Photography techniques and equipment have come a long way since the first photograph was taken by Joseph Nicephore Niepce nearly 200 years ago, but the fundamentals of good photography such as light, composition, and exposure have remained very much the same.
Photography, one of my favorite visual art forms, is simply creative expression through photos, photo composition, and editing. I am always amazed how lighting, reflection, and filters can add to your photographic images, elevating them to another level. While inspiration and creativity are necessary for great photos, expensive equipment is not required.
The Basics of a Photography
Light rays are bouncing around us constantly. When light falls on a photosensitive surface like film or an electronic image sensor, a photograph is created.
Your digital camera lens then collects and redirects some of those bouncing light rays into a single point to create an image.
When a digital image is created, each photosensor collects and converts the light into energy. These photosensors are made up of millions of tiny red, green, and blue pixels. Each pixel has a color value that translates the light energy into the shapes and colors of the scene you are shooting to create an image.
Advancements in Photography Equipment
The first digital cameras were marketed to consumers in the late 1990s. With the advancement of digital photo technology and the portability of smartphones, you can now shoot at any time, anywhere. Advancements have also been made with lighting, accessories, filters, and editing software with presets to help you create gorgeous photos without any special photo equipment.
Basic Photography Equipment
As I mentioned before, you don’t need to invest a small fortune in fancy camera equipment when you are starting out, you can shoot with whatever you have on hand while practicing the basic fundamentals of photography. But at some point, you may want to expand your collection of equipment to enable you some versatility.
Here are 10 Photography Equipment Basics for Beginners to add to your wishlist:
- Camera strap (harness, neck, or wrist)
- Flash
- Pole light
- Reflection screens
- Backdrops
- Step ladder or stool
- Short, flexible tripod
- Standard tripod
- Zoom lense
- Bag for camera and other equipment
Up & Coming
One of my favorite up-and-coming photographers, Stephen Richards is a prime example of how you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to take beautiful photos; you just need a creative eye and the motivation to practice your craft. This 19-year-old nature photographer from St Mary, Jamaica shares his amazing captures from his Canon Powershot 2300 HD and mobile phone.
Stephen started sharing his gorgeous photos on Instagram in November of 2019 and has exploded his following to more than 12.5K!
Let me tell you, this kid has talent. I love his unique natural views and his appreciation for the details. He has inspired me to get back to the basics and just shoot.
If you have a love for photography and you don’t know who Stephen is, go find him on social media. I promise you will not be disappointed!
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: STEPHEN RICHARDS
How did you get started?
“I started sharing photos with my mobile phone.”
What is your favorite thing about photography?
“i love capturing moments worth living. I also enjoy capturing nature in my own unique and artistic way.”
Photography Goals:
“my photography goals are: to
Improve shooting every day, to Master the art of capturing photos with the exact settings in my mind. And to use my art to influence others and impact lives. i Also want to prove to others that it’s more about the photographer and the art they are able to create, not their gear.”
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