I've long been a fan of Vanguard's bag offerings, as I'm the owner of The Heralder 38 messenger bag as well as The Heralder 46 backpack. Both have long offered me suitable room for my Nikon DSLR body and lenses. But when I switched to a Panasonic mirrorless system earlier this year, I knew I needed something smaller. When Vanguard's new Veo2 series of products came out, I knew that this could potentially be the solution I was looking for — something small and lightweight, but that would still hold my gear. The Vanguard Veo Discover 42 is … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vanguard Veo Discover 42 Backpack
Gear
Gear Review: Impact Quikbox Softbox Kit
Having never owned a softbox myself, I was intrigued to try the Impact Quikbox Softbox with my Panasonic GH5. I had long wanted to incorporate more flash work into my outdoor portraiture, and having a softbox was the perfect way to do this. The Impact Quikbox is sized to 15" x 15" and folds up nicely. It features two diffusers — one small one closer to your light source, and another one right on the edge of the outer part of the softbox. What's Included The softbox kit comes with two diffusers — a small one latched on closer to your flash, … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact Quikbox Softbox Kit
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The Wrong ( Or Right) Reason to Buy Mirrorless
I was out making pictures with three other photographers, yesterday--just a random assortment of friends--and all of us were using mirrorless cameras and that's the first time I've been out with a group and no one had a DSLR. We took a short hike to a waterfall and as we walked everyone remarked once that they loved how much lighter their mirrorless systems are, which is always a big selling point. But I think getting into mirrorless because it's lighter would be a mistake. It's Not About Weight We're photographers, not adventure racers … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The Wrong ( Or Right) Reason to Buy Mirrorless
The Traveling Photographer: Planning for a Laptop Ban
There is a lot of buzz about the “laptop ban,” a general term used to describe a requirement that electronic devices larger than a smartphone be placed in checked bags for flights into the US and UK from certain countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The ban includes laptops, iPads, and camera equipment. Travel Plan It appears the current ban will not be expanded to include all international flights flying into the US, as had been previously contemplated, if airlines implement stricter security measures. However, it is still important … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Planning for a Laptop Ban
Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod
There some times when even a travel tripod is just too much to lug around, and sometimes you need to get really low, or switch quickly between tripod steady, and hand held without leaving a valuable full-size tripod unattended. Thats where a good table top tripod can come in handy—a table top tripod can also be easily stuffed into a camera bag for emergencies without jeopardizing the carry-on status of your gear. I submit for your approval, the Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod: This little gem is a great addition to any photographers kit—it … [Read more...] about Oben TT-100 Table Top Tripod
Gear Review: Impact Posing Table and Stool Kit
Classic elements of a portrait studio, the posing stool and posing table will always have a place in any studio. I took a closer look at the Impact Posing Table and Stool Kit. Let’s see how this particular model stacks up. Sold as a pair, for under $150, I believe it make sense to have both items. If you have a specialized use case or need, you might consider shopping around. But for general use, this kit is a good place to start. Unboxing, Assembly and Observations Opening the box gave me a flash of bad experiences with IKEA furniture. … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact Posing Table and Stool Kit
Take Control of Your Intelligent DSLR
DSLR Cameras are very intelligent. Sometimes they think they are smarter than the photographer. In most cases, they are—but there are times when their intelligence is compromised with incorrect settings. This causes the camera to produce undesirable results. Using autofocusing as an example, here’s how to reclaim some control. Autofocusing Problem The Nikon D810 is billed as the most “Close to medium format” portrait camera you can get. I will admit, when shooting with a lot of ambient light on set, it rivals the quality of medium format. … [Read more...] about Take Control of Your Intelligent DSLR
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Is It Time To Update?
Mirrorless cameras have been on the market for more than a decade and there's no other camera type that has developed and changed more rapidly, and there's no other category of camera that is more critically discussed. With all the changes constantly going on, I think you should make sure you're up to date before you criticize the efficacy of a camera platform. Here are three places you should check your facts. 1. Are you talking about the latest model? I talk with many photographers about mirrorless, and many times someone has tried a camera … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Is It Time To Update?
