^{Image Credit: Andrew_Mayovskyy}

As I've written before, Iceland is a must-visit location for photographers.

It's a land of wonder and enchantment with a variety of landscapes unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

But knowing that Iceland is a photographer's paradise and knowing how to get great photos while in Iceland are two different things.

With that in mind, here's a few pro tips for photographing Iceland.

Tips for Photographing Iceland: Weather and Timing

^{Image Credit: prasit chansarekorn}

One thing that all landscape photographers should already understand is that no matter how much planning you do, the weather remains unpredictable.

While you might hope to snag photos of one of Iceland's gorgeous waterfalls set under a beautiful blue sky, you might arrive at your destination and find gray, overcast skies instead.

Unless you've developed some sort of weather-changing superpowers, you'll just have to roll with it.

If you find that the weather isn't ideal, find ways to work around it.

^{Image Credit: borchee}

For example, if it's an overcast day, focus your energies on photographing landscapes with a lot of texture to help give your images depth in the absence of shadows and highlights.

You can also find one of Iceland's many landscapes that burst with green foliage that's set against dark volcanic rock for an interesting visual.

Of course, timing of your trip to Iceland is important, too. A photographic adventure in the dead of winter has the potential for some awesome sights, but at the same time, it increases the likelihood of poor weather hampering your efforts.

Pro Tip: Head to Iceland with a photography tour, that way you not only get to explore the island during the best time of the year, but you also get to sit back and relax while your guide takes you to the most scenic spots the island has to offer.

Understand That You Won't Be Alone

^{Image Credit: DieterMeyrl}

It can be disappointing to travel to a dream photography spot only to find dozens of other photographers already there having staked out their spot to capture the beauty of the area.

But there's little that you can do about tourists in Iceland, unless you venture to lesser-known areas during the off-season.

Instead, it's best if you embrace the fact that other photographers and tourists will be in the same spots as you looking to capture awesome photos.

In fact, there are plenty of opportunities in Iceland to bring other people into your landscape photos.

Whether it's the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Hallgrímskirkjaat Lutheran Church, the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck or somewhere in between, see if you can't make a new friend for life by incorporating other photographers into your photos (or asking them to take one of you!).

Pro Tip: Incorporating people into your landscape photos of Iceland gives the photo context and a sense of scale. Since people are a familiar size and shape, they can help viewers understand the sheer size of features like waterfalls and mountains. 

Have the Right Lenses

^{Image Credit: Kotenko_A}

I'll begin this section with a disclaimer - there are no "right" lenses for photography. In the end, what you use will be dependent upon the type of photos you're after (and the kinds of lenses you have in your bag, of course).

That being said, I've found it beneficial to have a go-to lens that I keep on my camera most of the time. In Iceland, a wide-angle like a 24mm prime is a great option, especially if it's an f/1.4 that you can use to capture the Northern Lights and nighttime landscapes under a blanket of stars.

Since most of the subjects in Iceland are landscapes, a wide-angle is well-suited for most of the things that you'll see.

^{Image Credit: narvikk}

I'd also take along a good zoom lens, perhaps something like a 24-70mm f/2.8. Having a solid zoom lens in your kit gives you the option of varying your shots from wide-angle to short telephoto.

On a full frame camera, this lens will give you just enough reach to create intimate landscapes that show off the details of waterfalls, volcanic rocks, thermal pools, and so forth.

On a crop sensor camera, the effective focal length gets you solidly into telephoto range, giving you an even greater ability to capture distant features, close-ups of wildlife, and so on.

Pro Tip: Though you can take great photos with virtually any camera and lens, it behooves you to utilize a camera that can shoot in RAW format. This gives you access to all the data collected by the sensor for processing purposes, giving you much more control over how the final image looks.

Make Iceland Your Classroom

^{Image Credit: Smitt}

Of course, one of the best ways to get awesome photos of Iceland is to make it your classroom by exploring it as part of a photography tour.

What better place to learn more about photography than this paradise?!

Some tours, like National Photographic Adventures, make it an even better learning experience by limiting the size of their tours of Iceland to just seven people.

With such a small group, you have greater access to the guide - in this case, 40-year photography veteran Kevin Vandivier - to learn the techniques needed to take breathtaking shots.

^{Image Credit: borchee}

What's more, these small groups foster camaraderie between you and the other participants. You'll often find that you make friends for life when taking part in such a fantastic adventure with such a small group.

Asking questions, getting feedback, and giving feedback to other members of the group is much easier when there's just a handful of photographers along for the ride, too.

