In the world of photography, we would never leave home without our camera, memory card and tripod. If you are planning to make the leap into professional wedding photography, you might want to think about investing in some good quality equipment to get started with. Having the right gear will ensure you get the perfect shots, and will also make you more confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
It’s true that digital cameras are affordable these days and that smartphones can be used to take great photos, but you need to use a specific type of equipment to get the best results. A DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera is the most common choice for a beginner, as they offer the ability to capture a lot of detail, including depth of field, which is the part of the picture that appears sharpest. This is also ideal for those wanting to produce high-quality images that can be printed at large sizes.
There are lots of options when it comes to DSLRs, with different features and price points. You can find one that is both versatile and easy to use with your smartphone, or a model that has a viewfinder for composing your shots. You can also buy a range of accessories that can help you to take more creative shots, such as lenses and light modifiers.
If you are new to photography, having the right kit is vital. You need a camera that is easy to use and reliable, so you don’t waste time setting up each shot. You also need a memory card and battery pack so that you can capture lots of images. If you are a beginner, you might consider starting out with a basic point-and-shoot camera, which is easy to use, and is often cheaper than a DSLR. If you already have a smartphone, you can use its camera function to take some images, although you will need to make sure that your phone has a fast enough processor to cope with the images it needs to capture.
When selecting your kit, think about what you need, and if you can afford it, consider adding additional items to your collection as your skill and experience increases. Also, check out our top five best wedding photography gear picks.
It’s no secret that wedding photography requires a great deal of technical expertise. From lighting the image to processing and retouching, it’s an art form that requires experience and skill. A few key pieces of equipment can really help you stand out from the competition and add a certain level of professionalism to your images. Below we’ll discuss what some of the most important accessories are for beginner photographers.
Camera – The first step to becoming a professional photographer is to get a camera. Many entry level cameras will suffice, but for the highest quality and most versatile results, you’ll want a DSLR. DSLRs are digital single lens reflex cameras that offer the highest image quality and versatility. They provide several different angles of view and allow for an incredibly wide variety of creative possibilities.
Camera Lenses – DSLRs are made up of many different parts, including a lens. Your main lens should be a 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/2.0, depending on how far away you’re shooting and how much depth of field you require. This will provide a shallow depth of field and will let you isolate your subject from the background. If you want to add a bit more light to your images, a telephoto lens can be used as a close-up lens. A prime lens is usually sharper than a zoom lens. A prime lens has a maximum focal length of about 50mm or 75mm. A zoom lens will typically be set at 24mm-200mm, providing you with a lot of flexibility.
Memory Card – Memory cards come in different sizes, but a 32GB card should be sufficient for most amateur photographers. If you’re shooting in RAW mode, you’ll need at least a 64GB memory card.
Flash – This is a great tool for getting your images brighter and crisper, especially in low light conditions. The built-in flash can be unreliable and cause harsh shadows on your images.
Lighting – If you’re a beginner, it’s easy to get carried away with the idea of “lighting it right.” However, lighting can actually be quite complicated. For a wedding shoot, soft lighting is often preferable as it creates a romantic atmosphere. You can create a warm, golden glow by using a light source with a high Kelvin number. Alternatively, you can use a light box, which will make your images appear softer and more natural.
Lenses – Lenses are expensive and most entry level cameras don’t offer many different options. If you’re starting out, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a good lens. A basic prime lens will help you to learn and understand your camera. Lenses are available in a wide range of focal lengths, which will allow you to capture both distant and close subjects.
Portable Battery Packs – The power of your camera battery can last a lot longer if you charge them in advance. A portable charger will ensure you never run out of power, even if you’re on the go. You’ll need a charger that has a wall plug, but many have a USB port to charge your phone or tablet as well.
Folders – A good wedding photographer will be prepared for everything. They’ll carry their equipment with them at all times, ensuring that they can use their camera to capture the perfect shot. You’ll also want to invest in a couple of large-capacity pockets for your memory cards and lenses.
Tripod – One of the most important tools in your arsenal is a sturdy tripod. A good tripod will allow you to take clear, sharp photos, even when you’re shooting from a low angle.
Filters – Filters are an essential tool for any photographer. They’re available in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes, and are useful for helping to control the look of your images. For example, the Polarizer filter can help to reduce glare and reflections.