Photography Kits

If you think the only piece of equipment included in photography kits is a camera, you would be wrong.  While a camera is certainly the most necessary piece of equipment in photography, it is by no means the only equipment you will need.  There are different kits to cover every aspect of photography from lighting to developing.  Each kit is tailored to different aspects of photography.

Lighting kits usually include one type of light in several sizes or strengths and stands of varying heights to hold the lights.  Many include a boom stand.  A boom stand allows the photographer to move the light around as he shoots his subject.  The ability to move the light to different angles or heights can make a difference as you shoot the same subject several times.  Each shot will have a somewhat different perspective.

Continuous lighting kits usually include either hot lights, like halogen or tungsten, or cool lights which are fluorescent.  They also include stands to hold the lights.  Depending on the kit you choose, you may get a boom stand as well.  Some kits come with an umbrella.  If you are a professional photographer you may want to purchase both hot and cool lighting photography kits.

Studio flash lighting kits generally include different strobe lights for short intense bursts of light.  These lights are most frequently used in portraiture.  Stands are also included in these photography kits.  With studio flash lighting, many photographers use a diffuser or soft box which may not be included in the kit.  Small soft boxes and diffusers are usually inexpensive.  Boom stands are not usually used with studio flash lighting.

Many photographers make their own soft boxes and diffusers.  It’s easy to do and instructions are available at photography websites on the Internet.  While it may not be possible to save a great deal on photography kits, it does help if you shop around and build some of the simpler equipment yourself.  Reflectors are another useful piece of lighting equipment and are relatively inexpensive.

If you are outfitting your own studio, you will probably need to buy several different photography kits. Choose your kits carefully to avoid duplicating your equipment.  If two kits you are considering come with a boom stand, consider whether you actually need a second boom stand or if you can purchase a different kit to avoid duplicating your equipment. 

Red head light kits are sold separately and should be seriously considered if you have a video studio.  Red head lights are continuous hot lights which are primarily used in shooting video, although many photographers find them useful for certain effects in still photography.

If you are an amateur photographer who is setting up his first studio, it is wise to get advice on photography kits from more experienced photographers.  There are lots of websites devoted to both professional and amateur photography on the Internet.  Consider discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the photography kits you are considering with other photographers in chat rooms and forums.  You may get several conflicting points of view, but it can help with your decision.  You can find very good advice at these sites.

About the Author

Are you planning on setting up your own studio? For helpful advice as well as a large selection of photography kits and boom stands, check out Smick.

Episode 7: the professional photographer’s grip kit

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