As a professional photographer, having the right camera accessories can make a huge difference in the quality of your work and your overall efficiency on the job. But when you have limited space and resources, it can be difficult to know what gear is really worth investing in, especially when you're first starting out in the business.
That's why we put together this list of the all-round best accessories in photography whether you shoot on a digital DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Contents
- 9 best camera accessories to add to your arsenal:
- Tripod
- Camera backpack
- Protective wrap
- Lens hood
- Lens cleaning kit
- Remote shutter release
- Speedlight
- Photo editing software
- More camera accessories we love
- Final thoughts
9 best camera accessories to add to your arsenal:
1. Tripod
Tripods are an essential tool, providing a stable and sturdy foundation for capturing crisp, clear images. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit the needs of different setups. Compact, lightweight aluminium tripods are popular for travel and on-the-go shooting, while heavier-duty models made of carbon fibre offer enhanced stability and load-bearing capacity for studio work or capturing long exposures.
Full-sized tripod
The stability and sturdy construction of a full-sized tripod provides a rock-solid foundation for your camera, virtually eliminating any unwanted camera shake or blurry images, even when shooting at slower shutter speeds or with heavy telephoto lenses.
The increased height adjustment range of a full-sized tripod allows you to position your camera at the perfect vantage point, whether you're shooting low to the ground or need to raise the camera for an elevated perspective. This versatility is invaluable when composing your shots, as it gives you the freedom to explore creative framing options that may not be possible with a smaller, more limited tripod.
Full-sized models often include premium features like precise panning, tilting mechanisms and bubble levels for flawless panoramas or time-lapse sequences.
Mini tripod
If you need a more portable option, mini tripods are incredibly convenient and easy to transport, seamlessly slipping into a camera bag or even a pocket. This portability allows you to have a stabilising solution on hand at all times, ensuring you're prepared to capture stunning, professional-quality images no matter where your photographic adventures take you. This accessory is ideal for tabletop, low-angle, and self-portrait photography.
2. Camera backpack
These specialised backpacks are designed with the unique needs of photographers in mind, offering features that go far beyond a standard backpack. Camera backpacks provide dedicated, customisable compartments to securely store and organise cameras, lenses, flashes, and other delicate photography gear.
The padded interiors and reinforced shells protect equipment from bumps, drops, and the elements to give you peace of mind. Many camera backpacks also incorporate additional storage spaces for personal items like clothing, snacks, and a laptop, making them a versatile choice for all-day shooting sessions or extended travel.
If you're a photographer seeking a reliable, organised way to transport your essential gear, a high-quality camera backpack is an invaluable investment that can enhance both the convenience and security of your shoots.
3. Protective wrap
When you want to bring your camera but a dedicated bag is impractical, stashing it in a regular bag or backpack may be the best option. However, this leaves your camera vulnerable to scratches and bumps from other items.
A protective wrap offers an ideal solution - it takes up no extra space yet shields your camera from damage while stored in any type of bag or case. This simple accessory ensures your camera stays safe without the need for a bulky dedicated carrier. You can also use it for other equipment like your lenses, laptop and other delicate items.
4. Lens hood
A lens hood is an inexpensive camera accessory used to prevent glare and protect the lens and can help save many of your shots. Simply attach it to the front of the lens, and it will block any glare from a light source coming in from the side.
Lens hoods come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some of the most common being three-petal and cylindrical designs. However, you can also find conical lens hoods or those with four petals of different sizes. They are often included with the purchase of a new lens, but you can also easily buy them separately online.
5. Lens cleaning kit
Keeping your camera gear clean and well-maintained is essential, so investing in a proper cleaning kit will go a long way in protecting your photographic equipment and keeping it performing at its best. And while we still recommend regular professional cleanings, a basic cleaning kit can optimise everyday use and help preserve the condition of your expensive equipment.
Look for a cleaning kit with a microfiber cloth for removing dust and fingerprints from your lens that could otherwise lead to scratches and damage over time. An air blower to clean the camera's sensor is also highly recommended, especially if you change lenses frequently.
Looking for a food photography studio?
Choose from 1000+ spaces and locations on Tutti and deal directly with space hosts for a quick, hassle-free booking process.
6. Remote shutter release
The remote's wireless capabilities free you up to move around the scene, experiment with unique angles, and even include yourself in the frame without the constraints of being tethered to the camera. This creative freedom is particularly useful for self-portraits, group shots, and capturing wildlife, where your proximity to the subject can alter the animal's behaviour.
Beyond just triggering the shutter, advanced remote releases also provide additional functionality such as interval shooting for time-lapse sequences, bulb mode for endless exposures, and exposure bracketing to ensure the perfect exposure is achieved.
7. Speedlight
The use of speedlights, or small, portable flash units, can offer a wealth of benefits. These compact yet powerful light sources provide an incredible level of versatility and creative control compared to relying solely on available ambient lighting.
With a speedlight, you can be strategic with the direction, intensity, and quality of the lighting, allowing them to craft images with depth, drama, and a professional polish. By positioning the speedlight off-camera and using light modifiers like umbrellas, softboxes, or grids, photographers can create three-dimensional, cinematic lighting setups that bring their subjects to life in a way that natural light alone simply cannot match.
The portability of speedlights makes them ideal for on-location shoots, enabling photographers to bring their vision to life in a wide range of environments, from intimate indoor settings to expansive outdoor scenes.
8. Photo editing software
At the most basic level, photo editing software can make simple adjustments, such as cropping, adjusting exposure, and tweaking colour balance - fundamental edits that can dramatically improve the overall quality and impact of a photograph.
But the true power of photo editing software lies in its more advanced capabilities. From retouching blemishes and refining portraits, to compositing multiple shots into a single frame or applying striking visual effects, the flexibility afforded by today's photo editing software has revolutionised the post-processing stage of the photographic workflow.
And as these applications continue to evolve, with increasingly sophisticated AI integrated photo editing software the creative possibilities have only continued to expand, empowering you to push the boundaries of what's possible and realise your full creative potential.
9. Extra batteries
A new camera typically comes with a single battery, which may not be sufficient for extended shooting, especially when working remotely without access to a power source for recharging. Most photographers find that they need at least two batteries to fully maximise the capabilities of their digital cameras and avoid interruptions during extended photo sessions.
More camera accessories we love:
- Transform any location into a photo studio with a photography backdrop.
- Enhance the features of your products or portraits with a ring light.
- Market your photography business with branding tools.
Final thoughts
Now you have all the best camera accessories ready to go, make sure you're prepared with a photoshoot checklist to make sure everything goes smoothly.
If you aren't ready to commit to buying your camera equipment there is also the option to rent, discover the top 7 places for photo equipment hire in London.
Hire locations for your next photoshoot with Tutti
Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll send you suggestions within 72 hours. For free!
