Photography is not just a hobby but a passion for many people. They love to spend their free time taking photographs. Whether at home or outdoors, people who love photography don’t miss the chance of getting great shots.
If you are interested in photography, then you can make it your hobby. You can even make it a business from which you can earn money. While you can take photographs from your mobile phone, if you want to get professional snaps, you need a camera and other resources.
We tell you nine things that you need to have if you want to get started with professional photography.
Image via Dreamstime Stock Photography
Resources Needed for Professional Photography
1) Camera
It is obvious that you need a camera to take photographs. You have a choice between analog and digital cameras. It is a fact that analog cameras are rarely used. So, a digital camera is the best option. The best type of camera to get is DSLR (digital single-lens reflex cameras). It helps you start with the basics and can be used even for advanced photography.
2) Lenses
Cameras would come with standard lenses. The lens is a very important part of the camera and is what helps you get great pictures. You can choose either a prime lens that has a fixed focal length or a zoom lens that allows you to zoom into objects. The choice depends on your budget and your style of photography.
3) Filters
Filters are another essential piece of equipment needed when you want to take top-notch photos. A polarizing filter helps to filter out reflections, so you get clear colours in the photos. If you are into outdoor photography, you need a UV filter to protect the lens. A neutral density filter can help you get long exposure images even during daylight while at the same time allowing for details in the highlights.
4) Tripod
The tripod is a stand to help you mount your camera while you click photos. Apart from its benefits while shooting outdoors, it is perfectly suited for taking group photos with a delayed timer. You need to look for a lightweight tripod that is easy to take with you.
5) Memory or Hard disk
Almost all digital cameras come with internal memory. The photographs you take will be stored in the memory. But the capacity of internal memory is restricted, so you will invariably need additional memory. You can get a memory card and use it in the camera to store photos. SD cards are the most common type available in the market.
You can also consider getting an external hard disk to take backups of the data. This is required when you turn professional. After taking so many photos, you wouldn’t want to lose them due to some unforeseen circumstance. Storing the data either on your computer hard disk or an external hard disk ensures you are covered.
6) Flash
Cameras have an internal flash that provides illumination when you need it. This is required especially in low-light situations or at night. If you are a professional photographer, you need good light to get the best quality photos. An external flash is a must if you are going to take up photography as a profession.
7) Cleaning supplies
Getting a good camera is not enough; you need to maintain it well. Cleaning the camera, especially the lens, is important. Dust and grime can settle on the lens and not only affect the image but also damage the lens. You can buy a cleaning kit that comes with a microfiber cloth for cleaning and a cleaning spray. A lens brush is also handy to clean the sides.
8) Camera bag
When you go outdoors with your camera, you want to take it safely. Having spent so much on the camera and its accessories, you need to ensure you store it properly. Camera gear can be purchased with separate compartments to securely store the camera, lens, filters, etc. You can also get a bag in which to store everything and carry it around on your shoulder.
9) Rechargeable batteries
Your camera operates on batteries. You need to get rechargeable batteries. If your battery is low, you can replace it with another battery. Rechargeable batteries come with a charger. You can charge the batteries once you are back home or when you have access to a charging slot.
Now that you know the things you need to start photography, you can go ahead and get them. Start using them and take top-class photos to impress your friends and relatives.
Image via Dreamstime Stock Photography
Photography is not just a hobby but a passion for many people. They love to spend their free time taking photographs. Whether at home or outdoors, people who love photography don’t miss the chance of getting great shots.
If you are interested in photography, then you can make it your hobby. You can even make it a business from which you can earn money. While you can take photographs from your mobile phone, if you want to get professional snaps, you need a camera and other resources.
We tell you nine things that you need to have if you want to get started with professional photography.
Resources Needed for Professional Photography
1) Camera
It is obvious that you need a camera to take photographs. You have a choice between analog and digital cameras. It is a fact that analog cameras are rarely used. So, a digital camera is the best option. The best type of camera to get is DSLR (digital single-lens reflex cameras). It helps you start with the basics and can be used even for advanced photography.
2) Lenses
Cameras would come with standard lenses. The lens is a very important part of the camera and is what helps you get great pictures. You can choose either a prime lens that has a fixed focal length or a zoom lens that allows you to zoom into objects. The choice depends on your budget and your style of photography.
3) Filters
Filters are another essential piece of equipment needed when you want to take top-notch photos. A polarizing filter helps to filter out reflections, so you get clear colours in the photos. If you are into outdoor photography, you need a UV filter to protect the lens. A neutral density filter can help you get long exposure images even during daylight while at the same time allowing for details in the highlights.
4) Tripod
The tripod is a stand to help you mount your camera while you click photos. Apart from its benefits while shooting outdoors, it is perfectly suited for taking group photos with a delayed timer. You need to look for a lightweight tripod that is easy to take with you.
5) Memory or Hard disk
Almost all digital cameras come with internal memory. The photographs you take will be stored in the memory. But the capacity of internal memory is restricted, so you will invariably need additional memory. You can get a memory card and use it in the camera to store photos. SD cards are the most common type available in the market.
You can also consider getting an external hard disk to take backups of the data. This is required when you turn professional. After taking so many photos, you wouldn’t want to lose them due to some unforeseen circumstance. Storing the data either on your computer hard disk or an external hard disk ensures you are covered.
6) Flash
Cameras have an internal flash that provides illumination when you need it. This is required especially in low-light situations or at night. If you are a professional photographer, you need good light to get the best quality photos. An external flash is a must if you are going to take up photography as a profession.
7) Cleaning supplies
Getting a good camera is not enough; you need to maintain it well. Cleaning the camera, especially the lens, is important. Dust and grime can settle on the lens and not only affect the image but also damage the lens. You can buy a cleaning kit that comes with a microfiber cloth for cleaning and a cleaning spray. A lens brush is also handy to clean the sides.
8) Camera bag
When you go outdoors with your camera, you want to take it safely. Having spent so much on the camera and its accessories, you need to ensure you store it properly. Camera gear can be purchased with separate compartments to securely store the camera, lens, filters, etc. You can also get a bag in which to store everything and carry it around on your shoulder.
9) Rechargeable batteries
Your camera operates on batteries. You need to get rechargeable batteries. If your battery is low, you can replace it with another battery. Rechargeable batteries come with a charger. You can charge the batteries once you are back home or when you have access to a charging slot.
Now that you know the things you need to start photography, you can go ahead and get them. Start using them and take top-class photos to impress your friends and relatives.
