A look at the Camera Accessories essential for Photography

People who are serious about photography need a variety of accessories to achieve eye catching photographs. The choice of accessories will mainly depend on the area you are concentrating. It can be wildlife, wedding, nature, underwater, landscape, sports, people or street photography. Let us look at the essential accessories for photography.

Tripod:

The professional camera tripod is crucial accessory for a photography enthusiast. It helps in taking sharp pictures in different situations. It is seen that many photographs were not of high quality because they were not clicked with the equipment on the tripod.  The slightest moment, when you are taking picture holding the equipment in hand, will have an effect on the outcome. It should be used especially when taking the picture with slow shutter speed. This will result in a steady shot being taken as the instrument is in a still position.  It gives stability to the shot you must use it when shooting portraits, night shots and landscapes, the pictures will appear sharper. The camera tripods are generally manufactured from Carbon fiber or aluminum that makes them light in weight, durable and easy to carry.  It is available in two types of head - one is the ball head, and the other is tilt head. The price of camera stands varies according to the quality.

Camera Bag:

One of the considerations of the photographer is to choose a bag to carry all camera accessories and equipments. There are various types of camera bags in different style, but the widely used are sling bags, backpacks and shoulder bags. 

Go with the shoulder bag if the equipments are less, and if they are more, choose backpacks or sling bags.  Once you have decided about the bag, think about the quality of the bag. They should be easy to use, comfortable to wear, durable and waterproof. The safety and security of the camera and gears are most important, so the professional camera bags play an essential role in every photographer’s life, looking at the utility cost should not be a matter of concern.

Filters:

They are pieces of glass when fitted in front of lenses, produce a variety of effects. Square and circular are the shapes that they are available. Square filters need additional holders to hold it in place. The circular filters have gears that easily fixes into the front of the lens.   Some photographers put clear glass filters to give maximum protection to the expensive lenses. Apart from protecting, they can enhance the result of any camera.

Remote Shutter Release:

They are very useful for while taking wildlife photographs, where the slightest sound or moment can spoil the pictures. The main objective of remote shutter release is to eliminate camera shakes, particularly when taking long shots. Wireless remote control has further made it easy to operate the shutter from a distance; with cable release distance was limited, but both gives “shake free” snaps.

Cleaning Kit:

Finally, always carry cleaning kit. You need to clean the digital camera time to time to prevent dirt and dust from getting into the device. The kit should contain small brush with soft bristles, lens pen, a bulb blower and a soft cloth.

How to take great nature photographs?

There is nothing more beautiful then catching the nature in vivid colors. Taking picture indoors and outdoors requires a different approach. A good click needs lots of things to be taken care of like light, wind, snow, rain, distance etcetera. If you are taking pictures of animals in their natural habitat, then it far more challenging, be prepared to face dangers, odors, noise and the movement. Shooting nature is mentally and physically demanding, but the reward is precious.

Understand the nature of nature.

The first and foremost thing you should understand is the nature of nature. Be prepared to work with the essentials of natural background, if you try to impose yourself then you won’t be able to get the desired result. Trees, grassland, bushes, vegetation all are associated with the natural world, and they act distinctively in different climatic conditions. If you are into commercial photography, then you need to study the climatic condition and the subject matter. I remember going for a shoot in the animal sanctuary, clicked pictures, but was constantly searching for something unique through my lens, turned around to walk back, and suddenly my eyes fell on a rare species of black squirrel just few meters from where I was shooting. Clicking this rare animal in woods was a thrilling experience, knew the sound of click or any sound will make it run. The pictures came out to be really well, seemed as the squirrel was looking straight into the camera. Till date it remains one of my best and popular shoots.

Be prepared:

Carefully study the area, you are capturing in reels, even if it is own backyard.  The light generally falls at different places at different period of time, and remember clouds may change the equation. The same applies if you are venturing into backwoods. Familiarize with the surroundings; talk to the locals and watch weather reports on television or internet.  Spend some quality time at the place, it will help you better know the place, and it is possible that you come across something really amazing at the location. 

Know your equipment:

Need to have a perfect knowledge about every aspect of the camera and for this practice is must. Take thousand of nature photographs from different angles, using different focus - auto and manual focus, lenses, zooms, try every possible setting. Your camera is your best friend and it won’t let you down if you know how it works.

Have Patience:

Natural event happens when they are likely to happen.  Don’t hurry up for the shoot, if you are trying to click a deer in the wild and want it to walk towards you, then wait because slightest movement from your side will cause it run. Patience is importance characteristic of a good photographer, be ready with the equipment, wait for the right moment, it may require some waiting, but you will end up getting a perfect shot. 

When taking nature photographs, it not possible to have a control over the subject. The only thing that you have control is the equipment and knowledge of the subject matter. So with a professional camera, awareness of nature and endurance, you can click great photographs and get recognition as an outstanding nature photographer.