There’s a lot of advice on what equipment to buy and what not to buy as a photographer. It’s written from a billion different points of view, each a little different. I don’t feel like any of those articles are right for me, so here’s one that I hope resonates with you regardless of the genre or field you’re pursuing.
It is unlikely that a landscape photographer will own a softbox, just as a fashion photographer will not own a device that tracks the movements of the stars. To be fair, each photographer has a unique niche that requires specific equipment. If you’re here to get advice on which tripod to choose for landscape photography, you’re in the wrong place. I will give general advice that applies to all genres of photography, whatever it is. I can’t name the exact type of device you should buy, but I can tell you the category and the things to look out for.
Good computer with proper editing software
We live in the digital age, okay? Only one good computer is an absolute must if you want to work on images or even do something as simple as import and export them. I started with a pretty old computer that barely worked Light room. The amount of time it took me to type and make quick edits was only comparable to waiting on a flight that was constantly delayed due to bad weather. I was frustrated because I was working on a very inefficient problem.
Things changed when I upgraded my computer and started working fast. The hardware I am using is able to meet my high expectations and provide me with the level of speed and efficiency I require. When selecting images, for example, I was able to flip through the entire footage in less than an hour. Due to tight as well as tight deadlines, my machine must be able to handle things quickly. In an age where speed is one of the most important factors, you really can’t become an expert without a good computer for editing. Take it slowly, simply without cutting it off.
The right editing software is another essential piece of software for you. My recommendation is Take one. It is better than Lightroom in terms of color handling and ability to produce accurate color levels. In particular, there are certain things that Lightroom does with photos that cause skin tones to be lost. Sure, you can get a pretty decent tone in both Capture One and Lightroom, but Capture One is better from the start. I won’t go into specifics, but Capture One is better at the time of writing.
Stylish lenses
One good lens will help you create beautiful images. No matter how well you shoot an image sensor, a bad lens is a bad lens. If anything, a good sensor will catch all the imperfections. Lens technology is not evolving as quickly as cameras. Sure, a lens from the 90s won’t be as good as a recent one, but it should still be fine. For example, mine EF 70-200mm IS is over 20 years old, and so far, no one has complained about the bad image quality due to optical imperfections. So I strongly encourage you to spend your money on a suitable lens that you will use for photography.
The body is put to good use
As I pointed out earlier, camera technology has never evolved so quickly. There is always a new camera released or announced. So it’s never been easy to find good but used cameras. There are always people who want to buy the latest and greatest, even if all they need is a few hours of image composition and lighting. No, especially if they need a few hours of practice.
You can find used content on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Used B&HOUSEor your local website where people sell used things. The reason I say you should buy a used body is that it will be much cheaper than a new one and most of the like. After all, if you’re trying to be a photographer, all you really need is a camera to take pictures. It’s unlikely that you’ll be interested in video specs and codecs. So save money and instead spend it on any of the other four items on this list.
Rich storage and storage system
I lost data. Probably one of my biggest regrets is not having a proper backup and filing system. My first job of the year was not only unorganized, but also partially wasted. Although there is little commercial value in this work, there is a lot of sentimental value to me personally. Some of the images, I have only in web resolution, while others are only available as Instagram hosted posts.
The way I do it is to use a 3-2-1 fallback system. There are two comparable drives: drive A and drive B. These two drives are backed up as soon as something is added drive A. In the end, it all comes down to Backblaze. I don’t get paid to say this, but Backblaze is truly a lifesaver when it comes to cloud storage. I have used it not only for backups but also as a kind of cloud storage.
Excellent education
The last, but most important thing that I greatly appreciate is good education. Good education or mentoring is important because it is the biggest help in the learning process. I provide mentoring for photographers because I know the difference a good mentor can make in your career. I also have a mentor myself. No matter how good of an equipment hoarder you are, if you do not have the skills to use this equipment, you cannot become a professional photographer. Education not only in engineering but also in business and marketing. Artists often overlook the importance of knowing how to draft and sign contracts, send invoices, register businesses, etc. I’m not even mentioning networking, social skills, and marketing.
Stop thinking
So all you need to start taking pictures is a good camera, lenses, storage system and a good computer. +1 and a really important thing is education. Perhaps a good place to look for such an education is Guide Fstoppers. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll find some great advice on a topic of your choice. Even though I work as a photographer, I still find the information useful and fresh, so I can only imagine how groundbreaking such a tutorial would be for many beginners.
