Don't Believe These Myths About Being a Professional Photographer
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Professional photographers only work part of the day, and when they do, they do so in beautiful locations photographing beautiful people for world-famous publications, right?
Not exactly...
Though some photographers are lucky enough to have jobs that involve travel and working with big clients, most of us make our living working for our friends and neighbors, right in our own towns and cities.
And while we show off our best work, that doesn't mean that there aren't some pretty terrible images along the way for the pros, either.
These are just a couple of myths about being a professional photographer. Let's explore these and other myths in a little more detail.
Professional Photography Myth #1: This is Glamorous Work
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You might see photographers on Instagram or YouTube living the life on the road, partnering with corporations like Nike or LG, and generally having a grand old time with their cameras.
But as noted above, most of us definitely do not enjoy that kind of lifestyle.
In fact, being a professional photographer can be quite the grind. It's a ton of work, and most pros do it all on their own.
That means very long days, most of which is taken up doing non-photography things like chasing down late payments from clients, balancing the books, and paying bills.
And even when you're taking photos with or for clients, it still might not be all that glamorous.
Just ask a newborn photographer after the baby they're photographing has a blown out diaper...
I don't point these things out to discourage you from pursuing a career as a photographer. Quite the opposite - this is an awesome job and one that will bring you all kinds of satisfaction.
But if you think it'll be all sunshine and professional models, you're in for a surprise!
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Professional Photography Myth #2: Pros Only Take Good Photos
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The notion that professional photographers take great photos each and every time they press the shutter button is one of the biggest photography myths out there.
Just like any other professional occupation, photographers have their good days and their bad.
Sometimes, it feels like you simply can't miss, with photo after photo turning out to be a great shot.
Other days, though, you wonder how you became a professional in the first place and feel like you're defrauding your clients out of their money.
Just because someone calls themselves a professional photographer doesn't mean they'll have success every time. Even Ansel Adams had some clunkers along the way!
Professional Photography Myth #3: Photography Watermarks are Unprofessional
This is my old photography watermark. Yikes...
A couple of years ago, I might have actually agreed with the idea that watermarks are unprofessional.
At the very least, I would have strongly agreed that watermarking images reduced the visual appeal of said images.
But that's all changed for me now that I've found Photologo...
Photologo creates bespoke photography logos that not only allow you to identify your work as your own, but also add an elegant feature to your images that you'll actually be proud of.
That's because Photologo's professional artists are responsible for handcrafting each photography logo.
That means that my Photologo is 100 percent my own and unlike any other photography watermark out there. How cool is that?
The uniqueness of each Photologo is thanks to the fact that it's real, live humans making them. There's no algorithm or computer software behind it - just the creative spirit of some really talented people.
This is my new photography logo from Photologo. Not bad, right?
In addition to creating a photographer logo that adds to the visual appeal of your photos, these things are also the ideal marketing tool.
Think about it - a photography signature allows you to sign your work, just like artists have for hundreds of years.
Beyond that, you can utilize your Photologo as part of a larger marketing scheme, with your signature on your website, portfolio, blog, and so forth.
In that regard, this isn't just a way to protect your work online. Instead, it's an integral component of a solid marketing plan to get you more clients.
Getting your very own Photologo is easy, too.
Just go to their website, make a few stylistic selections, and their professional artists will get to work on your logo, delivering it in as little as two days.
You even get a free revision, that way you're sure to get the perfect photography watermark for your brand.
Make your photography logo ideas a reality by teaming up with Photologo.
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Professional Photography Myth #4: Professional Photographers Do It All
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Of all the myths on this list, this is probably the one that derails the most photographers from being successful.
Though it might seem like a good idea to cast as wide a net as possible and offer as many different photography services as you can, all that does is spread you too thin and leave you unable to demonstrate your expertise in a given area.
It's a real jack of all trades, master of none situation...
Instead, professional photographers are better served specializing and finding a niche that helps them differentiate themselves from other photographers.
Professional Photography Myth #5: Pros Only Use Expensive Gear
I don't know a photographer that wouldn't want to have a Canon EOS R or a Nikon Z7 in their bag. But the fact of the matter is that those cameras are really expensive, and for many pros, they're also unnecessary.
Being a great photographer isn't about having the newest gear. Instead, it's about understanding how to use your gear to take a great photo.
To illustrate my point, I have a friend that photographs landscapes with an entry-level Canon EOS T2i that was $600 brand new about six years ago. You can't buy a cheaper camera, yet he's able to take some truly breathtaking images.
Similarly, some of my favorite photos that I've taken weren't with my $3,300 Nikon D850, but with my old iPhone 6.
If you're just starting out as a photographer, resist the urge to blow all your money on new gear. The notion that it will make you a better photographer is a myth!
Learn More:
- 21 Things You've Got All Wrong About Being a Professional Photographer
- Fact vs. Fiction: A Day in the Life of a Self-Employed Photographer
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How to Effectively Market Your Photography
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Starting a photography business is tough work. Starting any business is tough work, for that matter!
You can't just open your doors and expect people to come flocking to you to take their picture.
Instead, you need to have a comprehensive marketing plan that gets your name and face out in the buying public.
The question is, what should your marketing plan include?
Here's a few tips for devising a rock-solid marketing strategy to get your photography business off the ground.
You Need the Basics
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Clearly, in today's world you have to have an online presence.
By and large, potential clients will find you online, be that via your website or online portfolio, your Facebook page or Twitter feed, or on places like Instagram or Flickr.
But simply having a website and social media channels isn't good enough.
Instead, they need to work together to help drive home your marketing message.
That means having a website that's not only pleasing to view, but easy to navigate as well.
You want a portfolio that is well-designed, but which allows your images to take center stage without being overshadowed by an overly fancy website design.
With regards to social media, you need to consistently engage with your followers to get the most bang for your marketing buck.
That means setting aside time each day to post, comment on other people's posts, and interact with people that follow you.
This doesn't mean that you need to devote an entire afternoon to social media - just a few minutes a day to stay active will suffice.
Get more tips on how to use social media to your advantage in the video above by Joe Edelman.
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Demonstrate Your Expertise
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While it's incredibly important to have examples of work to show potential clients, it's also a smart move to demonstrate to potential clients your particular areas of expertise.
That is, don't just show people the final product and say "look how awesome I am." Instead, by demonstrating your expertise, you give people the proof they might need to trust you as a true professional.
Demonstrating your expertise is easier today than ever before, too.
On the one hand, you can blog about photography topics. Write a post about how clients should prepare for their engagement shoot. Offer advice to parents for what to expect during their newborn photo shoot. Explain to people why they shouldn't wear clothes with busy patterns for their family portraits. You get the point...
