To take the perfect picture can be down to luck, but more often than not it depends on the quality of your equipment. However, when we’re talking about equipment, we’re actually including the equipment involved in actually getting the shot, along with the equipment that provides you with comfort, so that you avoid that shaky shot you may sometimes take. With this in mind, this article looks at the camera equipment you need to get the better shot you’re looking for when taking a picture.

Tripod

This piece of equipment is vital, especially to keep your camera stable when taking pictures. It’s worth doing your research and looking at some quality tripods. Why? Well, your main investment is going to be your camera. It’ll be resting on a tripod, so the last thing you’ll want is to invest in a tripod that can’t manage your camera’s size or weight. You’ll want one that’s stable, and this needs to be one of your considerations when looking for a tripod.

 

As a rule of thumb, a budget tripod is only good for a budget camera, and so you shouldn’t consider one that’s under $100, unless you have an entry-level camera. You need to check its weight capacity, taking into consideration not only your camera, but added extras, like the flash or lenses. You should also check its maximum height and how this will impact you having to bend or crouch down to take that perfect shot.

Creative Filters

If you’re unsure about what to invest in, and you’ve got a budget, creative filters should definitely be on the top of your list. There are a few you can get, like a UV filter, which will limit the rays we can’t see that make some pictures appear hazy. Another is a polarizing filter, which will reduce the glare in photos whilst also improving your photo’s saturation. This can’t be done post-production, so this is something you’ll need to consider. A neutral density (ND) filter is also a good investment because when using one, it limits the amount of light hitting the sensor, allowing your camera’s shutter speed to decrease, without limiting your photo’s exposure. As 

Remote

Having a remote is not only for those who want to be in the picture or constantly take selfies, but remotes are great to take high quality images. Although they may have different names, like wireless triggers or remote triggers, they all do the same thing and that’s enabling you to take pictures with a remote telling your camera to take that shot when you want it to.

 

By not touching the camera, you avoid even the slightest touch, which could move it, even if you’re using a tripod. When this happens, the quality of your picture will be compromised. A remote can avoid all of this, making them ideal to use with portrait shots. Having a remote should be within your top 10 of accessories, or even your top 5, depending on the subjects you’re photographing.

Camera Strap

This is another important must-have in your life as a photographer, and if you’re after that perfect shot. Not only can they bring you instant comfort when out on a shoot, but being able to change the length at a moment’s notice is also an added bonus. There are different types of straps, which are neck, shoulder, harness, and hand/wrist, so knowing which one to buy is an important choice. For instance, an event photographer might prefer to opt for a two-harness strap, whereas a street photographer might prefer a shoulder strap. The size and weight of your camera is the first thing you need to consider, along with your body size and how long you are out taking pictures, on average.

Reflector

Reflectors are considered the first step of lighting techniques because they can be used to redirect light onto your subject or scene you want to take a picture of. Additionally, they’re great for creating catchlights. They can also add fill light or lessen shadows, both of which can add a different dimension to your shot. As daylight can be absorbed or bounced off an object, reflectors can help manage this, which means you’ll get the desired photo a lot sooner than without them.

These items can all help you get better shots when taking pictures, however, nothing beats practice. To become a good photographer, you need to be able to take pictures, both planned and unplanned, as well as in a variety of settings. It’s from regularly doing this that you’re able to find what you’re good at, and what you like taking pictures of. Whether it’s people, animals or nature, with regular practice you’ll know what’s worthy of taking pictures of, and will soon enough get the shot you’re after.