One of the great things about photography is that there's always something new happening. New technology, helpful ideas and great opportunities pop up every day. In fact, keeping up with what's new and exciting in the world of photography can be a monumental task. That's why the staff at Photography Talk keeps an eye on what interests our members and followers, and brings you the "cream of the crop" in new gadgetry, fresh news and great tips every month, right here in this column.
Here's what made the list for June. Enjoy!
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Photo Safari Workshops
After incredible success with Photo Safari Hawaii, Photo Safari is expanding to exciting locations around the world, with a current total of 10 awesome new photographic adventures available in some of the planet's most photogenic locations!
For those of you who have never had the photography workshop experience, let us assure you that it's one of the most valuable ways to challenge yoursef, learn new skills and build an amazing portfolio, while having a great time with supportive, helpful people, in locations everyone wants to see.
From exotic wildlife to breathaking landscapes and incredible coastlines, Brian Ross and the folks at Photo Safari Workshops now offer you their world-class photography instruction in some of the world's best "classrooms".
They've created a new website that tells you everything you need to know about PSW owner Brian Ross, what the company offers, workshop dates, video presentations and even some of the glowing testimonials from their happy customers. Check it out for the experience of a lifetime!
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MorePhotos
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Snapden Photo Booths
There's probably no faster-growing trend for weddings and other events and right now than the photo booth. There's just something about the opportunity to create your own memento at a get-together, especially when you can include your friends or colleagues and ham it up any way you like. As an event photographer, you can now offer a booth for your clients' events.
Since introducing their premier portable photo booth, Firefly in 2015, Snapden has continually upgraded and engineered it into this year's Firefly 2.0, an incredibly lightweight, completely portable and extremely high-quality "selfie" kiosk in a sleek, sophisticated package that even incorporates a switchable, multi-color, music sensing glow system.
Firefly and its counterparts, from the tabletop to the enclosed model with its unique, open-topped, curved shell are all designed to be transported by a single person, set up in minutes and ready to make your event more fun. Check them out for something really unique.
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SpiderPro Holster
You've seen this product on this list before, and it's still here because it's still one of the best investments you can make in photo gear. It's still one of the best carrying systems we know of, and a super value.
It's fast, secure and versatile. It's also easier on your back than lugging around a heavy rig on a neck strap. The holster lets you keep the camera at your hip, ready for a quick draw when the shot comes up.
The line has been expanded to include an Arca-Swiss rig and an expansion system that lets you carry two rigs, one on each side. If you haven't checked on these rigs in a while, go look at the improvements. If you haven't seen them, you need to.
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Capturing Couture’s new Ultimate Camera Backpack
Here's one for the ladies that we're proud to introduce you to before it hits the market! You're going to be grateful for the advance notice, too, because these are going to go fast! I'm going to let the official press release speak for itself on this amazing new product:
ULTRA CHIC + ULTRA GEEK
Introducing Capturing Couture’s new Ultimate Camera Backpack!
Women of style and substance should never have to settle for just any old bag when it comes to carrying their precious equipment, and there’s no reason that protection must mean sacrificing personal style! We all know carrying more than one piece of tech can be organizationally frustrating, and looking good while doing it has rarely been an option.
Now you can give your Camera, Laptop, iPad, Flashes, Cords, and Batteries a geek-to-chic upgrade, while enjoying an extra level of comfort on-the-go. Don’t want to choose between a messenger/tote or backpack? This bag is both, and more…just switch up the straps depending on how you want to carry it, or how heavy the load gets. It also travels with ease thanks to the luggage trolley zippered sleeve for your suitcase.
We have 6 amazing print & pattern play options in bold colors, each with their own personality…whatever your style, we’ve got it in the bag.
AVAILABLE AUGUST 2015
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Light Box Photography Cards
You've seen these featured on our site before, too and with good reason - they're awesome.
We all have creative slumps - times when there's just no great idea for the next photography project. These unique cards deliver inspiration with a new creative idea for every week of the year. 52 cards for 52 weeks. These aren't just any random ideas, either; they're projects from award-winning photograher Paul Michael Kane.
If you want to keep your creative spark alive, you really owe it to yourself to check out this product.
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Silo City
Finding unique historic locations to photograph can be tough, especially if you are looking for those rare places that haven’t been photographed by most. In Buffalo New York, constructed over a century and a half ago, such a place exists.
