If you’re taking a photography course for school, or through a local business, you’re going to have to invest in some serious equipment. But how do you know what to get when you don’t even know the difference between a professional photography camera and your smartphones camera? Here’s a brief guide to the equipment you’ll need to pick up from a camera store for you first day of your first photography class.
Camera
When browsing the local camera stores, you’ll notice that cameras can range from under a hundred dollars, to several thousand. With all the different options to choose from, you may wonder, “What camera should I buy for beginner photography?” The answer depends on the type of course you are taking. Some courses may require you to buy a digital SLR camera, while other recommend a film SLR camera. Check out information on digital cameras online to see which camera best fits your budget. Don’t forget to pick yourself up a camera strap and case!
Software
If you’re taking a digital photography class, you’ll need a post-processing software to work with your images. These software programs allow photographers to work with their photographs in a creative environment, similar to a darkroom for film photography. The software allows photographers to achieve their desired image effect, and allows for things such as the adjustment of lighting or colors. Many professional photographers believe the Adobe platforms such as Photoshop are the best option for photo editing. However, those who are on budget can use online editors that have many of the essential tools, such as Pixlr or Gimp.
Everything Else
Once you have researches information on digital cameras, and picked out the best editing software, you’ll want to make a visit to the photo store. While there, make sure to grab a few other pieces of essential equipment. This includes a tripod, filters, flash, and any other equipment required in your specific course, such as a remote shutter release. Tripods are often used to create a stabilized shot, which is especially important to landscape photography. Filters are attached to the front of a lens, which changes the properties of the light that is let into the camera. Flashes are used to expose more light to the camera, which illuminates a dark scene.
With this basic equipment, you’re ready to take on your first photography class. Happy shooting!
