By Anne Violette
Sometimes, all it takes to make a perfect picture is the right tools. In this era of fancy SLR digital cameras and high-tech gadgets, it has become easier to achieve a high quality image. Whether you take a great photo by mere accident or with full intention is moot point. However, there are certain accessories which can increase the chances of taking "accidentally" awesome pictures.
My camera bag is full of gadgets and accessories. Some I have never used. I purchased certain camera gear based on recommendations of eager sales people at the equipment store. Of course, their job is to up-sell customers, since many of them work on commission.
My biggest waste of money
Of those minimally-used gadgets, the biggest waste of money is the extra battery pack for my high-end digital SLR Canon. I have never used it. Not even once. It does look extremely cool when it is attached to the bottom of the camera. It makes it bigger and more impressive in appearance. When you have a bigger camera, people think you are a better photographer. That's the only bright side of owning the battery pack.
On the dark side (and the reason I have never used it) -- the thing is heavy. Battery packs typically hold eight extra batteries (or 3 with digital), but think of all that extra weight to carry. It's also a pain to screw it on and off the camera when you want to add a flash bracket or certain other features. Furthermore, the battery pack isn't cheap, at about $300+ bucks.
Might as well kiss that money goodbye!
A simpler solution is to just buy a couple of extra batteries. They are light, easy to load and they last a long time if you keep them all fresh and charged for at least 8 hours before the shoot. Quite honestly, one battery lasts throughout the duration of an entire event, such as a wedding or Bar Mitzvah. One battery easily snaps at least 600 frames, maybe more.
Very rarely did I run out of juice, but when I did, there was another battery in my bag that was freshly charged, so I was back in the game within seconds. The point is not to waste your money on this useless gadget, the monster battery pack, unless you are trying to build your forearm muscles. If that's the case, I would suggest spending that $300 bucks on a gym membership instead.
That being said, I do have at least five frequently-used accessories that I really love. This is the proverbial bag of tricks that will make customers wonder and that will keep them coming back with referrals. I will share these with you. Most of these are simple gadgets that are not expensive and will be well worth your investment.
Favorite #1: Pivoting Flash
Those little flashes that pop up on the top of your camera (you know, the built-in versions) are nothing but a bad photo waiting to happen. For one, they create a lot of shadows and red-eyes. You may disagree and argue that your camera has a built-in "red-eye" reduction, but I'm here to tell you that they absolutely make your pictures more horrible than perhaps not using any flash at all.
Instead of the pop-up flash, you should invest in a better, separate flash unit. Make sure it has a pivoting head. That is the most important feature. Some flash systems have extras perks, like diffusion covers and fancy buttons to creatively control output. That's fine and dandy, but make sure the flash can be tilted toward the ceiling in either horizontal or vertical applications. The flash spreads light from the reflection on a white ceiling to create pleasant, soft lighting in your image.
Straight-on flash will indeed brighten the photo and highlight your subjects, but in a dark setting it will create shadows and dramatic lighting that looks entirely unprofessional. The easiest ticket to a professional image is good lighting. Try both to see the difference. The ceiling should be white or off-white. Minimal editing may be done in Photoshop after the images are uploaded to your computer, but the original will be much more pleasing. You can see everything in the background when you bounce light.
Favorite #2: Star Filter
Wow! There's so many things you can do with this filter. I just love it. Star filters come in 4-point, 6-point or 8-point. Honestly, four is enough. Any more than four and your images will appear fake or too busy.
The star filter is especially nice with night scenes, candles, chandeliers, jewelry or in any room that has lighting fixtures. It creates just a glimmer of sparkle without being obtrusive.
Star filters create radiance. As an added bonus, they tend to soften skin tones and portray a romantic ambiance. They're perfect for weddings, family photos or night scenes. You'll love this filter.
Favorite #3: Cable Release
Even if you don't own a tripod, a cable release is a great tool to have. Once you understand photography a bit and can utilize the features on your camera, you will notice that a longer exposure sets a different tone in your images. The cable release allows you to be hands-free.
It plugs into the side of your camera; some newer versions are wireless. You then push a button when you are ready to snap the shot. Think about this...have you ever taken a seemingly great picture, only to look at it and realize that because you moved slightly, the image is out-of focus or blurry?
The added benefit of this gadget is that your night scenes will improve, because you will be able to allow more light into the camera for a longer period of time without moving (or breathing) by accident.
Take a look at Figure A. On top is a night scene of a couple kissing, with the flash straight-on. The image on the bottom is taken at the same time with a cable release, making it seem as though taken during the day instead of at night. A cable release can dramatically affect the outcome of your images.
FIGURE A
Use a cable release to improve images, even without a tripod. Photos by Anne Violette. (click for larger image)
Favorite #4: Circular Polarizing Filter
Another must-have filter is the circular polarizing filter. In addition to the star filter, this is one I use on a fairly frequent basis. The polarizer is similar to an eagle's eye. Eagles do not see glare when they look at water or at glass buildings because of their eyes eliminate the glassiness.
The polarizing filter acts as an eagle's eye for your camera. When attached, you can adjust the level of glare reduction with a simple twist to the left or right. The polarizer will eliminate glare on water and glass buildings or cars, basically appearing as though you can see right through.
The polarizer also creates extra blue skies and water. Sunsets, sunrises and green grass jump out as brighter. Your picture will look like a postcard with dramatic hues. All the way around, you will love this filter almost as much as your star filter.
Favorite #5: Flash Bracket
While some people may feel that a bracket is one of those extraneous gadgets they could do without, I must admit that I swear by it.
One rule you must remember is that the higher your flash is positioned atop your camera, the better your lighting will be. The flash bracket, combined with a pivoting flash is a perfect accessory. Your red-eyes will be virtually eliminated. The higher flash will create more light in an even manner.
Plus, your camera will look really cool.
People will consider you to be a true professional. Obviously, that's not the main purpose of the bracket; rather an added benefit. The handle will create a comfortable hold for you to carry your camera and shoot with. Forgo that worthless battery pack and use this tool instead.
Everyone has favorite tricks
Every photographer has favorite tricks and methods of manipulating a perfect image. You will find secrets that work best for your personal photography needs, whether you're a landscape shooter, wedding or portrait semi-pro, amateur hobbyist or an aspiring artist.
No matter which category you fall into, the more efforts you make to optimize your equipment, the more your images will improve. You can master the art of photography without expensive college, just by practicing, reading tips from pros and by becoming a sponge that absorbs every bit of information.
My favorite accessories do not make me a better photographer; rather these accessories make my photographs better. Try them. You will see vast improvements in your finished images.