One of the most important accessories you can purchase as a beginning photographer is a tripod.

A good first tripod will have the following:

– Compact size for traveling
– Aluminum build for strength
– Locking ball head, with a shoe, for easy on and off

This is the tripod Michael currently recommends to beginners on a budget. Far better construction and features than those cheap Wal-Mart ones. If you take care of it, it should last for many, many years.