On the other hand, YouTube is a perfect marketing tool for photographers where they can demonstrate their expertise.
Whether you publish a Lightroom tutorial, do a behind-the-scenes video of shooting a wedding, or something in between, creating videos that explain what you do and why is an ideal way to connect with potential clients and show them just how skilled and talented you are as a photographer.
Heck, you can even offer classes or workshops for photographers to learn basic skills.
The point here is that offering to share your expertise with others benefits you in many ways. It allows you to market your brand. You can make connections with potential clients. You can also make connections with others in the industry and develop professional relationships that help your business grow.
Put Your Name On It
It's not enough to put your work on display or demonstrate how you go about creating the gorgeous photos in your portfolio.
You also need to identify your work as your own.
Doing so benefits you in two very important ways. First, adding a photography logo or photography watermark to your images helps reduce the risk that someone will rip off your images and pass them off as their own.
Secondly, adding your signature to your images is a great marketing strategy.
A great marketing strategy has an identifiable and unique theme, and what better way to do that than with a custom-made, bespoke photography logo?
I've come across a variety of companies over the years that offer photography logo design services for photographers. And historically, I've been underwhelmed by their products.
Also underwhelming was the signature I came up with for my photos, which you can see above. A graphic designer, I am not...
So I did a little more research recently and stumbled upon Photologo. I was sold within moments of seeing their products.
For starters, Photologo employs a group of professional artists who handcraft each and every signature.
Yep, you read that correctly - Photologo's photography watermarks are 100-percent made by human hands, and no two are alike!
Talk about a unique way to market your photography business...
Additionally, the process of getting your Photologo couldn't be easier. You just visit their website, make a few selections regarding the style of the photography logo that you want, and the busy bees at Photologo craft your signature, which is delivered to you for review in as little as two days.
If you don't like what you get, no worries - Photologo offers a free revision, that way you're sure that your signature is exactly what you want. I quite like mine, seen below:
Look at any famous artwork from back in the day, and you'll find the artist's unique signature.
What Photologo has done is made it easy for modern-day artists like you and I to add our signature to our work.
And since your Photologo is yours and yours alone, you can use it as the basis of your marketing plan.
Add it to your website or portfolio, use it to sign off at the end of each blog, add it to your YouTube video intro, and so forth.
Standing out in an ocean of photographers can be tough to do, but with a unique, one-of-a-kind photography logo serving as the basis of your marketing plan, your task of differentiating yourself from the crowd becomes much, much easier.
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We Recommend
How to Protect Your Images Online
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It's just a fact of the matter that in today's world, people will try to steal the images you work so hard to create.
Even more common is when people use your images without your permission, not because they're trying to pass your work off as their own, but because they simply don't understand that not every photo online is free game.
So, it's a problem of easy access and not enough education about image rights.
The question is, what can you do about it?
Here are a few tips that will teach you how to protect your images online.
Copyright Your Photos
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The moment you take a photo, it's copyrighted as your work.
However, many people don't understand that fact.
This is where an educational component comes into protecting your work.
By adding the © symbol or the actual word "Copyright" followed by the year of publication and your name on or near your work, you're informing anyone that views it that the image is yours and that it's protected work.
In many cases, that will deter the folks that don't understand that images aren't simply free to use from using your photos.
But for people that purposefully steal other people's images, you might need to take the copyright thing a step further by registering the copyright.
In the U.S., that can be done through the U.S. Copyright Office for both published and unpublished photographs.
By registering your copyrighted images, you have a pathway to take any infringements upon your copyrights to court.
For example, if you find that a company has used one of your images for their marketing materials without your permission, you can pursue a lawsuit against them for copyright infringement.
At the very least, you could have an attorney send a cease and desist letter to the offender and point out that the image is copyrighted and a registered work. In many cases, that will resolve the issue without the need to go to court over it.
Identify Your Work as Your Own
Another primary means of deterring theft of your images is to simply identify your work as your own.
I know what you're thinking, too...
Photography watermarks have been the go-to means of identifying photos forever, but the problem is that watermarks can be both ugly and distracting (like my old watermark, shown above).
So for a long time, the choice we had as photographers was to slap an ugly watermark on our images to try to deter theft or go without a watermark to have a better-looking image, and just hope that no one stole the photo.
That's different, now.
There are a number of companies that work with photographers to create gorgeous photography logos that you would actually be proud to have on your photos.
I personally use Photologo, because after a lot of research, I found their service to be the most desirable.
For starters, their signatures are completely handmade by artists, so you get a 100-percent unique signature to place on all your images.
There's no cut and paste signatures here - you choose the style of the signature, the folks at Photologo create it, and you get a gorgeous signature for your photos in as little as 48 hours.
Perhaps even better, if you're not completely happy with the signature, you get a free revision to make sure it's exactly what you want.
On top of serving as an additional hurdle to your images being ripped off, a signature on your photos is a great way to advertise your work and create a brand identity for your business.
Think about it - you can sign each and every photo with your digital signature and make that digital signature part of your larger marketing efforts.
Put it in the header of your website, on your portfolio, in your blog, and so forth, and you'll have a beautiful identifier for your business!
Additionally, Photologo charges $39.99 for your signature - a signature that's yours forever and that you're free to use as you please.
As you can see in the images above, the difference between an old, ugly watermark and a handmade photography signature is night and day!
Disable Right-Click "Save As"
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One of the reasons why people steal images online is because, quite frankly, they're easy to steal.
You can make it less likely for your images to be stolen by disabling right-click "save as" on your website or online portfolio.
Disabling right clicks is usually a matter of adding a plugin (if you use Wordpress) or adding HTML code to your website.
Even if you aren't hugely tech savvy, reading up on how to disable right clicks will give you enough information to make the needed changes to your website to add another layer of protection to your photos.
Be Diligent About Searching For Your Images Online
The fact of the matter is that even if you copyright your images, put your signature on all your photos, and disable right clicks on your website, if someone desperately wants to steal your image, they will find a way if they work hard enough at it.
That means that in addition to putting as many hurdles in the way as you can, you also need to be diligent about searching for unauthorized uses of your images online.
Doing so is easy with programs like Tin Eye, which does a reverse image search based on either a photo that you upload or a URL that points to your photo online.
Using things like neural networks and artificial intelligence, Tin Eye will find any instance of the image you search for, that way you can track down unauthorized uses of your images.
It's just another layer of protection to ensure that you're recognized for the work you create and that people that use your work without permission can be confronted about their actions.
Are these methods 100-percent failsafe? No. But will they deter many people from using your images without your permission, absolutely!
