How Much Should I Invest in Equipment?

How Much Should I Invest In Equipment? It’s a question I had when starting out, and is a question a lot of photographers ask me. It’s hard to know! I will share with you guys some of the things my favorite teachers, Amy and Jordan Demos, taught me.

You can start out very simple! An entry level DSLR, like a Nikon D3400 or Canon Rebel, is more than sufficient. Beautiful pictures can be take on these camera with their kit lenses! I used my Nikon D3300 for at least a year. 

Upgrade your camera gear when you feel like it is holding you back. If you know how to use the gear you have and don’t feel like you are creating the images you are capable of, maybe it’s time to upgrade. Do your research to find out what is the best thing to purchase next. Research online, talk to photographers, and stop by the camera store for advice. The first thing I invested in after my Nikon D3300 was another lens.

It will take awhile to get the gear you need, and that’s ok! I took all of my profits from my first year and turned around and used it on camera equipment and education. I probably spend over $5,000 within my first 12 months of photography, but it was all money I had earned from doing shoots. Now that I’m in my second year, I have found that I have all I need to create dreamy images. I now make money and don’t have to turn around and spend it all on new gear, which is really nice!

Don’t stop investing in yourself. Always have something you are working for. This year, I have invested in several education courses and stylized shoots. These give me a chance to meet and learn from other photographers, which has proven to be very beneficial! 

Be wise with your purchases. You will know when it is time to upgrade! Until then, work with what you have, and learn how to master the equipment in your bag. It is capable of so much if you know how to correctly use it! Some of the most beautiful images I have seen have been taken on entry level DSLR cameras.

Good luck! Take it slow. Focus on one purchase at a time, and try not to get overwhelmed with the list of things you think you may need. If you have any questions, let me know! I am happy to help you in any way I can 🙂 

Megan Owens Photography | Idaho Falls Photographer