Do you get discouraged by the ever-improving world of digital photography? I spend a lot of time researching and learning about photographers and their equipment; it’s an integral part of the learning process. But it’s not the only part. Gear isn’t everything, and this post will teach you how to use your existing photography equipment and get the most out of it.
The New Equipment Trap
In a tech-dominated industry – and world – it’s easy to fall into the new equipment trap. We get curious, start researching, and quickly get discouraged by how much better the new stuff is. If only I had this piece of equipment, my photography would be so much better. Or our favourite inspiring photographers are using this new thing, and their results depend on it.
Wrong.
Your camera is nothing but a tool – a crucial tool, but a tool nonetheless. This post will talk about the standard and popular photography gear with various creative photography genres. We’ll talk about the most used equipment for different genres, the essentials, the handy extras, and how to make the most of them.
The goal is to discover how far our current photography equipment will take us.
Of course, it’s okay to have a small wishlist going. I don’t have a budget for anything fancy; at most, I will note small missing pieces that will complete a kit or open doors to new styles.
Also, I would like to reiterate the creative photography genres rather than commission projects. I will not be discussing work, such as wedding photography, family photography, or sports photography. Those are more circumstantial; therefore, they can require more specific gear.
If you’re starting with nothing, consider the points I make on my camera and lens and adjust your choices to suit your style.
I’m not here to tell you what to buy. If you walk into a camera shop and ask the staff what to buy, the first thing they would ask is, “What do you want to do with it?” This post will help you answer that question based on the most recommended gear for each photography field.
You can do anything!
As a disclaimer, know that you can do more than I’m about to cover with whatever equipment you have. These ideas should not feel limiting; rather, liberating. I assume if you’re reading this, you might feel slightly stuck, and you’re looking for direction to what you can do with what you have. This post is merely a guide for inspiration and reference.
Let’s get into it.
My Kit
I’m starting with a Nikon D850 camera body with a choice of two lenses: a Nikon 24-85mm f3.5-4.5g zoom lens and a Nikon Micro 60mm f2.8g prime lens.
For accessories, I have a neck strap and camera bag, a UV filter on both lenses, a lens hood for each lens, a tripod, a speedlight, one QXD memory card, and several additional memory cards. I also have some standard cleaning tools, but I’ll save further details on that for another post.
These are all standard accessories that prove useful across all photography applications; I recommend them in some form.
As a side note, I will pick up a backup battery – or two – just in case. The battery is excellent on my camera, and if you are diligent about charging it as needed, it’s not usually an issue unless you’re on very long shoots. That said, I am forgetful and like to air on the side of caution. I will have a backup battery soon.
Alright, let’s find out how far my current equipment will take me.
Macro Photography Gear
Off the bat, macro photography comes to mind because I have a lens designed for it. Lighting can be an issue, so my speedlight would be a welcome aid. Moreover, stability with that focal length can be challenging, so a tripod is nearly a necessity. All in all, I have everything I need to start for macro photography, so this is a viable option.
Street Photography Gear
Street photography is a favourite of mine and would be possible with either lens, especially with the prime lens.
The primary challenge here is the size, volume, and weight of my camera with either lens. Though excellent, my camera is intrusive, and it has a noticeably loud shutter, not conducive to street photography. More importantly, the weight is problematic for perusing the streets for hours.
The solution would be a new camera, but that is far from a small addition to my kit. Additionally, a polarizing filter helps suppress glare through windows, and a rain cover is essential for shooting on rainy days.
Ultimately, this would be a difficult genre to pursue.
Nature and Wildlife Photography Gear
First off, I am speaking of wildlife photography here on a small, local scale. For dramatic wildlife photography, often in more remote locations, specialized equipment is recommended: a telephoto lens, certain tripods, extremely durable cases and filters, to name a few. Not to mention, transportation.
Ultimately, this is not, for the moment, within reach for me.
However, like street photography, nature and (small scale) wildlife photography is possible with both my zoom lens in certain circumstances and my prime lens in others.
Unlike street photography, nature and wildlife are much less bothered by intrusively-sized cameras and loud shutters. Woot! Like macro photography, camera shake can be an issue with the longer lens even with built-in stabilizers, so my tripod would help. Finally, a rain cover for poor weather will expand the scope.
Nature or wildlife photography is a promising venture.
Landscape/Cityscape Photography Gear
Landscape or Cityscape photography is a possibility with my zoom lens. Both wide-angle and telephoto lenses are suitable for landscape photography, so a zoom lens’s versatility is helpful. A tripod is a bonus for long exposure shots.
Additionally, to make the most of landscape or cityscape potential, I would add a filter or filter system. A graduated neutral density filter will help balance difficult lighting situations. Or, I could focus on managing reflections and glare on bodies of water with a polarizing filter. I would add those to my wishlist.
Lastly, a rain cover would, like nature and wildlife photography, expand the scope. That would be a bonus item.
Architecture Photography Gear
Architecture photography is landscape photography’s cousin in terms of equipment. My zoom lens is equally suitable, and a tripod is also helpful. I would consider the filters for the same reasons, though. All in all, either of these are workable avenues.
Product and Food Photography Gear
Another path could be product or food photography because my macro lens would excel in photographing small objects and capturing details. My tripod would come in handy here, and my flash is an excellent start to a studio setup. Of course, natural light is always an option, too.
Challenges here would include the desire for a complete studio with various lighting, stands, reflectors, and softboxes.
Studio photography is not a write-off but not the most straightforward option.
Portrait Photography Gear
Portrait photography is similar to product and food photography in that I would want a complete studio setting for more control. Not to mention, we are in a time where acquiring subjects would be more tricky.
I would consider trying out portrait photography in the future, but it would be difficult at the moment.
Ratings
Rated based on feasibility with equipment in mind:
- Macro
- Nature and Wildlife – rain cover
- Landscape/Cityscape/Architecture – polarizing and graduated ND filter, rain cover
- Product/Food – studio setup
- Portrait – studio setup, subjects
- Street – new camera and lens, at least
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that this is a generalized analysis. I could DIY and makeshift my way into a full studio setup or stick to decent outdoor weather conditions to avoid a wishlist at all. The goal, for me, is balance. What can I do best with what I have, and what are the most versatile, practical additions to broaden my horizon?
I recommend anyone do this quick analysis of their current gear situation. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to try something new, assess your existing equipment (if you have any) and consider all suitable possibilities. Think about what’s feasible for you and, more importantly, what you want to do or try. Then, make your wishlist accordingly.
For me, I’ve landed on macro, nature/wildlife, landscape/cityscape, and architecture. For these, my wish list consists of a polarizing filter and a graduated neutral density filter, and maybe a rain cover.
Even though I’ve narrowed down my options, there is massive potential within reach, with or without my wishlist items. I’m excited.
Next step: research techniques and hit the road – on the way to a camera shop.
No matter what, we can always learn something new using what we already own.
Let’s give it a shot.