Standing over 5 stories tall and covering six acres lies a collection of five grain elevators dubbed “Silo City”. Currently only two times a year photographers from around the world are able to line up to get their chance to photograph this coveted piece of history. Any other time of the year the location is under strict ‘No Trespassing’.
The professional in charge of coordinating these 2 events, through the workshop section (Visual Archaeology) of his organization InVision, Inc. is none other than Mark Maio. Mark has 26 years' hands-on experience and strong study around Buffalo’s grain elevators, naming his photographic documentary of the area appropriately “Against the Grain”.
Because of Mark's in-depth knowledge of and passion for these grain elevators, he has forged strong relationships with those who live and work in the area, giving him unrestricted, authorized access to “Silo City” and the 100-year-old, Colonel Ward Water Pumping Station.
It’s been said during the three day workshops that take place here, you can expect to simply scratch the surface of the photographic opportunities that can be found. Considering that, it’s no surprise many who attend, come back for multiple visits.
To learn more about Silo City and attending this historic landmark, visit: http://www.visualarchaeology.com/Visual_Archaeology/Silo_City_Workshop.html to reserve your spot.
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New York Institute of Photography
As our loyal followers and members know, Photography Talk is all about helping people become better photographers. As such, we support the finest institutions we know for providing a formal education in photography.
Nothing beats quality education and no one beats New York Institute of Photography in providing self-paced learning from a fully licensed and accredited school at a mere fraction of the cost of a conventional photography school
NYIP offers a wide selection of courses, from short to intensive, in photography, videography, photojournalism, processing and marketing, taught by top professionals in their fields. They also provide access to professional mentors, a fully equipped online student center, certification, helpful articles and much more. Best of all, it's all available online, 24/7, as you need it and on your own schedule.
Whether you want to learn the basics, brush up on your skills or commit to starting a full-time photgraphy business, you really should see for yourself why we - and hundreds of alumni - consider this a great value in eduation.
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Havana 21 Shoulder Bag
The HavaWhether you're going on a desert safari or an urban one, the tan Havana 21 Shoulder Bag will hold and protect your DSLR or Mirrorless camera with attached lens, 1-2 extra lenses, flash unit, accessories and a 7" tablet. The bag features a zippered main compartment with a removable, padded insert. Simply remove the insert to free up space for everyday excursions that don't involve photography.
Within the shoulder bag next to the insert is a slip-in pocket with a touch-fastening tab for storing your 7" tablet. The exterior of the Havana 21 features a zippered front pocket for storing your smartphone, wallet, and other small items. Inside this pocket is a key lanyard, removable rain cover, and a sewn-in pouch with two clear, slip-in memory card pockets.
On either side of the bag are exterior slip-in pockets with fabric covers for holding a water bottle, gloves, or similarly sized items.na 21 can be carried by its top handle or adjustable, padded shoulder strap. And for improved interior visibility when locating gear in low light, the inside of the bag is made of light gray 150D polyester and velvet.
Holds:
One DSLR or Mirrorless camera with medium zoom lens attached
1-2 extra lenses
Flash unit
Accessories such as memory cards, cables, battery, smart phone and charger
7" tablet -
Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 Lens
Looking for a "standard" lens for your APS-C DSLR that will still work with your camera if you move up to full-frame? How about a fast lens for either one that gives good bokeh? Maybe you need a good 35mm for DSLR videography?
This lens covers all of the above and it does it all without draining the budget for the next year. Yes, it's going to work you a little harder; it's completely manual. On the other hand, many users say it focuses more smoothly than the name-brand equivalent, and some reviewers rate it better for sharpness, too.
This one makes the list because it's fast becoming a favorite of photographers that want a lot of lens for a lot less money. When it comes to solid value, this lens delivers it.
Click the link above to find one to fit your camera!
These folks have been providing high-quality websites, ecommerce solutions, promotional tools and more for photographers since the company launched its original offerings in 2000. They were among the first to offer photographers a fast and easy way to create a functional, responsive website without the need for coding skills.
Their innovative new product, Snap!, makes it even easier to create the complete package you need to host, market and sell your photos and products made with your photos. The product line includes solutions for every aspect of the photography business and can be purchased as a turnkey solution or packaged to work with your existing online presence.
From selling digital downloads to prints, cards and gifts, to managing your orders, to adding royalty-free music to your site, this is one of the most complete and option-rich ways to get yourself and your work on the market. If you're interested in selling your photography online, you owe it to yourself to take a look at the MorePhotos product line.