As we drift into the last week of summer vacation (was there a vacation?), it’s a good time to take it a bit slower, get ready for the 3 day weekend, and make sure the cameras are geared up and ready to capture some of the life of the inevitable gatherings. Friends, family, and your [...]

Packing for a quick shoot, on a short hop, to Baghdad by the bay. Yep, San Francisco, not far, but far enough to pack light for an overnight stay with some image taking in the day. Of course what’s in our bag? The Lexar Dual-Slot USB 2.0 Card Reader Fast, one USB port used and [...]

One of our favorite travel lenses in recent years was the Nikon 18-200 DX zoom. It had the range: close up, telephoto, compact enough and made packing light on simple travel trips easy. There was a drawback in the first version, with the weight of the glass sometimes letting the zoom extend when vertical. They [...]

Sometimes when we review a product and we like what it does so much, we do what we can to get one in your hands. This is the newest addition to the bag: Rogue FlashBender Small Positionable Reflector Yes, it’s a mouthful but, it does the job. We love simple tools that work. This is [...]

How does it know? It seems to be all the rage, as you have seen a ton of new travel mugs look like something else. Like a Nikon 24-70 2.8 Lens, or a Canon 24-105 Lens, looking just like a perfect receptacle for a hot cuppa joe. Kinda like this: So we were curious and [...]

It’s a solitary medium we have chosen. Not everyone has the Annie Leibowitz staff, or army, or even a cadre of digital techs to compliment the archivists, set designers, stylists, make-up artists, re-touchers, etc. We’d think it’s safe to say that most of us are working solo in the photographic arts. Shoot, process, print or [...]

There is a dream that every fine art photographer has. To go to the famed city of Arles,France in the summer, and be surrounded by the finest in the world of photography: the finest work, events, talks, people, and celebration of the art. And for the few who travel to have their work critiqued so [...]

(things got crazy yesterday so the NEWSLETTER will come out on THURSDAY ( 7/29) this week and, entries have to be in by SATURDAY (7/31) this week only!) This past Saturday, we led one of the global Kelby PhotoWalks here in Los Angeles, and will be posting some notes on that this week. along with [...]

It’s the real deal. Or they are the real deal. Yep, the designers at ThinkTank Photo know what you need and how to make it. The little plastic cases the cards came in, are stacked, for some reason, between the 2 monitors on the desktop. We have now tossed to the back of the shelf, [...]

It’s true. Photographers are always looking for that perfect bag. Well, as no camera will give you everything you want or need, neither will one bag. We do have our faves for each type of assignment, or walkabout. The people at ThinkTank Photo have come up with another line of backs called the Retrospective line, [...]

When we first held the Spinner 360º in our hands, it had all of the earmarks of a classic product from the world of Lomography. Simple design, solid construction, and a unique perspective We had seen panoramic cameras,and had tricked out 35mm film cameras with a special Minolta hard matte for that special pana-look. But [...]

(This is a previously published article, but the fireworks haven’t changed, so it should all still hold true.) What is it about fireworks that draws us close, cause us to emit uncontrollable ooohs and ahhhhs, and brings a group experience unlike any other? That shared , almost primal feeling of amazement at seeing those colored [...]

The good weather is back in North America and that means a lot of you are ready to hit the hiking trail, and get those images that have been hiding from you all winter. This week we have something that should help you out there. The Lowepro CompuPrimus AW.. The CompuPrimus AW is designed for [...]

For as many years as I can remember, cameras and gear bags have hung from my shoulders. Years of weight. Strong shoulders now. But…… After a long day of shooting, you need some kind of relief. And I’m not talking about talking the cameras from your shoulder/neck. Bag manufacturers are on the constant hunt for [...]

It truly is a game changer for the publishing world. The iPad has shown a new potential depth to magazines, with an interactive experience in your hands like no other. Of course, every manufacturer is now racing to release their tablet PC’s so get ready. Can you say Zune? But what does it mean to [...]

Ok, maybe a jinky ref. to an 80′s song, but it’s true. Lomography has just added a new camera to their ranks: The Spinner 360! And it takes pictures ..well…in 360 degrees. Using film, this new model has a pull ring to activate the spin, and you decide the direction and style. Here is an [...]

