Photography Tips & Tricks: The Journey Begins

The humble beginning of photography. The first-ever permanent photograph.

Discovering the Roots of Photography

Photography has always been more than just a way to capture moments. It’s a form of expression, a tool for storytelling, and a way to see the world differently. But to truly understand and improve your photography, it’s important to know where it all began. After all, knowing the history of photography can inspire your creative process in surprising ways.

Let’s take a walk through time, meet some of the pioneers of photography, and explore how their work has shaped the way we capture the world today.

The Beginning of Light and Shadows

Photography as we know it started with light, quite literally. In the 1820s, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce created the first permanent photograph, a grainy image of rooftops lit by the sun. Imagine the excitement of being the first person to freeze a moment in time! Back then, cameras didn’t “take” photos; they merely projected light onto a surface for artists to trace.

Niépce’s breakthrough was using a special coating on metal plates to capture that light, a process he named “Heliography”. The photograph shows a view of buildings, trees and landscape as seen from his upstairs window. That tiny, gray photo, though far from perfect, sparked a revolution that is still shaping how we tell stories through images today.

"View from the Window at Le Gras" reproduced in black-and-white.

Crafting Stories in Landscapes

One of my greatest inspirations is Ansel Adams. Adams wasn’t just a photographer, he was a master of landscapes, turning nature into visual poetry. His black-and-white photos of majestic mountains and sweeping valleys aren’t just stunning, they’re timeless. Every detail in his work serves a purpose, whether it’s a dramatic shadow or a perfectly placed horizon line.

Whenever I’m out photographing wildlife or landscapes, I think about what Adams taught us: that every shot should tell a story. His philosophy continually inspires me to make each element in my frame meaningful.

The Tetons and the Snake River. Ansel Adams’ work is a masterclass in turning nature into art.

Colour, Culture, and the Human Spirit

Fast forward to modern times, and we meet Steve McCurry, the photographer who brought vibrant color and raw human emotion into focus. His portrait of Afghan Girl is one of the most famous images in the world—and for good reason. Her haunting gaze tells a story far deeper than words ever could.

"Afghan Girl" photographed by Steve McCurry.

McCurry’s work reminds me that photography isn’t just about technical skill, it’s about connecting with your subject. Every time I shoot, whether it’s a herd of elephants in Amboseli or a sunrise in the Maasai Mara, I try to bring that same depth and humanity to my images.

Mohamed Amin: The Eye of Africa

Mohamed Amin was not just a groundbreaking photojournalist but also a passionate storyteller of Africa’s beauty and resilience. While his humanitarian work, like documenting the Ethiopian famine, is world-renowned, his dedication to capturing Kenyan wildlife was equally remarkable.

One of his most iconic wildlife subjects was Ahmed, the legendary tusker of Marsabit. Ahmed, a symbol of Kenya’s natural heritage, was so highly cherished that he was placed under presidential protection by Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta. Through Amin’s lens, Ahmed’s immense tusks and majestic presence became immortalised, showcasing the greatness of African wildlife and raising global awareness about the need for conservation.

Ahmed, "King of Marsabit" captured by Mohamed Amin.

Amin’s work with Ahmed reminds us of the powerful role photography plays in protecting what we cherish. His images were not just about documenting—they were about preserving Kenya’s identity and natural beauty for future generations.

 Photography as Art

Photography hasn’t always been considered an art form. In the late 1800s, Alfred Stieglitz led the charge to change that perception. His belief that photography could express emotion and creativity as deeply as painting or music reshaped the medium. Thanks to pioneers like him, photographers today can be proud to call themselves artists.

I think of Stieglitz’s influence every time I create a shot that captures more than just a scene. A photograph should have a soul—it should make people feel something.

Why Look Back?

You might wonder why it’s important to learn this history. Here’s why; photography didn’t just happen. It was crafted by dreamers, tinkerers, and storytellers who saw beyond what was possible at the time. Their work continues to inspire us, even in an era where anyone can take a photo with a phone.

Understanding their journeys reminds us that every click of the shutter is part of a bigger story, one that started centuries ago and continues with us today.

Your Turn to Make History

There’s constant excitement in photography because there’s always something new to learn and create. Whether you’re experimenting with light like Niépce, seeking dramatic landscapes like Adams, or finding the humanity in your subjects like McCurry, your work adds to this incredible story.

The beauty of photography is that it allows us to freeze moments in time and tell stories that words alone cannot. Every photographer is part of the ongoing story of photography. Among my favourite photographs, one captured on safari in Amboseli serves as a perfect example.

Featured in Time Magazine, a safari adventure unfolds in Amboseli, with Mount Kilimanjaro standing as a timeless witness.

This image reminds me of why I fell in love with photography—to tell stories that go beyond the surface. Every photograph is a chance to preserve a moment, inspire emotion, and share the beauty of our world.

So grab your camera, find a subject that inspires you, and start shooting. History is still being written, and you’re a part of it.