Whether you’re new to photography or have been taking pictures for years, choosing the right photo accessories should really be looked at as an area of photography that’s just as important as selecting your camera. You’ll find that the photo accessories you choose won’t just make capturing the images you want easier, but will also open up all sorts of additional creative photo possibilities. A sturdy tripod for example will help to ensures sharp, blur-free images; a reliable memory card lets you capture more moments without worry, especially for sports and wildlife, and add in some lighting, either constant or flash and it will help you master challenging conditions.
This guide focuses on accessories that are budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and designed to compliment your skills. In this guide I’ve tried to keep things as simple as possible and have only recommended a few choice accessories from tripods and camera backpacks to ND filters and editing software, each should help you to streamline your photography workflow and assist with your creativity. By investing in the right photo gear, you’ll be able to tackle good variety of photography challenges, which you can of course share on Instagram with #CameraJabberTips
Stabilize Your Shots: Tripods
When I started out in photography, I quickly learned how essential the right accessories were in order for me to capture the images that I wanted. Accessories such as tripods and filters are not just extras—they’re tools that will help to simplify your workflow, protect your gear, and ultimately give you a better chance of capturing the images you want.
Whether you’re stabilising your camera for long exposures, experimenting with lighting, or ensuring your equipment is travel-ready, these accessories will help you and your photography.
In this guide, I’ve compiled a list of beginner-friendly, budget-conscious options, many reviewed by the team here at Camera Jabber, and in the comming months each member of the team will delve into a few of their favourites and revel why they find them so important. The accessories below are designed to complement your camera and help you learn new skills, all importantly without breaking the bank. While some of these products might not be the cheapest out there, I’ve draw on years of experience testing gear and teaching – so the products I’ve featured here have all been tried and tested by me, from 3LT’s tripods to Lexar’s memory cards and also a look at some essential lighting from both Godox and ZHIYUN. I hope these recommendations will cover everything you need to build a strong foundation and will help to get you started.
3 Legged Thing Punks Billy 2.0 Darkness Edition Tripod
I reviewed this compact, lightweight tripod and loved its durability and versatility. Made from carbon fibre, it’s perfect for both travel and studio use. Its robust construction ensures your camera stays steady, whether you’re shooting a long-exposure landscape or setting up for a time-lapse. Portable and reliable, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and is one of those products that you will never grow out of, even if you end up going pro.
Capture More with Reliable Memory Cards
Understanding memory cards can feel overwhelming at the begining especially when you see the difference in price between the various different types. Memory Cards, be they SD, MicroSD, CFExpress Type-A or B are essential for storing your images and videos from your camera, and choosing the right one is crucial for your camera’s performance.
Memory cards come in different types, capacities, and speeds, which can affect how quickly your camera writes photos and how many images you can store, they can sometimes also have the effect on focus speeds and other functions so selecting the right one is essential. Picking the right card will ensure a smoother shooting experience and help you avoid frustrating issues like running out of space or slow performance.
To make sense of the technical jargon, we have created guides explaining memory card class ratings and the differences between UHS-I and UHS-II cards. These resources are especially helpful if you are a beginner and need to break down terms like write speeds, capacity, and video ratings into simple english. If you’re curious about how these features impact your photography, check out their articles on memory card class ratings and UHS-I vs. UHS-II cards. If there’s anything you feel hasn’t been covered in these then please feel free to leave a comment below.
Below are three beginner-friendly memory cards that offer the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and value.
PNY 64GB EliteX-Pro90 UHS-II SDXC Card
This memory card is a great choice for beginners exploring high-resolution photography. Fast write speeds ensure your camera can save photos quickly, allowing you to shoot bursts or record videos without delay. It’s compact and reliable, making it a solid option for those starting to experiment with advanced photography techniques.
PNY 128GB EliteX-Pro60 SDXC Card
If you’re planning longer photo sessions, such as capturing a family event or exploring landscapes, this card offers ample storage and dependable performance. It’s ideal for beginners who want a cost-effective solution for storing large volumes of photos or HD videos without the worry of running out of space.
Lexar Professional Silver Plus SDXC UHS-I 256GB
If you need large scale storage then the Lexar Professional Silver Plus is a great option. With its high capacity, it’s perfect for travel photography, or if you’re starting to explore video project. Beginners will appreciate the peace of mind and flexibility this card offers.
By selecting a memory card that matches your needs, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother photography experience. These options should give you a good foundation as to what you need.
Illuminate your creativity, flash and lighting tools
Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in photography and even for beginners, starting to use lighting can be the key to unlocking professional-looking images, especially in challenging conditions like low light. Whether you’re capturing indoor scenes, shooting portraits, or experimenting with creative effects, having the right lighting accessory will dramatically enhance your results.
Over the years we’ve reviewed a host of beginner-friendly lighting options that are both versatile and easy to use.
Godox IM30 Flash
A compact, easy-to-use flash, the Godox IM30 is an excellent choice for beginners. Its intuitive controls and impressive power make it ideal for indoor and low-light photography. Whether you’re shooting portraits, still life, or events, this flash provides consistent, flattering light that elevates your images.
Zhiyun Cinepeer CM25
This lightweight lamp is perfect if you’re looking to add light into your shots but are slightly wary about the learbing curve associated with Flash. The Zhiyun Cinepeer CM25 enables you to add constant lighting to still lives and portraits and with plenty of adjustability it’s a great place to start.
Lighting tools like these are essential for creating polished, professional-quality work from the outset.
