Equipment

Having the right equipment doesn't automatically make you a better photographer. However, it does make you a better prepared photographer. Having the right equipment for your subject and knowing how to use it enables you to concentrate on your subject and capture the best possible image.

When photographing animals, you'll quickly learn that an animal's expression can change from one second to another. Having complete confidence in your skills and equipment allows you to capture that great and often fleeting pose.

Choosing equipment that you are comfortable with is a very personal experience and no particular brand or style of camera is right for everyone. That being said, after much experimentation, I've come to develop a good camera system that works for me. By sharing my equipment selections with you, I hope to explain some of the important things you must consider when choosing a camera system so that you are better informed about the equipment on the market and can choose the equipment that suits you style on animal photography.

One important point to consider before you start is to check with your insurance company to see if your equipment will be covered by your homeowner's or renter's policy when working at the shelter. If not, you may want to think about purchasing a rider to cover your equipment. One errant leg lift from a happy dog could wipe out your large investment in camera equipment.

Equipment covered in this section includes:

• Camera
• Digital or Film?
• Lenses
• Flash and Flash Accessories
• Batteries
• Film
• Other Equipment

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