There are two questions I get asked almost on a daily basis. One, what do I name my photography business. And two, what equipment do I need to start a photography business. I’ve written about both several times:
Photography Disaster Protection and Recovery – Are You Prepared?
Equipment List
Starting a photography business can be challenging, especially when you have so many choices. But ultimately bodies and lenses come down to personal preference. Same with equipment. Instead of listing out a series of bodies and lenses, what I thought I’d do today is head out and see what others recommend, and find some great tips to help you build up your own equipment list. Is there really a magic lens, a perfect camera body, the right props, or the best tripod? Or is there more to it than that? Read on.
Ready to head out on safari? I found this great article: The Best Photographic Equipment To Bring on Safari. Interesting Tip: bring along a photographic beanbag, which can be even more useful than a tripod. Allows you to find stability in a quick way.
Are you a wedding photographer? Bring along your gaffers tape. I found a great tip in Equipment for Wedding Photographers that listed gaffers tape as one of the most useful tools at a wedding. You can tape down a veil, cover a power cord, or hold together a bowtie.
Ready for a fashion shoot? It might not be the camera that captures the great images.
The iPhone Fashion Shoot proves you can take great images even with a simple iPhone. Of course this shoot had two things going for it: a photographer with a great eye, and great lighting. Check the bottom of the post for the exact lighting equipment.
Looking for a new perspective? In Great Product Presentation during Catalog Photo Shoot, the writer mentioned the need for ladders and chairs to gain a different angle and perspective on your subject matter. I couldn’t agree more. We’ve been known to climb up on stage to get the dance floor below us. Or lie on the floor shooting up at a bunch of smiling faces. Having a foldable ladder handy is perfect to help you get a new vantage point anywhere you happen to be.
If you’ll be traveling for your photography session, Professional Photographer Tips on Traveling for a Photo Shoot mentions two great tips. First, cargo check anything that won’t break – tripods, light stands, heavy duty cases, etc. If it’s valuable or breakable, carry it on. Second, be selective about what you bring. Every major city has a rental location for you to rent what you need. Check ahead of time, and get what you need specifically for the shoot.
And finally, Ansel Adams said it best. “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” If you’re passionate about what you do, you can create beautiful images out of just about anything.
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