If you’re serious about making it as a professional photographer, one of the first things you need to do is evaluate the ways in which you can maximize your time each day. Whether that’s hiring an assistant to answer phones and schedule your appointments or equipping yourself with the latest software to improve your post-processing workflow, you need to squeeze every second out of every work day so that you have time to rest, relax, and spend time with friends and family.

To help you in that regard, we’ve put together this list of three can’t-miss productivity tips.

Break Your Day Into “Chunks”

Chunking is a method used by people to tackle a large task - you work on one aspect of the task, and when it’s completed, you move on to the next one.

This is also a great method for improving your productivity because you can limit distractions and interruptions. For example, if you identify two or three chunks of time over the course of the day during which you return emails and phone calls, you don’t have to worry about being interrupted by those tasks when you’re trying to do something else, like processing your photos.

As a creative person, you know that there are times when your creativity is really going strong, and others when it’s a struggle. The last thing you need to do is concern yourself with how many emails you have coming in or the number of phone calls you need to return when you’re trying to concentrate on developing ideas for shoots or going through hundreds of photos, trying to find the best ones for your clients.

Just record a voicemail greeting that includes the times when you’re available, and create an email autoresponder that outlines your availability as well. Then you can work worry-free and address those tasks when it’s time.

Improve Your Workflow

There are plenty of ways to improve your workflow - have model releases digitized so they can be signed on your phone or a tablet, pack your gear for a photo shoot the night before, if possible, so you can walk out the door when it’s time to leave the next day, and invest in productivity tools for your computer like billing software and a social media app so you can spend less time on those activities and more time actually taking photos.

But one of the best things you can do to be more productive is to equip yourself with tools that make the process of shooting photos easier and smoother. At the top of our list of how to do that is to eliminate those pesky neck straps that always get in the way and replace them with a hand strap like the Spiderlight Hand Strapfrom Spider Holster, which is currently on Kickstarter. This ergonomically designed hand strap was built for comfort, with padding on the inside that prevents excessive sweating and exterior material the not only looks good, but also remembers the contours of your hand for maximum comfort.

In addition to the comfort factor, using a hand strap frees you from the binds of neck straps to allow you the freedom of movement you need to get the shots you want. What’s more, the Spiderlight Hand Strap fits snugly on your hand so there’s no worry that your mirrorless camera will slide off - you can work freely but with the peace of mind that your valuable gear won’t be going anywhere.

In the past, a major drawback of hand straps was that they weren’t compatible to use with other tools, like tripods. But with the Spiderlight Hand Strap, you don’t have to remove it in order to use your tripod. Just utilize the Spiderlight Thin Plate to make transitions from tripod mounting to handheld a breeze. Use Spider Holster’s Black Widow Holster for easy access to your camera right on your hip, and pair that with Black Widow Vertical Adapter to attach your Black Widow Holster to a backpack or a messenger back for another easy-access option.

Improving your workflow is about making shooting more intuitive and accessible, and for pros that utilize a mirrorless system, the Spiderlight Hand Strap and its associated products do just that. No more fumbling around with neck straps. No more awkward lens changes. No more fatigued shoulders. The Spiderlight Hand Strap will keep your process streamlined and help you maintain a higher level of energy so you can get the shots you need in less time. That’s something your body and mind will appreciate!

Find out more about the incredible products mentioned above by visiting Spider Holster’s Kickstarter page.

Carve Out a Workspace

If you’re like many photographers, you probably work from home. While that helps save you money on rent and time commuting back and forth to a separate studio, it also means that you have to mix your work environment with the one where you relax, eat dinner, or sleep. Those mixed messages can really interfere with how your body and mind works, so carving out a special space in your home for your work is crucial.

Your home workspace needn’t be anything spectacular, but what it does need is to be as separated from the rest of your home as possible. A spare bedroom, a basement, or an attic might be good, out-of-the-way choices that give you the space you need as far away from the hubbub of the house as possible. If you don’t have a separate space, use space planning and furniture choices to create a workspace in your main living area. Something as simple as a desk can help you be more productive as it indicates to your brain that it’s work time in a way that plopping yourself on the couch with your laptop cannot.

Another aspect of creating your workspace needs to be a commitment to being distraction free. For example, it’s wonderful to position your desk near a window, but will it be too tempting to gaze outside rather than working? If positioned near your TV, will the urge to turn it on outweigh your desire to continue your work, even when you aren’t necessarily feeling all that creative? The point is that your workspace needs to facilitate “work mode,” and that will require you to be thoughtful about potential distractions and how to avoid them.

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If you want to shoot like a pro, you'll need to dedicate yourself to learning the ins and outs of photography.

On the one hand, that means working unencumbered - hands-free - so you can get the shots you want.

That means working on things like composition and framing, too.

That also means looking for lighting that adds drama and impact to your shots.

Let's have a look at each of these pro tips in more detail.

Keep Your Hands Free

One pro tip that some photographers might never think about is the value of working hands-free.

Think about it - if you can carry your cameras in a way that they are out of the way, out of your hands, yet at your fingertips, your hands (and upper body, for that matter) are free to move around.

That means you can get into your camera bag more quickly and easily to snag a lens, a filter, or a new battery for your camera.

That also means that as you walk around looking for the shot, your hands and arms are unencumbered from cameras that are hanging from uncomfortable shoulder straps.

That freedom of movement is invaluable as you seek to take better photos!

If you really want to improve your workflow, get your cameras on your hips where they are out of the way and safe.

I personally love my Spider Holster SpiderPro (shown above) for just those reasons.

I was sick of having to walk around with one hand holding my camera body so it didn't bounce against my chest as I walked.

That's not to mention that I love to shoot at the beach, so having both of my hands free in case I slipped on wet rocks was a high priority.

So, I picked up a SpiderPro, and it was one of the best decisions I've made.

It puts my camera on my hips, so my upper body is free. It's more comfortable, too, because the weight of my gear is distributed at my waist, as opposed to on a flimsy strap on one shoulder.

What's more, if I'm out adventuring over rough terrain, my camera is safe right at my side, with no worry that if I trip and fall that I'll crush my camera as I do it. Besides, with the SpiderPro, my hands are free to catch myself should I stumble.

Better yet, though my camera is out of the way, it's not in an inconvenient spot. In fact, with my camera at my hip, I can easily retrieve it, bring it to my eye, and frame up a shot. It's the best of both worlds!

Don't take my word for it, though - check out the SpiderPro in the hands-on review video above from B&H Photo Video.

And if you have a compact or a point-and-shoot camera, there's hands-free joy awaiting you, too.

Spider Holster makes the Black Widow Holster (shown above) specifically for shooters like you that want to enjoy working hands-free.

It's an ideal gadget for photographers that are on the move, and especially those that travel. See a hands-on review of this rig in the video below by B&H Photo Video:

That's because the Black Widow was designed to work with your body movements and conform to your body, so it's ideal for safely carrying your camera, even in thick crowds.

And the added beauty of both the Black Widow and the SpiderPro is that they lock your camera into place. That means you can carry it safely and securely without worry of it falling off or getting stolen.

Talk about improving your workflow!

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Spider Holster SpiderPro
• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Spider Holster Black Widow 

Create Unique Compositions

Part of what sets professional photos apart from those taken by amateurs is a strong attention to the manner in which the shot is composed.

By that I mean that the pros often find ways to create a unique composition.

For example, rather than standing at eye level and snapping a photo of a landscape, try kneeling down, sitting down, heck - even laying down - to get a different point of view of the scene. You can also try getting above it all, perhaps with a drone, for a real eye-popping look!

Something as simple as altering the viewer's eye level can not only make your photo stand out more, but it can also create a more engaging viewing experience for people that look at your photo.

Likewise, if you're taking a portrait, try to avoid the "traditional" portrait in which the model is posed and looking right down the barrel of the lens.

Instead, try a unique composition in which you take a faceless portrait or focus on a single body part, like someone's clasped hands.

You can even utilize a different perspective to create a more interesting portrait, such as getting above the model and shooting down toward them or taking a very low shooting position and shooting up at them.

The point is that if you want your images to be more compelling - whether they are landscapes, portraits, or something in between - you need to find ways to give viewers a more unique experience when looking at your photos.

Concentrating on interesting ways to compose the shot will help you achieve that goal.

Learn More:

• Unique Ideas for Creating Faceless Portraits
• 7 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Press the Shutter Button

Try Using a Frame Within a Frame

A great technique to use to add structure to a shot is to use a frame within a frame.

And by structure, I don't necessarily mean shape...

Instead, I mean that a frame within a frame serves to help you build a better viewing experience.

For example, a frame can restrict a viewer's view of the scene, helping you to block out elements that aren't needed or are distracting.

Frames also serve the purpose to direct the viewer's attention toward the subject.

In the image above, the ice cave acts as a frame that helps drive our eye toward the man in the background.

So, even though the subject is quite small relative to the rest of the shot, he's still the first thing we see.

In other words, the frame within a frame technique helped the photographer increase the visual strength of the subject, and a strong subject is certainly something a good photo needs to have.

A frame within a frame can have the same impact on the photos you take too.

Learn More:

• Photography Composition Tip: Using a Frame Within a Frame
• Make Your Photos Better With These Photography Composition Tricks

Add Drama With Great Lighting

A final pro tip for getting better photos is to find light that adds drama to your shots.

Now, there are all kinds of different light, from harsh and contrasty to soft and warm.

Light has color, direction, and intensity, all of which you need to consider when creating your photos.

For the most drama, soft, golden light at dawn and dusk is ideal.

It adds warmth to your shots, and with the sun low on the horizon, it also produces long shadows that are great for adding depth.

Speaking of shadows, positioning yourself such that the light enters the shot from the side will help you take advantage of those long shadows.

This is called sidelighting, and photos that make use of it have a wonderful dimensionality that helps the image look much more like a three-dimensional scene rather than a two-dimensional capture of it.

If you can hunt for great light, work on framing and composition, and outfit yourself with gear that makes better shots more likely, you'll be well on your way to creating photos that look more like the pros!

Learn More:

• 5 Creative Ways to Use Golden Hour Lighting
• Top 10 Lighting Facts Beginner Photographers Need to Know

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If you've ever photographed a wedding, you know that it's a stressful undertaking.

Not only are you charged with getting great photos, but you also have to do all the "behind the scenes" things that make it more likely for you to get the top-quality photos that the happy couple expects.

That means being on top of your game on the big day.

The problem, of course, is that with so much going on and so many people involved, it's easy to let things fall through the cracks.

With that in mind, I've put together four tips from the pros that will help you tackle wedding photography in a way that makes you - and your images - more successful.

Editor's Tip: See gorgeous examples of wedding photography by Nick Burrett Photography.

Tip #1: Keep Your Friends Close and Your Gear Closer

In the hustle and bustle of the day of the wedding, you need to be locked and loaded and prepared for anything.

That means you can ill afford to be rummaging through your camera bag, nor can you afford to constantly switch from one camera to the next.

That means you need a way to keep your gear easily accessible and organized, right within your reach.

But how do you do that?

With the Spider Holster SpiderPro.

Not only does the SpiderPro accommodate two cameras and two lenses, but it places them right on your hips - a spot that's as easily accessible as you'll find.

With your cameras at your fingertips, you don't have to worry about asking the bride or groom to hold their pose as you grab your second camera body from your bag.

Instead, it's right there on your body where it should be!

And the placement of your gear on your hips means something else - you can avoid the fatigue-inducing grind of carrying your cameras by their shoulder straps.

Without the weight of your cameras eating into your shoulders, you'll be better able to work the wedding in comfort as your hips are much better equipped to carry your gear.

Believe it or not, your physical state can have a huge impact on the quality of the images you take!

The SpiderPro isn't just easily accessible and comfortable, either. It's also incredibly easy to use.

Just pull your camera upward to release it from the harness, and you're free to raise the camera to your eye to take the shot.

But don't confuse ease of use with reduced safety...

SpiderPro uses a patented ball-joint system that keeps your camera and lens safe and sound, solidly attached to its mount.

It's not rigidly mounted, either, meaning the camera can move as you move.

That means when you bend over or kneel down to take a photo, your cameras and lenses have room to move as well, so you don't have to worry about your lens jabbing you in the leg.

In fact, one of the best features of SpiderPro is that it holds your cameras in such a way that the lenses point backward, meaning, you don't have to worry about a long lens banging on the ground when you kneel down for a shot, either.

In other words, the SpiderPro is purpose built for wedding photographers. It's safe for your gear, comfortable for you to carry, and makes you more agile with an improved workflow to get the images you need.

What's not to like about that?

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Spider Holster SpiderPro
• Camera Accessories Every Wedding Photographer Needs

Tip #2: Good Help is Invaluable

You're going to need someone to help you with the day's activities whether you're a seasoned pro that's shot hundreds of weddings or you're taking photos of your very first wedding.