Impact Flex Arm Super Clamp Kit, Tested and Reviewed
I recently put the Impact Flex Arm Super Clamp Kit through my rigorous testing process, which involves using it in a variety of photography situations, coming up with ways to put it to work getting the shots I want, and generally abusing the *bleep* out of it to see how it stands up to wear and tear. While it's not what I think of as the usual gear for nature photographers, I found it useful for a number of my photo pursuits both indoors and out in my backyard photo studio/nature sanctuary. What is It? Think of it as that third arm we all … [Read more...] about Impact Flex Arm Super Clamp Kit, Tested and Reviewed
Gear Review: EditorsKeys Lightroom Shortcuts Keyboard
Lightroom has a million and a half functions, and most of them have keyboard shortcuts. I know it sounds silly to say moving your mouse or pen around the screen to click on things is slow, but keyboard shortcuts make your workflow much faster. I've been using Lightroom for eight years, and I continue to learn new shortcuts that make it faster to get my work done. In the ten minutes, I counted over 20 shortcuts I used to import and edit a few pictures. You'll find a The trouble is, learning all these shortcuts at once is daunting and impossible … [Read more...] about Gear Review: EditorsKeys Lightroom Shortcuts Keyboard
Shoot Anywhere With Platypod Ultra
I've become a fan of Platypod Ultra. It's got all the best features of the original Pro and the larger Max, and it fits in my back pocket. It goes everywhere I go from road trips to long hikes. I use it in airports, cities, and other places tripods just aren't safe to use. Let me show you some of the ways I've been employing Ultra in my photography and you'll see that you should have one, too. Group Portraits This is an easy way to use Ultra, and since it's small and light you can have a solid platform for your camera with you all the time. … [Read more...] about Shoot Anywhere With Platypod Ultra
Studio Tip: Use A Shoulder Support Rig For Video
I had a chance to sit down with director and producer Ty Hunt as he reviews the inexpensive Revo SR-1000 Shoulder Support Rig. Ty is used to working on high-budget sets that supply expensive steady cams. The self-produced video project I'm working on doesn't have a budget for such a costly piece of gear so Ty used the Revo. After working with it, I asked Ty his professional opinion. Overall, he feels it's great for: Wedding Photographers that want to add quick video clips. DSLR users, especially those just starting out. Those that … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Use A Shoulder Support Rig For Video
Moving into 360-Degree Cameras
Camera technology is constantly changing and it's about to the point where we're wondering. . . What do we want next? We have ultra-high megapixel digital cameras like the Canon 5Ds R and the Pentax 645z medium format camera, amazing low light cameras like the Sony A7s Mark II, great action sports and underwater cameras with the GoPro Hero 5, high frame rate cameras like the Nikon D5 and Canon 1Dx Mark II... the list can go on and on. More of what we're seeing now comes in the form of one body, multiple functions. Stills cameras that shoot … [Read more...] about Moving into 360-Degree Cameras
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Accessories for Accessibility
In the last 35 days, I've traveled to Florida, Nevada, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shandong in China, the Oregon Coast, Seattle, and I've been hiking four times near my home in Portland, Oregon. I'm sitting in a hotel in Spokane, Washington, right now, and I'll be heading to Bozeman, Montana, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Boise Idaho in the next few days. I've made thousands of pictures in each place, and I couldn't have done it half so well with a bulkier DSLR. I realized there are a couple of accessories I use everywhere I go and they are so integrated … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Accessories for Accessibility
The Platypod Party: Embracing Low-Angle Photography
Dan Bailey and Karen Hutton, Fujifilm X Team Photographers, jumping for joy in Florida Fuji XT 2, 10-24mm f 4 lens, ISO 800, f 4, 1/8000, Fuji X 500 flash on High Speed Sync. Platypod has just introduced a new model of their awesome camera support system, the Platypod Ultra. I recently had the opportunity to try it out while I was in Florida. Three “X” Team photographers; Dan Bailey, Karen Hutton, and I, were invited to the Fuji sales meeting to give some inspirational presentations and hands-on-seminars to the sales team. All the Fuji … [Read more...] about The Platypod Party: Embracing Low-Angle Photography
An Interview with the Inventor of the Illuminati Wireless Light & Color Meter
