Introduction to Flash Photography
with Syl Arena
Equipment and Supplies List
We want your experience at an RMSP workshop to be full of learning and fun. We recognize that
preparation is one important key to success. The following is meant to be a packing aid, not a
shopping list. Optional items are in italics. If you have questions about what’s needed, please
call Bob McGowan, our Admissions Coordinator, at 800-394-7677.
Camera:
❑ Digital SLR camera
Lens(es):
You’ll need at least one lens. The “kit lens” that came with your camera (most likely an
18-55mm) will be fine.
Bring any other lenses that you own. A variety of focal lengths is always helpful.
Flash:
Flash (speedlight) with manual and TTL capabilities
User manual for your flash (print or PDF version)
Batteries and charger (if rechargeable)
Optional: Additional flash units
Optional: Small flash stand (usually comes with the speedlight)
Computer:
Laptop. Please see information and recommendations below.
Memory Card Reader
Flash drive
Tripod:
Optional: Sturdy and reliable tripod. Please see information and recommendations
below.
Filters:
Optional: Polarizer for each lens
Optional: Neutral density filter
Accessories:
Spare camera battery
Camera manual
Camera bag or backpack
Camera & lens cleaning supplies
Note taking materials
Optional Accessories (bring these if you have them):
Lens shades for all lenses
Cable release/remote
Professional bulb blower for sensor cleaning
Ground cloth, cushion or knee pads
Camera rain cover if your camera and lens are not water resistant
Personal Items:
Weatherproof clothing that can be layered underneath for warmth. Please note that
evenings and mornings in the northwest can be chilly – even in the middle of the
summer!
Bring a medium to heavy weight jacket or fleece, especially for morning shoots.
Sturdy footwear for walking on uneven ground or trails
Umbrella
Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Snacks for between meals in the field
Travel alarm clock and wristwatch – or smartphone with an alarm
Pocket sized flashlight
Notes on Tripods:
A tripod is optional on this workshop. If you have a tripod already, bring it with you. If you want
to purchase a tripod before you come to the workshop, our recommendations are listed in the
information below. Many tripod heads and legs are sold separately, so there are as many types
and combinations of tripods as there are photographers. If you have questions, please call our
office and speak with Bob McGowan.
Tripod Heads:
The tripod head will affect your photography more than the tripod legs. There are two basic
kinds of tripod heads for still photography, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pan/Tilt Head: You can rotate the head (also called panning, which allows
you to follow a moving subject), tip it forward and back, and tilt it side to
side. A protruding handle controls each separate motion, which can make
these awkward and time-consuming when you are on the go. These are
good for commercial studio and architectural photography where you can
take the time to set up a shot. In these cases, having separate locks for
separate planes can be crucial.
Ball Head: Ball heads are generally lighter and smaller than traditional
pan/tilt heads. They are also faster to use, because you can compose and
lock the camera with only one control. This makes these great for
nature/landscape photographers. Most other photographers prefer ball
heads for their many possible camera angles. The head that we
recommend most is the Kirk BH-3.
We recommend buying a head that pans (rotates), and that has a quick release plate (allows for
quickly mounting your camera). Kirk Enterprises is a great US manufacturing company that
creates custom quick release plates for every available camera.
Tripod Legs:
When looking at tripod legs, consider the size, stability, load capacity and weight. The
specifications are listed in product information online.
The tripod height (at its furthest extension) should allow your camera to sit at your eye level
without raising the center column. Remember to consider the tripod head “height” when you
calculate the overall height.
The number of sections (in each leg) dictate how compact the tripod will be when fully collapsed
(travel considerations) and its overall stability.
Many sections = more compact, less stable
Fewer sections = less compact, more stable
Consider the load capacity and the weight that you may want to put on top of it.
All professional tripod legs are relatively sturdy. Aluminum, carbon fiber and basalt are the three
most common materials used in making tripod legs. Carbon fiber is lighter-weight and sturdier
over time, but more expensive.
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Aluminum: less expensive, heavier
Carbon fiber: more expensive, lighter
Basalt: less expensive than carbon fiber, lighter than aluminum – and generally not
as durable
A great and fairly inexpensive professional tripod is the Manfrotto 190 series.
Notes on Laptops and External Hard Drives:
Workshop students should be able to:
-Download, store and view images
-Select and transfer specific images for critiques using a portable external hard drive or
flash drive
All students must supply their own laptop computer. The following specifications are
recommended:
Computer:
RAM (Memory) – Minimum of 4 GBs
Free hard drive space – The more the merrier. We recommend that you have at least 75 GB’s of
free space on your laptop’s built-in hard drive if you plan to store photos on your computer.
Virus protection - Please update your virus protection prior to the workshop.
Operating system CDs, passwords, cables, cords – As needed.
External Hard drive(s):
Safe image storage is always prudent. We recommend that you store your original image files on
a portable external hard drive, not on your computer. We also recommend that you back those
files up onto a second external hard drive. That means that you would bring 2 external hard
drives to the workshop. 1 to 2 terabyte hard drives are popular and reasonably affordable.
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