Most people automatically think of having a second shooter - which you should definitely have.

Splitting the task of getting photos before, during, and after the ceremony will help relieve some of your stress and will also allow you to offer many more photos from different perspectives over the course of the day.

But you'll also need help when it comes time for the family photo portion of the day, and that's something that many newbies neglect to think about.

It's easy to think that group photos will be easy - after all, the group is there in one place and is a captive audience, right?

Wrong.

The chances are quite good that one or more of the following will happen when family photo time rolls around:

• Someone will be missing.
• Someone will be tired.
• Kids will throw fits.
• Family members will squabble.
• It will be chaos.

I know that doesn't paint a pretty picture, but there's an easy way around most of those problems: get help.

By recruiting someone from both sides of the family to act as directors, you remove the responsibility from yourself to find people, learn every single person's name, and guess about the family dynamics.

That means you can concentrate on getting the right settings dialed in, setting up your lighting equipment, and working on posing the guests rather than finding Grandpa Tom or dealing with an unhappy and tired ring bearer.

The more help you have from the family, the faster you can complete the family portraits, and the quicker everyone can get back to the festivities!

Learn More:

• 4 Facts About Being a Professional Photographer That You Need to Hear

Tip #3: Give Your Clients the Audio They Deserve

Photographers these days aren't just photographers...

With the advancement of the video quality our cameras are capable of delivering, many wedding photographers also offer videography services.

That's great from a video standpoint, because you can shoot full HD or even 4K video with many of today's camera systems.

That's not so great from an audio point of view, though, because camera manufacturers haven't given as much attention to upgrading the audio experience as they have with video.

There's an easy solution, though, and it's called Sound Shark.

This parabolic microphone sits atop your camera in the hot-shoe mount, out of the way, with no cords.

And because it's directly over your camera's lens, it's ideally positioned to pick up great audio.

Its design helps improve the quality of the audio, too - the parabolic shape focuses the sound onto a single point while also being resistant to wind and ambient noise.

The result? The high-quality audio your high-quality video demands!

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Sound Shark

Tip #4: Expect Things to Go Wrong

It's cliche to suggest to "expect the unexpected," but in this case, the phrase definitely applies.

You'll have gear that malfunctions. The flower girl will throw a fit as she's walking down the aisle. It will be windy and cloudy when you're trying to take outdoor portraits. It's just the way things go!

All of these things - and more - are things you can't control, but you need to be able to work around them in order to do your job.

That's why preparation is so key to a successful wedding photography gig.

Have backup plans for everything. Take multiple cameras, lenses, batteries, and memory cards. Have two or three different locations (indoors and out) in mind for family portraits.

Have contingencies in place in case your second shooter is a no-show or the lights go out in the venue in the middle of the ceremony.

Some things are more difficult to plan for than others, but the key is to plan anyway and be prepared for anything.

The couple will be panicked enough if something goes awry, so they certainly don't need you adding to the panic!

Learn More:

• Essential Tips for Starting a Successful Photography Business

Bonus Tip: Change Lenses for Changed Perspectives

I love a good 50mm or 85mm lens for portraits, but shooting a wedding isn't just about taking portraits of individual people in the wedding party or the couple that's getting married.

You'll take photos of the ceremony from the back of the venue, small and large groups outside, little details like the wedding rings, and people dancing at the reception.

That means you need to have a stable of lenses that you can use in different situations to offer the happy couple different perspectives on the day.

Use your 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses for portraits. Switch to a 24mm wide-angle lens for large groups. Use a 100mm macro lens for taking shots of details like place settings. Try a 70-200mm lens for portraits from a distance.

You get the point...

If every shot you take is with the same lens, the wedding album will look boring.

Spice things up, adapt your gear and shooting style to the situation, and give the couple a varied and interesting look back at their wedding day.

If you can do that and follow the other tidbits of advice I've outlined above, I think you'll be in a better position to take professional-grade photos!

Learn More: 

• 8 Reasons Why You Need an 85mm Lens
• 8 Reasons Why You Need a 70-200mm Lens

 

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Sometimes, getting a great landscape photo depends on perfect timing.

Other times, it's more a result of having the right kind of gear for the situation.

Yet other times, the quality of the photos you take depends more on compositional choices than anything else...

So the question is, if you want to take better landscape photos, which tips and tricks should you pay more attention to than the others?

That's a loaded question, but to help you sift through all the landscape photography tips and tricks out there, I've focused on seven recommendations that are sure to improve your photos.

Plan Ahead

I'll fully admit that there are times when I just grab my camera gear, hop in the car, and start driving to a specific location to take landscape photos.

But when I do that, it's to a location with which I'm already familiar...

In other words, I know how to get there, where to park, what traffic will be like, how light falls on the scene, and so forth.

But when I go to a new location, you better believe I put in some time ahead of time to plan things out.

By planning your landscape photography outings, you're only doing yourself a favor.

Not only will you avoid getting lost getting there, but you might also find some lesser-known vantage points or even other nearby locations to take photos of landscapes that are new to you.

I personally use Google Maps to get a bird's eye view of the place before I head out, as seen above.

It's saved me more than once, that's for sure!

Use Apps

There are all sorts of photography apps available today that will help you take better landscape photos, and if you ask me, few are as valuable as the Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE).

TPE gives you a leg up because it tells you where the sun will rise and fall, that way you can play your shoot accordingly.

That means no more ugly, harsh direct sunlight and no more deep, dark shadows cast on your subject.

Instead, as you can see in the screenshot above, TPE tells you everything from when the sun rises and sets to the moonrise and a lot more.

Not bad, right?

Pick up TPE on the App Store and Google Play.

Be More Mobile

One of the greatest things about landscape photography is that you have an opportunity to be outside with the freedom to roam around and photograph the beauty of nature around you.

But an obstacle to getting the most out of your photos is not being able to access your gear quickly and efficiently.

In other words, you might be able to access your favorite landscape pretty easily, but when it comes to actually photographing it, you can't get to your gear as fast as you'd like.

Not anymore!

I have the rig shown above, the Spider Holster SpiderPro, and it's totally changed how I work.

As you can see, with the SpiderPro, your camera is easily accessible right at your hips. That makes grabbing your camera for your landscape shots a total breeze.

The SpiderPro uses a patented ball-joint system that makes it easy to add or remove the camera from the harness, giving you hands-free movement as you wander around the landscape looking for the next shot.

It's also incredibly secure - your camera is right there within your reach, but are snug to your hips so you don't have to worry about knocking your camera around on nearby object.

The ball-joint system even allows the camera to move freely as you move and change position. That means no matter if you're standing tall, crouched down, or even squatting that the SpiderPro will keep your camera (even if it has a long lens and/or a flash!) safe and secure right on your hip.

There's even one camera and two camera holster options.

Add to that the fact that you can shift some of the weight of your gear to your hips, and not only do you have easy access to your camera on an incredibly safe and sturdy camera carrying system, but your neck, shoulders, and back also get more freedom of movement and comfort.

What's not to like about that?

Check out the SpiderPro in action in the video above by Glyn Dewis.

Get a Good Lightweight Tripod

If you read the subheading above and thought "what's a good tripod?" then you've never had a good tripod!

Tripods are incredibly underrated, but believe me when I say that a good tripod can make all the difference in the way you work.

Since landscape photography usually requires walking or hiking around, you might want to lighten your load a little bit.

You can do that with the Vanguard Alta Pro 2 263AP, but do so without sacrificing quality, stability, and ease of use - all features of a good tripod.

You can set this thing up in a matter of seconds, which is great for shots when time is of the essence.

With a hexagonal center column, this tripod is also incredibly stable, even when there's a stiff breeze.

There's three leg sections with four position angles from 20-80 degrees as well, meaning you can get your camera nice and low for some unique angles or bring it up higher to eye level too.

With an integrated bubble level to help keep your horizons straight, a 3-way fluid pan head with dual telescopic handles, and a quick-release system, the Alta Pro 2 263AP has all the bells and whistles you need to get set up quickly and give your camera a solid base to take sharper photos.

Be Equipped for Different Conditions

With such an incredible variety of landscapes for us to photograph, there's something to be said for getting gear that helps facilitate the types of photos you want to take.

For example, I enjoy taking photos as the beach, which means I need to think about how to get the shots I want without ruining my gear.

One such item is the Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod.

With its waterproof sealing system, this is a great choice for me on the days when I head to the beach.

Not only is it waterproof, but this tripod is also dust and sand proof, so I don't have to worry about legs jamming with a ton of sand.

It also holds nearly 40 pounds, so if I want to snag some shots with my Nikon D810 and a massive telephoto lens, I definitely can.

The W-2204 has four leg sections that can be adjusted individually, meaning I can get perfectly straight horizons, even if I'm working on uneven terrain.

And since there's often a breeze at the beach, the center column hook is helpful for adding ballast to keep things nice and steady.

When I want to work lean and mean, one of the legs detaches for use as a monopod, too.

That gives me even more flexibility to be equipped for changing conditions!

Add Depth

The challenge of landscape photography - well, any type of photography for that matter - is to capture the essence of a three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional medium.

It sounds hard to do, but there are a couple of tricks that will help you get a photo with more depth.

The first is to simply incorporate foreground interest in the shot.

By having something like rocks or plants in the foreground, viewers have something that immediately gives them context to the depth of the scene.

For example, including the boulder in the foreground of the shot above helps define the space, giving us a clue as to how much further back the waterfall and trees are in the background.

Another trick you can use is to use a leading line.

Leading lines help give images depth because they draw the viewer's eye deeper into the shot.

So, rather than their eye resting on something in the foreground or midground, a line is a visual highway that leads the eye from the foreground to the midground to the background.

In the image above, the roadway is an ideal leading line because it gives the image much greater depth.

By adding a familiar object to the landscape, we have a better idea of the size and scope of the scene relative to the size of the highway.

Alter Your Perspective

When you think of the majority of the landscape photos you've taken (or seen, for that matter), my guess is that it's a shot that was taken at or near eye level.

Am I right?

There's nothing wrong with capturing a photo from your eye level...

However, if you want to create a photo that's got an added layer of interest, try capturing the scene from a very low or a very high perspective.

In the case of the former, you can accentuate the size of a landscape element - a mountain, a waterfall, or a tree - because a low perspective makes such things appear larger.

On the other hand, you can opt to photograph a landscape from high up - maybe even from a drone as seen above.

A top-down perspective compresses the depth of the shot, making landscape elements seem smaller.

But you also get a chance to show the scale of the scene - it's breadth and depth - in a way that we're really only privy to when we fly.

Either way you do it, finding a different perspective from which to take your landscape photos will have an immediate, positive impact on the shots you take.

Combined with the previous tips outlined above, you've got all sorts of possibilities for taking better landscape photos.

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When I first started in photography all those years ago, there wasn't the incredible selection of gear that we have today.

I mean, I started on a film camera, so that tells you how old I am...

That isn't to say that we didn't have a variety of cameras, lenses, shoulder straps and bags, tripods, and other accessories back then. It just wasn't as large of an inventory as we have to choose from today.

So, with that in mind, I wanted to share a few gear tips for beginners so you're sure to get what's most likely to help you improve as a photographer.

Buy Lenses, Not Cameras

Assuming that you have budget constraints (if you don't...that's great for you!), you'll need to decide where to put your money.

Some new photographers think that the best place to spend their money is on a new camera, thinking that the fancy rig will greatly improve the quality of their photos.

Well, that's just not the case...

You still have to understand how to use the camera to take a great picture, so the camera body itself has less to do with the quality of your shots than your know-how.

Furthermore, good lenses will do more for your photos than a new camera any day of the week.

Good glass renders sharper images with more detail, improved dynamic range, less aberrations, and so forth.

Good lenses also perform better in low light and can produce better bokeh (the blurry backgrounds you often see in portraits).

On top of all that, a good lens will last you forever, so it's a great investment, especially if you find high-quality used lenses.

Think about it - good glass is expensive, so if you buy pre-owned, you can stretch your budget and get a great lens without breaking the bank.

For my money, MPB is the place to find great used lenses (and other used gear, too).

In fact, I've bought pre-owned gear from MPB before, and not only was it a great experience, but I saved a ton of money in the process.

That allowed me to get two nice used lenses for about the same price as one of them would have cost me brand-new.

Besides, you can also sell your old gear to MPB and use that money toward making purchases of new-to-you-gear.

So, the moral of the story is to save your money for lenses, not a new camera, and stretch that money as far as possible by buying pre-owned.

Learn More:

• Tips for Buying Used Camera Lenses
• There are Only 3 Lenses You Need in Your Camera Bag

Get a Better Camera Strap

One thing you'll learn very quickly as a new photographer is that the strap that came with your camera is not good.

In fact, it's terrible.

It's flimsy, so it's not something that will stand the test of time.

It's also not comfortable, either, which is a bummer to find out a couple of hours into a photowalk.