The Illuminati meter is a cool new device that makes it easy to choose the right camera settings as well as the right white balance settings for a camera. Normally, these two meters will easily set a photographer back $2,000 or more. But the Illuminati meter is wireless and uses a smartphone and app to process the light and color in a scene. This makes it ideal for both photo and video uses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Dw_eip97M To find out more about the Illuminati meter, I reached out to its inventor. I always find it helpful … [Read more...] about An Interview with the Inventor of the Illuminati Wireless Light & Color Meter
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Switching from Full-Frame to Micro Four-Thirds
For years, I trusted my Nikon D800 kit to produce images for my clients. I knew the system inside and out, and was comfortable with it. But as time wore on, there were some pain points (literally). I regularly shoot corporate events. Oftentimes, these events require a hefty 70-200mm lens — even with my Peak Design Slide strap, this combo gets tiresome. What's more, lugging all my camera gear around was tedious and often unrealistic for what I needed. I was also beginning to realize that my D800 was technologically behind, compared to other … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Switching from Full-Frame to Micro Four-Thirds
10 Ways to Protect Your Camera Memory Cards
Let's talk memory cards. We have SD cards, CF cards, SSD cards, CFast cards and many options within those to choose from. We all have them, need them and use them. But what does it all mean? Let's discuss taking care of our cards and preventing potential problems that can and will happen to all of us. Here are ten practical tips 1. Keep your camera up to date. It seems like firmware updates are happening more and more often. This can affect the way your camera talks to your memory card. Even memory cards nowadays can have firmware updates … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Protect Your Camera Memory Cards
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: You Need One Before 8/21/17
If you live in the United States, I can unequivocally say that you need to buy a mirrorless camera before August 21st, 2017. Just trust me. Ok, I'll tell you more. Why Before Aug. 21st? You’ve probably heard about the Total Solar Eclipse happening this year, and it’s on the 21st of August. If you haven’t made plan to be in place to view it, you’d better get going on that because hotels and campgrounds are filling fast. Here’s another article with the details. But Why Do I Need A Mirrorless Camera? A solar eclipse means the moon will … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: You Need One Before 8/21/17
How Sony E-Mount Became the Universal Fullframe Lens Mount
In many ways, the Sony E-Mount has become the universal fullframe lens mount. I find that the huge range of fullframe lenses is important to the way I shoot. Here's a recent talk I gave. https://vimeo.com/143360346 … [Read more...] about How Sony E-Mount Became the Universal Fullframe Lens Mount
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Instantly Magnify Your Tripod
Here I go again, touting the advantages of mirrorless cameras. The thing is if you're into landscape and nature photography then you've always been encouraged to carry the biggest tripod you can carry. This is because big heavy cameras sitting atop spindly tripod legs are prone to wobbling and vibration making blurring pictures at long shutter speeds. Bigger diameter tripod legs offer more rigidity and stability, making not only sharper photographs without wiggle, but also a safer platform to keep your camera from tipping over. But here are two … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Instantly Magnify Your Tripod
Studio Tip: The Benefits of an Extension Arm
An extension arm is a versatile piece of studio gear. You can use it to hold a studio strobe, clip a flag or hang a background. Connecting the Pieces The extension arm comes with a knuckle or grip head attached to one end. Slide the extension arm rod through a grip head that’s attached to a light or C-Stand.Tighten the grip head. Using a pin, attach the studio strobe to the extension arm. Make sure you mount the light on the right side of the knuckle, then if the knuckle becomes loose, the weight of the strobe should … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: The Benefits of an Extension Arm
Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
