DIY FOLDING SHELF TABLE
https://amzn.to/2CW15Th Use this bracket to get the folding section. It holds up to 330lbs!
10 things to get a photographer this holiday!
We all know that photographer friend who loves taking pictures and will keep shooting until they get the best photo of you. Why not give them the best gift for them? Below I will provide you a list of great gifts that every photographer needs. Some will be towards the pricey end and some will be affordable but just as amazing! These are affiliate links, they cost you nothing but a little comes back to me, thanks!
via Amazon
Why I like it: It’s stylish and super functional.
If you have a photographer friend who is still using the camera branded strap, its time to upgrade. This strap is very easy to use and with its patented quick release system, it makes it easy to take it off when they want to shoot free hand! I have the black version of this but would love the grey one!
2. GODOX LED Mini Light $19.99
via Amazon
Why I like it: Compact and gives a really soft light!
Most likely, your friend has a strong flash already but I can guarantee its bulky! With dimensions of 50mmx50mmx28mm (1.9inx1.9x.1.1in) this can fit in your pocket. This is perfect for taking mobile photos as the light is super soft (which is important and I covered it in my other post). Great for nightlife selfies! It even comes with a clip so you can clip it to your phone or onto your camera. Did I mention, it is rechargeable??? You don’t need to get AA or AAA batteries, and its only $20!
3. Skagen Hybrid Watch $99.99
via Amazon
Why I like it: Stylish and multi-functional!
I love this hybrid watch and wear it almost every day! There are lot of smart watches on the market that have the LED screen display but I think that can be too distracting. This is a beautiful watch and I would hate for it to turn into a smaller version of my phone. While there is a lot of functionality to a traditional smart watch, I prefer this Hybrid watch. I don’t have to charge it as often, this model last up to 6 months. Downside, is that you can’t recharge your battery but the battery is fairly inexpensive and can be down on your own (CR 2430 https://amzn.to/36F1Aid)
It doesn’t tell me what my message is but I can set it to show who sent the message from my top 5 people. The big hand will move to the number associated with that list. So if Mom texts or calls me, it will move to the 1 position (yeah I’m a momma’s boy, sup.) It gives me a quick vibrate and will let me know new notification. If the vibration is pulsing, I know its a phone call and can get to my phone quickly. you can choose which app notification goes through. This allows to me stay focused on my shoot but also note that a message came through, and I’m not getting distracted because Peter Mckinnon just tweeted that he loves coffee.
4. Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000 $25.97
via Amazon
Why I like it: Two-in-one charger and battery, and its lightweight!
I have a lot of batteries and a lot of wall chargers. When I travel I often have both on my EDC Photography Backpack. That takes up a lot valuable space, which is why I love that this External Battery is also a Wall Charger for my devices. This means I can charge my phone, tablet, camera, and other devices while this thing is charging itself. IT CHARGES ITSELF WHILE CHARGING MY GEAR! Talk about maximizing your time. I would leave this to charge my devices and on my way out I grab my device and the charger. It will be ready to go, just like me! While this only fully charges 1-2 times, I think its super handy to have it on the ready!
5. USB C Portable Charger RAVPower 20100mAh Power Bank 45W $ 49.99
via Amazon
Why I like it: SO MUCH POWER. It charges my laptop!
In case the other battery did not fill your need for power, this is perfect! It keeps the on-the-go photographer ready and powered up! With its 20100 mAh storage, it will charge your phone more than 3x! The USB-C output is 45W and can charge most laptops that have a USB-C port (please check their computer to see how much output is needed to charge it). I find that with my Dell XPS 15 9670, it will slowly charge while I am using it. So I have it plugged in while I am moving to my next destination and the laptop is not in use. I
Pro Tip: I found that the battery is too smooth for my preference so I wrapped a few feet of gaffers tape as an emergency use. Gaffers tape is very handy for all people! (See below)
6. Gaffers Tape (3pk) $24.95
via Amazon
Why I like it: MacGyver of the tape world
Photographers. Videographers, really just anyone can use this tape! Its wide, strong, waterproof and residue free. Tape any and everything! I use to keep wires down during shoot so I or models do not trip on it. I have used it to tape malfunctioning clothes. If I need a light to placed in an odd position, I trust that enough Gaffer’s tape will do the job! I don’t have to worry about sticky residue being left. I brought this with me on my trip to Havasupai and I taped a few feet on my hiking stick. I would have used to repair my tent or anything that would have fallen apart.
When I am required to travel for a job and I can’t bring all my equipment I like to leave a few feet of Gaffers tape wrapped around some of my essential gear so I don’t have to bring the full roll. As stated previously, I wrapped it around my external battery. On top of being waterproof it is also more heat resistant than the everyday tape. This is super helpful when using it with lights that tend to get very warm.
7. Peak Design Camera Sling 5L $99.99
via Amazon
Why I like it: Gorgeous, simple, and functional.
