Must-Have Camera Accessories for Taking Great Photos
Want to take great photos with your digital camera? On top of learning more about professional photography techniques and tips, having the right camera accessories can go a long way. From the basic tripod to light filters and top notch photo editing software, there are a number of must-have camera accessories if you want to get serious about taking photos.
Tripod - first and foremost in your collection of camera accessories should be a tripod. Tripods are exceptionally useful as they help to steady your photos and reduce blur. Use them for nighttime photography as well as many landscape or action shots. Depending on the type of camera you have, you may require an additional attachment to secure your machine to the tripod stand. Tripods vary in their weight, height and the controls available for panning and tracking movement.
Lenses - for digital SLR cameras, a good set of lenses is a must. Many beginners start with a standard zoom lens as their first lens as they are generally well suited for most conditions. The next set of lenses you invest in will be determined by what sort of photographs you want to take. A wide angle lens is great for landscapes while a telephoto lens will get you up close to distant subjects.
Filters - filters can create spectacular effects; they let you play with colour and increase the contrast and brilliance of your composition. Consider a UV haze filter to minimise that dusty look or try diffusion filters to soften the look of posed shots.
External Flash - external flash units will help improve your overall lighting conditions. They not only extend the range of your camera's built-in flash but they let you aim the light away from your subjects, eliminating that common washed out effect that can come with flash photography. For example, try aiming an external flash unit upwards, and let the light bounce off the ceiling to create an ambient glow around your subjects.
Photo Editing Software - after the photos are taken - your work isn't done! With photo editing software, you can do so much to enhance the raw images. These programs can do the work of a number of camera accessories, including colour correcting and adjusting the colour temperatures of your shots. There are a number of different types of photo editing software and your digital camera may come with its own software package.
Camera bags - a good camera bag will help protect your investment and extend its lifespan. Camera bags are often specifically designed to fit different types of cameras and accessories, which means easy portability while you're on the go!