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How to capture a nice silhouette with your camera in manual mode, and make it pop by shooting in RAW.

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The Working Photographer's Kit

What to Pack

A focused landscape kit handles every shot at awesome silhouettes (video) without breaking your back. Here is the working photographer's pack list — every link goes to B&H Photo Video (our primary supplier) or Amazon (for accessories and same-day delivery in the US).

What & WhyB&HAmazon
Wide-angle zoom (14-35mm range)
The single most important lens for sweeping vistas. Pair with a circular polarizer for skies and water.
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Sturdy travel tripod
Carbon fiber, packs to 15 inches, holds steady in wind off the coast. Essential for blue-hour and long-exposure work.
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Circular polarizer (77mm or 82mm)
Cuts haze, deepens sky, reveals texture in water. Non-negotiable for landscape work.
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10-stop ND filter
For 30-second exposures that turn moving water and clouds into silk.
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Extra batteries (3 minimum)
Cold weather and long exposures eat batteries. Carry triple what you think you need.
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Fast SD/CFexpress cards
V90 or CFexpress depending on your body. Two cards minimum so a failure mid-trip is recoverable.
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Microfiber lens cloths
Salt spray, mist, and dust will ruin every shot if you don't carry a cloth.
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