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
Gear Review: Ruggard Card Case
For a while now, I've been on the lookout for a good, secure card case that can help hold all my memory cards during my upcoming travels. The Ruggard Card Case is just that — a secure, hard case that will keep your memory cards safe and secure. The Good This case has some beef to it! I wouldn't be surprised if it could hold up to constant drops, throws, stomps...you name it. I have no doubt in my mind that my cards will be kept safe with this case. Available in a variety of different formats, I tried out the 12 SD card version, which can … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Ruggard Card Case
Gear Review: Oben Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Just Enough Tripod & Then Some At some point every photographer needs a tripod. How much tripod depends on the specific needs of the photographer—are you a landscape photographer, portrait photographer, still life, nature, or street photographer? Maybe you're all of these at one time or another. What kind of camera do you use? Do you favor big DSLRs, medium format, or are you old school, with a big-ass view camera? If you shoot with a giant , heavy camera, you probably already know you should have a big tripod—if you are in full-on Ansel … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Oben Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
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
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
Platypod Pro Max – Hiding a Big Light in a Small Space
The Platypod Pro Max is very versatile. Attaching a ballhead and camera makes it as rock solid as a tripod with the advantage of being able to place it almost anywhere. By attaching an Avenger 5/8-Inch Stud, you can mount a large studio light and hide it in a small space behind your subject without getting it in the shot. This gives a photographer freedom to shoot from different angles without having to use the subject to hide a light stand. Here’s how to hide a big light in a small space using the Platypod Pro Max. Attaching a strobe to a … [Read more...] about Platypod Pro Max – Hiding a Big Light in a Small Space
