8 Must-Have Tools for Every Freelance Photographer & Filmmaker
While a good-quality camera is the starting point for a career as a freelance photographer or filmmaker, the right tools can take your craft from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
However, the best tools aren’t limited to the act of taking photos or filming. Some can completely transform the way you edit your photos or video footage or share them with clients.
If you want to further your career and enhance your work, these are our eight must-have tools you need to invest in. Cover photo by Hector Reyes.
1. A Tripod
If you’re new to freelance photography or filmmaking, you might be tempted to trust your ability to hold your camera steady. Don’t give in to this temptation.
Invest in a tripod to keep your camera steady when shooting static videos, panning across multiple angles, or taking photos that require extra steadiness, such as macro photography or night shots. Remember the following when choosing the best tripod for your needs:
- Durability
- The right fit for your camera
- A fluid head or slider that allows you to move your camera or shoot while running
- The right height for your subjects
2. Remote Shutter Release
A remote shutter release is the ideal companion for a tripod, especially if you take photos at night. Whether wireless or connected to your camera by a cable, this must-have tool also helps keep your camera steady.
A remote shutter release can be handy if you need to operate your camera from a distance, such as when photographing nature or wildlife.
3. Different Types of Lenses
Most basic photography or video cameras come with a lens with a fixed focal length (prime lens) or a variable focal distance (zoom lens). While these are great to start your freelance career with, consider building a collection of different types of lenses.
Having several different lenses to choose from offers significantly more versatility when it comes to shooting photos or video footage. A few good types of lenses to include in your collection include:
- Macro lens: These lenses are ideal for shooting close-ups of objects.
- ND filter: Use an ND filter to control the light level in your photos or videos.
- Wide-angle lens: Characterized by a small focal length, these lenses let you photograph or film more of your subjects.
- Versatile lens kit: Depending on your budget, you might find it worthwhile investing in a versatile kit that includes various options, such as telephoto, fisheye, and super wide-angle lenses.
4. Memory and Power
Few things are more frustrating or embarrassing than running out of memory or power while on a job. Ensure you take extra film, memory cards, and additional fully charged batteries or power banks when shooting photos or filming. It’s also good to remember that your batteries won’t last as long in cold temperatures or if you’re taking long-exposure photos or videos. Be sure to keep your spare batteries warm until you need them.
5. Microphone
While freelance photographers seldom, if ever, need microphones, freelance filmmakers can benefit from having at least one standalone microphone. Yes, your video camera has a built-in microphone, but if you want better quality audio (and most filmmakers do), standalone mics are tops. Consider microphones such as:
- Boom pole: A great choice when you’re filming larger groups of people or crowds, a boom pole lets you capture audio from multiple people without needing to get your camera too close.
- Conference room microphones: If you’re filming group discussions, conference room microphones capture audio from multiple speakers, ensuring clear and balanced sound even in larger spaces.
- Handheld microphone: Offering more control while filming, handheld microphones are great for run-and-shoot videos.
- Lapel mics: These mics are known for convenience, as you can attach them to a collar or shirt for incredibly clear audio from individuals.
- Portable digital audio recorders: You can use these external microphones to capture additional sounds and other audio.
- Shotgun microphone: These microphones can be held or attached to boom poles and are used to pinpoint specific sound cues.
- Wireless mic: An excellent substitute if you don’t have a boom operator, a wireless microphone allows you to capture better audio from subjects.
6. External Hard Drive
You might wonder why an external hard drive is on this list when we mentioned extra memory cards above. These portable devices deserve a mention of their own, especially if you’re a freelancer who captures a substantial amount of footage or photos. Take your external hard drive with you to transfer the images or footage from your camera, freeing up memory so you can continue shooting.
Related: 5 Best External Hard Drives for Videographers
7. Photo/Video Editing Software
Shooting photos or video footage is only a portion of your work. When you’re done with that, you need to start editing. If you’re still easing your way into your craft, you might be able to get away with using the free version of good quality photo or video editing software.
However, we recommend that, if possible, you invest in software that best meets your needs. Factors to consider when choosing photo or video editing software include:
- Customer support: Choose a software program with a built-in support system and customer support that’s easy to access via various channels.
- Editing knowledge: Find a program that suits your level of editing knowledge and experience, as some are designed for beginners while others are aimed at experienced users or professionals.
- Software features: Reliable video editing software lets you add music, special effects, and text, and to cut and splice (combine) footage, so think about what features are important to you when choosing a program.
- Price: Editing software is available at various prices, so consider your budget carefully before making a decision.
Additionally, using Lightroom presets, Photoshop actions, LUTs, and other editing tools from FilterGrade can help you find the perfect look and work more efficiently. These tools offer pre-made settings and customizable options that streamline your editing process, enabling you to focus more on creativity and less on repetitive tasks.
8. A Photo Gallery Site
As a freelance photographer, you’ll want a way to deliver photos to clients that’s easy to use, sleek, and customizable. Choose a portfolio-style site that allows you to customize your galleries to suit your brand and allows customers to respond to photos, download them as batch files or individually, and order products such as albums or prints.
Some sites offer automated sales features, discounts, and emails to help reduce the amount of admin required to run your business.
Up Your Game with the Right Tools
Photography and filmmaking tools other than your trusty camera are no substitute for talent and creativity, but they certainly are the difference between amateur and professional freelance photographers and filmmakers. Transform the way you work with these must-have tools, and you and your clients will see the difference.