^{Image Credit: Oleh_Slobodeniuk}

In other words, not only is Iceland a breathtaking place to photograph, but it's also a fantastic place to learn how to improve your photography.

From black sand beaches to waterfalls, geysers to mountains, and points in between, National Photographic Adventures will put you in the most picturesque spots that Iceland has to offer - and help you get better photos of those locations as well.

For more details about this Icelandic Photo Adventure, click here.

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^{Image Credit: edb3_16 via iStock} 

We all want to create breathtaking landscape photos, right?

But the trick is figuring out how to improve on the photos we take to get them to that breathtaking level...

Fortunately, you don't have to be an expert or a professional photographer to greatly improve your images. In fact, for some photographers, it's a dead simple process that really only requires a bit of time and patience.

That being the case, here's a few simple landscape photography tips that you can use to vastly improve the quality of your photos.

Editor's Tip: Ready to take your photography skills on the road? Learn why Iceland is a photographer's paradise.

Participate in a Photography Workshop

^{Image Credit: Kevin Vandivier} 

When I was in high school, we had the chance to take immersion-based language courses. That meant having a block class that was 90-minutes long every day for a semester.

I took French, and learned the language far faster than my friends that took the traditional 45-minute daily course for a year.

That kind of immersion learning is beneficial for all sorts of things - photography included - which is why immersing yourself in learning new techniques and skills in a workshop format is such a great way to improve your photography.

Image Credit: Kevin Vandivier 

I'm an especially big proponent of taking part in on-location photography workshops.

Companies like National Photographic Adventures, for example, put you in a gorgeous location like Monument Valley, the Grand Tetons, Iceland, or Glacier National Park where you get to develop your photography skills in the midst of some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Image Credit: Kevin Vandivier 

Better still, on-location workshops like these put you elbow-to-elbow with a professional teacher that can give you one-on-one learning time because group sizes are limited.

You also benefit from getting to know other photography enthusiasts, sharing your work with one another, and getting quality feedback on your photos.

So, beautiful scenery? Check. In-depth learning opportunities? Check. Making connections with other photographers? Check!

Sounds like a great way to improve your photography to me.

Shoot in Aperture Priority Mode

^{Image Credit: Bhanupong Asatamongkolchai via iStock} 

If you're not quite to the point where you feel comfortable shooting in manual mode, but you want to escape the clutches of shooting in full auto mode, aperture priority mode is a great compromise.

Using aperture priority mode (A or Av on your camera's dial) allows you to retain control over the aperture for landscape and ISO settings while the camera controls the shutter speed.

Without having to remember all three camera settings, instead, you can focus on just two. And, really, you can set the ISO in most situations and worry only about the aperture.

With less brain power devoted to trying to figure out all the exposure settings, you can instead concentrate on other aspects of getting a great shot like framing, composition, and lighting.

Editor's Tip: When taking landscape photos, it's beneficial to explore and find off-the-beaten-path spots to take your images. Learn the benefits of finding under-the-radar spots to take photos.

Use That Histogram

When you start out in photography, you often get into the habit of checking the exposure of the images you take by looking at them on the camera's LCD.

The problem with doing so is that the LCD is not a good representation of the exposure levels of an image.

Not only is the LCD difficult to see in some situations (like bright sunlight) but it's also not intended to be a means of inspecting shadows and highlights.

Instead, to improve your landscape photography, get into the habit of using your camera's histogram.

As you can see in the chart above, the histogram is a graphical representation of the brightness of pixels in a photo.

That means that there's no mistaking if a photo is overexposed, underexposed, or just right, and that, in turn, means that you'll have better-exposed photos because you can take action based on the histogram's data to rectify exposure problems.

Simplify Your Photos

^{Image Credit: musicphone1 via iStock} 

The last piece of advice I'd like to give is to simplify your photos.

Though this sounds easy to do, in landscape photography - in which there is so much detail everywhere you look - it can actually be quite difficult to create a simplified image.

But the simpler a composition is, often, the more powerful that composition is as well.

A key practice for simplifying your landscape compositions is to consider what it is about the scene that you like most, and make it the focal point of the shot.

Is it an interesting mountain peak? The color of the rocks under the surface of the water in a river? The way the light filters through the trees?

Whatever it is about the landscape that draws your attention the most, make it the subject of your shot, work to cut everything else out of the image, and you'll likely end up with a much stronger composition that has more visual appeal.

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^{Image Credit: 2e812ac3_768 via iStock}

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!

Learn more about PolarPro

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?!

