Every photographer should have a set of tools they need to get their shots. The best tools for photographers are those that enable them to create high-quality professional photographs. If you’re just starting on your photography journey and want to know the different tools every photographer should have, you should refer to the list below:
- DSLR Camera
A DSLR camera, also known as a digital single-lens reflex camera, is a compact digital camera that merges the mechanisms and optics of a standard single-lens reflex camera with an electronic imaging sensor. Today, many DSLR cameras have an autofocus system to help newbie and professional photographers get the best shot of their subject.
With an auto-focus system, the mirror doesn’t move during the exposure process. Instead, the mirror flips once the shutter button has been pressed and focuses the camera on the target. Today’s technologically advanced DSLR cameras also offer various features that were previously available only to professional photographers. Therefore, with a DSLR camera, you have the opportunity to take great pictures without having to become a professional photographer.
- Camera Lens Filters
Camera lens filters are essential tools for every photographer because these help minimize glare, reduce light going into the lens, and enhance the photos’ colors. The simplest types of camera lens filters are those that are purely and just used for illumination.
There are different camera lenses you should explore using. These include:
- Color Correction Lens Filters
Filters like these are essential if you want to preserve the colors of a photograph while optimizing the picture. There are also digital cameras with different kinds of filters that can be adjusted to give more or less of an image enhancement effect.
- Polarizing Filters
These filters are used mainly in landscape and nautical photos, where there’s a need to reduce glare or if you want to saturate the colors of the image. They work by using a combination of spherical aberration and linear distortion to lessen the effects of sunlight on the subject.
- Neutral Density Filters
Neutral `density camera filters are dark-colored glasses that help reduce the amount of light that enters the lenses and sensor. These filters ensure that excess sunlight or powerful light from flashes, without affecting the color of the photo.
- Cleaning Kit
When you’re looking for a camera cleaning kit, you need to make sure that it’s designed to handle all the different parts of your camera. A camera cleaning kit should have all the necessary tools to safely clean each part of your camera, including the camera lens, camera body, and, most importantly, the electronic sensor. A quality kit also comes with a carrying case so that you can easily carry your cleaning tools wherever you go.
Your cleaning kit should always include microfibers or micro pads. Microfiber swabs are great for all types of camera parts because they have an exceptional ability to penetrate the thickness of the material they are made of. However, this characteristic may not be enough to remove some dirt particles from the sensitive parts of the sensor, such as the optical zoom and the flash drive housing.
- Reflectors
Reflectors help reduce or eliminate the strong shadow that occurs when you take a photo in low light. This is especially important if you’re taking a portrait of a person or you’re shooting in an area where shadows can form and disrupt your photo.
- Tripod
A camera tripod is simply a three-leg, portable device used to support, balance, and position a camera or other camera-related devices on a sturdy surface. Most professional and flexible tripods are made of sturdy and light-weight materials, so they’re easy to carry around. Some mount the camera on a stand, while others use a plate or other types of support that sit on the ground.
- Camera Bag
To hold all your essential items in one place, you need a reliable camera bag. There are different types of camera bags available today, and they also come in different shapes and sizes. When choosing a camera bag, it depends on the tools you’re going to use for the shoot.
Camera messenger bags are considered the most practical camera bags, especially for beginners. These bags have easy-access zippers and compartments for everything you need. Some of these bags also let you carry other items, like your laptops, wallets, and phones. If you need to bring many things, like tripods and reflectors, you can also choose to use roller camera bags or backpack camera bags that can carry more items.
Summary
If you’re serious about pursuing photography, you need to have these essential items to help you capture the best shots of your subjects. Aside from owning a high-quality camera, you should also invest in different camera lens filters so you can add depth and saturation to your photos. Having a cleaning kit is also essential because you need to ensure that all your tools and equipment are clean to maintain their equipment’s health. Other items you might need to get a good shot of are reflectors and tripods. Lastly, it would be best if you have a good camera bag to carry all of the essential equipment for your shoots.