An entry-level DSLR camera will be enough if you are a newbie venturing into photography as a hobby. However, if you plan on pursuing photography as a profession, it is important to have the right gear with you.
Nowadays, many people tend to book photographers based on the kind of gear they have. This means that having a wide selection of the right photography gear will increase your chances of getting more gigs.
When choosing the photography gear you need, it can be overwhelming to decide what accessories are worth your investment. Although these accessories will not make your work any easier, they will help you realize the best photography results for your clients.
The following are essential photography gear every professional photographer needs to have and know how to use.
Camera
As a photographer, the first thing you need is a high-quality camera. You cannot show up to a photoshoot with your iPhone 13 or cheap camera and expect to get the job done. Every type of photography requires a specific type of camera. For instance, a medium format camera is ideal for you if you are a portrait or fashion photographer.
On the other hand, you will need a camera with a high frame rate if you plan on venturing into professional wildlife photography. Once you have decided the type of camera you want, the next step is to choose your preferred camera brand.
Some of the most popular brands that promise good equipment include Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, FujiFilm, Sony, and Leica. These brands deal with mirrorless and DSLR cameras which may cost you upwards of $700.
Lenses
After purchasing your preferred camera, the next thing on your shopping list should be a collection of lenses. Again, the type of lens you should buy will depend on the type of photography you are venturing in.
You can opt for a portrait focal length range lens, standard zoom lens, telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, or fish-eye lens.
Wide-angle lenses are best suited for environmental photography, while standard zoom lenses work best for portrait photography or indoor photoshoots. Alternatively, if you are a beginner in photography, a prime lens will make more sense. You can use a prime lens as you continue exploring different kinds of lenses in the market today.
A Tripod
Regardless of the type of photography, you will need something to stabilize your camera as you snap your photos. Additionally, your camera will become heavier as you add your preferred lenses and flash modules.
Therefore, you need somewhere to station your camera if you are going to take photos for a long time. This is where a tripod comes in.
A tripod lets you capture long-exposure photos over a long period without worrying about shaky results. Since you will be using a tripod for most of your work, ensure that you invest in a high-quality instrument. Go for aluminum or carbon fiber legs.
Some of the most popular tripod brands include Benro, Manfrotto, and Gitzo. Good quality tripods start from as low as $50, depending on how tall a tripod you need.
You can also consider alternatives to a tripod like a Bean bag or Monopod. On the other hand, if you will be snapping photos of things on top of tables, a small table tripod may be worth your money.
Cleaning Kit
During your photography work, your camera, lenses, and other accessories are vulnerable to moisture, dust, and dirt. This explains why one of the most crucial camera maintenance and care guidelines involves always keeping your camera, imaging sensor, lenses, and other accessories clean.
Neglecting these accessories is easily one of the costliest mistakes in your photography career. Unfortunately, hiring professional cleaning services for your photography accessories can be expensive. That is why you should learn how to clean and maintain your gear independently.
As a photographer, you need to invest in a cleaning kit with a lens rag and spray to simplify the cleaning process. However, if you notice dust inside your camera, it is best to visit a professional camera cleaner.
A Camera Backpack
Even though a camera backpack will not be necessary for every photo shoot, it protects your camera and other accessories from damage while you are on the move. A camera backpack also ensures that you do not misplace some of your accessories as you capture photos outdoors or in crowded areas.
Fortunately, camera backpacks come in various styles, so there is something for everyone. If you spend most of your time shooting outdoors, experts recommend going for a water-resistant bag.
This way, your cameras, lenses, and imaging sensors will be protected from moisture and other elements that may damage them. It is also important to invest in a camera backpack with a sturdy zipper to protect your photography gear from theft.
Filters
Every digital camera in the market today is fitted with a White Balance. Additionally, photo editing software has color-correction tools that enable photographers to transform the lighting of any picture as per the client’s preference.
These tools have reduced the need for photographers to purchase filters. However, there are many filters that you cannot find in photo editing software. These include CPL, polarizing, Natural Density (ND), diffusion, Grad ND, and UV filters.
Polarizing filters are best suited for wedding photography, while UV filters can be helpful for indoor and outdoor photography. Nowadays, you may also access electronic filters that you can use to layer filter effects for your photographs in any way you like. Some of the most popular brands for filters include Hoya, Lee, and Nisi.
However, before purchasing any filter, ensure that it matches the threads of your camera lenses. Whether investing in a square or rectangular filter, you need to ensure that you use the right filter holder.
SD Memory Cards and Memory Card Reader
Years ago, photographers used to carry an extra film to store as many photos as needed. However, technology has advanced, and people no longer use film anymore.
Nowadays, photographers use DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for their work. These cameras do not have internal storage, which explains why investing in multiple SD memory cards is important.
An SD memory is a removable memory card you can install in your camera to store photos. It is best to purchase smaller SD cards so that even if one is corrupted, you can use the remaining ones to continue with your work.
For instance, you can purchase three 32 GB SD memory to carry whenever you have a gig. These SD memory cards will provide you with enough space to store hundreds or even thousands of pictures.
Whenever you purchase an SD memory card, it is important to store it in a case. This case will protect the SD card from damage, moisture, debris, and dust. Once you have purchased the SD memory cards you need, you also need to get a memory card reader.
You will use this memory card reader to review the photos on a computer, laptop, or tablet. This way, you get to save time and your camera battery. When purchasing a memory card reader, go for one that can connect with multiple gadgets. This will help you retrieve your pictures on any device for convenience.
Camera Strap
A camera strap is supposed to make your photography work a lot easier, especially if you will be standing for long periods. The camera you purchase may come with its own branded strap.
However, these free straps may not be good enough. In fact, most of them are usually weak, unattractive, and uncomfortable. Therefore, you should purchase a high-quality strap that will keep your camera safe while snapping photos.
Remote Shutter Release
If you are just getting started in your photography journey, a remote shutter release is an essential tool to invest in. There is no point in mounting your camera on a tripod, stabilizing it, and then shaking the camera every time you press the shutter button.
A remote shutter release eliminates this risk by letting photographers capture great shots without physically touching the camera.
Even though you may use the camera’s built-in timer to take photos without physically touching the camera, there is no guarantee that you will capture the exact moment you intend to.
With a remote shutter release, you can set up your camera in the ideal position and then move further away to activate the shutter from there. This serves you well, primarily if you specialize in professional wildlife photography, where patience is key.
It is also worth noting that a remote shutter release will come in handy when you need to take self-portraits. Fortunately, you can get an affordable remote shutter release that supports Bluetooth connectivity for your Canon or Nikon camera.
Summing Up
As a professional photographer, ensure that you own the best photography gear to improve results. You can compare photography gear prices from different online stores to help you get the best deal.
If you are a new shutterbug in the photography world, do not spend your money on every photography gear. Instead, you should research and consult other experienced photographers before investing.