Many college students are or have returned to campus already. Those that are majoring in photography or any type of visual arts program will be in search of some new gear in addition to their regular back to school supplies. I have compiled a simple list photographer must haves that will help in making this semester that much easier. I have or currently used the selected products listed and they all have a long life. I’m hard n my gear and use it till it dies. Trust me I’m never going to pay $2000 for a camera and trade it in while it’s still working. I’m hardcore and will get every single click I can from my equipment. That being said take a look at my Photographer back to school must haves and let me know what you think.
This is the Canon 6D it’s a full frame camera more on the professional side and MY FAVORITE camera. I highly recommend it if you have the budget. I have arthritis and this camera is not as heavy as some of the other pro cameras on the market. That’s one of the main reasons I selected it. I shoot headshots and weddings and my camera is in my hand for HOURS at a time, and even with this one being so lightweight I still feel it at the end of the day so I can only imagine what the 5D Mark V would do to me.
This is the Canon T5i it’s a Crop sensor (not full-frame) it’s a great starter camera and what I used for the first 3 years in business. It knows how to take a beating because I sure had no idea how to properly care for a camera in my early years.
SD cards are a must, I get this size because I shoot RAW files and they take up lots of space so anything smaller than this will have you scrambling for more cards. I get these 3 and 4 at a time because they are an obvious tax write off but it’s also a no brainer because you never know when your card will get lost or stolen or worse corrupt
Get a good flash. Even though we pride ourselves on shooting in manual mode and knowing how to manipulate our cameras in any lighting condition, as a photographer a flash will help you out and is a must when you need a fill light or a hair light for headshots. Don’t get scared of flash learn to harness its power and it can be your best friend.
A good camera bag that holds a laptop along with your gear is a wise investment. I learned this during my time as an intern at the Philadelphia Daily News.
I love these camera straps, they are longer than the kit ones and allow more flexibility when shooting. It feels more like the strap on a messenger bag and for me, that’s a huge plus because I like being able to toss it behind me when I’m talking with clients.
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