Filters will help you to expand your creative potential:
Filters are great tools if you’re looking to take control of the way your images look creatively and enable you to experiment with light creatively. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, managing harsh reflections, or capture long-exposure shots. Filters are useful for outdoor shooting, where natural light often presents challenges and opportunities.
K&F Concept True Color Variable ND2-32 Filter
This variable neutral density (ND) filter is perfect for controlling exposure in bright conditions, allowing you to create smooth, long-exposure effects like silky water or streaky clouds. Its ability to adjust between ND2 and ND32 makes it versatile for different lighting situations, giving you precise control over how much light enters the lens. This is an excellent choice for beginners exploring creative landscape photography.
Haida ProII CPL/VND Filter (3-7 Stops)
Combining the functionality of a circular polarizer and a variable ND filter, this is a powerful filter for managing reflections, enhancing colours, and controlling light. The Haida ProII CPL/VND Filter is ideal for outdoor photography, helping you reduce glare from water or glass while allowing for long-exposure creativity. Its dual functionality makes it a fantastic all-in-one solution for beginner photographers
Filters like these are a great place to start for outdoor and landscape photography, offering beginners a chance to experiment with light before taking the plunge into more advanced filter systems.
Protect and Transport Your Gear
As a beginner photographer, keeping your gear safe and organized is essential. A reliable backpack ensures your camera and accessories are protected from damage while providing easy access during shoots. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or moving between locations, having a dedicated bag designed for photography gear will make every adventure more enjoyable and stress-free.
The team at Camera Jabber has reviewed an excellent option for beginners that combines functionality, comfort, and durability. Let’s take a closer look at this must-have backpack for photographers.
Tenba Solstice 20L Backpack
The Tenba Solstice 20L Backpack is lightweight, ergonomic, and thoughtfully designed for photographers on the move. It features padded compartments to keep your camera, lenses, and accessories secure, while its comfortable straps ensure you can carry your gear for extended periods without discomfort. With plenty of space for essential items and a durable exterior, this backpack is perfect for beginners looking for a dependable way to protect and transport their kit.
Investing in a quality backpack like the Tenba Solstice ensures your gear stays safe and accessible so you can focus on capturing the perfect shot.
Improve Post-Processing: Editing Software and Tools
Post-processing is an essential step in photography, allowing you to refine and enhance your images to match your creative vision. For beginners, having user-friendly software and reliable editing tools can make this process smoother and more accessible. Whether you’re tweaking colours, adjusting exposure, or organizing your photo library, the right tools can help you bring your shots to life.
The team at Camera Jabber has reviewed beginner-friendly options that combine ease of use with powerful features. These tools will help you streamline your editing workflow and take your photography to the next level.
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2024 is an excellent editing tool for beginners. It offers a wide range of features, including photo organization, non-destructive editing, and advanced adjustments for exposure, colour, and sharpness. The intuitive interface makes it easy to learn, even for those new to editing software, while its powerful tools provide room to grow as your skills develop.
Nipogi AK-1 Plus Mini PC
The Nipogi AK-1 Plus Mini PC is a compact and portable device perfect for photographers who need a reliable tool for on-the-go editing and backups. Despite its small size, it packs enough power to handle photo editing software, making it an ideal companion for travel or small workspaces. Beginners will appreciate its versatility and performance, ensuring you can organize and enhance your images wherever you are.
By integrating beginner-friendly software and tools like these into your workflow, you’ll unlock new creative possibilities and streamline the editing process.
Quick Tips for Beginners
Simplify Your Kit
Starting your photography journey can be exciting, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of gear available. Instead of trying to collect every accessory at once, focus on building a simple, high-quality kit. Begin with essentials like a reliable tripod, a versatile lens, and a memory card with good storage capacity. These foundational tools will cover a wide range of photography scenarios and allow you to hone your skills without distraction.
Once you’ve mastered the basics and identified your favourite shooting styles—whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or macro photography—you can gradually add specialized tools like filters, external flashes, or stabilizers. By starting with a streamlined kit, you’ll save money, reduce complexity, and ensure you truly understand each piece of gear you own.
Practice with Purpose
Photography is as much about practice as it is about equipment. To get the most out of your gear, dedicate time to experimenting with different camera settings and accessories. Try adjusting shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to see how they impact your images. Use your tripod to test long exposures or a filter to manage light creatively. Each experiment helps you learn not just the technical aspects of photography but also how to use your tools effectively.
Set specific goals for your practice sessions, like capturing a sharp, long-exposure shot or mastering the use of natural light with a polarizing filter. Purposeful practice builds confidence and ensures you’re making the most of your equipment while developing your unique style.
Stay Organized
Good organization is key to stress-free photography, especially when you’re out in the field. A well-structured camera bag is essential for keeping your gear safe, accessible, and ready for action. Look for a bag with padded compartments to protect your camera, lenses, and accessories from bumps and scratches. Additional pockets for memory cards, batteries, and cleaning tools will keep everything neat and easy to find.
Before heading out, organize your bag with the most frequently used items in accessible spots. Check that your batteries are charged and your memory cards have enough space. Staying organized not only protects your gear but also helps you focus on capturing great photos rather than rummaging through your bag mid-shoot.
By keeping your kit simple, practising intentionally, and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for success as a beginner photographer. Let me know if you’d like further advice on any of these tips!
Tell us about your photography adventure in 2025
Explore these beginner-friendly accessories and start upgrading your photography kit today. Share your setup on Instagram with #CameraJabberTips, and browse our reviews for more expert recommendations!