"Basic Photographic Hardware"

getting the stuff you'll need

Sadly, we can't take pictures without a "camera". 

Here's a quick summary of a few items the beginner might want to add to shoot nice pictures.

section overview

Here I'm going to show you how to:

• Choosing a camera that's right for your needs
• Other "hardware" you might want to buy
• Software you'll find useful

tools of the trade

Photography can get very expensive in a hurry. What you purchase will depend a lot upon the level of photo quality you seek.

Depending upon your budget, there are a number of helpful items you might want to consider purchasing for your photo efforts.

your digital camera

If you are serious about wanting to take good photos - there's one investment you'll have to make: a high quality digital camera. Cheaper versions will never give you the depth in coloring that great photos require.

I know basically zilch about cameras - and simply relied on Consumer Reports for my decision - as I do with most household appliances. I'd suggest you follow their unbiased advice as well.

What features do I consider essential?

Auto Focus - Since most gals take photos using the "timer" - a camera that subsequently adjusts after you "jump in the picture" - is a pretty important feature to have.

Adequate Photo Size - If you hope to shoot pictures of high quality - you'll want a camera that can take pictures over 1 "meg". You might not use it every time - but such a large file size allows you to "select" areas within a photo for use - when certain "other" parts - look like "crap". *Laugh*

the tried & true camera

Don't own a digital camera? No worries. A standard 35MM camera takes great pictures as well - it's just a bit more hassle-filled process - as you must subsequently "wait" for the development of these photos - and scan them into digital images. 

I shot hundreds of pictures using a 35MM camera early on. My biggest fear was "developing" the film. That fear - is overrated. I'd just drop it off and pick it up at an Eckerd Drugs - was never been questioned once - and I've dropped off some pretty hot photo's. Also, there's a wide variety of on-line photo processing outfits you can utilize. 

Another option?

Video cameras can easily be made into photo stills with simple CPU attachments and software. You can get both at any computer supply store. The quality of these pictures doesn't rival a 35MM or quality digital camera. However, you couldn't ask for a better way to get the exact shot you are looking for, since you can choose pictures "frame by frame" as you move about.

other helpful hardware

Camera Tripod

An item that is almost indispensable is a camera "tripod". One feature that's essential for your tripod is a "mount" - that not only turns horizontally - but vertically - as well. Without it - you'll lose the ability to shoot highly focused shots & poses. The first stand I purchased was only two directional. I was forced to replace it quickly. 

Wal-Mart carries these stands at an affordable price. You'll also need an adapter for attaching the camera to your stand. These are a standard accessory at any camera store - and simply "screw" to the base of the camera - and lock into place via grips on your stand.

Full Length Mirror

We gals all tend to love a mirror. *Smile* However, buying a cheap "pose check" mirror can prove invaluable to the beginning "model". I used to situate my mirror on a wall behind my camera where I could "check" my pose in between the time I set the timer - and jumped into place. This made a "huge" difference in the quality of my shots. Honestly, I'm a bit too lazy to do this any longer - and I've shot enough photos to know what will probably look "right". However, in the beginning - this was a very powerful and affordable accessory to help me with improving my poses.

You can buy a cheap full length mirror from Wal-Mart or Target for about $5.00.

software

Obviously, you'll need some photo editing software to cut, clip & adjust your pictures. This - is a little beyond the focus of these tips - and certainly outside my realm of expertise.

I use "Paint Shop Pro" - simply because I started with them years earlier - and feel comfortable working with that software. Photoshop is the most popular brand.

Like most females - I waited a couple of years before I finally read the directions to use this software in "detail". this - was a capital mistake. These programs can enhance certain details of your photographs lighting to create a powerful effect. 

I'd suggest you invest a suitable amount of time working through the tutorials to enhance your skill in creating great photos.

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