Seven Must Have Items for Instagram Worthy Outdoor Photos
Outside is open and boy are we happy about it! July was a test run. We’re ready to see new faces and places outside of that thing with walls we call home. You know what can use some sunlight as well? Our social media feeds. Here are Shapely’s 7 Must Have Items for Instagram Worthy Outdoor Photos by Shapely’s preferred photographer, Franklyn Douglas.
Let’s start with the obvious, a camera.
What camera you ask? Any camera! DSLR, mirrorless or cell phone and remember, the best camera is the one you have with you.
A Neutral Density Filter
A Neutral Density (ND) filter is basically sunglasses for your camera. ND filters prevent light from entering the camera in measured amounts. This allows the photographer more control in selecting shutter speed and aperture combinations in a variety of conditions.
Flash + Diffuser
Always have some type of flash, even on a bright sunny day. A little splash of light can hit the shadows as needed. A bare flash can be used to create drama and drown out the background light. But diffusers can help the strobe seamlessly blend with the rest of the scene for a more natural look. If you want to add a bit of light, contrast, fill light, or catchlights, then diffusers are essential accessories.
Some knowledge
Unless trial and error is your thing, it would be in your benefit to do some research on the scene before heading out. Say it’s a bit sunny, you can search “how to take pictures on a sunny day?” The same applies for other scenes. Going out at night? Search “how to take great nighttime photos?” Tools aren’t the end all be all. One must know how to utilize them for them to do their job effectively.
Your Camera Manual
When shooting, it’s easy to become a bit stuck. Shutter versus aperture priority, how to find a feature and where is that darn ISO? If you have your manual with you, you can answer questions about how to use your camera. Lost yours? In today’s day and age most camera manuals can be found online.
Quick Softbox With Shoe Mount
There's nothing like a softbox when it comes to providing soft light for any style of shooting. Even when they aren't used as the key light source, softboxes play an important role for fill, separation and edge lighting. You can find Shapely’s preferred softbox by clicking here.
A Camera Bag
Organization is key, especially for shooting outdoors. It’s easy to lose things but difficult to find them. Let’s not mention all the drains things can easily fall in. Camera bags are great for protecting your gear and managing the weight you’re carrying around. There are plenty on the market but you can find Shapely’s preferred camera bag by clicking here.
Intimidated? Don’t be. This list was not developed for you to run out and buy all of these items at once. If you can, great! If not, go at a budget friendly pace. It will also be best to obtain what you know you will utilize most for your upcoming project(s). Can’t afford to purchase? Maybe you’re working on a project where you will only apply a photo technique once. There are plenty of shops that will allow you to rent a variety of photo equipment. Do you have any must have items? Let us know in the comments.
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