They're just not functional, either, always flapping in the breeze and getting in the way when you want to take a photo.

That's why you need to get a better camera strap to solve all those problems.

A great solution is a SpiderLight Hand Strap by Spider Holster, shown above.

As you can see, the strap hugs your hand in a way that gives you the safety and security you need to carry your camera.

But notice that it's not so tight that it cuts off circulation or is hard to get your hand into it.

On the contrary, the unique contoured design of the strap makes for easy on and off. It also puts the camera in the ideal position in relation to your hand, making for an easier shooting experience.

That means that you can easily reach all the controls on your mirrorless or small DSLR.

That also means that you have more freedom of movement to take your photos because your camera is right there in your hand without a long shoulder strap to get in the way.

And as you can see in the GIF above, the SpiderLight Hand Strap is made to last.

It's constructed of flexible, yet strong nylon materials that are both flexible and comfortable.

The inside of the strap is lined with soft foam, too, so your hand won't fatigue as you're out taking photos.

In other words, camera straps might not be the first thing you think to buy for your camera, but they can make a world of difference!

Learn More:

• Mirrorless Camera Accessories You Need to Have
• Good and Bad Ways to Carry Your Camera

Don't Skimp on a Tripod

Remember when I said a good lens is more important to the quality of your photos than a new camera?

Well, along those same lines, a tripod is one of the most important camera accessories you can buy.

That's true whether you take portraits, landscapes or something in between.

Obviously, the primary benefit of a tripod is that it stabilizes your camera. The more stable your camera, the sharper your photos will be.

But beyond that, having a good tripod allows you to expand your creativity into realms that would otherwise be impossible.

That includes things like long exposure photography or time-lapse photography, in which your camera has to be stable for long periods of time.

And don't think that any tripod will do, either, because tripods certainly aren't made alike.

For top-notch tripods, it's hard to beat Vanguard.

Not only are their tripods built to last, but they also have a wide-range of price points so you can find a tripod for your needs that will fit any budget.

What I particularly like about Vanguard tripods is how easy they are to use - which is not something that cheap tripods can claim.

They have legs that are quickly and easily extended and locked into place. Their legs also have multiple locking angles to accommodate varying terrain (or varying compositional needs, like getting a low-angle shot as shown above).

The Vanguard VEO 235AB shown above also has rubber feet to give it a solid base as well as metal spikes in case you're a landscape photographer and need to set up on uneven ground.

It's compact and lightweight, too, making it a great option for photographers that travel a lot or simply want a solid tripod without carrying around a bunch of weight.

This tripod even comes with a ball head, a bubble-level, and an arca-swiss quick release plate.

That means that for a great price, you get a top-shelf tripod with all the bells and whistles you need to improve your photos.

Learn More:

• The Best Full Size Tripods for Any Budget
• 5 Things You Need to Know About Tripods Before You Buy One

You Need Good Filters, Too

 

If you enjoy landscape photography like I do, there's another piece of kit that you'll want to pick up sooner rather than later - a good set of filters.

Like lenses, not all filters are made alike. By that, I mean that you want to spend a little extra money on getting better quality filters so they help, rather than hinder, the quality of your images.

For landscape photography, there's a few filters you'll want to pick up.

The first one you need is a polarizing filter.

These filters cut down on glare off of things like water, giving your images much-improved visual quality.

They also minimize atmospheric haze and improve the contrast of the sky, resulting in photos with more clarity and pop.

Something else you'll want to pick up is a graduated neutral density filter.

These filters have varying filtering power - they're darker on the top and clear on the bottom - to help even out the dynamic range of landscape photos.

These filters are handy because it allows you to darken the sky (which is often quite bright) and have no effect on the landscape (which is often dark, anyway).

The result of that is that your landscape photos have a much more even exposure and a pleasing look.

Regular neutral density filters are another type of filter you should think about adding to your kit.

These filters have a consistent level of filtering power throughout, which allows you to darken the entire scene.

This comes in handy when you want to use a longer exposure during the daytime, which helps you show movement in your photos, as seen in the blurred waterfall above.

Without a neutral density filter, the image above would be wildly overexposed. If long exposure is something you want to try, this filter is a must.

When looking for filters, I suggest you check out Formatt-Hitech.

These guys know how to make a top-quality filter without busting your budget.

They've got polarizing filters, graduated neutral density filters, neutral density filters, and more. In other words, you can find whatever filter you need at Formatt-Hitech.

And speaking from experience, these filters are impeccably made. Their Firecrest line of filters is especially impressive, which render clear, crisp results without worry of aberrations or color inconsistencies.

Take it from me - your landscape photos will be better if you use good filters!

Learn More:

• A Guide to Lens Filters for Absolute Beginners
• The Best Filters to Have in Your Bag (and Why You Need Them)

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I don't know about you, but I'm incredibly excited about the direction that photography is headed.

We're seeing more innovation than ever in cameras, lenses, and other photography gear, which gives us more power to create epic photos.

Post-processing programs are evolving into highly powerful editing suites that allow us to take our photography to the next level more quickly and efficiently.

We're even seeing changes in how we buy and sell photography equipment, share our photos, and market our businesses.

It's exciting times, for sure!

Here's some of the top businesses in the photography industry that are leading the charge in innovating the artform we love so much.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Legacy Photography

Sew Trendy started humbly in a basement just a few years ago.

Today, it's one of the premier wardrobe manufacturers for maternity photography, girls' photography, and newborn photography.

Their success in growing their business is attributable to many different factors, not the least of which that they constantly develop new designs for their line of maternity gowns, girls dresses, and newborn clothing, so photographers have fresh looks to offer their clients.

And in an age in which customer service is often lacking, Sew Trendy certainly bucks the trend. They're with you every step of the way, ready, willing, and able to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

Valerie Best, the company's Founder and CEO has a lot to do with the success of her company as well.

She's committed to quality, and that shows in every handmade garment that leaves her company's warehouse.

Learn more about Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Sirui

Over the years, Sirui has built a reputation for manufacturing some of the best photography tripods on the market.

I can attest to the quality of their tripods, as I own one!

But Sirui is much more than a tripod company...

They supply photographers the world over with high-quality gear that ranges from monopods to tripod heads, camera bags to lens filters, and even photography accessories for your mobile phone.

As if that's not enough, Sirui also offers a complete line of humidity cabinets, broadcast tripods, and various quick release plates, too.

In other words, Sirui is a one-stop shop for just about all your photography needs, and is definitely a company to keep your eye on in 2018.

Learn more about Sirui

CaptureLife

When talking about innovative photography companies that are sure to turn the photography world on its head in 2018, CaptureLife should immediately come to mind.

If you're not familiar with CaptureLife, check this out...

This app allows you to share photos with your clients right on their smartphone.

That means you can streamline how you get photos to clients as well as make it a more personalized process - the images are delivered via a branded text message that's personalized to the client.

On top of that, CaptureLife is a sales platform that allows your clients to order prints right from their phone. They can also share their photos with friends and family, which increases your sales footprint.

Mobile is the future, and if you're in the photography business, you need to capitalize on that by teaming up with CaptureLife!

Learn more about CaptureLife

Click Props

One of the challenges of staying relevant in the photography industry is keeping your ear to the pulse of what photographers need.

Click Props does just that.

With a huge collection of gorgeous portrait backgrounds, Click Props gives photographers the ability to create more impactful portraits no matter who the subject might be.

Aside from their commitment to crafting the best backgrounds in the business, Click Props understands the practical needs of photographers as well.

They offer backgrounds in various sizes, each of which is easy to setup and takedown. They're even easy to clean and easy to store, too.

That means you spend less time messing around getting things setup and stored away, and more time actually taking photos.

What's not to like about that?

Learn more about Click Props

Vanguard

Another company that's sure to make waves in 2018 is Vanguard.

I've been a fan of Vanguard for years now, and I can tell you firsthand that in the last couple of years, they've really stepped up their game with their product line.

In particular, their tripods and camera bags are among the best in the business, not just because they have innovative features that make photography easier and more efficient, but because their products are budget-friendly as well.

That means that Vanguard has figured out a way to offer photographers the best of both worlds - high-value, well-made products that won't break the bank.

Vanguard is at the tip of the spear of innovation in photography. If you aren't excited to see what they come up with in 2018, you should be!

Learn more about Vanguard

Artbeat Studios

Photography isn't just about the gear you use, nor is it just about your skills in composition, framing, post-processing and the like.

Instead, the process of creating an image isn't truly complete until you have a gorgeous print. That's where Artbeat Studios comes in.

I came across Artbeat Studios last year, and after touring their facility, I was blown away by their process and the products they make.

Among their best sellers are their acrylic and metal HD prints, the latter of which you can see in the photo above.

To say that Artbeat's prints are gorgeous is an understatement. What they produce is truly fine art.

That's because they're committed to using archival materials, paying close attention to color fidelity, and providing custom services so you get the exact print you want.

If you're looking to revolutionize the way your photos look, give Artbeat Studios a try!

Learn more about Artbeat Studios

Uniregistry

One of the best things about the photography industry is that there are so many companies doing so many awesome things for photographers.

In 2018, I strongly suggest that you change the way you market your photography business by partnering with Uniregistry.

These guys have two domains - .pics and .photo - that will help you get more eyes on your photos and more clients knocking on your door.

Why?

It's simple - Uniregistry's domains are photography specific, so you can promote your work on your website with a professional and credible domain name.

Not only do .pics and .photo domains tell the world exactly what you do right there in the URL, but they're fresh and new, so the chances of you getting the exact name you want are much greater.

It's just a better way to market yourself on today's crowded internet!

Learn more about .pics and .photo domains

MPB

Let's face it...

Photography gear can be expensive, and all that expense is cost-prohibitive if you're on a budget.

But MPB has changed the way that photographers buy gear because they've created an extensive marketplace where you can find high-quality pre-owned gear for excellent prices.

Not only that, you can sell your old gear to MPB and either pocket the money or get a credit toward the purchase of something on their site.

That means you can refresh your kit from time to time by getting rid of what you no longer want or need and replace it with well-priced, pre-owned gear for less.

Stretch your budget. Get more gear for less. Get better gear for less, too. Not bad, right?

Learn more about MPB

SHUTTERbag

Not that long ago, there was a lack of photography gear specially designed for female photographers.

But in 2010, that all changed when SHUTTERbag was founded.

SHUTTERbag specializes in crafting leather camera bags for women that are beautiful and functional, too. 

This commitment to quality is evident in every SHUTTERbag model. 

For mom photographers on the go, SHUTTERbag offers the Girls Day Out bag (shown top left, above). 

This ingenious camera bag has three separate compartments - one for your camera gear and two zippered compartments for things like a tablet for business tasks and books, toys, diapers and other items for your kids.

Like all SHUTTERbag models, the Girls Day Out is the height of form and function.

It’s an ideal size for daily use, and with its built-in organizational aids, you can keep your photography stuff separate from your personal items with ease. 

That means you can grab your camera, your phone or a diaper at a moment’s notice. 

Now that’s how you get more production out of your day!

SHUTTERbag’s Trailblazer bag (shown top right, above) is another example of commitment to innovation.

This bag has a unique style and flair that make a strong fashion statement, but don’t think that this bag is just about looking good… 

Inside, you’ll find room for a camera body and up to four lenses. Alternatively, you can carry two camera bodies and three lenses. There’s even a spot for your tablet or laptop!

With padded dividers that are removable and adjustable, you can truly customize this bag to suit your specific needs.

For mid-range carrying capacity, SHUTTERbag designed the Heirloom 5-in-1 bag (shown bottom left, above).

Not only can this bag accommodate a camera, three lenses, and up to a 15-inch laptop, but it can also be carried in a variety of ways - as a tote bag, a messenger bag, a shoulder bag or even as a backpack.

Talk about innovation! 

Their Journey bag (shown bottom right, above) is a tote bag that’s made of genuine leather and features a breathable cotton lining that provides a soft surface for your gear inside the bag.

The Journey has a detachable strap that has a slip-resistant shoulder pad that gives you confidence when carrying your bag either over the shoulder or across your body. 

The bag can easily accommodate a camera with a 70-200mm lens attached, as well as a laptop, a tablet, camera accessories, and personal items like your checkbook and smartphone as well.

And as if their bags aren’t enough to impress, consider this - SHUTTERbag is a small business, so they treat their customers like family.

That means that you not only get to choose from a wide array of incredible camera bags, but you know that you’ll get the service you deserve before, during, and after the sale, too.

Learn more about SHUTTERbag.

nPhoto

When you think of photo albums, you might think that they're all the same or that there's not much room for improvement.

But you'd be wrong.

nPhoto has proven that by becoming one of the top producers of photo albums and other products in the world.

Their handcrafted albums, triplexes, photo boxes, and other products are second-to-none in the industry.

nPhoto uses the best materials to construct their products, from fine textiles and leatherettes for their album covers to silk and metallic papers that give each page of their albums a hefty, crisp, and expensive feel.

