If you want to be a good photographer but you ask yourself what do I really need to buy, it's ok. Follow these few guidlines to get the most out of your equipment and take great photographs.

Photographers need three main tools including:

1. camera
2. lens
3. tripod

There are many tools you can use or make at home to cast a shadow or capture more light so there is no need to go and buy professional photography equipment. Do not buy equipment while thinking "if it costs more, it must be better." Instead, think about what you are buying. For example, what is the f/speed range? What can this camera do? What magnification does this lens offer? ect.

Good luck!

Cameras

There are many different camera brands that are all very good; however, the setting on your camera can limit the type of photographs you are able to take. Look for a camera that allows you to take pictures with a high resolution. The camera should give you several options. Also you want to have a shutter speed that at least goes up to f/250. If you only want to take snap shots without catching stop motion then you do not need a really nice camera. However, you can buy a nice camera for around five hundred to two thousand dollars.

Lens

Having a zooming lens can be very helpful because you do not have to manually focus the lens. You can use a standard lens to get distant shots, but make sure you use a slow aperture and shutter speed which means you will need a tripod. Typically only use this technique on nonmoving objects.

Tripod

A tripods can be a very useful tool for getting that crisp clear image. You should compare the weights of various tripods and see which ones are sturdy on uneven ground. Are you going to do a lot of backpacking with your tripod you will want it light. Also look at the knobs are they weak looking because that is one of the first things that will wear out. Lastly check how high the tripod stand pulls out, you do not want to get stuck with just a little thing if you want to shoot large images.