Starting out in photography can feel overwhelming with all the gear options out there—but you don’t need a massive kit to take great photos. As an experienced photographer, my best advice is to start simple and focus on mastering the basics. A reliable entry-level camera, one or two solid lenses (especially a nifty 50mm), a sturdy tripod, and a couple of extra batteries will take you a long way. Photography is about learning to see—not just collecting gear.