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How to Start a Successful Photography Business (and Keep It Going)
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Let's face it...
Photography is a dog-eat-dog world. Starting a photography business is tough work, especially considering all the competition there is these days for a finite number of clients.
But don't let a little competition and tough work derail your dreams of becoming a professional photographer.
In this quick-start guide, I offer a few must-have tips that will help you learn how to start a photography business.
Be Real About Your Strengths and Weaknesses
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I'm a skilled landscape photographer, if I do say so myself. It's certainly my greatest strength behind the lens.
What I'm not good at, however, is macro photography.
What's important is that I understand these facts. Landscapes come to me naturally; macro does not.
So, if I were starting a photography business today, I would choose to capitalize on my strengths and focus on landscapes, not macro.
You need to do the same thing.
If portraits are your calling, specialize in portraits. If wildlife photography is your passion, make that the focus of your business.
Don't try to be everything to everyone - that will just muddy the waters!
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You Need Good Hosting
An integral component of a modern photography business is having a gorgeous website, an online portfolio of your images, and perhaps even an online store.
But it isn't enough to simply have those things - they need to work and do so reliably if you're going to build a successful photography business.
Over my 20 years in this industry, I've partnered with more hosting companies than I care to admit - most of which were a nightmare to work with.
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Fortunately, I came across OVH several years ago, and I've never looked back.
Since switching PhotographyTalk to OVH, we've had excellent uptime - 99.9% just as OVH promises.
What I like about OVH (aside from their incredible reliability) is the fact that they're a global company with data centers and servers all over the globe.
In fact, they have 27 data centers and over 300,000 servers, so if anyone can ensure your company stays online, it's them.
You aren't just another number, though.
Sometimes, large companies have so many customers that you really are just one more in a long line of clients.
But despite being a global company, OVH works hard to ensure each and every customer feels like the most important customer.
Developing a successful is all about finding the best people to help you find success. In this case, OVH is precisely who you should partner with to realize your business goals.
People Skills Matter
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You can be a master photographer all day long, but if you don't know how to speak to people and engage them in a genuine manner, being a professional photographer is going to be a much tougher task.
And this doesn't apply just to photographers that work directly with clients, like wedding photographers and portrait photographers.
Even as a landscape photographer, I still have to speak to clients, hear their wants, needs, and concerns, and communicate with them in a way that makes them feel heard and understood.
You need people skills for effectively marketing your business and for working with other stakeholders in the industry as well.
Talking to people comes naturally to some of us. For others, it's a struggle. If you fall into the latter category, now is the time to start improving on your people skills! It's an asset that you cannot afford to go without.
Up Your Watermark Game
Yes, the watermark or photography logo you use to identify your work really matters.
In fact, I'd say that photography watermarks are one of the most important marketing tools you can have.
Why?
That's easy - the logo or signature you include on your images is like having a sign for your business.
Just like you wouldn't want to put up an ugly sign outside your storefront, you don't want to put an ugly logo on your photos, either.
Yet, one look at what some pros are doing with their photography signatures, and you quickly see that a lot of people are still using ugly, amateur-looking watermarks. That's a rookie move!
Not only does an ugly watermark (like my old one, shown above) diminish the quality of the overall photo, but it also screams "I don't care about quality!"
Seriously - my old photography logo took me two minutes to make in Photoshop, and it shows.
If you want to build a successful business and keep it going for the long-term, you need to step up your watermarking game and get something that speaks to your personality and individuality as a photographer.
There's no better way to do that than with a Photologo.
I got a Photologo (shown above), and I think we can all agree that there's a huge difference between what I had before and what I have now.
What makes Photologo so cool is that they are handmade by a team of artisans. There's no robot in a back room somewhere coming up with these photography logo ideas. Instead, it's real, live humans doing all the work.
That means that every single Photologo is unique. There's nothing like a bespoke watermark for your images to really make them shine!
Besides, with a gorgeous, handcrafted signature on all your work, you can deter people from ripping off your images while also getting some great marketing for yourself at the same time.
Your photos will never be mistaken for anyone else's work, either.
It's just a sleek, elegant, and modern way to sign your photos, just like artists have for centuries.
Best of all, you can get a Photologo for less than $40. That includes a free revision and turnaround time of as little as 48 hours.
That sounds like a deal to me!
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Don't Stop Learning
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Just because you're ready to take the leap into professional photography doesn't mean that there's nothing left to learn.
There's always something to learn, be that on the photography side or the business side.
Staying on top of best practices in post-processing, learning how to use a new lens, discovering new ways to market your business, and constantly seeking to improve the way you manage your daily tasks will serve you well as you grow your business for long-term success.
And keeping engaged in learning about your craft has never been easier.
There's a plethora of photography tutorials out there that take just minutes to read and a mountain of YouTube videos you can watch.
There's also many resources for business tips, becoming marketing savvy, and learning how to brand your business, too.
The point is that dedicating yourself to learning doesn't mean you need to go back to college and get another degree.
Just spend a few minutes here and there learning a new skill, and you'll be in a much better position to be successful!
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The Best of 2018
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It's hard to believe that 2018 is rapidly coming to a close.
All that's left is to enjoy the holidays, and then we'll be ready to ring in 2019!
But before all that, it's time to share some of the best photography companies that have shaped 2018 and are sure to shape the future of photography as well.
You've likely heard of some of these companies before. You might even have some of their products.
But others are newcomers to the photography world, and I couldn't be more excited to shine a light on them in this format.
Sirui
Pictured above: Sirui SR-3204 Tripod. Image by Cecil Holmes.
I've been a big fan of Sirui for a long time and have had their W-2204 carbon fiber, waterproof tripod in my arsenal of gear for years and years.
I'll be honest - I wasn't sure how Sirui could make a tripod that was better than the W-2204, but earlier this year, they did just that when they released their SR-Series tripods.
Pictured above: Sirui SR-3004 Tripod.
The SR line - which includes the SR-3004, the SR-3203, and the SR-3204 - is purpose-built for professional photographers with a load capacity of 55 pounds and a maximum height of 80-inches with the optional two-stage center column attached.
Sirui integrated excellent twist-lock leg mechanisms that make extending and retracting the legs a total breeze. That means faster setup and teardown times so you miss less shots.
Pictured above: Sirui SR-3203 Tripod twist leg locks.
In addition, the SR-Series tripods have an integrated bubble level to keep your horizons straight, three-position leg angles for fast setup, a removable flat top plate for converting your tripod from photography to videography, and an integrated 1/4-inch socket on the spider for attaching accessories.
If that sounds like a lot of built-in swag, it is!
