What Every Beginning Photographer Needs

The Right Camera

• Beginning photographers need a digital single lens reflex camera, or DSLR, with eight to 10 megapixels. The camera also needs to have a photographic flash synchronization or "hot shoe" port that allows the camera shutter to "sync" or open and shut in time with the flash going off. This allows the camera to get the most out of the light that the flash produces for an evenly lit picture.

Different Lenses

• There are many different types of lenses that can be attached to your camera, but there are three that a beginning photographer must have in her photo bag: a telephoto lens, a general-purpose zoom lens and a macro lens. Standard zoom lenses or general purpose zoom lenses are used for wide-angle shots, such as taking pictures of architecture, bridges and buildings. Telephoto zoom lenses allow you to zoom in on a subject that is far away from you, making it appear as though you were standing right next to it when you took the picture. Telephoto lenses are used to take pictures of wildlife and people playing sports. A macro lens can focus on small, close-up subjects and is used to take pictures of insects, flowers or other tiny objects. Also, consider the lens's aperture -- how much light it can take in during a shot -- and if it has a built-in image stabilization technology, which reduces the blur of a photo that is caused by a shaking hand and allows you to take pictures in low light or at long distances.

Tripod

• A tripod is a three-legged camera stand that acts as an extra hand for the photographer. A camera easily mounts to a tripod, which holds the camera steady -- a must to eliminate blurs caused by shaking hands -- and for long-exposure pictures of natural phenomena such as lightning storms, flowing streams and a star-filled night sky. Some newer tripod models have adjustable legs for easier carrying and storage.

Camera Cleaning Supplies

• DSLR cleaning supplies are available in kits that come with cleaning swabs and specially formulated soft cloth wipes for the lenses of the camera. A small air blaster/blower is also handy for removing dust from the lens or sensor.

Photography Bag

• A single strapped, over-the-shoulder, messenger type bag is perfect for the beginning photographer. Look for one that has a lot of pockets and space for supplies, such as extra batteries, a cleaning kit and lenses.