Photography Masterclass - Lesson 2 - Learn About Cameras (The Basics)
Photography Masterclass - Learn About Cameras - Lesson 2 of 63
About Photography Equipment
A run through of camera gear you might want to purchase by the end of this.
You don’t need to break the bank to get started
My first kit at 13 years old was my basic, manual Chinon CM4-s film SLR, a 50mm lens and a cable release. Later came the telephoto lens, filters and flashgun. A bit later still came a full on darkroom in the loft.
Start slowly and don’t spend beyond your means.
Even when I “went digital” (circa 2004) after a 6-year hiatus from film photography, I was tentative about what I bought. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it professionally again so started small.
I bought a Canon EOS 10D, Canon EF28-135mm lens and the Canon EX580 speedlight. I actually did my first digital wedding with just that kit! Not long after, I really got back into the flow and landed a job as a photographer for a large real estate company in Spain.
I spent my days shooting multi-million € villas as well as models and commercial, location and lifestyle shoots for their property magazine. I had “carte blanche” and a blank cheque book to purchase what I needed! Heaven!
Get the basics
In this chapter, I go through a lot of kit. Do not feel pressured into thinking you need everything now, I’m just showing you what is available and what to think about moving forward. Start slowly, get the essentials and practice with it. As you progress, you will start to know which direction you want to take so only buy additional kit then.
I have taught people in the past that got so fired up, they went out immediately after a few courses with me and bought THE LOT. I mean they spent thousands on gear, software and marketing but the good thing is, they became incredibly successful too.
That is what I want for you. Not necessarily in a professional capacity but at the very least, to a point where you love photography so much it stays with you for life.
It ain’t what you’ve got it’s what you shoot with it.
At the end of the day, it’s all about learning to use what you’ve got. Daydreaming and feeling sad that you don’t (yet) own that brand new release doesn’t matter…at all.
You will see later on in this course, a photo or two from the now “ancient” Canon EOS 20D (2005). If I asked a bunch of people what that shot was taken with, not only would they not know but they’d probably think it was a much more modern DSLR.
Let’s get stuck in and don’t forget to comment or ask questions where necessary.