Pictured above: Sirui SR-3204 Tripod with integrated bubble level.
These tripods are beautifully made, incredibly durable, highly functional, and backed by Sirui's name. That means it's a quality tripod that will last you for years and years to come.
It's that combination of innovation, commitment to quality, and top-notch tripod construction that landed Sirui on this best of the year list.
Kizoa
There’s no mistaking that video is becoming more and more integrated with still photography. One look at modern cameras and their 4K video capabilities is evidence of that fact.
That means that photographers need to start stepping up their videography game - and fast - lest they be left behind in a rapidly changing market.
With video being such an important part of photography in 2018, it makes sense to include one of the best video platforms around - Kizoa - on our list of the best of 2018.
While other video-making programs might have more name recognition, the combination of Kizoa’s features and price make them stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Over the last decade, Kizoa has developed a vast suite of tools that make it easy to create professional-looking videos.
From adding texts and music to transitions and special effects, Kizoa gives you everything you need. That includes professionally-designed pre-made video templates to get you going and editing tools for cropping, rotating, straightening, and more so you can create your vision perfectly..
And using Kizoa couldn’t be easier - use their cloud-based platform on your laptop or download the free Kizoa app to your iOS device for on-the-go video-making.
Sharing your work is equally as easy with Facebook and YouTube integration. You can email your creations, burn them to DVDs, and download your files as an MP4, AVI, MOV, MPEG2, or even a GIF.
It’s inexpensive as well. With prices starting at just $30 for a lifetime membership, it’s an affordable tool for any photographer seeking to expand their talents into the realm of video!
Photologo
Here’s the thing...
For years and years, I didn’t include a watermark, logo, or signature on my photos, even though I knew it made it easier for people to rip off my images.
But I had a good reason for my decision - watermarks just looked terrible.
Seriously, look at the image below and tell me that the signature on it isn’t completely distracting!
I guess I figured that I’d rather have better-looking photos that are easier to rip off than degrade the quality of my images with a really ugly signature.
But I’ve changed my mind about the use of signatures, watermarks, and such, and that’s thanks to a company called Photologo.
I came across these guys a while back, and to say that I’m impressed is a total understatement.
The premise is quite simple: Photologo creates sleek, beautiful, and bespoke signatures for photographers that add a touch of elegance to your images (while also identifying you as the hard-working photographer that created the shot!).
For less than $40, Photologo will create a handmade signature just for you. Yes - handmade! There’s no software involved in the design process; instead, your signature will be created by real, live human beings using their artistic skill to make you a one-of-a-kind signature.
Not bad, right?
As you can see in the image below, my signature looks awesome.
But it’s not just the looking awesome part that’s so impressive.
You also have to consider how important your signature is to your overall branding and marketing strategy.
Think about it - if you have a gorgeous signature on all your photos, you create a cohesive look. Not only that, but when you send your portfolio to clients or they view your website, you’ll make an even better first impression with the combination of your breathtaking photos and professionally-designed signature along with it.
And you can do with your signature what you wish, too, so include it on everything from your website to blog to your online images for a complete branding experience.
These guys work quickly, too. I had my signature in just two days.
So, from a branding standpoint, a marketing standpoint, an aesthetic standpoint, and a security standpoint, a personalized signature from Photologo can help you elevate your brand of photography. That’s why they’re included on our list of the Best of 2018!
Photomatix
Ask any photographer what the hardest part of photography is, and a healthy margin will say getting the exposure just right.
Whether you’re trying to capture the perfect light of a landscape at dusk or photographing the interior of a home, the challenge of getting highlights, shadows, and midtones in beautiful detail is very real.
That’s why HDR software Photomatix is such a valuable tool for photographers.
Photomatix Pro is the grandfather of HDR software, having pioneered HDR photo editing with the introduction of its first version in 2003.
The software has matured over the years, while keeping up innovating on the leading edge of HDR imaging technology. Its latest iteration, Photomatix Pro 6, includes selective ghost removal, 40 built-in presets, 70+ HDR settings, a brush tool, and batch processing, to name just a few features.
The software offers 6 HDR styles to appeal to all categories of photographers. You can choose from a selection of natural-looking presets when you just need subtle enhancements, but you also have access to a large range or creative presets when you are after artistic effects.
Photomatix Pro is particularly popular among landscape photographers who rely on it to create that "wow" effect, but it's also widely used by real estate photographers. With presets optimised to produce natural looking interior photos, Photomatix Pro has become a favorite tool for high-end real estate photography.
But don’t think that HDRsoft is a one-trick pony - if it were, we wouldn’t include it on our list of the best photography companies of 2018.
There are multiple products in the Photomatix family to meet the HDR needs of a wide range of photographers, whether casual, enthusiast, or professional.
For example, Photomatix Essentials is designed for people who are new to HDR photography. It's not only incredibly easy to use but also offers automatic ghost removal, automatic alignment for handheld photos, and four HDR styles for even further customizations. And all that is just $39.
Being among the best in the industry requires that companies demonstrate an innovative approach to product development, and a commitment to creating products that make photographers more successful. HDRsoft certainly ticks those boxes, and many more.
Holdfast
Image Credit: Brandon Burk
Holdfast has been - and continues to be - one of the top brands in photography.
It makes sense, too, because seldom do you find people as dedicated to crafting the best products as Matt Swaggart and his Oklahoma-based team.
And I don’t just appreciate what Holdfast brings to the photography industry as a photography business owner myself. Instead, I appreciate their products as a long-term customer of theirs.
Image Credit: Brandon Burk
My first experience with Holdfast was with their Roamographer camera bag.
The bag is truly a top-of-the-line carryall that helps you keep your gear organized and safe, while helping you be more comfortable doing it.
The Roamographer is impeccably designed, beautifully crafted using the finest materials, and it’s versatile, too.
Just remove the camera insert and you’ve got a gorgeous weekend bag with tons of space for all your clothes and other necessities for a fun few days away from home.
Image Credit: Brandon Burk
Most recently, though, Holdfast has graced us with their MoneyMaker Solo camera strap.
I have one of these as well, and I can tell you firsthand that the quality and construction that I came to love all those years ago with my Roamographer bag is still there in full force.
In fact, the MoneyMaker Solo uses the same leathers and metal materials as its big brother, the MoneyMaker.
Image Credit: Brandon Burk
But the Solo is designed for one-camera shooters, so it’s a much more streamlined version of the venerable MoneyMaker.
The large, contoured shoulder strap offers you a comfortable carrying experience while the integrated stabilizer strap helps keep the shoulder pad in place.
