If you work in a studio space, you understand just how cluttered they can get. Between the power plugs and various cables running to and from lighting, computers, cameras, and the like, the space can easily become a bit of a mess.
In amongst that mess are accidents just waiting to happen. You might accidentally yank the tethered cable out of your camera or laptop, resulting in damage to one or both pieces of equipment. Walking back and forth from your shooting position to your laptop or monitor to check your work might cause you to stumble over cords or cables, damaging your gear or causing injury to yourself as well.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a quick list of three must-have items that will streamline your studio space, making it a more productive and safe environment for you, your clients, and your gear.
TetherBLOCK
When in the studio, working tethered to your laptop is a common occurrence. But how often do you move too quickly, or move in the wrong direction, and get yanked back by the tension in the cable between your camera and laptop?
It happens a lot; far too often, in fact. And in some cases, the data port on your camera can suffer serious damage.
That means you need a way to protect your camera’s delicate data port. Some photographers tape the cable to the camera body, which might be effective for a little while, but just doesn’t look professional. Others use a leash to connect the camera and the cable. Again, this might help in the short term, but a leash doesn’t prevent the cable from flexing back and forth, and, in turn, moving the delicate port back and forth too.
A better answer is TetherBLOCK.
TetherBLOCK holds your tethered cable in place safely and securely. Just attach the device to the tripod thread on the bottom of your camera, thread the data cable through TetherBLOCK’s s-channel, and plug the cable into your camera and your computer. It’s that simple! About a minute’s worth of work will spare you the unfortunate experience of having to take your camera in for repairs for a broken port. TetherBLOCK accommodates various types and thicknesses of cables, including USB and firewire. Better still, you can use TetherBLOCK with a tripod or when shooting handheld, so your camera’s ports are protected no matter what.
Savage TTKMO Mobile Air Flow Tech Table Kit
With all that expensive photography gear in the studio, it’s easy to forget another piece of equipment that’s really easy to damage - your laptop.
Fortunately, Savage has developed a top-notch tech table that protects your laptop from inadvertent drops. The TTKMO Mobile Air Flow Tech Table has an integrated strap, so your laptop is securely held in place as you work. The table also has a heat distribution system to prevent your laptop from overheating. Made of aluminum the table is lightweight and easy to maneuver on its five casters, so you can move it right along with you as you move about your space. The table is height adjustable as well and comes with an extended mouse platform so you can work in comfort.
Gitzo G-065 Monitor Platform
If you need a second monitor, you need it to be placed in a position that’s easy for viewing. The Gitzo G065 Monitor Platform is the ideal solution. Just affix it to the top of a Gitzo tripod via a 3/8"-16 thread, and it will safely support your monitor or other needed gear, like mixers, recorders, projectors, or whatever other accessories you might need during a photo or video shoot. Better still, the platform rotates, so as you move around, you can easily move the platform so you have the best viewing angle. And since it’s attached to a tripod, you can rest assured that the monitor or another accessory has the stable base it needs to prevent drops and falls.
With all that said, outfitting your studio such that it is maximally efficient and safe doesn’t take all that much effort or money, but the benefits are immeasurable. If you want to improve your studio workflow, consider investing in one or all of these products. The money you spend up front could very well spare you the expense of buying or replacing damaged gear down the road!