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Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know that I am a “hobby photographer”. Although by no means a professional photographer I feel I have greatly improved my skills though practice. I created a series of posts to help you improve you skills, that you can check out here.
I thought it may be helpful to come up with a list of what I, as a non professional photographer, find most useful. This list is great for parents looking to take better pictures of their kids, or people looking to get into photography. Many of these items are ones I use everyday, so they won’t sit in a room collecting dust.
*Some of the items on this list are specific to the type of camera you have, so I’ll make sure to note that.*
So, what do I find most useful for my everyday photo taking?
1. DSLR Camera
So, obviously, the first thing you need is a camera. I suggest the Canon EOS Rebel T6. I have an older version of the rebel (the T3i), and love it. It is a great camera for those who are looking to move away from a point an shoot and start getting into photography. To really get the most out of the Rebel (or any DSLR camera) you really, really, really need to get out of auto mode. I know it seems scary, but if you just practice, practice, practice (and maybe check out my photo series) you really can take great photos!
2. 50mm Fixed Lens
If you are going to by any lens, I think the 50mm fixed lens is the one to go with. There is no zoom with this lens, so you have have to physically move to get closer or farther away from your subject. Do you know the pictures you see with the blurry background? More than likely it is done with a fixed lens. This is the lens that is almost always on my camera. It is the one I always use when taking pictures of my girls.
**Note: this lens is specific to Canon cameras. Please be sure to check compatibility with your camera**
3. UV Lens Filter
So, in the past, with film cameras UV filters were used to stop UV light from hitting the film. Now, many DSLR cameras have sensors to do this. So why put them on your camera? To protect your lenses! DSLR camera lenses are very expensive. The UV Lens Filter screws onto your lens. That way if something happens, you scratch a $6 filter, and not a $200 dollar lens. Be sure to check the size of your lenses before purchasing the filter. I have a filter for each of my lenses, some require a 52mm filter, others a 58mm filter.
4. Lens Pen
Even with a filter on your camera, lenses can get dirty. That is where the lens pen comes in. To take great pictures, you need to make sure your lenses stay clean. The Lens Pen helps to keep all important parts of the camera clean and dust free. In fact, I think it’s time to clean my lenses…
5. Camera Bag
Now that you have a nice camera, you will probably want to take it places to use it. Think, family gatherings, the park, really anywhere. You aren’t going to want to bring the camera with out any protection, so it is wise to invest in a camera bag. I’m partial to the messenger type bags like this one or this one. I like that they don’t scream “I have an awesome camera” and are portable. They allow for you to bring things like a phone, or another lens or two, so there is no need for a purse. There is also a bit of extra padding to make sure your camera stays safe.
6. Tripod
Tripods are so, so helpful! I used my tripod all the time when taking my weekly belly pictures with both girls. I also use it when I want to get in the picture. They can also be useful when you need to slow down the shutter speed and holding it in your hand isn’t going to work.
7. Wireless Shutter Release
You know how I said I use the tripod so I could get in the pictures? Well in order to actually take the picture you would either have to set the timer, or have someone else push the shutter button. That’s where the wireless shutter release comes in handy. With this you nifty little device you don’t have to worry about running into the picture. Simply get everything set up, then get into place, and push the button.
*Be sure to get a wireless release that is compatible with your camera.*
8. Extra SD Card
If you are anything like me you are going to take tons of pictures. Really I could take 100-200 pictures in one sitting. I just snap a bunch of pictures at a time without looking at them on the display. Then, later I will go back and delete ones that are bad. Because I do this, an extra SD Card is very helpful. That way if I am snapping pictures and run out of room, I don’t have to go back and delete ones I don’t need. I just put the new card in and am on my way.
9. Macro Lens Set
I like to share recipes on my blog. When I do I usually like to get some close up shots of the food. These shots can be hard to get with a normal lens. I was looking into getting a dedicated macro lens, but those are expensive. That’s when I ran into this macro lens set. These screw onto your camera lens (like the UV filters, and don’t worry you can screw them onto the UV filters too) and allow you to get “close up shots”. For a lot less money, you can get four different “strengths”. Like the UV filters, you need to make sure you get the right size for your lens. I have 52mm set and a 58mm set.
10. Spare Battery
There is nothing worse, nothing, than going to take picture only to realize your battery is dead. That is why I suggest getting a spare battery. When you go to take some family pictures, and your battery is dead, just put the spare in (just remember to charge it).
**This battery is for a Canon camera. Please be sure to find a battery compatible with your camera.**