Image Credit: Brandon Burk
The included Belt Anchor adds further stability to the MoneyMaker Solo by keeping your camera locked into place not matter if you’re walking, stooping, kneeling down, or something in between.
Just pull the release tab on the Belt Anchor, and your camera is free so you can get the shots you need. A quick one-handed action engages the Belt Anchor again to lock your camera back in place.
With the ability to add lens pouches or a cell phone pouch, the MoneyMaker Solo might be small, but it’s got all the features and functionalities you’d expect from a Holdfast product! This commitment to crafting fine products is just one of the many reasons why Holdfast is on our list of the best of the best for 2018.
Kirk Enterprise Solutions
Kirk Enterprise Solutions makes our list of the Best of 2018 for one big reason - they make impeccable photography accessories.
When so many companies cut corners and offer consumers cut-rate products, it's a breath of fresh air to encounter products that are well-designed, easy to use, do what they're supposed to, and offer durability for the long-term.
Kirk has a wide range of products, from tripod and monopod heads to quick release plates and lens plates to flash brackets and rails for macro photography.
They also make some really, really good L-brackets...
The beauty of an L-bracket like the BL-D850 shown above is that you can quickly and easily release, turn, and remount your camera for both vertical and horizontal shots without having to flip the tripod head on its side.
Not only is this a faster, easier way to do things, but it also means you can retain your shooting position.
The L-bracket fits on the base of the camera without interfering with access to the battery or I/O ports, which only aids in its ease of use and functionality.
What I appreciate about my Kirk L-bracket is that it has anti-twist flanges, an Arca-Type compatible dovetail mount, and it doesn't interfere with a tilting LCD.
There's lines on each access to help me ensure the sensor is centered, and the one-piece design means strength and durability.
I've used this L-bracket in all sorts of conditions, and it's always performed beautifully.
That's what it's all about - crafting dependable products that help you and I take better photos.
That's why Kirk Enterprise Solutions is on our list!
The Vest Guy
For nearly three decades, Salt Lake City-based company The Vest Guy has been making the best photography vests on the market.
Not only are their vests made in the USA, they’re also crafted to a military-grade level so they’re incredibly durable. They stand behind their products with a lifetime workmanship warranty which means you’ll have a vest that will serve you well for years and years to come.
Pictured above and below is the Colorado Vest - just one of many photography vest model options available.
Like The Vest Guy’s other vests, this rig was designed using hundreds of hours of professional photography experience in the field to ensure it’s of the utmost in functionality, durability, and comfort.
There’s an adjustable camera strap on the shoulder so you can keep your camera ready for those quick shots. There’s also cargo pockets on the lower part of the vest so your camera gear is right at your fingertips.
What sets this vest apart from others is the attention to detail regarding functionality.
For example, the dual cargo pockets have adjustable, removable interior dividers. You can use the cargo pocket to carry additional camera bodies or utilize the pockets dividers to carry multiple smaller lens.
This vest even has dedicated pockets for lens filters!
And with small zippered pockets on the front of the filter pockets, you have space to keep things like spare memory cards, batteries, and cleaning cloths easily accessible.
Add in the fact that these vests have adjustable straps to accommodate year-round shooting attire, D-rings for carrying a flashlight, bug repellant, or other supplies, a hydration sleeve, heavy-duty zippers, and a carrying handle for easy transport, it’s a recipe for a top-of-the-line photography vest bound to set you apart.
You can even customize the vest by adding padded shoulders, name tags, MOLLE pockets, and more.
If that level of craftsmanship and attention to detail doesn’t earn The Vest Guy a spot on our list of the Best of 2018, I don’t know what will!
DJI Mavic 2
DJI's new Mavic 2 drone is one of the company's best yet, and that's saying a lot given the heritage of DJI's drones over the years.
The Mavic 2 - which comes in the Pro and Zoom versions - is a technology-packed and innovative drone that is certainly worthy of inclusion on this list of the Best of 2018.
Let's start with the Mavic 2 Pro...
This bad boy has a one-inch 20MP sensor in its Hasselblad camera. The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8-f/11, so you have all sorts of wiggle room when it comes to depth of field in your photos and videos.
The Mavic 2 Zoom, meanwhile, offers a bit more zoom range - thus the name - thanks to its 24-48mm lens. If you need more reach to capture distant subjects, this is the Mavic 2 for you.
Both drones fly at up to 44 mph, have a maximum flight time of over 30 minutes, and have all the obstacle-avoiding mechanisms you need to keep your drone safe.
Likewise, both the Pro and the Zoom are capable of shooting 4K video at up to 100MB per second.
When it comes to the best gear for photographers, increasingly, drones are on that list. If you're ready to step up your drone photography game, you might consider one of these top-shelf drones.
PolarPro Filters
There's a lot to love about PolarPro filters, from their incredible lineup of filters for just about any kind of camera to their use of innovative techniques and materials that generate incredible products and superb results.
In fact, PolarPro crafts their Quartzline filters out of 99.9 percent fused quartz.
That means that these filters offer vastly improved optical clarity while also being more durable than traditional filters as well. What's not to like about that?
You can get these Quartzline filters in a variety of forms, too - UV, circular polarizer, neutral density - you name it! So no matter your need for filters for your camera, PolarPro has what you're looking for.
PolarPro doesn't just make filters for traditional cameras, either.
In fact, they make equally excellent filters for various DJI drones.
For example, their DJI Mavic Air Cinema Series Filter 3-Pack Vivid Collection gives drone pilots the capability of shooting beautiful cinematic videos with three different neutral density/polarizing filter combinations.
Their Shutter Collection for the DJI Mavic Air includes three neutral density filters that enable smooth video captures without changing the color profile of the footage that's taken.
But it isn't just the products themselves that earn PolarPro a spot on this list.
Instead, these guys have proven themselves to be dedicated to improving the industry with top-notch customer service, a lifetime warranty on their products, and a dedication to innovations that make taking great photos more likely.
In other words, PolarPro is at the top of their game so we can all be on the top of our game, too!
Synology DiskStation DS918+
There's only one network attached storage system on our list, and for good reason.
The Synology DiskStation DS918+ is loaded for bear with features that makes securely storing your image and video files a breeze.
With four bays for hard disk or SSD drives, you can have up to 48 TB of storage space. It's a scalable system, too, so you can get even more storage with an optional external drive bay that gets you a total of up to 108TB of data storage. That's a lot of photos and videos!
This rig offers fast encrypted and sequential file transfers, is perfectly suited for storing and sharing Ultra HD media files, and can transcode up to two channels of 4K video simultaneously.
The DS918+ has a small form factor, so you can set it on your desk and it won't take up much space.
