Accessories Part 1 - Tripods and Flashes

Accessories:

Two of the most useful accessories for DSLRs are the same two accessories we recommended when we all shot consumer grade 35mm film SLRs. A tripod and a flash.

First, the tripod. There are certain types of photo situations where a tripod is a virtual necessity. Long exposures, multiple exposures, extreme close up, and extreme telephoto (or telescope). Situations where it is handy but not vital are portraits (esp groups), architectural, panoramas, and HDR.

Any time the camera needs to be in the same exact place for a series of exposures, a tripod helps ensure that. Any time camera shake can affect the photo's sharpness, such as any high magnification work or very long telephoto, a tripod  is vital.

Certain types of HDR photography benefit from keeping the camera in a repeatable position, too. If you are trying to photograph a public place without people everywhere in the frame, an HDR program that lets you stack exposures and "ghost" any moving objects relies on tripod use. Panoramic stitching is also much easier if your camera pivots around the same, repeated, spot. 

Second: flash / strobes. A flash or strobe adds a power punch that built in flashes aren't able to deliver. Also, the lens being further away from the flash helps make a more natural look and can prevent "red eye" in portraits. Some higher end flashes allow for off camera use, further enhancing our ability to model our subject with the light.

That's my two first choices.

Source:Free Silhouettes Photographer I from ClipartLogo.com