What's more, nPhoto gives you plentiful options for customizing their albums, so you can get something that's truly your own or tailored to your clients' specific tastes.

Taking great photos is only half the battle - how you present them matters, too. If you work with nPhoto, you'll certainly have the presentation aspect of it down pat.

Learn more about nPhoto

MyStudio

The MS20PRO 20”x20”x12” tabletop photo studio by MyStudio is an ideal accessory to help you take your product photography to the next level.

Unlike many other tabletop studios, this one offers a seamless cyclorama infinity background with 90-degree corners that gives you many more shooting angles to highlight the products that you’re photographing.

The studio comes with dual 5000k color-corrected daylight fluorescent lamps, which offer tons of light for your images while providing excellent color as well. 

MyStudio also includes 9”x12” white and black bounce/fill cards with easel stands to create nice, even lighting, and a pair of 9.5”x11.5” white and black reflective acrylic panels to create beautiful reflections beneath the products you photograph. 

The folks at MyStudio have even produced a series of instructional videos that are available on their YouTube page to get you going with your new photo studio!

Learn more about MyStudio

MrStarGuy

I only became familiar with MrStarGuy in the latter half of last year, but they quickly became one of my favorite photography companies.

For starters, MrStarGuy is an authority on astrophotography gear - no matter what you need, whether it's a scope, a mount, a tripod, or something in between, MrStarGuy has what you need.

Secondly, these guys offer their high-quality products for prices that you can actually afford. You get tons of bang for your buck, which isn't always the case in photography.

But maybe most importantly, this family-owned business is committed to service before, during, and after the sale.

They're genuine folks that want their customers to feel like old friends.

If you're excited to expand your photography horizons this year and tackle some night sky photography, be sure to visit MrStarGuy to get all the gear you need.

Learn more about MrStarGuy

DJI

When I think about where photography is headed in the future, I can't help but think of drone photography.

And when I think of drones, DJI comes to mind.

DJI has some of the very best drones in the business. That's true whether you're a beginner drone photographer or an experienced veteran.

What makes DJI's drones so great is that they're packed with features - like collision avoidance systems and gesture-based flight controls.

Additionally, there are a plethora of options, upgrades, and add-ons that you can use to customize your drone to get the ideal flying and photographic experience.

As drones become more and more popular for photography, you can bet that DJI will be leading the charge in innovating how drones are built and how they perform.

Learn more about DJI

Macphun/Skylum

Macphun has been around awhile, and they've developed a reputation as one of the best in the software business.

As they rebrand and become Skylum, it's important to note that this small team of software experts continues to make waves in the photography industry.

In fact, they've won tons of awards over the years for their products, most recently for their impeccable Aurora HDR 2018, which was named by Apple as the app of the year for 2017.

Considering how many apps there are these days, that's quite the achievement!

Speaking of achievements, with Macphun's software, like the aforementioned Aurora HDR, as well as their Luminar 2018, you can achieve great things with your images.

Not only that, but you can create better-looking photos in less time and with less effort, all within platforms that are smartly designed and give you an effortless workflow.

My goal this year is to do a better job of processing my images, and with Macphun by my side, I have no doubt that I will achieve that goal.

Learn more about Macphun/Skylum

Lensfinder

Have you ever wanted a new lens but just couldn't bring yourself to shell out the kind of money needed to get truly high-quality glass?

Well, that worry is over now that Lensfinder is on the scene.

Lensfinder is a marketplace where - you guessed it - you can find lenses for great prices.

If you're looking for a rare or high-end lens (or everyday lenses, for that matter), you can use Lensfinder's easy search tools to locate what you need.

Then, you can communicate with the seller, ask questions, and even pay for your new-to-you lens via PayPal, right there within Lensfinder.

You can also sell the lenses you no longer want, too, so it's the best of both worlds.

Lensfinder has built-in fraud protections, seller feedback ratings, and other smart tools that help make your transaction as smooth as possible.

If you want to upgrade your kit this year, check out Lensfinder!

Learn more about Lensfinder.

Spider Holster

My biggest complaint about cameras is the terrible strap that comes with them at purchase.

The OEM straps are thin, uncomfortable, and just plain get in the way when you're trying to take photos.

That's why Spider Holster is such a game-changer, because they're responsible for getting your camera off your shoulders and onto your hips where you can carry your cameras with greater ease and security.

Just looking at the photo above, you can imagine how much more streamlined your workflow would be if you're using a Spider Holster.

You can carry one camera or two using the Spider Pro (for big DSLRs) or the SpiderLight (for compact, mirrorless, or small DSLR cameras).

They even make hand straps that put your camera right in your hand in the ideal shooting position, all without a long strap always getting in your way.

Spider Holster has revolutionized how to carry cameras. In 2018, I strongly recommend that you let Spider Holster revolutionize the way you work.

Learn more about Spider Holster

Next Insurance

When many people hear the word "insurance," they cringe.

But who can blame them? Buying insurance has historically been a process that's time-consuming and frustrating.

Not now.

Next Insurance has changed how photographers purchase insurance because they've cut out the middleman.

Instead of dealing with a broker, you can visit Next Insurance's website, get a free quote, and get the coverage you need faster and for less money.

By cutting costs, Next Insurance is able to pass those savings on to their customers, so you can get the best coverage without breaking the bank.

From equipment protection to liability for damages to advertising claims, Next Insurance has policies and coverages that will ensure your business will prosper for years to come.

Learn more about Next Insurance

CanvasHQ

Canvas is one of the oldest mediums that artists use for their work.

But, boy, is it still a gorgeous way to print your photos!

That's especially true if you order canvas prints from CanvasHQ.

Like many of the companies on this list, CanvasHQ demonstrates a commitment to crafting the highest-quality products using the finest materials.

And because of that, their canvases look like a million bucks. I should know - I have several in my house!

CanvasHQ gives you a mountain of options to customize your prints, and each print comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

These guys are a small family business, so when you order your canvas, you'll feel like a member of the family, not just another customer.

If that's not enough to convince you to buy from CanvasHQ, I don't know what will!

Learn more about CanvasHQ

Syrp

If filmmaking is your passion, then you need to see what Syrp has to offer in 2018.

As one of the most innovative companies in the photography industry, Syrp is always at the leading edge of what's new for filmmakers.

Their line of products helps videographers of all skill levels and experience to create breathtaking films.

Their Genie Mini motion control device (shown above) - which gives you control over your camera to create time-lapse videos using your cell phone - is just one of their incredible products.

They also have sliders, filters, ball heads, motion control bundles, and much more, so you can get outfitted for filmmaking quickly and without spending a ton of money, either.

Never before has making time-lapses and real-time videos been so easy!

Learn more about Syrp

Microsoft

I fully admit that I've been an Apple enthusiast for quite some time.

However, my love affair with Apple has waned in the last few years, and that's thanks to Microsoft.

Even though it's a household name and one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft still approaches the process of creating products the same way - with the end-user in mind.

In particular, their Surface line of products is especially impressive for photographers because they have technologies that make the daily grind of business easier and make things like post-processing a more efficient process as well.

With touch-enabled screens, innovative tools like the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, and machines that are stocked with technology that makes them faster, more efficient, and with more battery life, there's a lot to love about what Microsoft is doing with the Surface product line.

If you want to maximize your workflow, consider seeing what Microsoft can do for you.

Learn more about Microsoft

Wolverine Data

Sometimes, being innovative means helping bring the past into the present.

That’s precisely what Wolverine Data does. 

Their new Wolverine 8mm & Super8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker is a fully automated gadget that digitizes all those old 3, 5, 7 and 9-inch film reels into high-quality movies at 1080p. 

It’s a standalone machine that handles the frame-by-frame conversion without the need for software or drivers, or even a computer. The film scans directly to the machine where it’s saved to a SD/SDHC card (not included). The entire process requires just a few steps to complete.

The resulting movies are compatible with all Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and you can playback the digitized movies directly to a TV with the included TV cable.

If you don’t have tons of old film reels collecting dust on a shelf in your house, I’m willing to bet you know someone that does...

Instead of letting those films degrade and take family memories along with them, this year, use Wolverine Data’s innovative new movie maker to convert your films to digital before those memories are lost forever!

Learn more about Wolverine Data

MyStudio

This company is so impressive, I decided to put them on this list twice!

If you photograph products that are bigger than what the MyStudio MS20PRO can accommodate, the MyStudio US31 tabletop photo studio is the perfect choice.

Measuring 31”x19”x16”, it gives you plenty of room to maneuver your products, and true to form, MyStudio has ensured that from every angle, your images benefit from a gorgeous infinity background.

This tabletop studio features two color corrected, 5000K ultra bright LED lights that bathe the studio (and your products) in bright, clean, even light. These lamps are so bright, in fact, that you don’t need any additional lighting whatsoever. Just set up the studio, place your products inside, and you’re ready to go!

You can see just how clean and even the lighting is in the sample photo I took of my camera gear and bag. 

I took that image when I was at Photo Plus 2017. I had the pleasure of seeing the folks from MyStudio while I was there, and managed to closely inspect the craftsmanship and materials used in their US31 studio. 

They clearly took no shortcuts in the quality of materials used or in the build quality. The design allows for even distribution of light, and quick set up. In short, I was more than impressed with the US31 Studio! 

Learn more about MyStudio

Joy

One of the downers about taking photos is that eventually you run out of room to display them.

But the Joy Smart Photo Album takes care of that issue...

It's not your everyday digital photo album, either. Instead, Joy is a storytelling device that allows you to connect with your friends, family, and loved ones because it has voice notes that allow you to narrate each photo memory. You can even conduct voice calls between two Joy devices and share a screen so you can share memories together with loved ones that are far away.

The great thing about Joy is that it doesn't have to remain on the shelf or table - you can take it with you to the couch to enjoy up-close.

And when you aren't enjoying the photo album in your lap, it has a wireless charging stand that charges its batteries and displays your photos in slideshow mode.

Joy has a companion mobile and web app that allows you to load new albums and even invite friends and family to add their photos for display. You can easily pull photos from social media as well.

And with a 13.3-inch full HD display, your photos will look beautiful, too!

Learn more about Joy

Holdfast

One of the hallmarks of a great photo is attention to detail - ensuring that each aspect of the image is perfect.

Well, that sentiment holds true for photography gear, and there's no one better at the details than Holdfast.

These guys make some of the most incredible camera bags I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot because I've owned plenty of great bags over the years.

But what sets Holdfast apart is that attention to detail I mentioned, as well as the amazing materials they use to craft their bags and other products.

We're talking about bridle leather, water buffalo leather, American bison leather, and even python skin.

On top of that, Holdfast's products are smartly designed so you can carry more gear, more efficiently, all while keeping each piece of kit safe and secure.

If you're looking to upgrade your camera bag in 2018, look no further than Holdfast.

Learn more about Holdfast

Alpine Labs

When you talk about companies that have revolutionized how you take photos, Alpine Labs has to be in the conversation...

Their Pulse camera remote - and now their new Spark camera remote - have made taking great still photos, time lapse videos, long exposures, and real-time videos much easier and more accessible to even novice photographers.

These gadgets are packed full of powerful software and hardware that literally make it possible for you to create a time lapse video with just a few presses and swipes on your mobile phone.

Creating long exposures is equally as easy.

But don't think that because Alpine Labs has made things easy that their products are somehow cut-rate.

These are the best camera remotes on the market, and Alpine Labs is constantly making them better. That just makes me wonder what they have in store for us in 2018!

Learn more about Alpine Labs

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If you've ever photographed a wedding before, you understand just how stressful it can be.

After all, you're responsible for capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment that can never be captured again...

No pressure, right?

And as if that weren't enough, you have a lot of gear to worry about (and carry around).

A couple of camera bodies, a couple of lenses, a hot-shoe flash, memory cards, batteries...you get the point.

Fortunately, smarter minds than mine have developed some handy camera accessories that make wedding photography easier.

Not only can you outfit yourself with gadgets that make it simpler to carry and access your gear, but the easier it is to carry and access, the more likely you are to get the best shots of the day's events.

So, without further ado, let's have a look at a few must-have wedding photography accessories!

Spider Holster SpiderPro

One of the top complaints of wedding photographers is not having a way to carry their camera and lens (or better yet, two cameras and lenses) in a way that's comfortable, yet makes it easy to grab their camera for a quick shot.

Well, all I have to say is that those photographers haven't tried Spider Holster's SpiderPro yet...

When a split second can make the difference between getting the shot and missing it, you want camera accessories that streamline your workflow.

SpiderPro does just that by putting your cameras right where they belong - on your hips at your fingertips.

It's literally a grab and go type of situation.

Just pull your camera upward to release it from SpiderPro, and you can raise it to your eye for the shot.

The patented ball-joint system makes it incredibly easy to mount or unmount the camera, too. Just one fluid motion releases the camera and allows you to get the shots you need.

