Photography must-haves that won’t break the bank

Starting professional photographers may not want to have their banks broken by expensive gear, especially when there still isn’t a return on their previous investments. And since saving a few hundred to a thousand dollars may be one’s concern, here are some photography must-haves that are affordable.

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A camera bag is an important part of one’s photography arsenal. A used camera bag can range from $10 to $15, and you can get a brand new one for around $20 to $25. Another critical part of your kit is the camera strap. Most cameras, used or brand new, come with a strap. If your used camera happens to have lost its strap, buying a new one would cost less than $20. Research online to know which straps would best fit your camera to make an informed purchase.

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To keep your camera steady, purchase a tripod. Brand new ones may cost around $250. Used units would cost significantly cheaper. Tripod mounts and heads are as important as the tripod. A monopod costs less, having only one leg, but is perfect for when you’re shooting a fast-moving object.

Flash diffusers is a must-have especially when shooting with flash. This device is handy and inexpensive, eliminating the harsh shadows and burnout produced by the camera’s built-in flash. Reflectors may range from $20 to $25 and are essential for when your job requires you to light a scene or subject without natural light. A battery pack would let you shoot continuously without having to think of your camera’s power dying in the middle of a project.

Larry Moskowitz is a New York-based professional photographer whose work is focused on producing stock and nature photos. He lives with his wife and two kids. Head over to this page for more updates from Larry.

Three photography insights for travelers

One of the most important things travelers do is document their trips through photographs. And it’s a fortunate thing that technology has evolved to the point that cameras can take almost unlimited shots. For us, however, it’s not the quantity, but rather the quality of the images that matter.
On that note, here are three photography insights experts have shared with travelers.

Image source: Intrepidtravel.com

It’s still photography.
Taking pictures, whether you’re traveling or staying put is still and will always be photography. Therefore, the principles of photography still apply. Use the ‘rule of thirds.’ Don’t shoot against the light. Toggle settings. Change shutter speeds during windy conditions. While you’re at it, try learning basic photography.

Image source: lonelyplanet.com

Your main subject is the place, not you.
Travelers, especially new and young ones forget what exploration is all about. The result is a bunch of selfies where their heads block historical monuments or beautiful scenery. It’s a sad thing, but it can be rectified. Always remember that when taking shots, the main subject is the place, not you.

The locals are a part of the place.
In line with our previous insight, local communities are also part of the place you’re visiting, thus, being part of your main subject. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to photograph people living in these areas. It shows depth and culture and humanity.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter, and they recently went on a holiday in the Virgin Islands. For more on Larry, click here.

Stock photography: A brief overview

Stock photography is a thriving niche in today’s digital world. The term comes from the internet, most the time referring to the selling and buying of photos through a stock photo site. On this site, anyone can sign up and upload their photos for buyers to purchase. The photos get sold for a variety of reasons, mostly for use by graphic designers, marketers, advertisers, and magazines and publishers.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

 Depending on their purpose, buyers need stock photos for purposes that make it easy to edit or access. They might need landscape, macro, or industrial subjects, or something that closely conveys what they are trying to sell.

Microstock websites serve as the avenue to present these photography products. Shutterstock is among the most renowned in the world, offering more than 14.3 million photos from 280,000 photographers. Other popular ones include Dreamstime, Fotolia, iStockphoto, and Freedigitalphotos.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Photographers who count on licensing of stock images as a portion of their regular income, it’s important to keep abreast of developments in the field. They can host their portfolio of photos on their own website, letting people download some photos free while restricting some stuff for purchase. They can also build up a gallery for private clients, sell photos for use on merchandise, or simply upload to these microstock websites to make money with commission rate.

These different websites offer different payment structures and commission rates, so it’s highly advisable to take time reading FAQs, the Getting Started section, and other areas to better understand the trade and its potential.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter. For more on Larry and his interests, visit this page.