Photography is an expensive hobby! I’ve always enjoyed taking photos, but it’s frustrating to have to do it on a shoe string budget From my meagre experience, here’s a rundown of the different items you need to get started.
1. An SLR camera – this is the main one of course, but it isn’t necessarily the most expensive. A good SLR will still cost hundreds though, and that’s without a lens. Some cameras come with a lens, and these are great for beginners
2. Lenses – I didn’t realise how expensive a lens can be. Basic ones can be hundreds of pounds, and top of the range models can be thousands. Most lenses cost much more than the camera itself. There are a number of different types of lenses – telephoto, wide angel, fish eye etc – so make sure you choose one that matches the style of photography you enjoy the most.
3. Filters – these are usually quite cheap, but can make a big difference to the quality of the photo. I always put UV filter on each lens for protection – it doesn’t affect the photo.
4. Tripod – If you want to take sharp photos then a good tripod is essential. A basic one costs around a hundred pounds, but really you need to get a high quality model. Mine cost £120, so it’s not a top of the range model, but it does the job pretty well. Make sure you setup the tripod before you buy to check it’s sturdy.
5. Photo editing software – If you want Photoshop then the cost is huge. Photoshop elements is cheaper, but doesn’t have a lot of the functions, although it comes with the basics.