Better yet, when you're not using your camera, you know that it's safe and sound in a mount that's built like a tank and keeps your camera lens pointing backward, not down.

That means that when you need to kneel or squat for a shot, you don't have to worry about your lens banging on the floor.

It's comfortable too!

Rather than bearing the weight of your camera by a shoulder strap on a single shoulder, you spread that load on the beefiest part of your body - your hips.

That means you can shoot longer in greater comfort, which will only aid you as you strive to document each moment of the day.

If you're looking for ways to streamline your wedding photography workflow, I can't think of a better gadget than the Spider Holster SpiderPro. It's that good!

Check out other virtues of the SpiderPro in the video above by B&H Photo Video.

Camera Tether

Shooting without a neck strap or hand strap can be a little disconcerting - after all, you never know when you might trip, or a wedding goer might accidentally bump into you, causing you to lose your grip.

If scenarios like that have you concerned, simply use a camera tether as an added layer of protection.

The tether shown in the GIF above will securely attach your camera to your body but won't get in your way, either.

When you're photographing a wedding, it's important that you have full range of motion, and the Spider Web Tether gives you precisely that.

Use it as a neck tether, over the shoulder, or as a sling - whatever makes you most comfortable.

It also works seamlessly with products like the SpiderPro discussed above, as well as tripods, hand straps, and the like.

That means you get the security you want without losing any functionality or compatibility with other accessories. Not bad, right?

Memory Card Organizer

When you shoot a wedding, you'll go through a few memory cards, so keeping them nice and organized is of the utmost importance.

Of course, you also want your memory cards to be safe and secure, and accessible, too.

A memory card organizer like the one shown above is an ideal solution.

With space for six cards, each of which slides into a clear, plastic slot for easy identification, you have quick access to all the memory cards you'll need for the big day.

It's also got room for things like lens wipes, a spare battery or two, your business cards (to get all those referrals!), and even your smartphone.

Think of it like a little assistant that'll make your life easier.

And since this particular organizer was developed by photographers, it's easy to use with just one hand, so you don't have to let go of your camera just to wrestle with a zipper.

Lens Pouch

One of the most time-consuming tasks you face as a wedding photographer is swapping out lenses.

Avoiding lens changes is just one reason why wedding photographers should carry two camera bodies, each with a different lens.

But sometimes that might not be possible, or maybe you want a third lens handy to switch out with one of the lenses on your bodies.

Whatever the case, having easy access to your lenses is paramount.

The lens pouch shown above gives you that easy access you need.

It can accommodate up to a 70-200mm lens with a hood attached (or you can opt for a medium-sized pouch if that's more your style). Just slide the lens into the pouch, and you're good to go!

The pouch is expandable too, so you don't have to fight getting your lens in and out.

Even better, the pouch has an integrated tether for the rear lens cap, that way you're sure it doesn't go missing while you're switching lenses.

And, again, this gadget was designed by photographers, for photographers so that you can get your lens in and out with just one hand.

Wrapping It Up

There's plenty of gear that you need for wedding photography and plenty of accessories and gadgets that will make your life a lot easier.

If you ask me, at the top of your must-have list should be the Spider Holster SpiderPro.

I mean, come on - have you ever seen an easier way to carry your camera?

Combined with other accessories from Spider Holster, you've got a complete system for keeping your gear safe and accessible.

And like I said above, the easier it is for you to carry and access your gear, the more likely you are to get the shots you need.

That's a win-win!

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When you buy your first camera, I'm guessing that you automatically think that you have to carry it with the strap that came with the camera.

I'm here to tell you that that's not the case at all...

In fact, there are plenty of ways to carry your new camera, some good, some bad.

In the interest of helping you avoid the discomfort and inconvenience that I experienced when I got my first camera, here's a couple of great ways to carry a camera and one way that you should avoid at all costs!

Good: Spider Holster SpiderLight Camera Holster

When you think about places on your body that are purpose-built for carrying things, the first thing that comes to mind should be your hips.

They're the beefiest part of our bodies and can easily carry quite a load, including a camera or two!

The added benefit of getting your camera off your shoulder or away from your neck is that you have improved freedom of movement as well. That makes it easier on you to move around and get the shot you want.

Spider Holster designed their SpiderLight Camera Holster with freedom of movement in mind.

By placing your mirrorless or lightweight camera on your hips, you get a much better carrying experience that keeps your neck, shoulders, and arms from getting fatigued.

What's more, carrying your camera on your hips is much safer than carrying it around your neck, where it can flop around as you walk and move about.

The neat thing about the SpiderLight Camera Holster is that it slips right onto your belt. Just attach the Spider plate to the bottom of your camera, and you've got a highly effective system for shooting like a pro!

As you can see in the GIF above, using the SpiderLight is easy, too.

Rather than getting your arms, hair, and head tangled up in a shoulder strap, you can simply quick-draw your camera whenever you need to shoot.

And don't think that the SpiderLight is big and bulky, either.

It's lightweight yet strong, and it won't get in your way as you move around. It's the best of all worlds!

The SpiderLight Camera Holster is incredibly durable for long-lasting performance and is designed to ergonomically fit on your hip.

The two-position metal lock means the camera is safe and securely attached to the holster, but remains easy for you to remove for a quick shot.

You can even add a tether for a sling strap for added safety or move the SpiderLight from your hip to your backpack with the SpiderLight Backpacker.

That means this rig is ideal for shooters of all skill levels that want a comfortable, safe way to carry their camera.

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Spider Holster SpiderLight Camera Holster
• Shoot Like a Pro With These Incredible Camera Accessories

Good: Vanguard Alta Rise 45 Backpack

If you're going out for a day of shooting, the first thing you'll want is a good camera bag that will protect your gear, keep it organized, and give you space for extras like camera accessories, your phone, snacks, keys, and the like.

When I first started in photography, I just carried my gear in a regular backpack. That was a BIG mistake.

Everything knocks around as you walk because normal backpacks don't have padded compartments for everything.

That's why it's crucial to get a dedicated camera backpack like the Vanguard Alta Rise 45.

This bad boy will accommodate a large DSLR, 4-5 lenses, a flash, batteries and memory cards, and even a tripod. With a quick expansion zipper, you can add more space to fit a tablet or a laptop, too.

For quick access, there are side access points that allow you to grab your camera in a matter of seconds.

For comfort, the Alta Rise 45 has an ergonomic Air System back with harness, that way you can distribute the load more evenly across your shoulders, chest, back, and hips.

Perhaps the best feature is this bag's interior...

Not only is the bag well-padded all the way around to provide maximum protection to your gear, but it's also incredibly well organized with dedicated pockets for all your essentials.

That brightly colored interior is a nice touch, too, so you don't have to fumble around trying to find what you need.

The Alta Rise 45 even has an integrated rain cover, so if the weather turns south, you don't have to worry about your gear.

In other words, this backpack is the ultimate choice for adventurous photographers that want to carry a lot of gear, do so comfortably, all the while keeping their gear safe and sound!

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Vanguard Alta Rise 45 Backpack
• Top 4 Camera Backpacks of 2017

Bad: Factory Camera Strap

The camera strap that comes with cameras is, in a word, terrible.

Not only is it completely uncomfortable to have a thin, flimsy strap cutting into your neck or shoulder, but they aren't durable, either.

Without much use, they can begin to deteriorate, making them even less safe for carrying your camera.

And just one look at the photographer above, and you can see how camera straps dangle, just waiting to get caught on something.

What's more, as I noted earlier, when you carry your camera using a traditional camera strap, the camera bounces around, banging you in your chest as you walk.

To avoid that, you can simply carry your camera over your shoulder, but then there's nothing stopping it from slipping off your shoulder (other than a thin anti-skid pad on the inside of the strap that doesn't work all that well).

So, factory camera straps are uncomfortable, don't last long, and aren't particularly safe for carrying your camera anyway.

Add to that the fact that would-be thieves are attracted to straps that say "CANON" or "NIKON" or "SONY in big, bright letters, and you have the makings for just about the worst possible way to carry your expensive gear!

Learn More:

• Head-to-Head: Traditional Shoulder Straps vs. Hand Straps
• Must-Have Accessories for Mirrorless Cameras

With that, you have two great ways to carry your camera gear in safety and comfort, and one way that you should avoid at all costs.

Though it's easy to just make do with the factory camera strap, trust me when I say that the upgrades I made to the way I carry my gear made a huge difference in my experiences as a photographer.

And you know what? Being able to carry my gear in comfort with the peace of mind that my gear is safe also helped me become a better photographer.

That's not a bad deal if you ask me!

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It’s a debate that’s getting more and more interesting with each passing year: Should you continue to use your traditional shoulder strap, taking solace in the comfort of the familiar? Or should you jump ship to a hand strap, getting out of your comfort zone and exploring what photography is like without your camera literally tied around your neck?

There are pros and cons to both sides, of course. Let’s see how these old-school and new-school accessories stack up!

The Case for Shoulder Straps

You only have so many hands, and shoulder straps give you the ability to make the best use of them. You can carry multiple cameras at the same time, which is sometimes necessary, like when you’re shooting a wedding. Utilizing a shoulder strap also means your hands can be free to do other tasks if need be, like handing out business cards. Additionally, lens changes are pretty easy if you use a shoulder strap - the camera is right there in front of you - which is just about the easiest location to change a lens.

Shoulder straps provide a certain level of security as well. It’s probably more difficult for a thief to steal something that’s around your neck, especially if you have a strap that has wires embedded into the strap to prevent them from being cut. Shoulder straps also serve as a fail-safe - if you’re shooting downward from a balcony or another high vantage point, it’s nice to know your camera won’t slide off your neck into the abyss.

There are, of course, some drawbacks to shoulder straps. First, they are quite obvious and will draw attention to the fact that you’ve got a camera and are taking pictures. Secondly, when shooting long exposures, the strap can catch the wind and cause blurry images due to camera shake. But most importantly, if you’re a shooter that spends any amount of time carrying your camera around, you know the trials and tribulations of dealing with traditional neck straps. They get tangled up. They restrict the movement of your arms and shoulders. They get caught on things. And, most of all, many of them are exceedingly uncomfortable and cause undue strain on your neck and shoulders.

The Case for Hand Straps

It stands to reason that the failings of the traditional shoulder strap are the primary arguing points for making the switch to a hand strap. Hand straps have come a long way in terms of features and design, and offer photographers a safe, secure, and comfortable means of maintaining control over their cameras.

The biggest benefit of a hand strap is the comfort level. Rather than weighing down on your neck and shoulders, a hand strap keeps your camera snugly wrapped around your hand for worry-free shooting. There’s no long shoulder strap to contend with either, so photographers that use a hand strap have a freedom of movement that is unparalleled. Move your hands, arms, and shoulders with ease and without worry of snagging your strap on object or people as you move around taking photos.

Hand straps are also incredibly easy to use - just slip it on and you’re ready to go! If you spring for a top-of-the-line hand strap like the Spiderlight from Spider Holster, that ease of use means you can quickly and easily mount your camera to a tripod with the Spiderlight Thin Plate, even with the hand strap still attached. Even better, the Spiderlight fits so well that your hand is in the perfect position for shooting with the ability to reach all your camera’s controls without stress or strain on your hand or fingers.

Arguments against hands straps usually focus on the flimsy construction and uncomfortable fit. And while that might be true of lesser products, the Spiderlight performs well on both fronts. It’s constructed of high-quality materials that remember the form of your hand. The lining of the inside of the strap is even covered in velvet to reduce sweatiness! The s-shape curvature of the strap ensures the load of your camera is distributed across your hand, minimizing fatigue and maximizing comfort as well.

The Spiderlight Hand Strap was designed specifically for mirrorless cameras, which are too small to handhold for long periods of time. It’s a new product, currently available on Kickstarter, and was designed with Spider Holster’s highly popular SpiderPro Hand Strap in mind. It’s proven features have been extended to the Spiderlight so mirrorless camera owners can enjoy the freedom of using a hand strap and cut the cord - so to speak - and get rid of those pesky shoulder straps once and for all.

The Final Word

The choice you make regarding the type of strap you use will be determined in large part by the type of work you perform. If you need the option of being hands-free or have multiple cameras immediately accessible, using a shoulder strap might make sense. However, the product line offered by Spider Holster, from their hand straps to tethers to hip holsters, allows you to accomplish all the same tasks without shoulder straps getting in your way. Carry your cameras and accessories on your hips, easily grab your camera and slide on the hand strap, and go about your shooting with the freedom of movement and comfort that you deserve!

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Just a couple of weeks ago I caught a flight over to Las Vegas to spend the day at WPPI.

I caught up with a ton of friends in the industry, and had a chance to check out a bunch of vendor booths as well.

There are a lot of great companies at WPPI that have fun, interesting, innovative, and helpful products and services for photographers.

While I was there, I put together a short list of companies that really impressed me.