It's got a simple, elegant look, too, with a matte black finish.
Inside, the DS918+ is powered by an Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core processor that runs at 1.5GHz and can turbo boost to 2.3GHz when needed.
It's easy to set up as well, with Synology's user-friendly Disk Station Manager OS that allows you to get things squared away by using a network-connected computer or tablet.
All told, from unboxing the DS918 to plugging in your drives to booting it up and accessing the Disk Station Manager OS, you'll be in it for about 15 minutes.
Security, tons of features and options, fast performance, ease of use, small form factor...this NAS has it all!
Learn more about the Synology DiskStation DS918+
Athos Insurance Services
In a market in which many insurance companies seem to have lost the capacity for putting the customer first,Athos Insurance Services breaks the mold.
Not only is Athos known for its mantra of making every customer feel like the only customer, but they also offer a wide-range of coverages to meet just about any need that a photographer might have.
Let’s just consider for a moment what Athos’ equipment policies cover…
Natural events like hail, floods, earthquakes, lightning, and windstorms are all covered. So too is accidental damage, damage from falling objects, damage from fire, smoke, or water, and damage that results from an explosion.
Beyond that, Athos’ equipment policy also offers coverage worldwide, including in transit or during shipping. Theft is covered, too, and replacement cost coverage is offered as well.
You can even get optional coverage for equipment that’s afloat or underwater!
In other words, if you’re looking for customizable and comprehensive insurance for your every need, Athos Insurance Services is who to call.
Athos’ founder, Katherine Wong, specialized for many years in equipment and production insurance options, and now she’s leading the charge in digital insurance solutions.
Athos provides quick and easy quotes, easy-to-purchase options, and quality covered to meet your needs, be that for equipment, home insurance, business liability, and various points in between.
It’s a true one-stop-shop for your insurance needs with an extensive online platform to deliver efficient services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s why we recommend them so highly for photographers that need insurance coverage!
Learn more about Athos Insurance Services
SnapPro
Ask any professional photographer what the toughest part of their job is, and I'd bet a healthy number would say "finding new leads."
After all, without leads, it's hard to develop your business, let alone sustain it...
But that's where SnapPro comes in.
SnapPro is a photography directory purpose-built to not only help photographers get leads but also help people find high-quality photographers in their area.
In that regard, it truly is a system that proves beneficial for both sides.
So, SnapPro is basically a database that lists its member photographers across the U.S. and Canada. People that need a photographer just jump on SnapPro, enter their location and the type of photographer they need, and voila - a list of matching photographers is provided.
You can even compare photographers side-by-side, that way you can determine which one is best for you.
SnapPro will then connect clients to their chosen photographer to learn more, get pricing details, and so forth. It couldn't be easier to find a photographer!
But for photographers, having something like SnapPro is a Godsend because it connects you with people that need a photographer in your area.
When business slows down, just turn to SnapPro to find gigs to fill in your schedule.
You can even use SnapPro to find side gigs - working as a second shooter at a wedding, for example.
Maybe best of all is the fact that you can join SnapPro for free in just a few seconds.
Once you join up, you can create a profile, upload a video to introduce yourself, create an image gallery to show off your work, and even publish articles and photography tips to help establish your expertise.
It really is a one-stop solution for photographers that need leads to generate new business!
V-Flat
Creating gorgeous portraits is all about having control over the light.
And while perfecting your lighting setup goes a long way in giving you the precise light you need for dramatic and impactful images, having the ability to fine-tune and control the lighting will help you take your portraits a step further.
You can do that easily with the easy-to-use V-Flats from V-Flat World.
These V-Flats are just 40x40 inches when they’re folded up, and they’re super lightweight, so they are incredibly portable.
In fact, you can slide them into the back of your car and take them from home to the studio to location shoots and points in between without any fuss.
The setup couldn’t be easier, either. As you can see in the video below, it’s a simple matter of unfolding the V-Flat, connecting the Velcro hinges together, and you’re ready to rock.
The white side of the V-Flat is ideal for bouncing light back onto the subject from a strobe for softer, more even light. Likewise, you can use the white side to bounce natural light back onto the subject for the same effect.
The black side allows you to reduce bounced light, resulting in gorgeously dramatic photos with more shadow detail.
Perhaps best of all, you can add V-Flats to your kit without breaking the bank. A single V-Flat is less than $200. Buying a set of two saves you even more money with a price of just $379.
Whether you work in a home studio, on location, or outdoors, you can now have greater control over portrait lighting with these innovative V-Flats from one of the best photography companies of 2018 - V-Flat World.
Acratech
Over the years, Acratech has made a name for itself for crafting quality precision products from ball heads to L-brackets, quick-release clamps to panorama tripod heads.
But it isn't just the fact that they've designed simple, rugged, and effective gear that gets them on our Best of 2018 list...
Instead, in addition putting out quality, innovative products, I also love the fact that Acratech is a family-run business based in Pomona, California.
In fact, not only is the company based in Pomona, but every single Acratech product is proudly made there as well.
Acratech uses only the finest materials, which means you get a product that is of top-quality workmanship that makes your job getting the shot much, much easier.
Their special edition red GP Ball Head shown above is just one example of their incredible attention to detail and their drive to craft photography accessories that help you get better photos.
I own a GP Ball Head (an original black version as well as the special edition red version), and I can attest to the strength and durability of this thing - I don't leave the house without it.
If that doesn't demonstrate just how good Acratech's products are, I don't know what will!
If you're in the market for a ball head, get an Acratech GP Ball Head in black or contact the company directly to order a special edition red GP Ball Head.
CanvasHQ
I've been a customer of CanvasHQ for a while now, and they certainly don't disappoint.
On the one hand, CanvasHQ crafts the best canvases I've ever hung on my walls - and that's saying something because I've tested canvases from dozens of companies over the years.
These guys use only high-grade materials, which means your photos look like a million bucks on a canvas that won't fade, bubble, or crack. The frames are made of kiln-dried wood so they won't bend or buckle, either.
Aside from the quality of their canvases, CanvasHQ makes this list of the Best of 2018 because they have outstanding customer service.
They're a small outfit, so they treat you like an old friend rather than another order number that needs to be fulfilled.
If you have a question, they'll answer promptly. If you need help, they'll stay with you until the issue is resolved.
Speaking of issues, if there's a problem with your canvas, you can send it back within 30 days to get a refund, or CanvasHQ will ship a replacement to you.
On top of all that, the CanvasHQ folks work quickly.
No one wants to wait for weeks on end to get their canvas, so the turnaround time of 48 hours and quick shipping after that means you can get your canvas in a matter of days, not weeks.
