What kind of photography equipment do I need to start out with?

yorkiepoo: What kind of photography equipment do I need to start out with?
I would like to start a small photography business…nothing major as I am an amateur photographer and am not sure of myself/skills yet. I do think that I take pretty decent photos and have a great passion for photography but don’t really know how to begin. What kind of fairly inexpensive camera is a good start? I do have a Sony Digital Camera and a Canon SLR 35mm. Also, what other kind of equipment is imperative when beginning-just to look like you know what your doing?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
One more thing before I forget, what is needed to take great photos of food/wine? Is there a special kind of setup that I would need?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Peter
You are thinking about food photography.

You can buy a Canon SLR digi ( Canon Rebel is fragile, but is good for biginners) and use the same lenses of your 35mm .

You need good lenses , but “light” is very important because of real colors, so, a good equipment will be necessary, You can try tungsten light who is cheap then flash unit, or rent a flash equipment, some studios rent area with light.

The second part of job today is develop your photos ( you must photograph using raw format, advertising sometimes don´t accept low format ) on good software and calibrated equipment, like monitor. I use Macintosh ( Apple ) with photoshop (adobe.com) and excellent monitor.

Think about a basic light food course.
good luck

Answer by TR
Let’s start from the last question–people who do advertising shoots of food and wine (working for restaurants or food manufacturers) need to know how to set up lights professionally. Moreover, there are tricks of the trade–for example, to photograph beer, pour it at room temperature (holds head better) and mist the mug with water (to make it look cold). Far too many to list here–you’d need to start at the bottom of an agency that does that sort of work and learn from a pro.

For advertising, nowadays digital is the only way to go. You’ll need something with optical zoom and very high megapixils, plus professional photo editing software and a hideously expensive photo printer (or a regular account with a professional printing firm).

Portrait photogs, on the other hand, can still work with a 35 mm if that’s their choice–it does provide some control over exposure that a digital would not–but in that case you’ll need a great set of studio lights, a selection of backdrops, a room with black walls ceiling and floor, tripods, etc.etc.etc.–plus a bunch of ancillary stuff for babies and kids since that’s most of the biz. And also an account with a professional developing-printing shop.

Answer by Gerry T
You may not like this answer but it is intended to be honest and helpful. Don’t start any business, not even a small one, until you are sure of what you are doing. Apart from the risk to your reputation through failing to deliver you may be liable to losses. Don’t buy more kit until you are a little closer to knowing what you want to photograph – make the most of what you have by learning to use it to it’s best. Equipment can cost a lot, especially when more specialised – much food photography for example needs larger format than 35mm or high end digital to get published and lighting is essential and expensive.

Look at as many good quality published or exhibited pictures of your subject as you can. Visit exhibitions showing your subject and if possible get to know other photographers – perhaps through a club – that can help build your technical skills.

As your skills grow you will stretch your equipment until the day comes when you will either know or have a good idea of what extra kit you need.

When your skills and knowledge develop you will be in a much more ablle position to take on jobs which, at the beginning, you might do for free but without risk of liability, until your confidence grows. Then think about the business side of things.

Good luck