Unfortunately, I came down with the flu soon after WPPI, so I'm a little late getting this out. Better late than never, though!

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

As you can see in the photo above, the folks at Sew Trendy had a busy expo with a non-stop flow of people checking out their product line.

I met the Founder and CEO of Sew Trendy, Valerie Best, a year or so ago, and I have to say that the way she's grown the company and her commitment to providing photographers with the highest quality products is really impressive. It's not surprising that Sew Trendy has been so successful and that their products are so in demand because Valerie is one of the hardest working people in our industry.

I managed to elbow my way through the crowd to scope out some of Sew Trendy's newest products, and they certainly didn't disappoint.

Their J'Adore Velvet Collection of maternity gowns really impressed with Sew Trendy's signature beautiful lines, impeccable construction, and, of course, that awesome stretch velvet material!

^{Belly Beautiful Photography}

Sew Trendy has some new newborn photography offerings as well, including the Newborn Mesh Wrap shown in the image above.

This wrap is made of a stretchy knit that's not only soft, but is extremely easy to work with, so you can snuggle the baby up and get beautiful shots.

But the most impressive product I saw at Sew Trendy's WPPI booth was the Charity Rainbow Skirt.

The skirt is crafted of gorgeous, bright rainbow colors that give an expecting mom a light, airy aura in her photos.

These handcrafted skirts not only look great, but 20% of the proceeds of each skirt (and all of Sew Trendy's Rainbow Baby items, for that matter) are donated to Primary Children's Hospital to help families offset the costs of pediatric ailments.

Learn more about Sew Trendy

Sirui

A lot of people recognize the name Sirui, and associate it most often with tripods.

I have a long history with Sirui. They're one of my favorite companies. In fact, I have a W-Series tripod from these guys that I wouldn't trade for the world.

It's waterproof and dustproof, which is awesome since I take a lot of shots at the beach. Additionally, my W-2004 model has a built-in monopod that comes in handy when I want to travel fast and light.

And while Sirui makes some really, really good tripods, they certainly have more to offer than that.

Sirui offers a complete line of photo and video monopods, like the EP-224S monopod shown above.

Like their tripods, Sirui monopods are well-built, easy to use, and have handy flip leg locks that make setup and breakdown a breeze.

These things are incredibly sturdy, too, and give you smooth panning rotation and swiveling.

But my favorite Sirui item I saw at WPPI is their new Three Lens Mobile Phone Kit.

The kit has you covered with an 18mm wide-angle lens, a 60mm portrait lens, and a fisheye lens to capture creative, mind-bending shots.

Each lens has multi-layer anti-reflection coating so you get high light transmission and precise colors with 4K image quality.

And with minimal vignetting and distortion, these things will help you snag some awesome photos with your phone!

Learn more about Sirui

Holdfast

I've gushed about Holdfast many times in the past...

Every time I run into Matt Swaggart, founder of Holdfast, I feel like I'm running into an old friend. That's because Matt's developed a company that focuses on the relationships with its customers as much as it focuses on creating incredible products.

And even though I own some of their gear, I'm always surprised how taken aback I am when I see their stuff at expos like WPPI. It's simply some of the most beautiful photography gear I've ever seen.

You can see the sheer volume of selection in their MoneyMaker line in the image above. But that's not Holdfast's only claim to fame...

If you've never experienced the joy of seeing and feeling (or using!) one of Holdfast's Roamographer bags, man, are you missing out!

Like the MoneyMaker (and everything else Holdfast makes), the Roamographer bag is gorgeously designed and beautifully made.

Not only is it an eye-catching bag, but it's incredibly durable, made of Great American Bison leather that only looks better and better with time.

Add in a removable camera insert that cradles your gear, carrier straps to carry your tripod, and a shearling-lined shoulder strap for comfortable carrying, and you have the makings of a piece of gear that will quickly become your new best friend!

Learn more about Holdfast

Ikan

One of my favorite booths to visit at any expo is Ikan because they have a mountain of gear available and I love checking out the latest, greatest stuff that will help me take better photos.

At WPPI this year, Ikan had a huge display of NiSi filters, which I've been using for about three months now.

Let's just say that I'm really glad that I picked up a NiSi V5 Pro Filter Kit, as it has not disappointed thus far!

Not only are these filters made of cinema-quality glass that gives you clear, sharp results with spot-on colors and minimal aberrations, but the V5 kit also comes with a filter holder, adaptor rings a carrying case, and cleaning supplies.

Add to that a soft-edge grad, a reverse grad, and a 3-stop, 6-stop, and 10-stop ND filters, and you have the makings of a complete filter pack for landscape photography.

I've only had a chance to use my new NiSi filters a couple of times, but I can tell you this - they are among the best filters I've ever used, and they will be part of my kit for a very, very long time.

On top of that, the new faces I met at the Ikan booth at WPPI impressed the heck out of me. This company is in good hands, that's for sure!

Learn more about Ikan

Skylum

If I were to describe the people at Skylum using just one word, that word would be fun.

Don't get me wrong - they aren't just a great group of people to hang out with. They also take their work very seriously.

I'm a huge fan of Lightroom, if for no other reason than it helps me keep my photos nicely organized. For someone that isn't the most organized sometimes, that's a godsend.

But I have to say that when it comes to editing my photos - most of which are landscapes - I turn to Skylum for their superb Aurora HDR 2018 and Luminar 2018 software packages.

There's plenty of reasons why Skylum's software is my go-to these days.

But chief among those reasons is that it's simple and effective.

I can literally cut my editing time in half by using Luminar because it comes preloaded with presets that make editing my photos a breeze.

There's over 40 non-destructive filers, LUTs that offer one-click options for simulating color grades and film stocks, and the ability to make your own custom presets, too.

It's a truly innovative program from a truly innovative company. If you want to boost your productivity in post-processing, give Skylum a Look!

Learn more about Skylum

Calotype

The fine folks pictured above are from Calotype, one of the most innovative photography companies around today.

If you've never heard of Calotype, get ready to be impressed...

I first met these guys at Photo Plus in 2017, and I have to say that I admire their dedication and hard work as much as I admire their product.

Speaking of which...Calotype is a web-based suite of tools for professional photographers that improves your management of day-to-day tasks that helps you streamline how you spend your precious work day.

In particular, Calotype is geared towards photographers that work in high-volume areas like sports photography or school photography. Why? Because Calotype tracks all that client data for you - names, dates, photo packages - you name it!

Calotype even helps you organize images, create encrypted image galleries for your clients to view, customize pricing lists, manage email marketing, and so much more.

In short, it's like having an office manager without having to pay one!

Learn more about Calotype

Spider Holster

I've known Spider Holster's CEO for the better part of eight years now, and the dude is an absolute machine.

He's always on the forefront of innovation, coming up with new and exciting products that the photography industry needs. He's a bit of a mad scientist in that regard...

It's hard to capture the essence of Spider Holster's gear in a simple photo like the one above.

That's because their stuff is something you really need to see and use to believe just how good it is.

Their Spider Pro dual camera holster is a feat of engineering and design that makes shooting a much simpler, streamlined task.

With your cameras on your hips, you not only have easy access to your camera to take quick shots, but they're also out of your way. No more worrying about stupid shoulder straps getting in the way!

What's really impressive about the Spider Pro is that it moves with you. In other words, you don't feel bogged down by your gear, nor do you feel restricted in how you move around.

Even with a long lens attached to your camera, you have excellent freedom of movement to get the shots you want with the confidence that your Spider Holster has your gear safely secured.

If you're a wedding photographer, I can't think of a better piece of kit to have. It's that good!

Learn more about Spider Holster

Iris Works

I've known the CEO of Iris Works for a few years, now, and I can say that her winning attribute is the laser focus she brings to the photography industry.

You can see that laser focus in Iris Works - it's a software package that is specifically designed to help you get a handle on everything you need to do.

Iris Works has tools that address every part of your business. It's got a calendar, billing and invoicing programs, and automated messaging so you can keep track of your appointments, invoices, and communications with clients.

Not only that, Iris Works gives you the ability to create contracts, galleries for individual clients, and maps with your favorite shoot locations.

You even get a daily snapshot of what's going on in your business, so you can see on a single screen each task you need to complete for the day.

Not bad, right?

Learn more about Iris Works

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Whether you enjoy taking portraits, photos of landscapes, macro photography, or something in between, something that you likely don't have is a ton of extra time.

That means that when you head out for a photo shoot that you need to maximize your available time so you can get the shots you want quickly and efficiently.

There is, however, a delicate balance between being efficient and hurrying too fast. After all, you don't want to rush through the process and end up with bad photos.

With that in mind, here are a few tips you can use to be more efficient with your time while still taking the time you need to get the best quality images.

Have a Plan

This might seem like a no-brainer, but even professional photographers will sometimes grab their camera and start taking photos without having much of a plan.

Though there is certainly something to be said for spontaneity, more often than not, it will just get you off track and you'll end up coming home with a bunch of photos that aren't all that great.

Now, this doesn't mean that you need to plan every single detail of the entire photo shoot.

But what it does mean is that you need to make preparations that will help you use your time more wisely.

That might be something as simple as sitting down and developing a shot list.

It might also involve scouting locations, determining the best time of day for the best natural lighting, and being aware of certain obstacles (i.e., the hours of operation for the venue you'd like to use as a shoot location) that can throw your time off track.

Another example of planning ahead is that when you work with models for portrait photography, meet with them ahead of time.

This is obviously a necessity if you're a professional or an aspiring professional photographer because you'll need to have model release forms signed.

But even if you're just taking portraits of your friends or family, sit down for a few minutes and talk about the kinds of photos they want and what your shared vision is for the photos you take.

The more you're on the same page with your portrait model, the easier the process will be once you have them in front of your lens.

Learn More:

• Portrait Photography Tips from the Pros
• 4 Ways to Enhance Your Portraits

Less is More

I know that when I get into the heat of the moment, I tend to rapid-fire shots.

Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing - especially if what you're photographing is on the move.

However, "spraying and praying" isn't really the approach that's going to get you high-quality photos.

Instead, taking a more measured approach will likely get you the shots you want.

With that in mind, try limiting yourself to a certain number of frames for each subject.

For example, if you're photographing a landscape, give yourself 10 shots to try and capture the scene as you want it captured.

And don't rapid-fire them, either. Check the lighting, the framing, the composition, and so forth with each shot to ensure you're giving your camera the best chance of getting the shot you want.

The chances are that you'll end up with better photos - and more of them - even though the total number of photos you take might be less.

Learn More:

• 5 Quick Landscape Photography Tips With Tons of Impact
• 8 Insanely Easy Things You Can Do Today to Immediately Improve Your Landscape Photography

Use Time-Saving Gear

It might not seem like a big deal, but the gear you use can actually cost you more time, or conversely, save you time.

Think about it...

If you're using a traditional camera shoulder strap, what are you constantly doing with it? You're adjusting it on your shoulder to keep it from falling off, worrying about it snagging on something as you hold the camera in your hand, and otherwise putting your attention on it instead of on the subject of the photo.

What's more, lugging around your camera all day on your shoulder isn't exactly a comfortable experience, and the last time I checked, if you're uncomfortable, you aren't exactly efficient with your time, either.

That's where the Spider Holster SpiderLight Holster comes in...

The SpiderLight is specifically designed for use with a mirrorless camera and enables you to shoot faster and more efficiently as well.

It places your camera right on your hip, that way you can carry it in ultimate comfort while also having it right there at your fingertips for easy access without fumbling around with a shoulder strap.

Even the way it assembles is efficient - just attach the SpiderLight to your belt, attach a Spider Plate to your camera, and voila - you're ready to shoot with quick-draw capabilities as seen below.

The SpiderLight is strong, durable, and easy to use as well. That gives you peace of mind that your camera is securely fastened to your hip but that you can retrieve your camera with ease when you need it, too.

It's even designed to be tripod compatible, and it doesn't interfere with access to the camera's battery door, either. In other words, it's an efficiency monster all the way around!

But if you're like me, you might not be so confident shooting without some sort of strap to prevent you from dropping your camera...

Again, Spider Holster has a quick and easy solution.

 

The Spider Holster SpiderLight Hand Strap is just what you need to give you the firm grip you want on your camera without having to deal with a long shoulder strap constantly getting in the way of your work.

Like the SpiderLight Holster, the hand strap is specifically designed for use with mirrorless cameras and lightweight DSLRs.

The strap is snug, yet comfortable and easy to get your hand in and out for maximum efficiency.

It doesn't get in your way, either, so your fingers are free to reach any button or dial on your camera if need be.

This strap is nice and sturdy, too, and puts your hand in the perfect shooting position for taking photos and videos.

In other words, if you truly want to unleash your efficiency, consider upgrading your gear with a SpiderLight Holster and a SpiderLight hand strap.

Combined with the other tips outlined above, you have a great recipe for improving your workflow no matter what type of subject you're photographing. 

