Unfortunately, it is the situation many year 12 and 13 pupils at Wakatipu High School have found themselves in, which is why the school is pleading for donations of any kind of camera equipment.
Wakatipu High photography teacher Abbey Duncan said there were about 40 pupils in total taking photography, but a lack of cameras and tripods meant taking the course was not easy.
"Each kid needs a manual camera - we share them, as well, if we have to, but when they're just beginning and they've never picked up a camera before, it makes it difficult.
"We have 55 minutes to set up, stage, put on lighting and shoot film - they just have no time.
"If they have a camera they can take home and get comfortable with, it's much better," Miss Duncan said.
Ideally, Miss Duncan said she hoped to be able to set up a "bank" of cameras, where any camera given to the school would remain its property and be used by pupils who wanted to do photography, but did not have access to a camera, or could not afford to buy one.
"We don't have any digital cameras. There are probably a couple floating around the school, but when we've got kids who are trying to do it outside school hours, it makes it tough."
Miss Duncan said part of the problem was the expensive nature of photography equipment - each roll of film cost about $10 and when pupils were learning, many of the frames were wasted.
Miss Duncan said previous donations by Wakatipu residents had been gratefully received, but the school would welcome any more.
Photographer Sheena Haywood, who assists with the class, said many residents might have old camera equipment lying around which was no longer of use to them.
"I'm sure there are people with dusty old things lying around, old film cameras that people don't use, digitals that may not be worth anything, but they're worth something to these kids.
"An old light box to look at film and study it - every donation is needed."
Miss Duncan said anyone could drop camera equipment off at reception during school hours and leave their name so they could be thanked.
