5 Accessories Every Photographer Should Have

Most seasoned photographers know that taking great photographs involves more than buying a camera and pushing the shutter button. There are numerous accessories designed to help photographers avoid unwanted problems and take their creativity to the next level. Here are a few you should consider for your camera.

A Spare Battery

There is little more embarrassing to a photographer than to run out of battery power during the middle of a photo shoot. Having a spare battery on hand can turn a potential disaster into a small bump in the road. Brand-name camera batteries generally cost 20-percent more than generic ones, though generic batteries sometimes out-perform them in the field. Batteries that are “lithium-ion” typically hold a better charge

An External Flash

Sometimes the built-in flash is not enough, especially if you’re taking pictures at a large event, such as a banquet or football match. An external flash that connects to your DLSR’s “shoe” can give your photos the extra lighting they need. The best flashes are powered by standard batteries and have different settings for light intensity. More expensive flashes also allow you to direct the light up or down, eliminating red eye and softening the exposure.

A Zoom Lens

While beginning photographers may only see the surface layer of a photographic subject at first, adding an external zoom lens to your DSLR camera will open up a whole new world of photographic possibilities. A 300mm lens, for example, allows you to capture detail on an ocean wave, see wood grain, or focus on a single flower petal. A 100mm zoom lens makes portrait photography stunning by allowing you to easily blur the background, isolating your subject. Make sure you buy a lens that is compatible with your camera and has a range of focal length (100mm-300mm, for example).

Lensmart offers a 24/7 lens delivery service where customers are free to place orders at their convenience. Avail the LensMart coupons and purchase.

A Waterproof Camera Bag

Unless you always take pictures inside a sterile medical office, chances are that your camera will be subject to dust, pollen, dirt, and maybe even the camera’s mortal enemy: moisture. Having a solid camera bag can protect your sensitive machine from being affected directly by outside elements. When choosing a camera bag, consider several questions. Will it fit your camera snugly, so that there is little shifting during transportation? Does it have room for lens care cloths, camera batteries, cables, and extra lenses? Is it, at a minimum, water resistant?

A Sturdy Tripod

While it is likely true that surgeons have the steadiest hands, most photographers are subject to a few shakes every now and again. Using a sturdy tripod can be a big help in capturing clearer pictures. Tripods come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you do a lot of outdoor photography, a sturdy tripod won’t get tossed by the wind. If you travel a lot, you probably don’t want to carry around a heavy tripod, so the lightweight variety is a good choice.

Dave is a recently married father of three who recently quit his job to take up photography full-time. Along with his trusty digital camera , Dave ensures he carries the accessories mentioned above to any photography shoot.