Essential Guide to Professional Photography Gear on a Budget
By KBR
Are you an aspiring professional photographer shopping for new gear on a budget? You’ve come to the right place! My name is KBR, and I am a professional photographer with over 10 years of experience. I have photographed thousands of clients and have had my work internationally published over 40 times. I specialize in fashion photography, commercial photography, and weddings.
Photography by KBR, Modeling & Fashion Design by Janell Legault, Makeup by Slayed by Slayes, Headpiece by Weezy’s Playhouse
Although many observers view my photographs and believe my equipment is giving me an unfair advantage, they would be surprised to know that I create these incredible photos with a surprisingly affordable photography kit. While many kits can cost over $20,000, my photography kit is very reasonable in comparison. These are the products I use every day to create all the photographs I capture:
Canon 5D Mark III
Currently, the Canon 5D Mark III is my main camera body. Although it is very easy to spend over $3,000 on a camera body, the Canon 5D Mark III is a very reasonable price for a camera that can help you create exceptional images (with the right skill). With the proper lenses, the Canon 5D Mark IIII is a great choice for photographers who have skills or interests in videography. Tip: Don’t forget a memory card! Consider ordering an extra battery or two for longer photography sessions.
Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop
If you are a professional photographer, having both Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop is a must. Lightroom is great for photo editing while Photoshop is essential when wanting to retouch or manipulate your images. Photoshop can also be a great tool for digital design, digital collages, and graphic design. After using both Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop for nearly a decade, I am convinced that this is the best photo editing software out here. Throughout my entire career, Adobe has continued to be the industry leader in photo editing software.
Photography by Anna Svetlova | Shutterstock
Canon 50mm 1.8
My current go-to lens is a Canon 50mm 1.8. There are many options for a lens, but this is a great choice when photographing people in somewhat of a controlled environment (it has a fixed focal length). The Canon 50mm 1.8 is my favorite choice when photographing fashion and portraits. I have been using it for over 4 years now, and I cannot recommend this lens enough, especially for its very fair price.
Apple iPad
Although I previously used a Macbook Pro to edit my photos, I recently started using an iPad with Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop for editing and it has changed my life. Editing with an Apple iPad saves me tons of time and makes my editing experience much more enjoyable. My favorite part of editing with an Apple iPad is how much easier it makes retouching blemishes. The experience with Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop on an Apple iPad is much more seamless compared to using a laptop.
Photography by KBR, Modeling by Jaiden Wong, Photography by Kaspars Grinvalds | Shutterstock
Apple Pencil
If you are considering using an Apple iPad to edit your photos, pairing it with an Apple Pencil is a must! My parents gifted me an Apple Pencil, and it has changed my life. Using an Apple Pencil on an iPad to edit photos has saved me at least 20-30% in editing time. When purchasing an Apple Pencil, make sure it is compatible with your iPad model.
Photography by KBR, Modeling by Gabriella Lovato, Makeup by Edwin Lunes, Assisting by Michael Schuette
Fractal Filters
Fractal Filters are my favorite photography accessory to use when I am feeling creative. The kaleidoscope effect fractal filters create is perfect for experimental and psychedelic images. I love using Fractal Filters when photographing commercial content for artists, musicians, and cannabis brands. When chosen for the right photo shoot, fractal filters can really take your photos to the next level.
Godox AD 400 Pro All-in-One x 2
To achieve higher quality lighting in some situations, I like to use 2 Godox AD 400 Pro strobe lights. Although this kit is not always necessary (and heavy to carry), it helps elevate your lighting for photography at any location with any lighting situation. If you order a set strobe lights, don’t forget to order two c-stands and two soft boxes to complete your light kit. Make sure your light kit includes a trigger or order one that is compatible with your lights.
iPhone 13 Pro
If you are planning on posting photography on social media, an iPhone 13 Pro or a similar high quality phone is perfect for behind the scenes content. Posting behind the scenes can help elevate your online presence. Providing a behind the scenes look into your creative process is a great way to market photography services to potential clients on social media. Having a phone with great internet is also beneficial when networking and marketing your work as a creative!
Photography by KBR, Modeling by Mariana Lopez Ibarra, Assisting by Marquez Rodriguez
Off-Camera Flash
Although I recently upgraded to using strobe lights, I still regularly use a 3 pack of off-camera flashes when it is more convenient. Depending on the lighting situation or size of the location, it can sometimes be easier to use an off-camera flash flash rather than lugging around heavy lights. For weddings or long events, I use two cameras. I attach my second camera to an off-camera flash and use my first camera with my strobe light set up.
Color Gels for Lighting
If you want to try creative or experimental lighting, try ordering a pack of color gels. When properly incorporated in a photo shoot, color gels add drama and stylization to your photography. I love using gel lighting for artist portraits, fashion editorials, and experimental work.
Rechargeable Battery Kit
Photography equipment requires a lot of power and buying rechargeable batteries is much better than buying disposables. With rechargeable batteries, you can save time, money, and the environment. Consider ordering a battery tester; it is also very helpful when organizing and using your photography equipment.
Canon IX6820 Photo Printer
Although my ideal printer is much more expensive, a Canon Pixma ix6820 is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable photo printer. This inkjet printer is good for printing small quantities up to 13” x 19".” The quality is definitely high enough to sell prints to your clients or send out promotional print material. If you are going to order a printer, make sure you also consider the cost of ink refills and photo paper.
Wherever you are on your photography journey, I hope this list can help offer you some affordable photography gear recommendations. These products help me daily in my career when creating, and I hope you find value when ordering these products. If you decide to try some of these products, please share your experience in the comments. Thank you for reading and best of luck on your artistic journey!
