Becoming a photographer is not an easy task. It requires a lot of money, time, and dedication to be successful.

Without the right approach, you will end up wasting your time and money on expensive equipment which you barely use.

Your photography career will start with the purchase of an SLR camera and basic lenses which is where most people make mistakes. Before shopping for a camera, view the camera's functions and read online reviews.

Try to find as many review sites as possible because some of them are paid advertisements; therefore, they will not provide you with honest feedback.

If money is tight at the moment, there are free resources available such as the library or community college which offer photography courses.

The camera lens is one of the most important components to have a good photography kit. You will need different lenses for different shooting situations like portraits, landscape and macro, and telephoto.

The technique used when taking photos also requires you to change lenses depending on what you want the photo to look like.

Wide-angle lenses are normally used for landscape shots, while macro lenses are used for close-up photos.

Lenses provide you with a creative view of your shots, however, they are not cheap to replace since quality lenses cost hundreds of dollars.

Be aware that different brands use their lens mount so make sure to research which brand will work best for you and the type of camera you have purchased.

Filters are also a very important piece of equipment to have because they provide different effects on the photos.

Filters also reduce glare and ghosting allowing you to take better pictures in the outdoors.

Because you use filters when taking shots outside, it is recommended that you purchase a filter wallet to hold all your filters in one place. To save money, purchase a filter kit that includes a UV or clear glass to protect your lenses.

The next piece of equipment you will need for taking professional-looking photographs is the camera body. Y

ou should always look for quality brand names when buying camera bodies because they come with better features and gives you more control over manual settings.

Camera manufacturers such as Nikon and Canon have been around for years, offering excellent quality cameras with a variety of features. Not only do they make professional camera bodies, but also produce lenses and other photography gear which comes at an affordable price.

The last thing you will need is digital storage to hold all your photos. Go to online photo retailers like Amazon or B&H Photo Video to purchase digital storage for your computer. Most of them offer fast shipping so you can start using your new camera right away.

If you are up for the task, becoming a successful photographer is possible and it all depends on the passion you have for taking pictures.

There are many workshops available as well as classes that teach photography from beginner's level to professional levels. Having a good camera and learning how to use it takes time, so be patient.

There are many hardworking photographers out there who have taken the same path before you; therefore, they can tell you stories about what not to do or what has worked for them in their careers.

If you want to learn more about photography, do not hesitate to contact me.