It is no surprise, I’m sure, that the built in mics on most cameras of any sort, leave a bit to be desired. Not only are they struggling to capture audio through these tiny holes drilled into the camera body, but they are so close to your fingers working their magic on the sleek camera [...]

In an effort to give you a good heads up, and time to either make or shop for your Father Days’ gift, we’re going to give you some suggestions. AND give something away that you can totally re-gift for Dad. It all kinda starts here: It’s a Kodak commercial I produced not long ago, directed [...]

As many of you are transitioning to the HD DSLR’s, the world of motion and sound has either opened up a new horizon or, just maybe, made you realize how much you need to know how to get quality images in that world. (Maybe that’s why there is a film business with unions and trained [...]

The worldwide, dare we say, cult of Lomography has made a new home in Los Angeles. Joining the other gallery/stores in 12 locations around the world, the good photogs of the City of Angels cam now hang their hat at the new space on 7998 Santa Monica Blvd. With every product that you may have [...]

In this 3rd and last installment with Frazer Harrison, Getty Images photographer, he goes deeper into the bag and walks you through some of the tools he uses daily to do his photographic job. We did a video of him a few years ago when he was a Canon guy, and now that he has [...]

In our continuing efforts to give you some insight on how the world of photography looks through a working professionals eyes, via our Whats’ In The Bag? series of videos, subscribers to the free NEWSLETTER, know that we are trying to put some tools in your hands to help you get into that world yourself. [...]

In this next installment with Frazer Harrison, he gets deeper into the bag with some amazing tips on speedlights, batteries, lenses and more. Get a bit of reality from a working pro, who, when we taped this, was getting ready for a weekend of Oscar events. He’s the real deal, and lets you know what [...]

Getty Images photographer, Frazer Harrison, makes his living with what’s in his bag. He knows what works and what doesn’t work. Plus he wants to let you know his opinion. This is why we dig Frazer. He is an immensely talented shooter, working all of the major Hollywood events like the Oscars, Golden Globes, Spirit [...]

As we come to the last segment in the series with Jim McHugh, he gives us a look around his work environment. Not where he shoots, but where he makes the images. His history, including a photo album from his childhood, old cameras and a lifetime of memorabilia, are filling the nooks and crannies of [...]

And when we say “??????” what we mean is that the weekly giveaway item will be posted in the weekly NEWSLETTER. We feel that those that are up for getting our quick weekly update, should maybe get something in return. In this case the opportunity to receive some cool bit of photo-ness from. A book, [...]

As we’ve been chatting with Jim McHugh about his process, the gear, and some of the work, it;s probably a good time to get a bit inside his head and also find out where he came from. How do you decide to become a fine art photographer anyway? Is there a certain path you should [...]

In this next segment with Jim McHugh, you get a chance to see how he works the magic. Folks have been curious about the Speed Graphic Cameras he showed off in the last vid, and how he got to the print stage. polaroid film and digital processing?? What the……..??? Well, wonder no more. Part 2 [...]

We’ll take a lightly different turn with the What’s In The Bag? series this time, as we feature Jim McHugh, fine art photographer. Ohm, he started as a magazine shooter, and all of that experience led him to where he happily resides now: firmly ensconced in the world of fine art and galleries. In this [...]

We have been enjoying bring you this latest series of What’s In The Bag? with Kristian Dowling. He has generously been sharing tips, gear ideas and showing what he uses to get the money. In this segment, he lays out a path. The path he took. And advice as to what your path can be, [...]

Nothing will stop us from a good museum gift shop. And there is truly no better photo gift shop and book store than the one at ICP in NYC. We always see some new photo things that are either gifts for you, gifts for us, or gifts for any photo buddy. And since we were [...]

In this most current installment of “What’s In The Bag”, freelance photographer Kristian Dowling, brings out the big guns. Although firepower is not what these lighting modifiers are about. Rather, it’s the way they mold and shape the light for larger area. And since you may have good sense of how Kristian works by now, [...]

