Photography can be a rewarding and lucrative business, if you have the right equipment to be successful. A photography business may operate in several forms, whether opening a portrait studio, working weddings, taking school photos, freelancing for media outlets, shooting aerial photos or making gallery-quality photographs. Each has its own equipment. Know what type, or combination of types, of photography you want to specialize in and plan accordingly.
Camera
Choosing the right camera might seem daunting. Regular point-and-click cameras may work for a novice, but to make a living from your camera, use what the pros use—a single lens reflex (SLR) camera. An SLR allows the operator to capture exactly what she sees in the viewfinder. Everyone seems to have an opinion on which brand is best, and if you ask professionals, you'll hear several brands mentioned. That's good news in that camera companies are working hard to deliver top quality at affordable prices, and each brand has its fans. Whatever brand you go with, keep your business needs in mind: for sports you need a high shutter speed; for portraiture you want a high megapixal count; for art you may choose a film-based camera instead of digital capture; at weddings you want a camera rated to perform well in low light.
Lenses
Interchangeable-lens SLR cameras allow for changing lenses. The type of work you want to do dictates what kind of lens you'll need. Telephoto, or zoom, lenses—which bring distant objects in focus—are a must for sports, wildlife or adventure photography. Wide angle lenses—which allow for capturing a wide expanse—are helpful for landscape photography or taking team or class photos. Mid-range lenses are used for portraiture. Specialty lenses, such as fish-eye, extreme telephoto, image stabilizing and night-vision may also be something your business needs.
Lighting
Every photography business will at times require artificial lighting, but the sources can vary widely. If you are taking photos at night or in dark venues you may need a strobe flash. Some work may require a remote-firing flash. If you work in a studio, you will require a stationary lighting system. An indoor event may call for a different color flash.
Processing System
Next to the camera, probably the most important item in a photography business is the processing system. Basically, you have to get the picture from your camera to the display medium—usually film or the Internet—and this requires a processing system. If you use a film camera, you need a darkroom to develop the film. If you use a digital camera, you need a computer with a photo-editing program and photo-quality printer. The type of photography you specialize in dictates the type of computer, program and printer you select. Programs range from what comes prepackaged on many computers to high-priced deluxe products. Don't buy the most expensive product unless you need all of the bells and whistles. Photo printers come in several sizes and qualities. If you sell your work online, you may not need a printer; instead you need a website to display your work. An alternative to purchasing a printer is using an Internet-based printing company or a specialty developing company, especially true if you want large-size prints.
Tripod
For just about any kind of photography—studio, sports, portrait, art—you need a tripod to keep your camera steady. Tripods range in size from a few inches tall to 6 feet tall and from a few dollars to several hundred. They can be light-weight, backpack portable or heavy-duty weather resistant. Purchase according to what is best for your use and budget.
Sundry Equipment
You may need special equipment: a remote control, to trigger the shutter without causing the camera to shake during timed exposures; an underwater adapter, to photograph aquatic wildlife; background cloth and a stool, if you want to take photographs in a studio; lens filters, if you need to compensate for conditions beyond your control.
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