Photography Business Tools
- The basic tool for every photographer is a camera. In choosing the right camera, research different types, features and lenses. Visit two or three stores and compare prices to get the best deal. A DSLR camera is a suitable investment for a photography business. There are different types of lenses in the market. The type of lens you will need depends on the type of business you want to get into, such as portrait photography, wedding photography or fashion photography. For a portrait photography business, fixed lenses are ideal for taking portraits.
- Lighting is very important in photography. A DSLR camera is usually equipped with an on-camera flash. In certain areas of photography, such as portraiture and weddings, you will have to invest in proper lighting to enhance the quality of images you take. Studio lighting is important if you are going into portrait photography, and there are studio kits available in the market. For ease of use, a portable hot-shoe flash is ideal for wedding photography, since you will be constantly moving around. Other tools that go with photography lighting are reflectors, soft boxes, umbrellas and tripods.
- Memory cards, computers and hard drives are important to digital photography. Memory cards are as important as having batteries in your camera. Having adequate storage during photo sessions, especially if you are on location, is essential. Investing in a computer with the right specifications and an adequate hard drive is important. You will have more than a hundred pictures after three or four photo-shoot sessions. Knowing where and how to store them makes it less of a headache to locate files when your client asks for copies or additional prints. Research software for post-processing, and know what kind of computer specifications you need to run the programs.
- Post-processing is essential, especially in fashion and wedding photography. Unlike film, you do not need two cameras to achieve color or black and white photography. This can all be accomplished in post-processing. Enhancing an image to make the sky bluer or the sunset more vivid is possible in post-processing. There are a variety of software programs on the market, so research the different types and, if possible, take some basic photography editing courses.
- Printing photographs is more convenient and cost-effective now compared to a few decades ago, when photographers needed dark rooms to develop pictures. Investing in the right printing tools such as paper, printer and ink will enable you to work from your own home. The basic knowledge of image size and standards will help you in choosing the right printer and paper. The type of ink you use will depend on your printer and paper. There are inkjet printers and different types of photo-papers available.
