Creative photographers are the rule breakers of the photography world. We thrive on experimentation and use the limitations of our gear to our advantage. But even the rule breakers can benefit from some essential pieces of kit that give us more freedom to create interesting work.
Tripod
Absolutely first and foremost is a tripod. Long exposures, originally designed to let more light into the camera, have become one of photography’s most versatile techniques, but they are simply near impossible to do hand held without introducing camera shake.
Long exposures allow us to capture movement or low light situations such as:
- Astrophotography
- Lightning and fireworks
- Panning
- Moving water and skies
- Light painting and trails
Tripods also allow us to take several photos framed the same way for ease of digital blending.
Remote
Also particularly handy for long exposures and used in tandem with a tripod, a remote can help reduce camera shake caused when we press the shutter. They also give us the flexibility to get out from behind the camera to fine-tune our scene. Remotes with an intervalometer are a necessity for situations when we need to take a series of shots such as astrophotography, timelapse or lightning. Newer cameras can be triggered by your camera brand’s phone app.
Strobe & trigger
When shooting fast shutter speeds we risk cutting light which is why strobes are the answer. They allow us to freeze time and capture a split second of action that might not be possible otherwise. Strobes are necessary for high speed photography such as:
- Water drops
- Splashes
- Stroboscopic
- Flour and smoke
Filters
Filters give us the ability to push our gear beyond its limits, by cutting or blocking light to allow longer exposures or specialty purposes such as capturing Infrared, reducing glare, and magnifying our subject for closer detail. Make sure to buy a filter than fits the diameter of your lens.
- Neutral Density
- Polariser
- Infrared
- Macro close up filters
- Plus several specialty filters
Glass Ball
For mind-bending refraction a glass ball is the answer. These have exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly with the purpose built Lensball, and allow us to focus interest and draw attention to our subject captured in a sphere.
Shoot through filters
If we hold something close to the lens while shooting with a wide aperture we can add depth, interest and framing to an otherwise ordinary scene.
Example filters can be literally anything but the best include:
- Prism for rainbow reflections
- Mobile phone for reflecting the scene
- Metal tube for ring of fire
Nifty fifty
A must have accessory, the nifty fifty affordable 50mm lens, gives those of us on a tight budget the ability to shoot with wide apertures for creative effect. While excellent for portraiture they can also be used for freelensing, working with shoot through filters or anything that requires thin depth of field to direct attention.
Camera trigger
Some techniques need accurate timing and this is where a trigger comes in super handy. They’ll set your camera off at the precise moment needed to capture your subject of interest.
Great for:
- Water drop photography
- Lightning
- Timelapse
They can also be triggered by sound, vibrations and heat. These handy little devices take the guesswork out of time sensitive techniques.
Gels
Add colour to your scene with one or more gelled lights. Wonderful for portrait, product and creative photography they can be purchased fairly affordably in a vast array of colours to slip over your Speedlite. If you’re working with bigger lights my secret tip is that cellophane works just as well!
Light painting tools
Light painting can liven up any lucklustre dark scene and can be easily achieved with all sorts of light creating tools such as torches, Lightsabers, glow in the dark accessories or even iPad apps. But for the more serious folk a Pixelstick or Lightblaster may be the answer.
Backdrop and stand
For those of you with an interest in compositing or close up portraiture a backdrop and stand will never go astray and actually aren’t too expensive to purchase if you’re not looking for heavy duty gear to withstand repeated use. I actually use a roller blind as a backdrop but if you’re after something more durable, these are your folk.
Photoshop
While extensive editing is not everyone’s cup of tea Photoshop is the one tool to rule them all when it comes to creating mind blowing photography, giving us the ability to remix reality as we see fit.
Happy creating!
This blog contains affiliate links. Recommended gear based on use with Canon equipment. Please check for alternatives suitable for your own camera brand.