It's this combination of fast service, customer care, and quality products that makes CanvasHQ one of our favorites for 2018.
Start making your CanvasHQ canvas today.
Xennec
Xennec is a new company on the PhotographyTalk radar, but despite that, they’re already being featured on our Best of 2018 list.
Why?
Well, that’s simple…
In hands-on testing, their camera bags have not only proven to be of impeccable build quality but their functionality is off the charts, too.
Take their “smallest” bag, the Messenger 13 shown above.
In it, I have my Nikon D850 with an L-bracket and a 14-24mm lens attached. I have a 24-70mm lens and a 70-200mm lens in the bag as well.
That’s a ton of gear in a messenger-style bag!
If you need to carry even more gear, Xennec’s DayPack 15 (shown above) and BackPack 15 (shown below) are monstrously large, with the former accommodating a camera with a lens attached, 3-4 additional lenses, camera accessories, a 15-inch laptop, and a 12-inch laptop. The latter ups the storage capacity even more with space for an additional 2-3 lenses.
What’s so great about these bags (aside from looking like a million bucks) is that they can carry all your gear and do so without feeling cumbersome.
The Messenger 13, for example, feels light on your shoulder even when loaded for bear, and you still feel as though you can move quickly and navigate through crowds, be that on a busy city street or a wedding reception or whatever else you might be photographing.
I’m a stickler for details, and Xennec certainly delivers on that front as well.
They’ve incorporated things like innovative magnetic closures on the Messenger 13 for easy access, Twiz-lock zipper pulls for improved security on the DayPack 15 and BackPack 15, and waterproof zippers to keep your gear dry.
If you look at the stitching on these bags, you can tell that time and effort was put into the construction, which means that the bag will look good and perform well for the long-term.
And that’s what’s so refreshing about Xennec - they have thoughtfully designed their products to be as functional as possible, dedicated themselves to high-quality construction, and developed innovative features like magnetic closures and hidden gear access panels that make using their bags easier while keeping your gear safer.
If that doesn’t land a company on a photography “best of the best” list, I don’t know what will!
Seriously, give Xennec a look and see what I mean about being the perfect blend of form, function, and price.
Argraph
One of the problems that many photographers face is figuring out what to do with all their old slides and negatives from decades ago.
Rather than letting them sit and rot in boxes in your attic, you can save them for perpetuity using Argraph's Pana-Vue Pana-Scan Portable Stand-Alone Combo Scanner.
What puts Argraph on this best of 2018 list is the fact that they have streamlined the process of turning analog memories into digital dreams.
This scanner is loaded for bear with features but it isn't complicated to use. That's a great combination!
Whether you've got photos, 35mm negatives, 110 or 126 Instamatic negatives, or 35mm slides, this scanner will digitize them all.
Argraph has developed anti-glare technology that allows the scanner to scan photos without even removing the photos from the album. That's a great feature for fragile, old photographs.
What's more, if you can remove photos from albums, the Pana-Vue scanner will scan up to 4x6 prints into 14-megapixel digital files.
Perhaps best of all, it takes just a moment to scan and you don't even need a computer. This is a standalone device that allows you to scan and share your photos via email and social media. You can print your images, too!
Plus, if you want to view the images you've scanned, Argraph has made it easy to hook the scanner up to a TV.
There’s simply not an easier way to digitize old photos than with Argraph’s Pana-Vue Combo Scanner!
SHUTTERbag
One of the factors I take into account when deciding what companies I think are the best of the year is how innovative the company is.
And in terms of innovation, SHUTTERbag is at the top of my list.
This company has been changing the face of photography for eight years now, particularly for female photographers.
That's because SHUTTERbag specializes in creating functional, durable, and affordable camera bags for women.
As shown above, there are a variety of models for just about any female photographer.
If you're a mom on the go, the Girls Day Out bag (shown top left, above) is ideal because it has three separate compartments - one for your photography gear and two zippered compartments for anything from your tablet to diapers for your kid.
The Journey bag shown above is actually in my wife's closet as we speak - I bought it for her earlier this year.
The bag is a tote-style bag made of genuine leather. It has a breathable cotton lining that snuggles your gear and protects it from scuffs and scratches.
The bag also has a detachable strap with a slip-resistant shoulder pad that makes for a comfortable carrying experience whether you use it as a shoulder bag or a sling bag across your body.
What I like about it is that I can have my wife carry my Nikon D850 with a 70-200mm lens attached while I chase our son around. It's a great setup!
Beyond the beauty and functionality of these bags, there's just simply an incredible selection to choose from. No matter what you need big or small, SHUTTERbag has the bag for you!
Meural
The Meural Canvas is one of my favorite photography products of all time.
I think it's easy to understand why, too...
For starters, it looks like a normal, everyday framed photo or piece of art. The difference, of course, is that it's digitized, so you can load whatever images you want on it, just like opening a playlist on Spotify.
But more than that, the digital images displayed on this thing look incredibly real.
That's thanks to Meural's TrueArt technology that recreates the images with lifelike detail.
On top of that, the Meural Canvas automatically adjusts its display to accommodate vertical or horizontal hanging.
It has an ambient light sensor to adjust its brightness to the level of the lighting in the room,and the frame is made of FSC-certified American hardwood.
All of that means that you have a gorgeous product and one that's sustainably resourced, too.
Perhaps best of all is that you can control what's displayed on the Meural Canvas via their website, a mobile app, or by using hand gestures. It's like living in 3018, not 2018!
Meural Canvases are truly impressive and something that has totally changed photography. That's why they're on our Best of 2018 list!
Excire
Excire is an up-and-coming company that I became familiar with this year, and I just have to sing its praises.
For me, there isn’t much that I hate doing more than manually tagging my photos in Lightroom. That’s why there are thousands and thousands of images in my Lightroom catalogs that aren’t tagged at all.
Until now…
What’s so great about Excire’s products - Excire Search and Excire Search Pro - is that they utilize artificial intelligence to tag your Lightroom photos for you.
Yeah...we’re living in the future, my friends!
Excire Search has 125 common keywords that can be used for tagging your images, so every shot you have of a mountain or a bike or a dog will be organized and easily identified.
Excire Search can obviously be used to search your images as well. Just use the plugin to find the images in your catalog that meet your criteria!
Even better, Excire Search Pro offers over 500 keywords for tagging, so you have even more capability to organize and search your photos.
It includes a keyword transfer function, too, which means you can use Excire Search Pro on your existing catalogs. That means no more hunting around for the images you need, even if you have an enormous Lightroom catalog of tens of thousands of images.