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Spider Holster SpiderLight Holster
• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Spider Holster SpiderLight Hand Strap

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Point And Shoot Camera

Point-and-shoot cameras get a bad wrap from some photographers because of their limited features.

But as the old saying goes, the best camera is the one you have with you, so if a point-and-shoot is what you have, you best learn how to make the most of it!

Sure, the capabilities and resolution from a point-and-shoot can't match the likes of a Nikon D850, but that doesn't mean that you can't get professional-quality photos with a little all-in-one rig.

With that said, consider these pointers for getting the most out of your point-and-shoot camera.

Actually Learn How to Use It

My mother loves to take photos, but she has no idea how to work her camera.

That means that she misses half of what she wants to photograph because she's constantly fighting to figure out what the hell she needs to do to actually take said photographs.

As I mentioned earlier, point-and-shoot cameras can't compete with pro-style DSLR or mirrorless cameras. But a camera is a camera, and if you actually understand how to use it, you can get a solid photo.

That means reading the owner's manual and spending some time sitting down with your camera and learning what each button, dial, and menu function actually does.

Help Your Camera Out

No camera can do it all for you, so you need to understand what sort of limitations you're working with with your point-and-shoot.

For example, on-camera flashes tend to emit very bright, harsh light that washes out the subject. That's true for high-end DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras as well.

That being the case, do what you can to avoid using your camera's flash at all costs.

Use natural lighting, turn on every light in the house if you're shooting indoors, use a reflector to bounce light onto the subject, and so forth.

Some point-and-shoot cameras even have semi-automatic shooting modes like aperture priority or shutter priority. Others even have full manual controls.

If that's the case, use these settings to your advantage so you get photos that are better exposed.

In other words, don't simply rely on the camera to do the work for you in automatic mode. By learning how you can assume control over some aspects of what the camera does, you'll be able to create far better photos in more varied shooting conditions.

Learn More:

• Understanding Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority Modes
• How to Take Better Photos Without a Flash

Make Your Camera Accessible

This might not seem like a big deal, but trust me when I say that the easier it is for you to actually get your hands on your camera, the more photos you will take, and the more photos you take, the faster you will improve as a photographer.

The whole point of a point-and-shoot camera is to have a small form factor so it's easy to carry around.

But even a small camera can get in the way if it's dangling from your wrist all day long...

That's where something like the Black Widow Holster from Spider Holster comes in.

This holster is specifically designed to accommodate point-and-shoot cameras. The good news is that it also works with lightweight DSLRs, too. That means that as you upgrade your camera system, the Black Widow Holster can grow with you.

Just slide the holster onto your belt, screw the plate's steel pin into the tripod mount on the bottom of your camera, and slide the pin into the holster mount for easy hands-free carrying of your camera.

Not only is this a safe, secure way to carry your camera that protects against drops and theft, but with your camera on your hip in a Black Widow Holster, it'll move right along with your body so you don't feel like you have a stiff, heavy camera stuck to your side.

Get a look at the Black Widow holster in the video above from B&H Photo Video.

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Black Widow Holster
• Explore Other Black Widow Products From Spider Holster
• 3 Simple Ways to Be a More Productive Photographer

Find a Unique Perspective

Using a small, lightweight camera means that you're a little more mobile than you would be with a big full frame DSLR.

Given that added mobility, you have no excuse for continuing to take the same old photos from the same old perspectives.

Instead, give your photos a little more life by taking them from a point of view that's from above or below a normal eye level.

Kneel down or lie down on the ground to snap a worm's eye view of the subject. Then get up higher than what you'd normally view a subject from and snap a bird's eye view shot as well.

By adjusting the perspective from which you shoot, you can manipulate how the subject looks, making it seem larger in the frame from a lower perspective and making it seem smaller in the frame from a higher perspective.

With that, you have four simple, yet effective tips for getting the most out of your point-and-shoot camera!

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I remember when mirrorless cameras first came out.

I thought they were interesting little things, but I wasn't all that jazzed to have one.

Well, times have changed, and I have a couple mirrorless cameras in my kit now.

They're great - small, lightweight, super portable, and there's no shortage of high-performance features, either.

I think a lot of people are finding the light, so to speak, and trading in their DSLRs for mirrorless bodies.

With that in mind, here are a few mirrorless camera accessories you might want to add to your kit.

Editor's Note: A lot of companies put out excellent accessories for mirrorless cameras. At the top of that list, though, is Spider Holster, which makes single and dual-camera holsters, hand straps, camera plates and belts, and even attachments to carry your mirrorless camera on a backpack. We feature a few of their products below. For more information, visit their website.

SpiderLight Holster

This lightweight holster simply slides onto your belt and gives you the ability to carry your mirrorless camera safely and securely, right at your fingertips.

With the Spider Plate attached to your camera's tripod mount, you've got a complete system for carrying your camera with ease - and retrieving it quickly when you need it as well.

Being able to draw from the hip means that you will miss fewer shots when time is of the essence. No more digging around in your camera bag to grab your camera!

But don't think that because the SpiderLight Holster is small that it's not durable and functional.

The all-metal construction ensures that the holster will safely support your gear.

The two-position metal lock means you not only get a secure hold between the camera and holster, but you also get quick-draw action as well.

Even better, this thing was designed smartly, so your camera will move with you as you move, but it won't be in your way, either.

Speaking of not being in the way, the Spider Plate is specifically designed to attach to the camera body without blocking the battery door.

You can connect your camera to any tripod plate as well, even with the Spider Plate still attached!

In other words, it's the most efficient, safe, and secure way to carry your mirrorless camera.

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the SpiderLight Holster
• Mirrorless Camera Owners Wish Their Camera Had This

SpiderLight Hand Strap

Not only do you need a way to carry your camera safely, but you also need a way to improve your grip on it as you're shooting.

The beauty of mirrorless cameras is that they're so small. But that small form factor takes a little getting used to, especially if you're coming from a DSLR system that's big and chunky.

The SpiderLight Hand Strap is the ideal solution for holding your camera 

That's because it was specifically designed for mirrorless systems and small DSLRs.

You can get your hand in and out of the strap quickly, but without sacrificing a snug fit that ensures a nice feel between your hand and your camera.

The unique curvature of the strap is intentional - it puts your hand in the perfect shooting position, freeing up your fingers and thumb.

And since your fingers and thumb are free, you can easily reach all your camera's controls.

It's just built well, too - like all of Spider Holster's gear - and feels nice and sturdy on your hand.

You can use the strap with any tripod, and with any leading mirrorless camera as well.

It's also compatible with the SpiderLight Holster I previously reviewed, so you can have the ultimate setup for carrying and holding your camera!

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the SpiderLight Hand Strap
• Head to Head: Traditional Shoulder Straps vs Hand Straps

SpiderLight Backpacker

If you're the adventurous type, you might need a method of carrying your camera that shifts your camera from your hip to someplace else.

But where?

With the SpiderLight Backpacker, you can have your camera right where you need it - on your chest, safely and securely attached to your backpack.

Just use the quick snap-in connection to fasten the SpiderLight Backpacker to your bag's strap. Then click in your SpiderLight Holster, and you're ready to carry your camera in comfort and with ease.

But don't let the name fool you...

The SpiderLight Backpacker will work on messenger bags, too!

And since Spider Holster really thinks through their product design, this little gadget enables you to seamlessly shift your camera from your hip to your backpack strap in mere seconds.

The holster lock keeps your camera locked in place, and the integrated velcro elastic strap wraps around your lens, keeping it from swaying to and fro as you walk.

You can even use the SpiderLight Backpacker with your GoPro and get awesome point-of-view photos and videos as you hike.

In other words, these SpiderLight accessories not only help you carry your gear, but they can make you more productive.

Get your camera faster, get more shots, carry your gear more securely. What's not to like about that?

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the SpiderLight Backpacker
• Good and Bad Ways to Carry Your Camera

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Mirrorless cameras have been around for a few years now. Where they were a bit of a novelty when they first came out, they are now a viable (and in many cases, preferable) alternative to full frame and APS-C cameras.

Photographers that have taken the leap into mirrorless enjoy all sorts of advantages: lenses tend to be more affordable yet more modern, there are incredible video recording capabilities, and mirrorless systems utilize the same size sensors as bigger, heavier DSLRs, but in a much more petite package.

It’s that final feature - the size of the camera - that is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, a smaller camera means it’s more mobile, easier to carry around and pack, and takes less of a toll on your hands, arms, neck, and shoulder as you work for hours on end. They are far less noticeable than a DSLR, meaning you can more easily conduct your work without drawing all sorts of attention to yourself. That means you have a greater ability to capture candid shots and genuine moments without being noticed, whether that’s at a wedding you’re shooting or if you’re just out on the town getting in some street photography time.

The small size of a mirrorless camera system also means that it’s a bit tough to handle comfortably for long periods of time - its petite body can get overwhelmed by even average-sized hands. The result is a struggle to determine the best way to grip the camera that’s both secure and comfortable. That’s been a bit of a struggle in the past because there just wasn’t much in the way of solutions to this ever-present problem.

But not now.

The Spiderlight Hand Strap by Spider Holster was specifically designed to resolve this problem. The hand strap (shown above) was designed by photographers, for photographers. Its s-curve shape puts your hand in the perfect shooting position, fully capable of comfortably supporting your mirrorless camera while also giving you the ability to reach every button and dial on your camera with ease. The strap gives you easy on and off access while guaranteeing a secure fit that allows you to walk around with your camera on your hand without the fear of it sliding off.

The strap itself is made of high-quality materials that lend to its comfort and longevity. The inside of the strap is lined with a cushion of velvet-lined foam that wicks sweat away and gives your hand the comfortable fit it needs to shoot for hours on end. The outside of the strap is made of a proprietary material that not only looks great, but it also conforms to the shape of your hand, enhancing comfort and security. The Spiderlight even comes in a variety of colors that look beautiful!

As great as these features are, what really makes mirrorless camera owners want a Spiderlight Hand Strap is the ability to shoot freely, without the worry of dropping the camera. As comfortable as the Spiderlight Hand Strap is, it’s also extremely secure, hugging your hand so you can walk down the street, move swiftly around an event, or even run down a hiking trail without worry that your camera will fly off your hand. Where other hand straps are uncomfortable and flimsy, the Spiderlight fits like a glove and gives you peace of mind that it won’t come off until you take it off.

Additionally, mirrorless camera owners appreciate the fact that there are all kinds of adapters that make the Spiderlight compatible with leading mirrorless systems. What’s more, unlike other hand straps that must be removed in order to use a tripod, the Spiderlight, when paired with the Spiderlight Thin Plate, is fully usable with a tripod. No more detaching your strap before attaching your camera! You can also tether your mirrorless camera to a neck or shoulder sling using Spider Holster’s Spider Web, or you can attach your camera to a backpack or messenger bag using the Spider Holster Black Widow Vertical Adapter. That means you have an incredible degree of flexibility regarding how you secure your mirrorless system.

At the end of the day, mirrorless cameras offer many advantages to the modern photographer. But the one thing that mirrorless camera owners wish they had was a comfortable and safe way to hold and secure their camera. Spider Holster has solved these issues with their Spiderlight Hand Strap and other handy products in the Spider Holster line. If you’ve got a mirrorless system, Spider Holster is definitely worth a look.

Learn more about the Spiderlight Hand Strap on Spider Holster’s Kickstarter page.

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As mirrorless camera systems have grown in popularity, so too has the accessory market for these systems. From travel tripods that give you better mobility to hand straps that give you a solid, comfortable way to hold your camera, there are all sorts of fun and functional items you can add to your mirrorless kit.

Let’s examine our three favorite accessories for today’s mirrorless cameras.

Hand Strap

As noted above, one of the greatest benefits of having a mirrorless camera is its small size. You can easily move around, shooting freely without having to lug around a bulky DSLR. But, just like with your DSLR, comfort while shooting and having a secure grip on your camera are of the utmost importance.

As a result, a hand strap is another must-have item for your mirrorless system. Hand straps have many advantages over neck straps, not the least of which is that you don’t have to worry about getting your strap tangled up in something as you’re walking around. With a hand strap like the Spiderlight by Spider Holster, you can safely and securely hold your camera without the possibility of getting your strap snagged on your clothing, on a passerby, or on an object as you’re walking around shooting. Just slide the strap over your hand, enjoy the incredible comfort of the padded material, and set about your photographic journey knowing that your mirrorless camera will be with you every step of the way!

What to look for: The Spiderlight has everything you need in a hand strap - impeccable construction, extreme comfort, compatibility with leading mirrorless cameras, and the ability to mount the camera to a tripod without removing the strap.

Travel Tripod

One of the claims to fame for mirrorless cameras is their small size, which makes them a perfect option for travel photography. You can really shoot free and fast given that mirrorless cameras are so lightweight, but what about a tripod?

