Beginner photography - how to focus on the right things

Looking to start photography? I was in the same position 3 months ago when I decided that I wanted to reconnect with my creative side and start learning about this popular pastime. I spent many hours watching videos and reading guides but it wasn't until I found a specific philosophy behind taking photos that I felt like I really hit my groove. So from amateur to amateur, here's what worked for me!

What I found: (as a beginner) 

Upon searching a couple photography-related questions online I soon came to realize exactly how saturated and overly complicated the hobby can appear to newcomers. While there is a large technical aspect to photography (and i'm grateful for all the specific tutorials and how-to's out there) I couldn't help but shake the feeling that the truth behind taking a good photo is a lot simpler than what it appears like online. 

I made this realization from a specific YouTube video that stood out to me as it went against the "real photographer = manual only" status quo. This video talked about the benefits of the Aperture/Shutter Priority modes and why simplifying the process of taking a photo can be important.

I've been rocking Aperture Priority ever since!

TL:DR: Cut the noise, focus on one variable at a time

Why I shoot in Aperture Priority:

When I first started learning about aperture, shutter speed, etc. it quickly became a mess of variables that someone who has no experience working with needs to keep track of. This made it difficult to go out and take pictures because I would spend so long trying to adjust the settings (without even fully understanding them!). Aperture Priority allows me to eliminate 2/3 of the variables that I would otherwise need to control and allows me to focus on the most important aspect... the actual picture!

This doesn't necessarily mean it's for everyone however, my current focus on LEGO photography means that my subjects stay still (for the most part). Which gives my shutter speed the freedom to automatically adjust across its entire range as I choose my preferred aperture. If I were to be shooting something like the birds in my backyard, I might decide to practice the first few photoshoots in shutter priority to get a feel of what speeds produce the best photo...It's all circumstantial!

Finally, aperture priority has allowed me to focus on what I believe has helped my photos stand out in the digital space: composition. If I had to decide between getting a technically perfect photo or one that tells a better story. It's the better story every time. 

TL:DR: Aperture Priority takes care of the other settings and allows me to focus on the most important part: composition

Why I focus on composition:

The LEGO X-Wing was my first photo to go viral and it showed me that composition should be put into a class of its own. I was disappointed with the photo due to poor lighting and settings (it was one of my first shots) but what I had completely missed was the fact that it told a story. Only after the photo went viral did I recognize its strength in composition and it certainly opened my eyes and shifted my philosophy when it came to taking photos. Lighting and settings improve an image, composition is the image.

TL:DR Composition is the writing, settings are the font

In conclusion:

My advice for new hobbyists? Focus on composition, and embrace the modern camera's ability to auto-adjust settings in one of the priority modes. Invest your time in finding the best way to frame your subject - the rest will come with time!