Photography School Primer: Equipment and Supplies
A photographer is nothing without a camera. And a camera, in turn, is of little serious use without the proper place to develop its pictures, the right equipment to capture the best shots, and even photo-editing software to maximize its potential. Buying the right camera—powerful enough, portable enough, and durable enough to last for at least a few years—is already no easy task. Outfitting that camera with other necessary supplies is yet another feat.
Picking the Right Camera
It’s time to ditch the handheld point-and-shoot cameras. If you haven’t already, purchase an SLR camera. How to pick one from the market? The most expensive and most recent addition to the line shouldn’t immediately become your first choice. There are tried-and-true models and brands that photographers, some of which are time-tested and still going strong. Consult a real camera guide for technical details.
You don’t always want to conform too highly to general consensus, however. Depending on your background, you may already have an idea of what specific type of photography you want to pursue. Certain cameras may have features better designed for scenic and panoramic shots; others may be best suited for action shots or close-ups. If you already know your niche, investing early on will save you money and time in the long run.
Some photography schools or individual photography courses have a limited number of cameras available for students to borrow. Remember, however, that the quality of these may not be optimal and that, in the end, you’ll want and need your own personal camera at some point.
Accessorizing Your Camera
Most cameras that you purchase will come packaged with some kind of protective case. These are usually as flimsy as you would expect to get for free; considering the investment you’re making into this all-important piece of equipment—remember that you want it to last at least until you have your photography degree in hand!—buy a sturdier camera case immediately. Padded bags with plenty of additional pockets and a shoulder strap are popular because they make it easy to lug your camera around without fear of damage.
Extra touches to make your photoshoots more controlled and more professional are available: flashes, tripods, underwater gear, remote releases, and more are all tempting to the photography enthusiast. But as a student just starting out, exercise restraint. Check with the instructor of your photography classes to see which accessories are necessary and which ones would do little more than satisfy your curiosity. Many photography schools are willing to allow their students to borrow some of the more obscure and expensive equipment for projects that require them. After testing these accessories out for free, you can then make a better judgment about what is essential for your personal collection.
A Note on Online Photography Schools
If you’re taking a class online or pursuing a full online photography degree, the question of equipment will be a more pressing one. You will have access to fewer resources for borrowing much-needed equipment. If this is the case, be aggressive about identifying what you need. Contact your instructors before a class begins, or ask local professional photographers, and get their advice on what equipment to invest in.