photo: Free-Photos via Pixabay
Technically, all you need to be a photographer is a camera, but a few gadgets can make the job exponentially easier—and many cost less than a few euros. Here are eight accessories every photographer needs.
A reflector
Technically, anything that reflects light is a reflector, but professional reflectors are soft and fold down to save space. Most offer five different surfaces that let you control the color and intensity of the light on location. A 56 cm round Falcon Eyes reflector is available for less than € 20,00 and includes the most common reflector colors and materials: translucent, gold, white, and silver.
A good camera bag
A camera bag can be any bag that holds your camera. A good camera bag, however, is thoughtfully designed to protect your gear while remaining comfortable to carry.
If you are looking for a camera bag, take a close look at the strap. Choose one with rounded edges or padding that will not dig into your neck or shoulder. Check the interior as well: it should be well padded, with several compartments to protect each piece of equipment. Removable, reconfigurable dividers are a bonus because you can arrange them to suit your needs.
An air blower
A hand blower is a small, lightweight plastic tool that lets you blow dust off a lens without risking scratches from a cloth or brush. It is also useful for removing dust from your sensor and the inside of your camera.
A lens pen
A lens pen is a handy, double-ended tool for cleaning the exposed surfaces of a lens.
One end has a brush that retracts into the body of the pen to keep it clean. Use it to brush dirt off the lens.
Use the other end to gently remove fingerprints or smudges from the glass. A lens pen usually costs less than € 10,00.
A remote shutter release
A remote shutter release lets you operate the shutter without touching the camera. There are several types, both wired and wireless. If your camera supports it, choose a wireless model: it gives you more options and saves you from untangling another cable.
Remote shutter releases are useful in many situations. Want to take a self-portrait? A remote shutter release is the ideal accessory. Have you ever tried to take a family portrait with the self-timer? Even with a ten-second delay, you may run out of time as you race across the lawn, find your place in the group, and try to look happy and composed. With a remote release, you can stay in position and use those ten seconds to decide which side is your best side.
A remote shutter release is also helpful for long-exposure and macro photography because it reduces unwanted camera shake and blur.
Remote shutter releases are inexpensive. Some models cost less than € 10,00 and are well worth the price.
A tripod
Carrying a tripod may seem cumbersome—it can feel like extra baggage that makes photography harder. But if you want to move beyond snapshots and concentrate on a carefully considered composition, a tripod is essential.
Some compositions are possible only with a tripod, while others become easier and better with one. Time-lapse photography, long exposures, and even macro photography all benefit from a tripod because it eliminates even the slightest movement. Many lightweight models come with carrying bags, so you can sling them over your shoulder when they are not in use.
A comfortable strap
If you plan to carry your camera around your neck, a comfortable strap is important. Many cameras come with straps, but these often dig into your neck under the combined weight of the camera and lens.
When shopping for a camera strap, look for a wider model with a padded cover that is comfortable and easy to handle. Check the clips and make sure they are strong enough to support the camera.
A Peak Design Clutch camera strap can also be very useful, providing a more secure grip while you shoot.
A rain cover
Even when the forecast calls for clear skies, the weather can suddenly turn rainy and cold. Carry a rain cover to protect your equipment from the elements—and keep taking interesting photos in any weather. Rain covers are also useful when dust or snow could damage your camera. Simple but effective rain covers for cameras cost between 8 and 20 euros and can save your camera from expensive damage.
Finally, consider a VPN server
If an SD card fails or your camera stops working while you are on location, you need an online backup. Your files should be transferred safely to the cloud as quickly as possible.
VPN software encrypts your internet traffic and sends your data to a VPN server over a secure connection. The data still passes through your internet service provider first, but the encryption prevents the provider from seeing it.
Read more about a VPN here.
