There is no beginner who doesn't make mistakes. I myself am guilty of a few major ones.
With the experience I have now, I would have done some things differently.
It would have saved me not only time and money, but also a bit of blood, sweat, and tears in the beginning, when I was just getting hooked on photography.

And most likely it would speed up my process of learning the skill and make it more enjoyable.

I Would Pick a Small Camera

Something like the Fujifilm X100V or another compact option that I could take everywhere with me. That way, I would never miss a shot and could practice every day, no matter where I was.

Unfortunately, I got caught up in the marketing hype (and the influence of the photography community) that convinced me I needed a fancy mirrorless camera.
While my choice was technically excellent - I love my A7III, and it meets all my expectations for a modern camera - it wasn’t the most practical decision.

The A7III is still a relatively large camera, and carrying it around wasn’t always convenient, which meant I missed out on the freedom of shooting in any situation.

Recently, I got a Fujifilm X100V, and for the past three months, I haven’t parted with it for longer than a trip to the bathroom. It’s the perfect camera for the challenge I set for myself - taking photos every day for an entire year.

I Wouldn’t Focus So Much on a Niche

Instead, I would just shoot anything and everything, without setting boundaries or limitations. I would give myself time to figure out what I truly enjoy photographing the most.

For some unknown reason, many beginner photographers try to fit into a niche early on, which can put them in a box for years and limit their creative growth.

A niche can be difficult to leave once you commit to it, making it hard to change direction. If you stick to it too much, you might miss out on opportunities - and, most importantly, you’ll only develop skills in a single area.

It took me time to realize this, but what might seem confusing to others - my decision to photograph anything and everything - is now something I see as a big advantage.

I Would Compare My Work Only to My Own Progress

Comparing yourself to photographers who are much further along in their journey is demotivating, frustrating, and leads to self-doubt.

If you feel the need to evaluate your work, compare yourself only to your past self. Instead of focusing on what you lack, you’ll notice your progress and the skills you’ve gained.

That’s the perfect way to give yourself some credit - and that kind of self-recognition is always motivating. Be kind to yourself, and don’t diminish your skills just because you started later than others or have less time to practice than they do.

Easier said than done, I know. But it’s a process.
It’s not easy, but you will get there.