So you want to get started in your photo career and aren’t super sure where to begin? Listening to experts giving conflicting information?
Trust me, I have been there. I’ve looked through numerous videos, blogs and books only to become more and more confused and torn between which model and make, which price…
Listen, I’m going to make it easy and cost effective for you. I’ve been through it all and even spent way more money than I actually needed to spend (listening to all of the experts).
A Quality Camera
Nifty 50mm Prime Lens
Dependable Flash
Sturdy Camera Bag
Hefty SD Card
1. A Quality Camera
I started out on my photography journey with a Canon Rebel T3. When I started out, I thought I needed the fanciest and most expensive camera and camera equipment, but as you will learn, an expensive camera doesn’t make a good photographer.
I have seen some amazing photographers shoot gorgeous images on their cell phones. So trust me, you don’t need a super expensive camera.
This is the upgraded version of my first camera, and it won’t let you down.
2. “Nifty Fifty” Prime Lens
Now, if you haven’t heard of the term “Nifty Fifty” before, no worries. Essentially, the 50mm lens is good for many situations, especially just starting out Photographers. This lens is really good for portraits, but is versatile enough to be used at events, macro photography and many other things.
Now, even though your camera comes with a kit lens, which is great to start out on, the 50mm PRIME lens is fixed. There is no zooming in and out so the quality of your pictures are going to be of a higher quality than the kit lens.
Trust me. It’s worth it.
3. Dependable Flash
You may find yourself in some precarious situations where the lighting may not be the best for portraits. Even though your camera comes with a flash, it may not be strong enough or it may be too harsh. The beautiful thing about these Flashes is that you have more control over the direction of your light and the strength.
I’ve found these flashes to be super affordable and dependable.
4. Sturdy Camera Bag
There are many camera bags out there in the market these days, and it can be tough trying to pick one.
Some promise stability and protection over your precious camera equipment.
I have this camera bag and it is AMAZING. It has many compartments that you can tailor fit to your gear, and it has enough space for your beginner gear and the additional gear you’ll acquire on your journey as a photographer.
It also comes with a cover just in case it’s misty or sprinkling outside, so your bag and gear inside don’t get wet.
I bought mine in orange, but it comes in many other colors like Blue, Lavender and Green, just to name a few.
5. Hefty SD Card
Starting out, having space on your SD card is SUPER important. Because you’ll be experimenting and trying out so many different things, you want to have more than enough space to store them.
It took me investing a lot of money in a lot of smaller SD cards until I figured that I may as well just buy one big SD card.
This 128 GB SD card has done a phenomenal job of capturing my images and maintaining the integrity of my images.
Conclusion
So there you have it shooters. These are the most essential items you need to begin your photography career and hobby.
Thought you’d need more than this? Me too!
People will try and sell you a bunch of things that, starting out, you don’t really need. When it comes to creating wonderful photographs, less is truly more.
The best way to develop your creative skill and eye is to master the basic tools and build from there.
Be sure to let me know how this has helped you and be sure to share with the shooter in your life.
Being a beginner is amazing and I wish you happy shooting!
And feel free to share tips and pics from your photographic journey as well!