Tip #3725 - Five Accessories Every Photographer Needs
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Five
Accessories Every Photographer Needs
1.) Tripod
If you're taking extreme
close up pictures, night shots or if you're using the zoom feature on
an object that’s not well lit or it's
just too far away, a tripod is a must. Why? Well, the best reason I can
come up with is to avoid the shake of your hand. That is a natural occurrence,
but it could easily blur your picture. Agreed, some high-end cameras have
an anti-shake function, but that’s still a digital manipulation
you could do without. Why trust technology when what you need is just
a stable platform to keep your camera on to take the picture? Now, if
a tripod is too heavy to lug around, you could opt for a monopod. It’s
definitely smaller and lighter than a tripod and though it’s only
one-legged, it’s stable as a rock.
2.) Carrying
Case
Some of you might
discard the use of a carrying case and prefer to keep your cameras in
your pockets or purses, but a good carrying case is important. Your cameras
need to be protected from water, too much sun and other factors that are
in our daily lives. Besides, your camera needs to be protected from getting
stolen or from being dropped. Some carrying cases are even shock proof
to a limited extent. But, hey, that’s better than no shock proof
at all.
3.) Spare
Batteries
Many times, it’s
not so much the camera memory, but the batteries that spoil a day of photo
shooting. They run out just as you're ready to capture that picture postcard
shot. And the worse part? You can’t do anything about it. Even if
there is a battery vendor nearby, they probably won't have those rechargeable
batteries you need. Also, if you are using the usual non-rechargeable
batteries, you are making a bigger mistake. Those batteries give way much
sooner. So, don't ever think you have too many batteries. If you do, you
might miss out on a once in a lifetime shot!
4.) Capture
More
If you are into professional
cameras and using the wide-angle function far too frequently, it’s
important that you carry a wide-angle adapter. It makes it easier to take
group portraits. The problem is that most cameras and camcorders have
zoom lenses that are longer, which makes it harder to get the whole picture.
What’s worse is that most lenses don’t highlight the faces
of every member in the group with the same intensity. The focus will be
right for one face, but a bit off for the other. Some cameras (like the
Canon IXUS 850IS, for example) can recognize up to nine faces in the same
frame and it's sure to give equal focus to all. This is a must have feature
that most cameras lack. It is here that a wide-angle adapter helps. If
you don’t have a professional SLR camera, you may want to think
about buying a camera that has the face recognition feature, especially
if you're taking a lot of group shots.
5.) Cleaning
Kits
Cameras are susceptible
to dust and grime accumulating on the lens. This could damage the lens,
which just so happens to be the most important partner in your photographic
pursuit. So, this means, invest in a cleaning kit to keep that lens squeaky
clean. And remember, don’t just use any cloth to clean your lens.
You could be leaving irreparable marks on it and making it redundant already.
If you include all
of these must have accessories into your photographic life, you'll be
amazed at how much better your pictures turn out. Give them a try today!
~ Zahid H. Javali
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