Professional photography equipment list

Any photographer knows for sure that there are all kinds of challenges in the process of taking pictures. From weather conditions to a dead camera battery, a true photographer must be prepared for anything. That’s why everyone should have a certain list of items in their arsenal.

It is worth noting that for different genres, types of shooting, and situations, the list can be slightly different, but we have picked up a list of items that will be useful to you almost exactly and in most cases. This article will be useful to you if you are not an experienced photographer, but do not know what equipment will help you in the field of professional growth. If you are a beginner and want to know when to use a lens hood you can read about it on the Skylum blog.

Photo bag

At first, many of us are willing to do without a special bag. It’s not that hard to carry a camera around your neck or in a regular backpack. But in fact, the first method in the city may not be the safest, and the second can damage the camera. So in order to keep all accessories, and the camera itself, safe, it is best to buy a special separate bag.

The size and type of the bag, of course, will depend on your camera and the additional accessories you plan to carry. Well, if you prefer to carry several lenses, a spare battery, and other accessories, then a camera backpack is the way to go. It is designed for both long journeys and road trips, where it is desirable to have all the equipment at hand. Such a backpack has a special compartment for your camera and pockets for other items, including personal items. You can take your laptop, water bottle, multiple lenses, smartphone, and other things with you. The backpack is made of durable materials and has an all-weather protective cover that protects against rain and snow.

Display protector

The camera display is the part that we are constantly touching with our hands, especially if the camera has a touchscreen. At the same time, this part is one of the most unprotected, because, unlike the lens, there are no special covers for it. Just as we prefer to protect the displays of smartphones, you should also protect the screen of the camera. So one of the most useful accessories is a protective glass or protective film for the display. Choose it, of course, will have to be for each model individually because most cameras differ not only in parameters and capabilities but also in the size of the screen. In older models it may be smaller, in more modern models, as a rule, has a diagonal of 3 inches. The glass is easy to glue and does not cause image distortion. It is also easy to remove it if it cracks and replace it with a new one. The glass leaves absolutely no marks on the screen.

Camera strap

Another item you’ll definitely need is a handy camera strap. Even if you plan to transport your camera in a handy bag or pouch, you shouldn’t forget about the strap, because it’s your extra insurance when you’re shooting. Everyone chooses a strap based on their preferences. Some people prefer to hang the camera around their neck, while others prefer a hand strap. There are also shoulder straps.

Optic care kit

No less important to any photographer is the care of their equipment. Every part of the camera requires care, and neither the optics nor the sensor is an exception. You don’t have to do both that often, but the task requires a lot of care and precision. You can’t do it with improvised materials, that’s why professional cleaning kits come to the rescue. As a rule, they include special: 

• liquids;
• sticks;
• wipes;
• pencils.

Each accessory is designed for a specific purpose, and together they will help keep both your lenses and your camera body in perfect condition. All items are stored in a special box and can be kept at home or taken with you on field trips.

Tripod

If you not only like to take pictures “on the go” but sometimes like to take them in the studio or outdoors, and especially if you are interested in long-exposure photography techniques, then you definitely need a tripod. It’s good for a lot of things, including video shoots, which are becoming an uncommon hobby for photographers. A quality tripod is distinguished by several characteristics:

• stability on any surface;
• low weight;
• the durability of materials;
• height.

Therefore, it is better to buy a tripod with a head and an interchangeable pad, made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber and with stable, possibly rubberized legs.

Remote control

When you’re shooting with a tripod, you’ll really appreciate the practicality of the special remote release. It’s used most often when shooting at slow shutter speeds and allows you to create the very effects we usually see in pictures taken by professionals. Also in low light or certain genres, including portraits, it is often necessary to reduce the amount of camera vibration that can occur. That’s where the remote comes in handy.

The remote is specifically selected for a particular model of camera, and you can choose between a wired or wireless option.