Dive in: beginners photography guide vol 1

Written By Michael Parfitt

G'day Guys, welcome back!

Lately, I've been getting a lot of questions about my gear, so I thought I'd share a bit about it. In the past, I’ve avoided talking about gear because, like many pretentious photographers, I used to claim that “gear doesn’t matter.” And while that’s true at a fundamental level, with today’s cameras, there’s a huge difference. The reality is, that we live in a world where everyone has a camera in their pocket, and if you’re just starting in photography, choosing the right equipment can be overwhelming and expensive.

So, let me help you out. Over my next few blogs, I’ll show you what’s in my camera bag, share some compositional tips I’ve learned over the years, and even talk about some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way. I’ll also break down a few of my favourite images and give you insight into my mindset when I’m behind the camera.

Let’s get into it!

Sahara desert. 

I bought my first camera after a trip to Iceland, feeling uninspired by the lacklustre images my iPhone produced. So, I headed to my local camera shop, where they recommended the Nikon D3500—an entry-level DSLR with a stock 18-55mm and 70-300mm lens. At the time, it was perfect for me, helping me grasp the essentials like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, and how they all work together in harmony. Being someone who believes that doing things the hard way is the best way to learn, I never used automatic mode. I made it my mission to master that camera inside and out, taking way too many overexposed and underexposed shots along the way. But eventually, I could walk outside and guess the exposure settings just by reading the light: "Ah yes, ISO 400, f/7.1, shutter speed 1/300th." Of course, it doesn’t have to be that difficult—trust me! But that’s just how my brain works.

Nikon D800e

During COVID, when I was forced to put my travels on hold, I spent a lot of time shooting at local spots. That’s when I decided to dive deeper down the photography rabbit hole. I purchased a second-hand Nikon D800e for $800. It was a great buy at the time, even though the camera was a bit older—it was still a professional, full-frame DSLR. After a few months of saving, I invested in a 24-70mm Sigma lens for around the same price. I was stoked! For the first time, I truly felt like a photographer. This was my setup when I began my social media journey. A lot of people on Twitter engaged with my work, which pushed me to hone my skills even further. But that sudden excitement on social media, coupled with getting jobs photographing for local councils, fed my ego. In hindsight, I think it might’ve hurt my growth as an artist—but hey, I was younger and more foolish back then.

Nikon D800e 24-70mm

I spent about two years using my Nikon gear, and I loved it—until I accidentally dropped it in the ocean. Thankfully, my camera insurance covered the cost generously, giving me the chance to sit down and make an informed decision about what camera I truly needed. I did my research, looked at what the best photographers—my idols and National Geographic shooters—were using, and I decided that if I wanted to be truly great, I needed equipment that would match my ambitions and grow with me.

I chose to switch systems and go with Sony. I purchased a second-hand Sony A7III for $2000, which I’m still using nearly three and a half years later. It’s hands down the most durable and crisp camera I’ve ever used, and it performs unbelievably well. Now, while this wasn’t the latest gear at the time,it was released in 2018, it has stood the test of time. I’ve never had any issues with it. So, buying the newest gear isn’t always the key to better photography. I paired this camera with the best lens I could find. I invested in the Sony 24-70mm G Master lens, which set me back about $2400.

Nikon D3500 - Bangkok (2020) 

Since switching to Sony, my gear bag has expanded immensely, and I’m very fortunate for that. Growing up, my dad used to teach me about keeping my bag organised, so if I ever got called to join a rugby team, I’d be ready to go immediately. Back then, it was all about having clean boots and knowing where both my socks were. I’ve taken that same approach with my photography.

Let’s start with my gear bag. I carry an F-Stop 60L Anja series mountain bag in khaki green, which includes a camera insert to keep everything organized and secure.

Here’s what’s inside:

  • Sony G-Master 200-600mm: Ideal for wildlife and capturing distant details.

  • Sony A7iii full frame 24mp

  • Tamron 17-28mm: My go-to for wide-angle shots, perfect for landscapes and tight spaces.

  • Sony G Master 24-70mm: A versatile workhorse for portraits and general shooting.

  • Holga Film Camera: For a bit of fun and creative experimentation with medium format film.

  • Kase Magnetic Filters: For seamless transitions and control over lighting.

Strapped to the side is my Leofoto tripod with a Headmaster tripod head, ready to go for stable, on-the-fly shots. Most of my camera equipment is on the pricier side, but by no means is it an example of what you need to take great photos. Let’s talk about entry-level cameras!

Recommendations

I always recommend looking to buy secondhand as a way to keep costs down. Facebook Marketplace can be a haven for absolute bargains, but you have to be diligent and careful. In the imaging space, moving forward, I’d suggest looking into a mirrorless body. These cameras are lightweight, and the technology is incredible. Here are a few recommendations from various brands (so I don’t seem Sony-biased):

All the cameras listed above are lightweight, compact, and powerful—ideal for anyone looking to dive into photography.

Now, lenses are a whole other topic, as each focal length dramatically changes the look of an image, from distortion to compression. There’s a lot to learn, but that’s the exciting part!

If you’re into capturing candid moments, beach walks, local scenes, or epic travel shots, consider a wide-angle zoom lens. A standard 18-55mm lens is a great start, offering a range of focal lengths to explore, though it’s limited by aperture. stock lenses are accessible, inexpensive and very portable.

For wildlife or macro shots of insects and bugs, a longer lens (100mm and up) is perfect for bringing you closer to your subject.

Here’s a list of dynamic lenses that not only help you capture stunning images but also open up endless possibilities for creative exploration:

Versatile Lenses for Wide to Standard Shots:

• 16-35mm – Ideal for sweeping landscapes and dramatic wide-angle shots.

• 18-135mm – A flexible zoom lens, perfect for everything from portraits to travel photography.

• 18-50mm – Compact and lightweight, great for everyday shots and low-light environments.

• 10-18mm – A go-to lens for ultra-wide-angle perspectives, perfect for architecture or sweeping vistas.

• 14mm – A prime lens for sharp, wide-angle shots, perfect for astrophotography or landscapes.

• 14-42mm – A versatile zoom lens that’s perfect for street photography or capturing moments on the go.

For Wildlife and Macro Photography:

When it comes to capturing the intricate details of wildlife, insects, or bugs, a longer lens allows you to get up close without disturbing your subject. These lenses provide the reach and sharpness needed for stunning macro or distant wildlife shots:

• 100-400mm – A fantastic choice for bird photography, distant wildlife, or sports action.

• 75-300mm – A great budget-friendly option for wildlife enthusiasts looking to get more reach.

• 55-200mm – A solid mid-range zoom for capturing wildlife from a comfortable distance.

• 150-600mm – Perfect for photographers who want the ultimate in reach for distant wildlife, offering incredible detail from afar.

These lenses not only give you the tools for great shots but also inspire creative possibilities, whether you’re shooting wide landscapes or intimate moments in nature.

Aswan, Egypt.

Essentially, the best camera is the one you have with you—at least, that’s how the saying goes. Cameras are just tools to help capture your vision; for me, it’s a way of communicating. Whether you decide to invest in a mirrorless camera, a DSLR, or stick with your smartphone, I hope you’ll stick around. My next blog will cover composition and capturing candid moments with ease.

Thank you for making it this far. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, please leave a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts! As always, thank you for the support and for reading.

If you’d like to support my work, feel free to follow me, share this with friends, or consider leaving a donation. Every bit helps me chase this dream and create new work to share with you all, hopefully inspiring others along the way.

Thank you for reading,

Michael

Michael Parfitt

Professional photographer & story-teller.

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Salt & pepper: Crossroads.