In this segment, Kristian Dowling, shows some of the way to modify your light. Bend it, soften it, spread it, shape it, and even color tone it to get the shadows and illumination just where you want it. He is highly skilled and an artist in the location lighting techniques, used to create some of [...]

This is a first for us, as we get into the pro strobe arena. Kristian Dowling is one of the premier freelance photographers, currently living in Los Angeles, who is known, not only for his event photography, but in addition, beautiful and effective location portraiture. We’re not talking about carrying around a bag of speedlights. [...]

OK, it’s kind a Part 2, and lenses are kinda part 3 but don’t let that distract you from the great info that Kristian continues to share in the next installment. He’ll show you his techniques for off camera flash as well as the gear needed to effectively do it. The light, the power,a nd [...]

In this video, Part 2 in a series of, well…more, Kristian gets into the lenses and gear he uses for events, parties, portraits, all just working out of his bag. Details on the why and how each lens is used, in a simple straight forward manner, Kristian Dowling gives you the working photographers perspective on [...]

We’re back again with a new series of vids of photographers sharing with you the gear they use, and more importantly, why they use it. This photographer, Kristian Dowling, was of special interest to us as he not only shoots existing light or speedlit shots, he is expert in the use of strobes and light [...]

It seems to be all the rage. Photographers are carrying their cameras NOT by the camera strap, but by a knob screwed into the tripod socket, which is attached to a sliding strap. Check this out unit from Black Rapid: Now when we first saw this, it seemed a little crazy to be hanging about [...]

We have been doing some beta-testing with the new CS5 but this video will give you a sweet taste of what’s coming. it just keeps getting better……..

We’d like to thank everyone that submitted photos for this contest and special thanks to our sponsors and judges, that guided us along the way. The GRAND PRIZE winning photo came from Katya Evdokimova: © Katya Evdokimova We are in touch with the Food Bank in London that Ms. Evdokimova asked the donation be made [...]

True, we have been a bit lax in getting our posts out to the site, due to 10 days of non stop shooting in Austin, Texas. We want to give the behind the scenes info on what goes on at the hottest festival around, in our opinion, SXSW. With 3 sections, somewhat overlapping, categories of [...]

Huge crowds began pouring into Austin ,Texas today for the SXSW festival. Covering Interactive, Film and Music, of course the first folks we meet on the plane are Philip Bloom and his fiance Sara, both photographers, but Philip is here to do 2 presentations on shooting with HD DSLRs . So it was a lively [...]

What we really mean to say is that Delkin products ( the Archival Gold DVD, Fat Gekko people) has come up with a few things to make your life on or near water a little better. At PMA a couple week ago, they were showing off a waterproof bag, the Jellyfish, for your smartphone or [...]

The Hot Shoe Diaries is written by Joe McNally and may be the best handbook on using speedlights out there. (Not to be confused with Red Shoe Diaries, an adult series on HBO in the 90′s hosted by David Duchovny) While you may not use the bagful of flashes that Mr. McNally uses, he will [...]

The fans of this product are legion. For 6 years now, the Lensbaby movement has been strong as enthusiasts around the globe, attach the focal plane adjusters to their camera bodies, and shift your eye to put you just where they want you to be. It has evolved through the years, going from a system [...]

We love to show you the kind of gear that we think is a must have in some part of your life. Packed into our camera bag, there is always at least 1 Joby Gorillapod. Why? When we need an extra hand to hold the speedlight, or we want to be in the video too, [...]

Oh, it’s almost like figuring our which camera and lens to choose. Which bag to carry your gear in. Is it an event with quick lens changes? Stealthy urban street shooting? Simple auto transport, shipping, flying, and about 100 other specific needs. It’s always an internal conversation. And a constant search. We got turned onto [...]

The most amazing happened last week while in a card exchange situation. In the midst of everyone trading the little rectangles of info, one of the group got repeated extended studies of their cards. Their Moo.com photo cards. Now, photos on business cards are nothing new, but it has either been printed on a photographic [...]

Up the aisles, down the aisles, across to the next exhibit hall, and up the aisles, down the aisles. Rinse and repeat. That’s kinda what we do when we go to a photographic trade show. There are the major things to see that there may have been pre-buzz on, or things that we hope to [...]

