How Do I Use This F*cking Camera?

Where to Begin

Treat this Photography Basics Series like a book. It is best to read it from start to end because each chapter builds on prior chapters. However, if you want to jump to something more specific, you’re welcome to skip ahead to a later chapter. Here is the overall organization of the guide:

Photography Basics by Chapter:

(This will be filled in with links as I produce them) - Stay Tuned!!

• Chapter 1: How Do I Use This F*cking Camera? (You are here)
• Chapter 2: So What The F*ck is Photography Anyway?
• Chapter 3: What is Shutter Speed and How to Use it Like a Boss
• Chapter 4: Aperture
• Chapter 5: ISO
• Chapter 6: Composition
• Chapter 7: Metering
• Chapter 8: Camera Modes
• Chapter 9: Focusing
• Chapter 10: Flash
• Chapter 11: Camera Settings
• Chapter 12: How to Take Sharp Pictures
• Chapter 13: Photography Tips for Beginners
• Chapter 14: Photography Ideas

Take me to Chapter 2: So What The F*ck is Photography Anyway?

Why I Wrote This

It's the set of questions I get asked all of the time. How can I take better photos? What settings should I have my camera on? Do I have to shoot in Manual Mode?

I have been a professional photographer for 15 years now. I have photographed in almost any imaginable scenario, climate, and circumstance forcing me to learn most of what I know on the fly. I admit, that most of my learning came through making mistakes. I hope this guide will allow others to learn from my mistakes and skip right past that painful part of the learning process.

Let me also say that I am writing in this in a fashion that makes the most sense to me. I’m going to give examples about how I personally understand camera settings, lighting, posing and all the good things that encompass photography. Most of my examples will focus on the type of work I do - adventure, lifestyle, product, editorial, etc. however all of the ideas and principles that I share can be applied to any type of photography.

Let me say this: Youtube University is an insanely great asset to use to learn all about photography. However, I would highly suggest having a rock-solid understanding of the basics before blindly following along. Once you have the basics dialed in, have at it on YT.