Photography Studio Equipment for Beginners

Hi, This is Jay P. Morgan. Here on The Slanted Lens we’ve been getting lots of requests to update the “What to Buy to Start Your Studio” video Lars and I made in 2015. Well it’s two years later, and it’s time. Here’s my updated list of photography equipment you need to start your studio. This is not a sponsored video, but we do earn money on any purchases made through our affiliate links on Amazon or B&H, and we appreciate the support.

Basic Photography Equipment to Start Your Studio

I’ve put together three different levels of photo equipment you can purchase to start shooting to earn money. All of these assume that you already have a computer so that you can view and edit photos. The first is bare bones and utilizes only natural light using a reflector. The second is a step up with two strobes, and the third package gives you three. Each of these levels increase in modifiers and equipment as you add those lights. Let’s take a look at each one.

Reflector Studio Equipment Package

This first level of studio equipment is really designed to just get you started shooting. It includes a new Canon Rebel T7i with an 18-55mm kit lens, a 64GB SD card from SanDisk, and Lexar card reader to go with that. I’ve added a Photoflex 32″ 5-in-1 reflector to help augment the natural light you’ll be working with. And then of course you’ll need a stand for the reflector, I like the Kupo Universal 12.5′, and a clamp to hold it on. This package also has a tripod from Vanguard, because I think it’s important that you learn how to use one. The Alta CA 233AGH aluminum tripod is a great option.  That’s a great little kit to get you started earning money in photography. What I’d like you to do is save the money you’re earning there, and use it to step up to this next level.

Two Light Studio Equipment Package

The next level ups the ante a little bit. I’m upgrading your camera to the Canon 77D. Along with that you’re now moving out of the kit lens category. The Tamron 28-75mm lens f2.8 is my choice for this camera. That gets you into the nice portrait range at 75mm, plus you can go a little wider if you want that option as well. Next I’m giving you two Dynalite Baja B4’s. If you’ve watched this channel at all you know I am a big fan of the Bajas. They’re great lights at a great price. To make those Dynalites wireless you’ll need the transmitter as well. Now that you have the strobes you’ll need to modify the light. So I’m adding an extra small Octodome, and a 60″ convertible umbrella, and you also still have the reflector. All three of those are from Photoflex.  You’ll now need three of those light stands from Kupo, and you still have the clamp, card and card reader. Oh, and don’t forget the Bowens speedring you need for the Baja with the Octodome.

Three Light Studio Equipment Package

This package is what I like to call the Big Kahuna of beginning photography equipment studio packages. You’ll now be shooting with the Canon 6D and the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8. These two are a great combination, you’ll get some really great images with those. That’s one of my favorite lenses. You’ll still have those two Baja B4‘s but I’m adding a B6 as well. With that extra light you’ll have four of the light stands, two speedrings, the umbrella, extra small Octodome, and I’m adding a small Octodome as well. And we’re still using the reflector and clamp. Don’t forget your card, and card reader. Finally, I’m upgrading your tripod to an Alta Pro 284 Carbon tripod.

So there you have it. Three fairly inexpensive packages of photography equipment to get you going making money. Let me know if you think I should have included something or left something out. Share what your first studio package was over on our FB group. Or, better yet, share images you took with your first studio package.

Keep those cameras rollin’ and keep on clickin’!

-Jay P.