What Photography Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Starting a photography business is an exciting journey—but choosing the right equipment can be overwhelming. Whether you're planning to shoot weddings, portraits, events, or commercial projects, investing in the right gear from the beginning helps you deliver professional results and build a strong foundation.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential photography equipment you should buy first, and how to protect your investment with specialized insurance coverage from Wexford Insurance.
Essential Photography Equipment for New Photographers
1. Camera Body
Your camera is the heart of your business. For beginners, consider a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls and interchangeable lenses. Popular entry-level models include:
Canon EOS R50 or Nikon Z50 (mirrorless)
Canon EOS Rebel T8i or Nikon D5600 (DSLR)
These models offer excellent image quality, intuitive controls, and room to grow as your skills improve.
💡 Read More: Best beginner cameras for photography
2. Lenses
Lenses shape your creative style and determine how versatile your setup is. Start with:
50mm f/1.8 prime lens – Ideal for portraits with beautiful background blur.
24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens – Great for weddings, events, and general use.
These two lenses cover most shooting scenarios and offer excellent image quality.
💡 Read More: Lens buying guide for beginners
3. Memory Cards & Storage
Use high-speed SD cards (UHS-I or UHS-II) to ensure fast writing speeds during shoots. Also invest in:
External hard drives for backups
Cloud storage for remote access and redundancy
4. Tripod
A sturdy tripod is essential for:
Long exposure shots
Low-light photography
Studio work
Video recording
Look for tripods with adjustable height, ball heads, and quick-release plates.
5. Lighting Equipment
Lighting can make or break your photos. Start with:
Speedlight or external flash – Adds light in dark environments.
Reflectors – Bounce natural light for softer shadows.
Softboxes or LED panels – Ideal for studio or indoor shoots.
💡 Explore Beginner lighting kits for photographers
6. Editing Software
Post-processing is a key part of professional photography. Start with:
Adobe Lightroom – For organizing and editing photos.
Adobe Photoshop – For advanced retouching and compositing.
7. Camera Bag
Protect your gear with a padded, weather-resistant camera bag. Choose one with compartments for your camera, lenses, batteries, and accessories.
8. Backup Batteries & Chargers
Always carry extra batteries and a portable charger. Long shoots, weddings, and travel jobs demand reliable power.
Why You Need Insurance for Your Photography Equipment
Your gear is your livelihood. Theft, damage, or accidents can be devastating without proper coverage. At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in photography business insurance tailored to creatives.
We offer:
General Liability Insurance – Protects against client injuries or property damage.
Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers vehicles used for business travel.
Commercial Property Insurance – Safeguards your studio or office space.
Workers Compensation Insurance – Required if you hire employees or assistants.
Equipment Insurance – Covers theft, damage, or loss of your gear.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right photography equipment helps you deliver professional results and build a strong brand. But just as important is protecting your investment with insurance designed for photographers.
If you're launching your photography business and need help with insurance, Wexford Insurance is here to help. We work with top providers to get you the coverage you need.
📞 Ready to protect your gear and business?
