What Equipment is Needed to Start a Photography Business?
Date Posted:13 April 2016
Advancing technology and a growing interest has created a boom in the photography industry. High-
quality DSLR cameras can be affordable for hobbyists. As you learn how to utilize the setting and create
impressive results, you may be considering starting a photography business. Browsing photography equipment can
seem overwhelming with so many choices. However, there are only a few basic items necessary to get started.
The most important piece of equipment for any photographer is the camera. The model and other
details are debatable. A basic DSLR camera can come with a pretty hefty price tag, but it is important to
find one that meets your budget and your skill level.
A DSLR is the type of camera that has removable and interchangeable lenses. Most cameras come with a
beginner lens. Depending on the type of photos you will be taking, it may be worthwhile to invest in a
second lens with a lower aperture for sharp photos.
Even with the highest quality camera, bad lighting can ruin a photo session. It is important to find
lighting that creates a bright, but natural effect. Speed lights, the technical name for a flash, produce a
quick burst of bright, focused light. This is appropriate for portraits and other settings where shadow
and depth are necessary. Continuous lighting, which produces a consistent illumination, is appropriate
for photographing objects like products.
Photography lighting is significantly brighter than any household fixtures. It must be diffused or
reflected to create bright light without washing out the subject. An umbrella or softbox is a valuable tool
that can do just that. Most are white and may include a removable cover in black or silver. Each
produces a different effect.
Setup is an important part of any photo session, indoor or out. With a few light stands, you can stage the
lighting to hit just the right angle. Most stands are compatible with any photography equipment and can
accommodate lights, reflectors, umbrellas, and softboxes.
For the initial purchase, a kit can be practical. Look for one that includes a versatile light, an umbrella or
softbox, and a light stand that holds the complete package.
A radio trigger is a simple device that can make a huge different in your photography. For any type of
camera or user, pressing the shutter button moves the camera. It causes a small amount of noise or blur
in the resulting photo. This might be minimal, but a remote trigger easily remedies this with a handheld
Processing Equipment
It is also important to choose appropriate equipment for finishing the photos. Developing and darkroom
supplies are necessary for analog photography. A photo editing program like Photoshop or Adobe
Lightroom is necessary to edit digital photos.
It can be tempting to buy a lot of equipment when getting started. You want to be great at what you do,
so it makes sense to have all the necessary tools available. However, not all photography equipment will
be essential to the type of photos you are taking.