Professional photographers come from all walks of life. Some go to art school and earn a degree in the field. Others begin taking photos as a hobby and it turns into a passion.
Regardless of how they got started, all professional photographers need essential equipment and accessories to operate a business that pays the bills. Assuming that you already have a camera that can take high definition photos, here are a few other things you’ll need to launch a successful photography business:
Editing Software
No matter how skilled a photographer you are, there are going to be times when you need to make a few adjustments. Editing software allows photographers to adjust the lighting, make an image sharper, add effects and a whole lot more.
There are several software programs that stand out today. Chief among them are Lightroom and Photoshop. When comparing Lightroom vs Photoshop you’ll find there are some distinct differences. Many photographers note that Lightroom is great for batch editing and organization while Photoshop is better for in-depth edits to single photos. If you can afford it the best option may be to get both.
Camera Backpack or Carrier Case
Your camera is the centerpiece of your business. Without it, you can’t operate. That’s why most professional photographers keep their camera in a protective case at all times.
There are countless camera cases available. Narrow down the selection by considering how much you want to store along with the camera and where you’ll be taking it. Look for a case with a hard shell for superior protection and a number of compartments to keep everything organized. If you frequently shoot out in nature or simply want a hands-free option, consider a camera backpack.
Sturdy Tripod
Tripods are one of the oldest camera accessories. Back in the day when cameras were heavy, bulky and required 15 minutes to get the appropriate exposure- which is why people didn’t smile in early photographs – tripods were an absolute necessity. Today they are still needed to get a perfectly steady shot.
But that’s just one purpose that a tripod serves. A tripod allows a photographer to frame up a shot while taking an active role in placing and positioning the subjects. They’re also used to take time-lapse photography, sports photography, and self-portraits.
You don’t always need a tripod for every photo shoot, but it’s definitely something a professional photographer should have on hand.
Lighting Equipment
Most photographers will agree that good lighting makes or breaks a shot. This is particularly true for studio photographers that take portraits and product pictures.
Every professional photographer should have a continuous lighting kit. The kit should have three lights with stands. Most photographers prefer fluorescent lights since they are easy to find and don’t overheat. You can step things up to the next level with a power adjuster that gives you more control over the lighting.
In addition to a continuous lighting kit, reflectors are a great investment. They are simple devices that reflect light where you need them. They are commonly used outdoors, but can also be used during indoor shoots. For as little as $10 you can get a set of reflectors in gold, silver, white and black.
Online Portfolio/Website
Today’s photographers have to be online if they want to grow their business. The vast majority of consumers turn to the internet to review photographers, and more importantly, to see their work.
It’s crucial to have an online portfolio or website where you can display your work and provide contact information. Portfolio providers like Format even make it easy to sell your work online and give you the option to set up private galleries for clients to review pictures. Best of all, technology has made it easy for novices with no code experience to create and manage a website on their own.
Some photographers rely strictly on social media to connect with people, which should be part of your online marketing. However, if you want to be seen as professional it’s best to have your own portfolio or website.
These are just some of the basic essentials every photographer can use to increase their business. As time goes by and your client list grows, you can invest more in additional equipment that expands your photography.
Guest article written by: X