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.