This Camera sling holds just enough, 5L of space. Typically holds a camera body with one lens, or a simple drone set up. I usually use this for with my Sony A7 III and 50mm Lens. This is perfect for just a short trip, maybe small hike or when they are doing street photography. Chances are, your photographer friend already owns some Peak Design gear. If they have the Everyday Backpack 30L then the 5L sling can fit tightly in the top compartment so it can be used as a day pack while the rest of the gear is in the Everyday Backpack.
This has a lot of function from color coordinated slots to show depleted batteries or full memory cards to hidden tablet holders.
8. Desktop Power Strip Tower USB $29.98
via Amazon
Why I like it: Hella power ports and USB ports
This is a space saver indeed! Traditional power strips can only hold so many battery chargers. The typical battery used by photographers and videographers are very big and take up a lot space on traditional power strips and often block 2 plugs for every one charger. That’s why the tower system works so well! It gives each charger a space without interfering with each other. I can guarantee you that your photographer will have at least 4 of these batteries and probably just as many chargers. This Tower Power will give them extra space and make their lives easier, wouldn’t you want that for them? Come on, make their lives easier!
9. SMALLRIG Folding Tool Set $19.99
via Amazon
Why I like it: In case you didn’t notice, I love functionality.
This multi-tool is perfect for the photographer in your life. All the tripods, cages, light stands, and attachments we use to make our camera more functional all require tools to keep it in place. The typical mounting plate for a camera is usually accepts a longer version of a flat head, we usually just use a quarter. I’m sure if you ask the photographer if they have quarter then will have one! While the quarter does work, it can strip away the finish or damage the gear. So the Slotted Screw driver head is so helpful, it gives us enough space to really tighten or loosen the screw. The other tools are very typical for tightening tripods, light stands, or really just anything. How many times do you need to screw something? Photographers need to screw in something at every shoot! This tool is so small it can just fit in their pocket.
10. Peak Design Capture Clip $69.95
via Amazon
Why I like it: Gorgeous design and quick draw shooting
I really do love the Peak Design company, they make functional gear oh so beautiful! This is a holstering system, the square plate screws into the bottom part of the camera. This allows it to slide into the slot of the mounting part. It is secured until the trigger on the top left hand side is pushed in, then you can lift the camera off. I usually have the mount on my backpack strap in front of me so I can quickly take my camera off and set up my shot. When I traveling in touristy areas I want my camera close to me so I don’t miss the shot.
5 Things you can do, so you NEVER USE A PHOTOGRAPHER AGAIN
1. Use a large light source
Best place would be next to a window or even doorway (Non-direct sunlight would be ideal!
If don’t have natural light, you can use a lamp or flood light!
Direct light is very harsh and is what most people are used to.
So be sure to diffuse the light
You can either point the light at a large white surface or direct the light through a opaque sheet
The closer you are to the light, the more it wraps around and that helps to take away harsh shadows.
Soft and Light meal. This photo was shot using natural light, there was giant window next to my table. Notice the SOFT lighting that is hitting the food, it almost seems to wrap around the food. Giving you fantastic colors.
2. Add Depth
Add something in the background or foreground that will highlight your main focus
This will instantly give you depth and will make your subject stand out
Most photographers will use a shallow depth of field, i.e. background and foreground blur, to make their main subject in focus
People will automatically pay attention to whatever is in the most focused
Try adding something in front and off to the side to give it a little something extra.
Typically you want to try to add things that are related to your main subject to help tell the same story
Slice of Focus. The main focus is the piece of delicious steak being cut. The meat and the utensil in the foreground adds to the story of this being a photo at a servers station.
3. Provide Action
Photos are just images that freeze motion. Time your shots so you get the shot that shows more action
Imagine a cup of coffee. Now imagine a coffee being poured into a cup. The second is much better!
If you are doing product or food photos, you cannot be afraid to be emphasis the action. It sells the story much better
Shooting with dmodels is easy to add action, ask them to laugh or tell a funny story to give you a natural smile.
Whatever emotion you want to show in your photos have the model act out the feeling.
Frozen action. The act of creating the latte art adds much more to the story than the latte art sitting on a table.
4. Take away distractions
Previously I talked about adding things into the shot, now I want you to take away things.
If there is something distracting in your framing, remove it.
If there is something that is contradicting to your story, remove it.
Too many people in a photo will be distracting, so be patient and wait for the perfect moment.
If you can’t wait, then try to use your subject to block out the distracting elements.
Crouching Groom hidden dog walker. I placed myself to be centered with City Hall but was still able to use the patience and the grooms body to hide the dog walker.
5. Capture Emotion
All of these steps give you one main objective, capture the emotion
What did you feel when you thought to take this picture? Share that feeling with your viewers and followers.
Much easier with people as your main subject but add a small amount of effort and you can show it off in food or products.
Captures Tears. This photo is my favorite photo to show emotion. IF you had to guess what was happening here, you would probably be right!