We’ve been on an educational binge lately. The tools at our disposal in the digital world of photography are truly mind boggling. The computer that you call a camera, has so much capability that most of us never unleash, you may be missing some creative tools in your kit. You have to get that secret [...]

Honestly, we have not been in this trade show deal for many years. With the economy the way it is, manufacturers get very picky as to where the will meet the press and the buyers to show the latest offerings or tease the upcoming products. PMA has traditionally been one of the major shows to [...]

You can’t ask for more from photo trade show, really. Not only did we get to see some cool new gear, we were made privy to a new product from HP that will protect artists, dealers an collectors. Too cool for school. The day began with Sony announcing a brand new small format camera with [...]

PMA is staring tomorrow in Anaheim, and they gave us a little peek into what we may be seeing from some of the photographic manufacturers. The HoodLoupe used on many new HD DSLR rigs, got some attention from the press. We’ll be taking a closer look at the Fuji instant cameras. Everyone’s favorite, Moo cards, [...]

Last Thursday night, the world of analog photography grew exponentially in Hollywood. The global fans of the world of LOMO will rejoice with this new west coast flagship of the plastic camera kings. When you want to slow it down a bit, shoot some film, and take a bit of a risk, in your photography, [...]

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in our biggest photo contest yet, Let’s Do Lunch! There were entries from all over the world and winners from all over the world. The winners are: Grand Prize: Katya Evdokimova of London, England 1st Place Winners: Friends and Family – Dan Komoda of East Windsor, NJ Down [...]

Who knew. Well, we used to know. Every month in the Pasadena Elks Lodge, all kinds of used gear photography dealers gather and lay out their wares on long tables. What do they have ? All kinds of camera goods in all kinds of conditions. Brand new, used, VERY used, and that exact thing you [...]

…for about 2.5 hours on this very solid DVD with Bob Krist and Joe McNally , Nikon School Presents A Hands-On Guide to Creative Lighting Sometimes we have items that are so popular we have to give them away again. This is one of those things. We love it when the manufacturers take it upon [...]

Give your shoulders a break. The camera bag manufacturers have heard your backs aching, and want to give you some relief. Nope, not an assistant to carry your gear, but bags to make things a little easier. Roller Bags. Most of the major brands have been entering this field for awhile, but today we’re going [...]

Sure, we’ve been getting a little bookish lately on the giveaway front, so it’s time to get into the old tool box. Love the books because, at the end of the day, the image is what it’s all about. You need the gear to get there though. And every tool box has a variety of [...]

Yes, the beauty of an articulated LCD screen is being able to keep your eyes where you want them, and let the camera stretch to get the shot you want. Every time we shoot and event, there is always an opportunity for an over-the-crowd shot to the stage or main subject, like a wedding. Of [...]

What is one of the most important reasons to have a point and shoot camera is to conveniently be able to capture the random moments in your life, as well as notable events, parties, etc. The next part is to share the image, by either “chimping” ( the term used when everyone ohhhs, and ahhs [...]

The question is – did we need another way? The old over-the-shoulder, camera strap connected at 2 points to the body, seemed to work. And with a great padded camera strap, longs days, and heavy lenses, were more bearable. At the last trade show we hit, there were at least 3 different options for carrying [...]

There are a myriad of camera bag manufacturers to choose from, and we all get to our favorites. Although crossing the brand lines based on specific needs, is really they way we go. For the outdoorsy photog, the ones who backpack their way into a setting, Lowepro has been the leader for many years. The [...]

When you are getting a little more serious about your photography, you’ll need some gear that, hopefully, you only buy once. Bogen Imaging, who handles a bunch of premier brands in the US was at PhotoPlus Expo showing off some new items, and some new company acquisitions. If you have had to transport or store [...]

( At the end of the article we have a special 20% discount code for you if you’d like to go ahead and purchase one of these from the manufacturer. ) You have seen these devices, we’re sure. Interconnected ball joints, topped with a platform that lets you connect almost anything; heads, cameras, flash units, [...]