How to Get Started in Photography for Under $200

People almost always have plans to start something. One of the good things about the current pandemic situation is free time. People can begin their projects because of this. Whether it is a hobby or a business, they never found the time to do so before. 

Demands for artistic services like graphic design, video editing, and photography are growing. Emerging trends in social media marketing are one of the top contributors to this. Another is the influx of those who want to start an entertainment career. The growing number of accessible social media platforms is making content creation easier. Plus, an array of digital photo editing apps will help enhance your works. 

If you want to start a new career path in photography, there’s no better time than now! There are different areas of focus to choose from. You can start with either portraiture, product photography, wedding, or events photography.

Getting started on anything can be pretty daunting, though. Be it a hobby or a business, buying equipment, supplies, and materials can be overwhelming. It is not necessary to go all out and purchase everything at once to get into photography. 

Worry not! Here is a guide to help one get started in photography for under $200.

Photo Gear For Beginners

Most people think they need the most expensive pieces of equipment to take breathtaking shots. All you need to get started in photography is a passion for the art and some essential tools. Here's a list of affordable photography gear you should add to your arsenal:

Camera

A good camera doesn't need to be expensive. One way of saving tons of money is by buying used cameras. Used cameras are much more affordable than brand new ones. It may not have the latest features, but it can still take astonishing photos. 

Brand-new entry-level DSLR cameras cost anywhere between $300 to $500+, while pre-owned working cameras start at around $80. You can try looking at your local online buy and sell pages to find one. You can use the money you save for the other listed pieces of equipment here.

Lens

Aside from the camera body, lenses are the most important paraphernalia in photography. There are a lot of different types of lenses. Each one has designated use. 

As an entry-level photographer, you can start with two types of lenses: a kit lens and a prime lens. A kit lens is a versatile and affordable lens that can zoom in and out. These are good for outdoor shoots. The prime lens, on the other hand, doesn't zoom. It is good for portraits. You can also use this lens for a blurry background effect. These two lenses are good for practice and for building up your portfolio. You can buy used lots of 3 or 4 of these lenses for under $50. Even if you buy new ones, it will still be affordable, with prices starting at $20 for one.

Flash

Flash is vital in different photographic types. Most cameras have built-in pop-up flashes. For starters, you can utilize this while practicing. As you get your bearings, you can get separate flashes. You can use these at a distance from your camera. A pre-owned flash starts at $15, and a new one costs roughly $50.

Memory Card

Storage is important for the photos you shoot. Start small with a 16GB memory card: they're affordable but can still store many photos! Make sure to get a fast one so that there is less buffering. A good 16GB one sells at $10-15. You can upgrade to higher storage as you progress.

Extra Batteries

Cameras usually come with batteries and a charger. Having extras can have you taking photos for a longer time. One extra set of batteries is good for starters. 

Off-brand batteries are more affordable. These can start at $10. Getting a spare charger is not a bad idea as well. For $15, you can get brand new ones.

Camera Bag

Whether you plan to hike a mountain trail or traipse on the city street, where will you put your camera and other tools? Of course, you will need a bag! You can use any of your existing bags as long as it's large enough to accommodate your photography gear. If you are opting to buy instead, pre-owned lens bags cost less than $5 and camera bags start at $10. Brand-new ones generally cost $40 upwards. Size and comfortability are essential in getting camera bags. Remember, you'll have to lug it around as you take pictures.

Now You're Ready to Take Your Photos to the Next Level

Save this list of photo gear for beginners, and you'll be taking professional photos on a budget in no time! If you use the same creativity you apply to your art to find affordable photography gear, getting professional equipment doesn't have to break the bank.

A final reminder in case you want to earn off taking pictures... Before uploading and sharing your photos, make sure there is a watermark. Watermarks are one way of making sure works are properly credited. Image copyright is another way as well. Copyrighted images cannot be used without the consent of the artist. These ways will ensure that you get proper credits on your works and also profit from them. Try reading up on it so you can have your works registered.

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Meet the Author, Sophia Young

Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words. She loves talking about fashion and weddings and travel, but she can also turn out a thousand-word article about the latest marketing and business trends, finance-related topics, and can probably even whip up a nice heart-warming article about family life. She can totally go from fashion guru to your friendly neighborhood cat lady with mean budgeting skills and home tips real quick.

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