In addition to having a top-shelf, award-winning Lightroom plugin, the folks at Excire are dedicated to making a positive mark on the community. That’s why they take a small portion of the proceeds from Excire Search Pro sales and set it aside to fund non-profit organizations in the United States.
That fact alone is enough to land Excire on this list of the best of the best, but having an incredible Lightroom plugin that makes your life as a photographer SO much easier sure helps too!
National Photographic Adventures
National Photographic Adventures has been around for a good, long while, helmed by 40-year photography veteran Kevin Vandivier.
Kevin's award-winning photography, his down-home personality, and his commitment to helping others reach a higher level of success with their cameras are just a few reasons why his company is listed here as among the best of 2018.
I've had the pleasure of talking shop with Kevin on a number of occasions, and his love for photography is infectious.
He uses that passion to mentor his students to help them tell better stories with the photographs they take.
Each of Kevin's workshops includes one-on-one feedback, daily demonstrations of photography techniques, and shooting assignments that are designed to help each person grow as a photographer.
With locations all over the United States, these workshops give you a chance to learn and grow as a photographer in some of the most incredible places on earth - Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, and Monument Valley among them.
Perhaps best of all, these adventures are limited to just seven people, so you're sure to get the most individual instruction possible.
No matter which adventure you choose, National Photographic Adventures is one of the best photography tour companies around!
Tripod Flags
One of the criteria I use to determine if a company is truly one of the best of the year is their ability to think outside the box and provide products that truly help photographers build better businesses.
Tripod Flags has certainly done that…
Tripod Flags looked at one of the most useful (and visible) parts of a photographer’s kit - your tripod - and found an ideal place for photography branding.
Think about it - whether you’re shooting a wedding, a corporate event, working for a charity event, or something in between, your tripod is often front-and-center. Tripod Flags takes advantage of that prime real estate and turns your tripod into a miniature billboard with a heavy-duty canvas cover where you can place your business name and contact information for all to see.
I often see wedding and event photographers wear shirts with their branding on them. And while that’s a good idea, it’s also expensive! Besides, when you’re holding your camera to your eye, who’s going to see your business name printed on your shirt?
Aside from being a great way to advertise your business, Tripod Flags also offer enhanced safety for your gear. The large, heavy-duty canvas cover is easy to see, so it can help guests avoid running into your gear as they enjoy themselves at the event.
In other words, a custom-fit Tripod Flag pulls double duty. It’s an ideal way to promote your brand while also offering safety for your gear and for guests.
What’s not to like about that?!
GDU
What impresses me the most about the GDU O2 drone is that you don't have to be a drone expert to fly this thing.
For beginner pilots, the GDU O2 is easy to use, highly portable, and its obstacle avoidance system helps keep it in the air and avoid crashes.
What's more, the vision positioning system gives the drone total flying stability whether you're piloting it indoors or out.
For more experienced pilots, the GDU O2 has a gesture recognition system for taking still images and videos, bust shooting mode for capturing action shots, slow-motion and time-lapse shooting modes, as well as a selfie mode.
On top of that, this drone has a three-axis stable video capture feature that enables beautifully smooth panning 4K videos.
GDU has incorporated multiple flight modes as well - fly in a circle around you, lift off like a rocket, or have the drone follow you around.
No matter which mode you're flying in, the drone has a return-to-home function so it will land in basically the same spot from which it took off.
Add in a smartphone app to control the drone, and you have the makings of one of the best photography products of 2018!
Vallerret Photography Gloves
I live in Southern California, so I don’t get many opportunities for winter photography - at least not the winter photography that involves the cold and snow.
But I grew up in upstate New York, so it’s not like I’m unfamiliar with how the cold can adversely affect your ability to take a great shot.
Back then, digital cameras didn’t exist, let alone all the awesome camera accessories we have today.
One thing I wish I would’ve had back then was a pair of Vallerret Photography Gloves. I have some now, so I guess that’s all that matters!
In a word, these gloves are amazing.
Specifically designed for photographers, these gloves not only keep your hands warm but they allow you to maintain the ability to interact with your gear.
For example, their IPSOOT glove (shown above and below) has FlipTech finger caps that allow you to change camera settings and press buttons with your finger without having to remove the glove. The caps are even magnetic, so when they’re open, they stay out of your way.
On top of that, the glove has an ergonomic fit that ensures it contours to your hand and doesn’t get in the way of camera control.
The palm of the IPSOOT glove has a non-slip covering, too, that way you can more easily grip your camera, even in the coldest of conditions.
Speaking of cold…
Vallerret offers varying warmth levels for their gloves, so whether you’re in mild winter conditions, deep winter conditions, or somewhere in between, there’s a glove for you.
The selection of gloves that Vallerret offers is pretty incredible, too.
If you don’t need the deep winter warmth of the IPSOOT glove, perhaps the Markhof Pro 2.0 glove (shown above and below) - which is designed for mid winter conditions and everyday use - is for you.
The Markhof Pro 2.0 has many of the same innovative features as the IPSOOT - the Merino wool inner lining, the FlipTech finger caps, and the non-slip grip, among them. Both models even have a handy zippered pouch to keep a spare memory card handy.
If it isn’t obvious, Vallerret has thought of everything!
They’ve got an extensive line of gloves, gloves for all types of wintery weather, gloves with innovative features that make photography easier to tackle in the winter, and these gloves look really, really good, too.
Beyond that, these gloves have proven their mettle in the harshest winter conditions in Alaska, Canada, Norway, and other countries that really test a photographer’s abilities - and the ability of their gear.
It’s the combination of superb quality, tried-and-true real-world testing, and must-have features in a beautifully crafted package that got Vallerret on our Best of 2018 list!
Strabo Photo Tour Collection
Frank Lavelle
Since 2003, Strabo Photo Tour Collection has been leading enriching photography tours around the world that are designed by and for photographers. That's why they are the best of the best for 2018.
Strabo offers an incredible array of workshops and tours - more than 40, in fact - that take you to beautiful and enriching destinations the world over.
No matter if you love landscapes or architecture, portraits or wildlife, there is something for you!
In fact, if you're ready to get adventuring, you can head to Morocco - a land of breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and tons of history - to build your photography skills in 2019.
Ron Rosenstock
If Iceland is more your style, Strabo Photo Tours can accommodate you.
Join their yearly tours of this land of fire and ice and explore black sand beaches, beautiful glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and more.
Of course, there are many, many more locations to visit, including throughout Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America as well.
Truly, Strabo has an amazing lineup of workshops, each of which is taught by a veteran photographer with years and years of practical experience.
That's what happens when you build a solid reputation as being a premier photo tour provider!