5 Pieces of Photography Kit You Shouldn't Leave Home Without - Fstoppers

The obvious things you'll need are the camera and lens, but as anyone who's walked into a camera store knows, there are plenty of accessories and add-ons that improve the photographic experience.

However, there are a few things that you'll definitely not want to leave home without.

These are things that might not come with the camera you buy but that you'll almost certainly want to take out every time you go shoot.

A tripod will help keep your camera steady and allow you to fine-tune composition.

If you're shooting outside in the day, you might think that a fast shutter speed is all you need, hence you'd be inclined to leave the tripod at home (or in the shop), but in order to get high-quality images devoid of noise, you'll want to maintain you ISO as low as possible, roughly ISO 50 or 100.

A spare battery or two will help you shoot for longer, especially when you've forgotten to fully charge your main battery or the power is accidentally left on during transport.

It may be tempting to think that you'll just make sure the one battery you have is fully charged before leaving, but that won't be any good when you accidentally knock the on button when putting it in the bag.

Memory card capacity is getting enormous now, and we can routinely fit thousands of images on our cards without the need for formatting.

So then, it's important to take spare cards with you when you go out, in case you forget to empty them after your last import.

Then, I head out on Monday for a little walk around the local English village for some shots and realize I have about three shots left and my spare cards are at home. .

The camera bag, as well as being a useful way to carry your kit when traveling around is actually a safety device.

It protects the camera, lens, and other accessories from inclement weather, including rain, snow, cold temperatures, and other problems such as dust and sand.

You're more likely to damage the camera and lens if you accidentally trip up or fall, as I found out a little while back.

I never have to think twice or worry about where I pack the camera for a trip or when I'm out and about.

It's a touch annoying for carrying, but I set it up with clips so it has a strap that also clips to my camera incase I want the strap on the camera (I usually use a hand strap)!

While it's a little limiting for lenses, I just add a padded lens pouch in case I need something extra.

Take note of what missing items inconvenience you on Trip A, write them down, and when you're in that shooting situation again, take them on Trip B to make it a little better.

Think about what it is you want and need, and set it up.