If you’re eager to learn more about the fascinating world of photography, you’ve definitely come to the right place! Here’s a quick checklist of a dozen items to get you started and on your way to success.
Interest
Your first step should be to develop an interest in photography. Since you are reading this, you likely already have.
In case you are debating whether to dip your toes into photography, you might want to give it some careful consideration, or make your purchases based on your level of interest.
Both film and digital photography can be expensive and time-consuming. Take this into consideration before you invest.
Time
Photography, like any other passion or pursuit, requires dedication and time.
A camera used to be something you could bring with you or throw into your bag, and you would take pictures with it. When you completed a roll of film, you would deliver it to a developer and pick it up in a few days or sometimes within an hour.
Digital photography today typically requires at least some time sitting in front of the computer. While this should not deter you, you will need to spend a little more time with your images than is required to take them.
Camera
Unless you’re doing alternative forms of imaging, you probably need to use a camera to create your photos. As a beginner, your first concern will be which technology to explore, digital or analog.
Digital cameras are overwhelmingly popular today; if you choose that path, you have three basic options: point-and-shoot, interchangeable-lens mirrorless, and digital single-lens reflex (DSLR).
If you want a camera that takes 35mm film, you have two options: SLRs or point-and-shoots.
Lenses
A lens is a necessity if you are getting a DSLR or mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. There are a number of cameras that ship with a “kit zoom” that ranges from wide-angle to telephoto.
Whether a zoom lens or a prime lens should be your first lens is still up for debate among many photographers. With a prime lens, the focal length is fixed, so instead of the camera zooming in or out for you, you have to move to frame a picture.
No matter which lens you choose, be sure to buy a UV filter and lens cloth to keep your optics clean.
Lens Filters
It is important that you use a UV filter to protect your lens from dust and grime, but there are other filters that can enhance your images. Neutral density filters and polarizers allow you to do some amazing things that are impossible to simulate with software.
Memory or Film
If you choose an analog camera it will require film. When you purchase a digital camera, even if it has internal memory, you must also purchase a memory card. SD (Secure Digital) and CF (Compact Flash) are the most common among the many types of memory cards. When purchasing a memory card, be sure to pick the correct type for your camera.
Tripod
Beginners often overlook the importance of a tripod when taking photos. Although you might not intend to go out on a night photography expedition when you first take your camera out of the box, you’ll still need and want a tripod for a wide variety of purposes. The uses for a tripod include group pictures when you are in it, macro photography, low-light photography, etc. There are lots more — invest in a good tripod.
Flash
In addition to the built-in flash in many entry-level cameras, you may want to add an external flash to your camera to more brightly illuminate your shots. Photographers sometimes need to add light to a scene, even with today’s digital cameras, which are good at seeing in low light.
Books
Thanks to excellent photography books, I acquired a lot of what I know about photography. The Internet can be useful as well, but, at least for me, the words and images of photography books have had the most impact.
Computer & Software
A computer and associated photography software are necessary for digital photography.
Although you can always buy a huge memory card and just take a ton of photos and never remove them from the camera, that defeats the purpose of taking pictures in the first place. Organizing folders of images on your computer is possible, but computer software is needed to browse and edit them effectively.
Also, using post-processing software will allow you to adjust the appearance of the pictures.
Note: There is a lot of software available for sorting, filing, and post-processing of your images, some expensive and some even free. My preference is for Adobe Photoshop for post-processing and Adobe Lightroom for sorting and minor adjustments.
Conclusion
I hope that gets you started in the right direction. Good luck on your journey into the art of photography. Here’s to your continued success!