Most amateurs are overwhelmed when they are starting to learn photography as camera settings and technicalities make the whole process appear complex. Such terms as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure triangle, focal length, and white balance are mere words that seem to sound so sophisticated and that fear is what drives most learners into using the Auto mode. As much as Auto mode may assist in the initial stages, the stay there too long will not allow creativity to develop since the photographer will rely on the decisions the camera makes and fail to understand the way images are made.

The awareness of photography has shown that knowledge of camera fundamentals is not hard with step by step learning. This is not intended to learn it all in a day, but to gain a basic sense of the basic logic behind the light being captured by the camera and then transformed into a photo.

A camera is simply a light-sensitive device and all an excellent photograph is produced by the play of light. The fear is easily eliminated once learners are aware of this single concept. Camera plays with light in photography in three key adjustments; aperture, shutter speed and ISO.  Once you learn about balance you will no longer feel confused and begin to feel in control.

One of the most significant notions is Aperture that determines the amount of light that passes to the camera using the lens, as well as, it affects background blur (depth of field). Most amateurs believe that background blur occurs as a result of an expensive camera but it can be mainly achieved by the aperture selection. The wider apertures (such as f/1.8 or f/2.8) allow more sunlight in and produce less blurry backgrounds, which is handy in portraits and focus on the subject since the beginners can see the difference. When the learners observe the effect of aperture in altering the feel of an image, the use of camera control becomes exciting rather than stressful.

The other aspect of camera basics that minimizes the overwhelming factor is the knowledge of focusing and lens behavior. Novices believe that the camera can always be in focus, but autofocus is subject to lighting, contrast, and motion of the subject. Single mode and continuous mode of learning are useful in various circumstances. Moreover, learning about focal length (wide or zoom) is an insight on how a scene appears under a lens perspective. The wide lenses take in a larger environment whereas zoom lenses squeeze the background and bring the subject nearer to the camera. The awareness of photography means that a lens selection is a narrative device. Once the learners learn focus and focal length, they will cease to regard themselves as the cause of bad photographs and begin to master the skill in a logical manner.

Finally, camera fundamentals must be acquired not under stress but by studying and practicing. Novices do not have to know it all right now. It is just necessary to master one concept and use it constantly. Photography awareness notes that creative freedom is founded on the learning of the basics as the photographer is currently able to plan the use of light, motion and depth. When this control is achieved, one feels more confident and learning is fun. Learners also begin to feel empowered instead of overwhelmed as they know what is being done by the camera and why. This transition is the actual start of transition to a good photographer.