Go-To Gear For Beginner Photographers
by Grace McDaniel
As a relatively new photographer, I often find myself spending hours down YouTube rabbit hole researching cameras and photography accessories. I’ve always had an interest in photography, but for a while I seemed to get by just fine with my phone and a small point-and-shoot camera. However, as I progressed in my journey, I realized that it required a bit more gear. Throughout the past few years, I have gained a small collection of what I believe to be the crucial gear that any beginner photographer needs: a camera, a couple of lenses, a tripod, SD cards & SD card reader, editing software, and a camera bag.
My advice to anyone who wants to explore photography is that you do not necessarily need the newest, most high-tech gear to capture beautiful images. In my first photography class (in which we only used film), I learned that sometimes the imperfections are what give a photograph character.
Helmet Conch, 2021
My first DSLR camera was a Nikon D60. This was the camera I used in my digital photography class and even into my AP Photography course. Although it was nothing fancy, it was the perfect beginner camera. I learned the basics without having to invest in a top of the line camera. I have since inherited a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, but still find myself reaching for the Nikon when I want a smaller, lighter camera that’s easy to travel with.
Your lens needs will vary depending on your subject matter. For portrait photography, a 50mm or 85mm fixed lens is perfect, but for landscapes you may want something like a 24-120mm zoom lens which gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of focal length. If you have other interests you may need to purchase specific lenses. For example, I have developed an interest in macro photography and use a 100mm macro lens to get those close-up, detailed shots.
Tomato Stars, 2023
A tripod can be especially useful if you plan on capturing movement via a low shutter speed or if you want to photograph in low-light conditions. It ensures that your camera stays super still so that only movement will be blurred and the rest of your shot will remain in focus.
Of course to store all of your photos, you will need an SD card. I would recommend getting multiple so that if you fill one, you have another on hand! Many newer cameras have WiFi compatibility that allows you to wirelessly upload your photos, but I advise purchasing an SD card reader that you plug directly into your computer so that you can upload your photos from anywhere.
You may also want to invest in editing software that allows you to adjust basic settings like exposure, contrast, saturation, temperature, and sharpness. My preferred program is Adobe Lightroom because it is relatively user-friendly and has other helpful features such as masking, presets, and a remove tool which allow me to further refine my photos.
Finally, you will want a camera bag that allows you to house your equipment and keep it protected. I suggest a camera backpack because it keeps your gear easily accessible while making it super convenient to travel with. The backpack I use is from Brevitē and I love it because it has padded dividers which allows me to keep everything organized and secured within the bag!
I hope this guide was helpful for any new photographers who find themselves getting bogged down in the sea of photography gear out there. No matter what equipment you use or where you are in your photography journey, remember:
“It’s the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument.”