A Beginner’s Guide to Perth Photography: Tips from an Award-Winning Perth Photographer

1. Start with Light, Not Gear

Before you buy expensive equipment, learn to see light. Perth offers some of the most beginner-friendly natural lighting conditions in the world. Morning light along the Swan River or golden hour at Cottesloe Beach? Absolutely dreamy.

Pro Tip - Practice at the same location at different times of day. Watch how shadows shift, colors change, and light wraps around your subject. The more you observe, the more control you gain over your images.

2. Learn to Shoot in Manual Mode

Auto mode may feel safe, but it won’t teach you how to control your camera. Understanding the exposure triangle—shutter speed, ISO, and aperture—will unlock your creativity. Want motion blur for waves at Trigg Beach? Slow your shutter. Want dreamy portraits at Hyde Park? Use a wide aperture like f/1.8. It’s tricky at first, but once it clicks, it changes everything.

3. Composition Is Your Superpower

You don’t need fancy gear to compose a powerful image. Use the rule of thirds to place subjects off-center, or leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye. Look for symmetry, natural frames (like tree branches), or contrasting colors to build visual interest.

Practice in places like Elizabeth Quay or Fremantle’s alleyways—they’re rich in texture, architecture, and balance.

4. Tell Stories, Not Just Take Pictures

A great photograph captures a moment, not just a person. This is what makes Hirak Bhattacharjee’s work stand out—there’s depth and feeling in every frame. Whether you're photographing a child laughing at a picnic or a stranger in motion on a Perth street, ask: What story am I trying to tell? Start small. One image. One story. That’s how you grow.

5. Where to Practice Around Perth

Looking for locations to improve your skills? Here are a few beginner-friendly photo spots:

• Kings Park: Ideal for landscapes and botanical portraits.
• Cottesloe Beach: Excellent for golden-hour portraits.
• Blue Boat House (Crawley): Iconic symmetry, great for learning framing.
• Fremantle Markets: Bustling atmosphere for candid street shots.
• Lake Monger: Great reflections and natural wildlife photography.

Explore our Outdoor Family Photography Guide for more location inspiration.

Photography Rules Every Beginner Perth Photographer Should Know

When you're starting out, rules may sound restrictive—but in photography, they’re more like guiding principles. Once you understand them, you’ll know exactly when (and how) to break them creatively. Here are some of the most foundational photography rules you’ll want to master:

1. Rule of Thirds

Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid. Placing your subject along the lines or at the intersections creates more balanced and natural-looking photos.

Try this at Elizabeth Quay or Scarborough Beach. Place your horizon on the top third and your subject on a side third—it’ll instantly feel more professional.

2. Leading Lines

Use lines—roads, fences, boardwalks, shadows—to draw the viewer’s eye toward your subject. Leading lines add depth and guide attention.

Fremantle’s alleyways or the bridges at Claisebrook Cove are perfect practice spots.

3. Fill the Frame

Don’t be afraid to get close. Eliminating background distractions by filling the frame helps focus the viewer’s attention and makes your subject pop. Great for portrait photography—especially with shallow depth of field.

4. Symmetry & Patterns

Humans naturally love symmetry. Look for reflections, shapes, and repeating elements to create strong visual appeal.

Try shooting the Blue Boat House or buildings in Perth’s CBD for clean, symmetrical compositions.

5. Frame Within a Frame

Use natural surroundings—windows, doorways, tree branches—to frame your subject inside your image. It adds depth and context.

At Kings Park, use tree trunks to frame a subject with Perth’s skyline behind them.

6. Watch the Background

Always check what’s behind your subject. A cluttered or distracting background can ruin an otherwise great photo. Move your feet or change your angle to simplify the background.

7. Golden Hour Rule

While not a "composition" rule, shooting during golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—gives you the softest, most flattering light. Perth has magical golden hour light. Use it. Chase it. Learn how it wraps around your subject.

8. Keep It Simple

Minimalism works. Don’t overcomplicate your shot with too many subjects or elements. Sometimes, less really is more.

7. Choosing Your First Photography Path

Which niche is best for beginners? In Perth, start with:

• Portraits: Easy to practice with friends or family.
• Street Photography: Great for spontaneity and learning to compose on the go.
• Nature & Landscapes: Minimal pressure, abundant in WA’s beauty.

Wedding and commercial photography can come later when you’ve built your style and confidence.

8. Prioritize Clients—Even Before You Have Any

If you’re thinking long-term, becoming a professional Perth photographer means putting people first. Even test shoots should feel personal and thoughtful.

• Listen to their ideas.
• Suggest locations that match their vibe.
• Send a prep guide.
• Deliver photos with care and consistency.

You’re not just creating images—you’re crafting experiences.

9. How to Choose the Right Location for a Shoot

Ask yourself:

• What’s the client’s energy? Quiet and natural? Try John Forrest National Park.
• Do they want urban, modern vibes? Head to Northbridge or Claisebrook Cove.
• Is lighting a concern? Always check the sunset/sunrise times and consider direction.

Plan ahead. Scout if you can. And always have a backup spot in mind—Perth weather can surprise you.

10. Basic Editing = Polished Storytelling

Editing should support your image, not overpower it. Start with Lightroom—learn how to adjust exposure, white balance, and clarity. Avoid over-saturating. Focus on keeping colors true and skin tones natural. Apply light presets, but don’t rely on them. The goal? Consistency, not perfection.

11. Your First Successful Session: What It Looks Like

A typical beginner-friendly session might look like this:

• Plan location timing (golden hour is your best friend).
• Brief your subject/client.
• Keep gear simple: one camera, one lens.
• Shoot wide, then tighter—give yourself options.
• Guide your subject, but allow natural moments too.
• Back up your files—immediately.
• Edit, deliver, and request feedback.

Each shoot teaches you something. So don’t stress—shoot, learn, repeat.