techniques :: Rule of Thirds & Golden Ratio

A wedding photographer captures a bride and groom by the waterfront. Demonstrating real-life technique in how to find your dominant eye in photography during portrait sessions.

How To Find Your Dominant Eye

Scenic landscape photo with a lake reflecting a sunlit mountain during golden hour, overlaid with text reading "How to control lighting in a scenic photo."

How to control lighting in scenic photos

Beginner Photography Guides

The Framework To Learning Photography

A soft, airy creative space featuring a green velvet chair and mood board, with a woman in white pants walking by, representing the calming impact of environment on those struggling with creativity in photography.

Struggling With Creativity In Photography

Breathtaking view of turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped peaks and evergreen trees in the mountains—an ideal scene to showcase how to take amazing photos while traveling in nature.

How to take amazing photos while traveling

Choosing Your Camera Gear

Close-up of a photographer holding a mirrorless camera with a kit lens attached, emphasizing the compact design and standard zoom features of a typical kit lens.

Do I Need To Upgrade My Kit Lens?

Close-up of a woman placing a film camera into a worn leather tote bag, highlighting a stylish and functional option for carrying photography equipment.

The Best Camera Accessories For Beginners

Flat lay of three camera lenses, including an 85mm prime and a 70-200mm zoom lens, alongside a Nikon Mirrorless camera on a wooden background. This is promoting the best camera lenses for beginners.

The Best Camera Lenses For Beginners

A smiling woman seated at a round white table, reviewing a Nikon DSLR camera, representing the hands-on experience of learning with one of the best cameras for beginners.

The Best Cameras For Beginners

A collection of entry level DSLR cameras from brands like Nikon and Canon displayed on green grass, showing a variety of models and lens options.

The Best Entry Level DSLR Cameras

Next Steps?

Learn how to use your camera

Buying a camera is just the first step. Knowing how to use it is what really makes the difference.

Dive into the free mini course on how to get off auto mode on your camera, and start getting photos you love.

CONTINUE YOUR PHOTO JOURNEY...

Photo Gear

Choose the right camera, lenses, and accessories without the overwhelm—and build a setup that grows with you.

explore camera gear

Photo Editing

Edit your photos with simple techniques and build a workflow that supports consistency and actually saves you time.

start editing photos

Photo Business

Turn your photography into a business with workflows, better client experiences, and systems that support growth.

build your photo biz

CREATIVE EDUCATOR + PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m Lexi

A chocolate lab lover and self-proclaimed cheese addict. I’m obsessed with HGTV home shows, the scent of french lavender, and traveling to all the places.

I’ve been a professional photographer for nearly two decades, and I’ve spent much of that time also teaching photography in a high school classroom. I have a passion for helping people find their voice with photography so they can make their camera work for them—either by running a business or just by finding joy in the process of creating

hello lovelies!