As a beginner photographer, I thought I would need to start out with about $5,000 in photography equipment, and would probably need to go to school for photography. In all reality, those are really good things but are NOT must-haves for a beginner. So let’s begin with what I believe are 5 of the must-haves for a beginner. Also, I threw in a bonus tip for you at the bottom!

#1 A camera. Lol OK I know that sounds super obvious but let me explain. So when most people go to buy their first camera I feel like they are always reaching for the biggest and the best. That is not mandatory and will not make you a good photographer. I bought a Cannon Rebel T7 and at the time it cost me around $300 and that came with extra lens covers, cleaners, a camera strap, etc. (Also as a side note you do not need to get a brand new one; yes new ones are nice but not a must-have.) Anyway, I have had that Camera for 4 years and it still works perfectly.

#2 Lenses. Once again super obvious but this is actually where you will be spending more money and more time researching. A lens with a low F-Stop is a really good choice they usually run a little more pricey but they have a way of making your photos just pop. If you want to know more about what F-stop does I will be posting a blog about that in a few weeks. Anyway do your research on lenses you don’t need to spend thousands and you most definitely can buy a used lens as long as you make sure the lens does not have any scratches that will affect your picture quality. Oh and stay away from mold or water damage!

#3 Camera Bag. Invest in a good camera bag!! Maybe it’s just me but I could have never made it without a good camera bag! I would have had stuff laying around getting scratched, getting lost, and would have most likely forgotten stuff when heading out to a photoshoot. I got my camera bag on amazon and I believe I spent under $50 on it. It has a place for each of my necessities and is waterproof. I absolutely love it. So if you are someone that struggles with staying put together under stress or just in general (lol such as myself) definitely invest in a bag!

#4 Wireless Remote Controller. As a beginner, I did so many photoshoots of myself in my spare time and was always struggling to either hook up my phone to my camera or could not go farther away from my camera than my remote would let me. You can find a wireless remote online for $20-$30 would highly recommend getting one!!

#5 Tripod. Ok, this is kind of an add-on to #4 because it has to do with self-portraits. A tripod is a definite must-have if you are needing to do some more practice photoshoots and your friends are totally over going out and doing even one more photoshoot. So be your own client as well as a photographer and go have fun getting some more shots!

Bonus tip. Get yourself an outfit that you love and that makes you feel pretty for your first or next photoshoot. It’s worth it and there is nothing like having a boost of confidence to get your creativity rolling.