A sense of dread begins to fill you as frightening words and symbols flash before your eyes. Afraid all is lost, you begin to panic... An error message has appeared on your camera screen! An error message is a sure way to send blood pressure skyrocketing and heart beat racing. Often the messages are cryptic at best, requiring you to look it up while envisioning an expensive repair bill for your camera. But, some of the most common errors I have seen on DSLRs in my photographic endeavors are due to communications issues between the lens and … [Read more...] about Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
Studio Tip: Safety on Set—Tennis Ball
Nothing shuts a photo shoot down faster than an injury on the set. Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce risk of injuries. Here’s how a simple tennis ball can help. A Simple Tennis Ball When an extension arm is placed high, people are able to safely walk under it. But when an extension arm is placed low, it’s easy for a person to walk into the end of it. To avoid this problem, cut a hole in a tennis ball and place it on the end of the extension arm. The bright ball will be noticeable plus offers a little cushion if ran … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Safety on Set—Tennis Ball
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The #1 Problem With Mirrorless
I'm an evangelist for mirrorless. The mirrorless cameras are driving innovation and bringing the best changes to the way we make photographs. I tell everyone I meet that they should consider a mirrorless camera, and while they are amazed by the features and intrigued by the possibilities, they all say the same thing: "But I have all these lenses for my current camera--I'm too invested to change!" I understand that feeling, but I've had a different experience. Did you know that I've owned 27 Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILC's) in the last 7 … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The #1 Problem With Mirrorless
Gear Tips for the Traveling Photographer
I am always looking for new ways to save space or weight in my baggage, or to ease the challenges I face with my camera gear. I am sure many of you are just like me, so I put together this list of "Gear Tips," in hopes that some of these tips may prove helpful. None of the photos accompanying this post would have been possible without one or more of the items listed below. Gear Tips I travel with camera battery chargers that are smaller and lighter than the chargers that came with my cameras. I bought my chargers on Amazon, and … [Read more...] about Gear Tips for the Traveling Photographer
Studio Tip: Grip Arm Pin
A Grip Arm Pin is designed to be inserted into a grip head so a light or other accessory can be attached to it. Connecting a Grip Arm Pin Insert the pin into the proper sized hole of the grip head. Ensure the end with the lip is on top. This will prevent the pin from falling out when you loosen the knuckle. Grip Arm Pin Video https://youtu.be/CzAh3VGhXlY For more Studio Tips, click here. … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Grip Arm Pin
Studio Tip: Keep your Lens Hood On
A lens hood’s main purpose it to prevent lens flare caused by light entering the side of the lens. Most photographers use the hood outdoors, but don't think they need it while shooting in a studio. Here's why you should always keep the lens hood on. Lens Flare and Protection Lens Flare usually isn't a major concern in a studio environment – but it can still happen. We are still working with light after all. Another less obvious reason is protection. Keeping your lens hood on helps protect against accidental bumps or, worst case, dropping … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Keep your Lens Hood On
Avoiding Memory Card Chaos
As photographers, we often take for granted one of the most important pieces of equipment we can invest in — memory cards. Whether you use CF or SD cards, there's some simple things to remember in order to avoid card failure. Don't Delete...Format! While it might make sense to use your computer's option to delete photos off your camera, it's actually the opposite of what's recommended. Instead, format your card in-camera after you off-load a shoot to your computer. Doing so will refresh the card so it works as best as possible with your … [Read more...] about Avoiding Memory Card Chaos
Studio Tips: Gaffers Tape is the Photographer’s Duct Tape
Gaffers tape—also known as gaff tape—is a heavy cotton cloth, pressure-sensitive tape with strong adhesive properties. Sounds a lot like Duct Tape, but the two are different—especially when it comes to photography. Main differences between Gaffers Tape and Duct Tape Gaffers Tape is designed to be removable—especially important when you can’t damage the surface beneath the tape. It can easily be torn by hand, it’s water resistant and able to resist high heat temperatures—making it ideal for securing cables and props that are exposed to the … [Read more...] about Studio Tips: Gaffers Tape is the Photographer’s Duct Tape
