Today on COM it is all about the “Must-Have Equipment for Photographers”

Whether you’re an amateur photographer who loves taking photos as a hobby, you’re an amateur looking to transition to professional photography, or you’re already a professional photographer who wants to up your game, there’s a lot to know and a lot to learn.

There’s also some equipment that can make a big difference in the quality of photos that you take. You likely don’t have the budget to buy it all, and most photographers accumulate new equipment and accessories as they go.

However, regardless of the point you’re at there are some essential items that you should start with. The following are some of the must-have equipment items for photographers at any stage.

Tripod
According to the Shotkit blog , there are hundreds of camera tripods available, and it can be overwhelming even to know where to start. The blog recommends a DSLR tripod that has all the features you’ll need in one.

There are some specific considerations to keep in mind, but overall the average photographer is probably going to want to a multi-purpose, affordable and reliable tripod according to the blogger. Some of the great options named by the Shotkit blog include the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP and the Rangers Ultra Compact Tripod.

The good thing about going with a tripod that’s versatile and multi-purpose is the fact that it’s going to grow with you as you evolve as a photographer.

General tips for choosing a tripod include going for something sturdy, something that has a mount or
clamp if you’re going to use a remote, and you might also want a small tabletop tripod in addition to a
larger one.

Remote Shutter Release
If you invest in a remote shutter release , you can take a photo without touching the camera, so then you don’t have to worry about shaking or blurring. Usually, a remote shutter release is something photographers use along with a tripod. There are both wireless and wired options. Some come with pretty advanced features as well, and the features you decide on are going to have a lot to do with your goals and your budget.

Camera Backpack or Carrying Case
Choosing a durable and high-quality camera backpack or carrying case is extremely important because this is what’s going to keep everything safe and protected.

You don’t want to invest a lot of money into a camera, fail to protect it and then have it get broken. Plus, choosing a good backpack or carrying case can give you a feel of professionalism if you’re going to work with clients.

Prime Lens
If you have an interchangeable lens system such as a DSLR, you will need a prime lens. A prime lens means that it doesn’t zoom, which can help new photographers learn about composition.

Professional photographers often cite the 50mm/1.8 prime lens as a good inexpensive option for beginners, but for people who are willing to spend more another suggestion is the 35mm prime lens.

Light Meter
Choosing a light meter is important for the quality of your photos. Exposure is one of the biggest issues even experienced photographers are worried about, and a good light meter can help with this. With a light meter, you can completely predict exposure, and this is going to allow you to focus on other areas of your photography.

Light meters are extremely accurate, and handheld versions are generally easy to use. Handheld light meters can combat a lot of the issues faced by built-in camera meters. For example, something like backlighting isn’t going to affect a light meter.

A meter will usually have three levels of measurement for exposure which are incident, flash and reflected. You’ll want a light meter that will be able to read light from a one-degree angle, and professionals often recommend looking for one that has a reading displayed on the viewfinder in addition to the external display.

Reflectors
Finally, it’s also a good idea to have a portable reflector kit . There are different options available, and some of the kits will have silver, white, black, translucent and gold included. If you’re just starting out, reflectors help you when you’re lighting a photo. Reflectors essentially create
a surface for light to bounce off, and they can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos, and you don’t have to spend a lot on them.

A white reflector bounces the light, creating a soft effect. Silver reflectors will make the light brighter, and gold reflectors warm up the light. Reflectors are critical for fixing shadows, especially if you shoot outside.