My Photography Book

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Camera Accessories for Better Pictures

By Whitney Fairfield-Johnson


Whether you are just getting your first serious photography kit together or updating old equipment, there seem to be so many pieces of equipment, all of which claim to improve your photographic skills. Buying a camera is never a straightforward task but with a wealth of reviews and magazine articles to help you it is sometimes more difficult choosing the right accessories to complement your machine. From lens filters to flash diffusers, everyone needs a little guidance on the things that really matter when putting together a photography kit.

The very first investment for anyone serious about photography to make is a good quality camera tripod. From compact and modern designs like gorilla pods to the classic high rise camera tripod, there are many styles, designs and makers available to consider. The best advice for a new photographer is to buy the very best your budget allows. By investing in a higher quality camera tripod you will get many more years of use out of it and it will soon become your favourite accessory.

In essence, anything that holds your camera steady in the position you want it to be is going to be beneficial for your photograph and that is because you will be able to get the exact shot you want without worrying about how you will position your body to gain the perfect perspective. A camera tripod is also essential for zoom shots as even the slightest wobble can spoil a great shot with an unsightly blur. Used properly and in conjunction with a remote shutter release will ensure blur free images 100% of the time.

Because tripods hold the camera steady whilst you take the shot you will be able to take shots from angles that would be impossible to obtain if you were trying to get your body behind the shot. If you are taking highly zoomed close ups of distant objects or wildlife then a tripod is critical because even the slightest judder as the shutter is depressed will result in a blurred final image. When a good tripod is used well, especially in conjunction with a remote shutter device, you can be guaranteed crisp, sharp images every single time.

All photographers will find that owning one or two lens filters vastly improves their photographs. Lens filters are in essence sunglasses for your camera and can vastly improve your shot by reducing flare, reflection or enhancing colours in the image. One of the best lens filters for beginners is the polarising filter which adds vivid colour and reduces reflections for beautiful images every time.

Every photographer's worst nightmare is to set up the perfect shot only to find out the camera batteries have run out. Avoid this scenario by investing in one or two spare camera batteries which you can keep fully charged in your kit bag just in case the worst happens. If you plan to be away overnight or are going on holiday, don't forget to pack the charger unit as well!

Camera batteries vary in price depending on what make your camera is. You may be able to find cheaper non branded alternatives for sale on the internet, but make sure you are buying from a reputable supplier as poor quality camera batteries will have a reduced lifespan and faster discharge rates.

Finally, you will need something sturdy to carry all this equipment in and with so many styles and designs of camera bags on the market today this is one decision which could take you longer than the others. If your equipment is fairly minimal then the shoulder bags or backpacks will be convenient and lightweight to carry. A good deal of backpack choice comes down to personal preference and most photographers will go through two or three before they find the right one for them.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

Popular Posts