These assignments don’t require a lot of expensive gear, however there are certain minimum requirements of your camera so that you can get the most out of the exercises.
1. A camera that allows you to manually adjust aperture, shutter speed and iso speed. For most people a digital SLR is a big step and just about all will do the job here, but keep in mind different models and different manufacturers design their cameras in very different ways. You can also find higher end fixed lens cameras that have this control but you may need to dig a little deeper in the manual to find the options you need. Don’t worry about what camera you have. Start with what you have, the camera is just the tool that you use to create the image you want, learn to use the camera you have and take pictures with it, if you decide you want something more later then upgrade when you can afford it. Always remember: The camera takes the picture — you make the picture.
2. A good zoom lens that ranges from medium wide angle to medium telephoto. If you have something else don’t worry, again learn your gear.
3. A TRIPOD. You can’t always use a tripod but when you need one it is invaluable. Photography is learning about trade-offs. Aperture vs shutter speed. A tripod gives you a lot more leeway in that choice.
4. Flash unit. We will not be looking at using a flash unit yet, but, like a tripod, a good flash unit will help you take better pictures, and you don’t always know when you will need it.
Jason Krueger