Learn more about Tripod Flags

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!

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Glacier National Park is an area of unmatched beauty.

From soaring peaks to wide-open valleys, pristine lakes to thick forests, wildlife to glaciers, there is no shortage of beautiful scenery to capture with your camera. That's why Glacier is considered one of the crown jewels of the National Park System.

When planning a trip to this incredible area, it can be difficult to determine where you should spend your time - there's simply too many gorgeous areas to take in.

In this quick guide, I offer up a few of my recommendations for what to photograph in Glacier National Park.

Avalanche Gorge

One of the most popular hikes in all of Glacier National Park, the trek to Avalanche Gorge is certainly worth the physical effort.

The payoff is a river of crystal blue waters flowing rapidly through a narrow gorge.

The gorge, in turn, is covered in lush, green plant life in the summer, and that combination of deep greens and electric blue is one that makes for a highly dramatic photo.

But the journey to the gorge reveals even more fodder for your camera. Winding through the forest, the trail takes you through the easternmost cedar forest in the U.S.

The 100-foot red cedars - some of which grow to seven feet wide - stand as testament to the striking beauty of this area.

Quick Tip:

Stop along the trail amongst the cedars to practice using a frame within a frame.

By positioning something (i.e., bushes and other plants) in the foreground of the shot, you give the image more depth.

Try different types of frames, too - the branches of a tree hanging down along the top of the frame or a tree trunk on the left or right side of the shot.

Learn More:

• Best Camera Settings for Landscape Photography

Iceberg Lake

If you want to experience Glacier National Park without as much of a crowd, Iceberg Lake is a prime spot.

The hike to the lake covers nearly 10 miles roundtrip, and with an elevation gain of nearly 1,200 feet, it's also more strenuous than other popular hikes in the region.

The scenery makes the workout to get there well worth it. Not only is the lake itself beautiful, but the soaring peaks that surround it are also quite impressive.

To the south is Mt. Wilbur, and to the east is Iceberg Peak, a steep tower that rises 3,000 feet above the lake.

Quick Tip: 

Use a wide-angle lens to incorporate both the lake and the surrounding peaks into one shot.

To add more detail, position yourself near the edge of the lake and assume a low shooting position to bring some of the rocks along the shore and underneath the water into the photo.

Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake is one of the best locations in Glacier National Park for landscape photographers.

There's good reason for this, too.

The hike to Hidden Lake begins at Logan Pass, a saddle nestled between Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain at an elevation of 6,646 ft.

Below the peaks of the surrounding mountains, fields of wildflowers seem to extend for miles.

Venturing along the trail to Hidden Lake, you encounter the Hanging Gardens Meadow where you can get up-close views of wildflowers in the summer.

This is also a prime area for seeing wildlife, particularly mountain goats, as well as bighorn sheep and a grizzly bear or two.

Less than 1.5 miles from Logan Pass, Hidden Lake sits at the foot of Bearhat Mountain, a triangular-shaped peak that rises nearly 8,700 feet above sea level.

Quick Tip:

Bring a telephoto lens with you so you can get up-close photos of wildlife while maintaining a safe distance.

A good option would be something like a 70-200mm zoom lens to give you a wide variability of focal lengths.

Learn More:

• Take a Photographic Adventure in Glacier National Park

The Best Way to See Glacier

If you're a photographer and you love landscapes, there's not a better way to experience the beauty of this part of the world than as part of a photography tour.

Think about it - you get to see some of the park's best locations, all the while being guided by an expert that can help you develop your photography skills.

Your workshop takes place in one of the most stunning areas on earth, too. What better way to learn how to improve as a landscape photographer than to be out in the majesty of Glacier National Park?

As far as photography tours and workshops goes, National Photographic Adventures has an excellent offering in Glacier from August 15-19, 2019.

You'll join Kevin Vandivier, a photographer with over 40 years of experience behind the lens, and no more than six other participants for a photo adventure you won't soon forget.

The workshop takes you from West Glacier to Lake McDonald, Swiftcurrent Lake to Chief Mountain, with stops in between for sunrise and sunset shoots, wildflowers, wildlife, and even cowboys.

The value of this kind of photography outing is in the small group experience.

This isn't a tour where you're lost on a bus with 40 people you don't know.

Instead, there's seven participants at the most, that way you get to know one another, learn from one another, and get valuable one-on-one instruction with Kevin, too.

Spots are open for this epic adventure in Glacier National Park in August of 2019. For additional details about this photo workshop, visit National Photographic Adventures.

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