📷 I Just Got My First Camera - What Do I Do in the First Week?

You've just unboxed your first proper camera and honestly? It's a bit overwhelming. All those dials, buttons, menu options - where do you even begin? 📸 This episode walks you through exactly what to do in your first week with your new camera. No jargon, no technical overwhelm, just practical, actionable steps that'll have you taking photos you're proud of by next weekend.

In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ How to properly set up your camera from day one
✅ Why reading the quick start guide saves hours of frustration 
✅ The correct way to hold your camera for sharper photos
✅ Why Auto mode is your friend when you're starting out
✅ How to review your photos to accelerate learning
✅ The secret to understanding light in photography
✅ Why finding a photography community matters

That first week with your new camera is absolutely crucial. Get it right, and you'll build confidence, develop good habits, and actually enjoy the learning process. These aren't complicated technical exercises - they're simple, enjoyable activities that'll help you understand your camera and start taking photos you actually like.

📸 What You'll Learn:

✅ Tip 1: Charge the Battery and Format Your Memory Card
Get the boring but important stuff sorted first - nothing kills enthusiasm faster than your camera dying mid-shoot or getting memory card errors.

✅ Tip 2: Read the Manual - or the Quick Start Guide at Least!
This brief investment will save you hours of frustration later. You'll know where things are, understand the basic menu structure, and won't accidentally change weird settings.

✅ Tip 3: Get Comfortable Holding Your Camera
Learn the proper technique: right hand grips camera, left hand supports lens from underneath, elbows tucked in. Practice the breathing technique that reduces camera shake.

✅ Tip 4: Shoot in Auto Mode and Explore Your Environment
Auto mode lets you focus on seeing and composing, rather than fighting with settings you don't understand yet. Take loads of photos without worrying about technical settings.

✅ Tip 5: Review Your Photos and Learn From Them
Every evening, spend fifteen minutes looking at the photos you took that day. This is where utterly splendid learning happens. Notice patterns and be kind to yourself.

✅ Tip 6: Take Photos at Different Times of Day
Light changes dramatically throughout the day. Photograph the same subject at different times in a single day - you'll see how light transforms everything.

✅ Tip 7: Join a Photography Community or Find a Friend
Photography's more fun when you share it with others. Share your photos, ask questions, get feedback. This social element massively accelerates your learning.

📱 For Phone Photographers:
Well this is aimed at people taking photos with their phones. So let's move on from this one ok?

🔗 Related Episodes:

Episode 9, How Can I Learn To Use My New Camera?

Episode 17,

Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer on my website Rick McEvoy Photography.com/courses

Check out my splendid course How To Become A Real Estate Photographer at Rick McEvoy Photography.com

Chapters

• 0:00 You've just unboxed your first proper camera.
• 1:22 Hello and welcome
• 2:13 Your First Week Should Be Enjoyable
• 2:55 Charge the Battery and Format Your Memory Card
• 4:17 Read the Manual - or the Quick Start Guide at Least!
• 6:36 Get Comfortable Holding Your Camera
• 8:26 Shoot in Auto Mode and Explore Your Environment
• 10:17 Review Your Photos and Learn From Them
• 11:45 Take Photos at Different Times of Day
• 13:08 Join a Photography Community or Find a Friend
• 14:18 Quick Recap
• 15:28 What If I Use a Phone?
• 15:38 What Do I Do?
• 17:21 Here's Something for You to Do
• 18:52 Related Episodes
• 20:17 Next Episode 💝
• 20:45 Get in Touch & Subscribe! 🤝