Rather than carrying your old standard tripod which might be very bulky and heavy, a perfect accessory for your mirrorless camera is a travel tripod. Travel tripods will fit easily into your camera bag or backpack, won’t take up a lot of space, and don’t weigh a ton. Even though they’re small in stature, travel tripods still give you a good level of stability that will enhance your ability to get the shots you want, especially those in low-light situations. Sure, a travel tripod won’t give you the same foundation as your enormous studio tripod, but it will go a long way in expanding your opportunities to take a variety of pictures while traveling.

What to look for: Carbon fiber, titanium, or magnesium materials to cut down weight, a three-way head to facilitate taking still photos and videos, and large diameter legs for better stability.

Video Handle

Mirrorless camera systems have built a solid reputation for excellent video shooting capabilities. But no matter how great the camera’s video capabilities are, if you can’t hold the camera steady, you’ll still end up with video that’s bumpy and herky-jerky.

The easiest solution to this problem is to invest in a video handle for your mirrorless camera. Your camera mounts securely to the handle so you can shoot video at various angles while maintaining a secure grip. Video handles suspend your camera, meaning the total weight of the camera and the handle helps to stabilize your hand, resulting in smoother videos. Although video handles come with varying features, by and large, they are equipped with a non-slip, rubber handle so you can maintain a good grip on the rig, even if you’re holding it down low or up high for video from different vantage points.

What to look for: A handle with an integrated tripod mount so you can place the handle - with the camera attached to it - on a tripod. Also look for a handle with a shoe mount on the top of the handle so you can add a light, microphone, or another accessory that will enhance your video.

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It'll be 2018 soon, and that means we'll have a whole new year to improve our photography.

If you're like me, you look at the new year as an opportunity to further develop the skills you already have while also expanding your horizons.

That's what this post is all about...

If you want to step up your game in 2018, here's a few ideas for New Year's resolutions for photographers.

Shoot More

No one has ever said, "Gee, I spend too much time taking photos."

The more photos you take, the better the photographer you'll be.

That's because you'll have a chance to work with more subjects, in a greater variety of conditions, and potentially with more varied gear as well.

In 2018, stretch your boundaries. If you usually shoot landscapes, try portraiture. If you like wildlife photography, try macro.

You can even set a goal to take at least a photo a day for the entire year, or if that's a little too much commitment, try doing a weekly challenge in which you take photos every day that fits into a theme.

Whatever you do, just commit yourself to getting behind the lens more often.

They don't say "practice makes perfect" for nothing!

Shoot More Comfortably, Too

If you're still clinging to the camera strap that came with your camera, you're doing it all wrong.

Those cheap, flimsy straps offer nothing in the way of comfort, nor do they help with your workflow, either.

When I first started in photography, I don't know how many times I got that damn strap caught on something as I was walking around.

But, now, that's not a worry because I use the Spider Holster SpiderLight.

The SpiderLight puts my Sony a6300 right on my hip, where it's both out of the way, yet easily accessible.

I shoot a lot of landscapes, so it's nice to be able to walk around with my hands free in case a rock or a tree root jumps up and tries to trip me.

I also like the fact that the SpiderLight keeps my camera safe and secure. Even if I do stumble on a trail, my camera won't go anywhere.

But don't think that the SpiderLight is just for landscape photographers...

I use it when I'm taking portraits of my family, when I'm in the city for some fun street shoots, and even when I'm traveling.

I use my holster with the SpiderLight Hand Strap, too, that way when I'm taking shots, I have a good, solid grip on my camera and a strap to act as a failsafe.

Just like the SpiderLight Holster, the Hand Strap is designed to stay out of your way.

The unique shape makes it easy to slide your hand in and out, and it puts your hand in the ideal shooting position so you can reach all the needed buttons and dials on your camera.

Together, the SpiderLight Holster and Hand Strap have helped me transform my workflow, and be way more comfortable as I work, too.

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the SpiderLight Holster and SpiderLight Hand Strap
• Good and Bad Ways to Carry a Camera

Get More Feedback

When I say "get more feedback," I don't mean ask your Instagram followers to tell you what they think...

Instead, I mean to get more critical feedback from other photographers.

That might require you to join a photography site and upload your images to galleries or joining a photography club in your local area.

It might also mean asking photographers you respect for some feedback or finding a mentor to help you develop your skills.

However you go about it, getting constructive feedback on your work will only help you grow as a photographer, and by the end of the new year, you'll see much-improved results.

Get a New Lens

A great way to challenge yourself in the new year is to learn how to shoot with a different lens.

The things you can do with your kit lens, for example, are vastly different than the things you can do with a 50mm f/1.8 or a 200mm f/4-5.6.

By outfitting yourself with a new lens, you can develop more improved compositional skills, develop your creative eye even further, shoot in more varied lighting conditions, and take photos of more varied subjects.

And don't think that you have to spend a lot of money to get a great lens, either.

If you buy a pre-owned lens from Lensfinder, you'll not only get a great lens but you'll save some money as well.

Since Lensfinder uses advanced fraud filtering for both buyers and sellers in their marketplace, you can trust that the lens you buy is exactly as its described.

You can communicate with the seller right within the Lensfinder platform, read seller feedback (and leave feedback once your transaction is complete), and even pay via PayPal in the platform as well.

It's easy, convenient, safe, and you save money. What's not to like?

Learn More:

• Find a Pre-Owned Lens for Your Camera
• The Top 3 Lenses You Need to Buy

Commit Yourself to Honing Your Post-Processing Skills

I remember a time when some people thumbed their nose at the idea of processing their images. Somehow, it was viewed as cheating.

Well, if you ask me, processing isn't an option these days, as there are so many incredibly powerful tools available to improve the quality of your photos.

Whether you go with Photoshop or Lightroom, a newer player like Luminar or Pixlr, or do all your processing with smartphone apps like VSCO or Snapseed, dedicate yourself to developing a solid post-processing workflow so you can get every last ounce of awesome out of your photos.

Get a Better Computer for Post-Processing

Speaking of post-processing...

I've been an Apple fan for years, but they've fallen behind in terms of offering tools and features on their machines that make photo processing easy.

But you know who hasn't slouched in that department?

Microsoft.

I still have my MacBook Pro, and I still use it for some tasks. But when it comes to editing my photos, that job falls to my Microsoft Surface Book 2.

This thing is awesome, to say the least.

Not only does it have a glorious 13.5-inch detachable touchscreen (there's a 15-inch version available, too) but it also has giant trackpad, an awesome backlit keyboard, and a high-end graphics card.

On the inside, the Surface Book 2 now has Intel i7 quad-core processors available for the first time, which translates into lighting-fast speed, even when you're doing power-hungry tasks like editing photos.

You can get 8GB or 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, and it comes loaded with the surprisingly good Windows 10 as well.

On top of all that, the Surface Book 2 is the perfect companion to the awesome Surface Pen, which makes photo editing a total breeze. If you pick up a Surface Dial, it's compatible with the Surface Book 2 as well.

That means that this thing is an innovative, power-packed, feature-rich workhorse that is incredibly versatile.

If you're still using your old MacBook Pro for photo editing, I suggest that in the new year you give the Surface Book 2 a good, long look.

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Microsoft Surface Book 2
• The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a MacBook Pro Killer

Get More Organized

I fully admit that my image files can be a hot mess. My guess is that yours probably are too.

In 2018, I'm definitely setting out to be more organized, to get all my images labeled and into folders so I can actually find the things I'm looking for when the time comes.

I'm also going to endeavor to dump my photos more quickly. I have a tendency to go shoot, and then by the time I get home, I just want to veg on the couch, which leaves my images on the memory card for a few days after the fact.

That's a dangerous game to play, and though I've not lost any images yet, I'm certainly not doing everything I can to protect against image loss in the future.

If this sounds like you too, join me next year in getting more organized!

Give Time-Lapse a Try

When I need a break from the grind, I often go to YouTube or Vimeo and check out time-lapse videos.

I find that time-lapses of gorgeous landscapes helps me pause, take a breath, and get my batteries revved up to get back to work.

In short, I love time-lapses, but never really considered trying to make them myself, that is, until now.

Syrp, a New Zealand-based company, makes a little gadget called the Genie Mini that makes time-lapse photography loads easier.

The Genie Mini is a pint-sized motion control device that allows you to create smooth panning time-lapse videos (and real-time videos for that matter).

It connects wirelessly to your phone via a companion app, which gives you tons of control over what the Genie does and when.

And since you control this little guy from your phone, that means you can sit back, relax, and dial in your desired settings while you hang out and enjoy the view.

In addition to being small, lightweight, and packed with features, Genie Mini makes time-lapse videos a breeze.

That's because the Genie Mini app comes with factory presets so you can shoot time-lapses right out of the box. You literally don't need to know a thing about time-lapse video in order to make one!

Just mount Genie Mini to your tripod, connect your camera, fire up the app, and shoot away.

We're all busy and short on time, so when you can try something new without having to invest every waking moment of your free time to do it, I say go for it!

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the Syrp Genie Mini
• Guide to Getting Started in Time-Lapse Photography

Help Out Other Photographers

It might sound a little sappy, but photography really can change the world.

In the new year, you can be part of that by helping other photographers realize their potential.

Maybe that's getting your kid their first camera. Perhaps that's offering to teach your kid's class a little bit about photography.

However you go about it, getting other people involved in photography and helping them improve their skills is a great way to spend your free time in the coming year.

Additionally, see what you can do to use your photography skills for good.

Whether that's volunteering to take photos of the animals up for adoption at the local animal shelter, offering to take some candid photos at your neighbor's family reunion or something in between, see if you can pay it forward a little in 2018 in order to make the world around you just a little bit better.

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I think I speak for all us photographers when I say that when we take a photo, we want it to look its best.

This is true whether you're a landscape photographer, a portrait photographer, or something in between.

But sometimes wanting to get the best results and knowing how to get those results are two different things...

So, if you're ready to step up your portrait photography game, consider the following tips as essential to getting started.

Posing Tip: Construct the Portrait From the Ground Up

Believe it or not, if you want to create a portrait with the most visual appeal, you need to start not with the subject's face, but with their feet instead.

That's because the feet and legs give the portrait the structure it needs to really stand out.

Think about it...if your subject has their feet too close together and they don't have a stable base on which to stand, they'll look wobbly in the shot.

What's more, simply having the model stand there, legs straight and feet even, is just not a very exciting look, as you can see above.

Instead, have the model shift one leg behind them with their toes pointed at roughly a 45-degree angle from the camera.

Have them shift their weight to the back leg, and turn their body to align with that 45-degree angle.

What this does is spread their feet apart to give them the stability they need to be still while also creating an interesting camera angle.

With their body pointed slightly away from the camera, you have a better ability to create a portrait that has depth and dimension and is more engaging to view, as seen in the image above.

Learn More:

• How to Take Better Portraits in Just 4 Steps
• 4 tips to Take Your Wedding Photography from Amateur to Pro

Composition Tip: The Eyes Have It

As the saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul. As a result, they should be the focus of most portraits.

One way to help viewers lock onto the subject's eyes is to shoot at eye level.

That means that if you're photographing a basketball player, you might need to stand on a stool to get your camera even with their eyes.

Likewise, if you're photographing a toddler, you might need to lay on the ground or sit down to compose a shot that's at their eye level.

This is a good tip whether the model is looking at the camera or not.

If they're looking right down the barrel of the lens, an eye-level shot will create a more intimate portrait for the viewer to experience.

If the model is looking off-camera, taking the shot at their eye level allows viewers to understand how the model sees the world from their specific point of view.

This isn't to say that you can't get creative and shoot portraits from above or below eye level.

It also doesn't mean that every portrait you take even has to include the model's face and eyes!

However, when you take a traditional portrait like those shown above, be sure you compose your images in such a way that viewers have an opportunity to interact with the model's eyes. If you can do that, your images will be far more engaging and memorable.

Get more insights on shooting at eye level in the video above from The Art of Photography.

Learn More:

• This is the Key to a Great Portrait
• Unique Ideas for Creating Faceless Portraits

Workflow Tip: Keep Your Gear Close

It doesn't matter if you started taking portraits yesterday or if you've been a professional portrait photographer for 20 years...

If you dilly dally and are constantly engaged in digging through your camera bag, swapping out lenses, or changing camera bodies, your model is going to lose interest pretty quickly.

This is especially true if you're photographing everyday people (instead of models) because most of us everyday folks aren't that interested in being in front of the camera in the first place.

That means you need to take measures to speed up your workflow and keep your gear easily accessible so you can keep your subjects engaged in the photo shoot.

If you ask me, there's no better way to do that than by having all the gear you need right on your body.

Spider Holster allows you to do just that with their modular SpiderPro kits.

The Sue Bryce Kit, for example, includes a SpiderLight Belt and Holster for carrying your gear, a SpiderPro Plate to attach a large DSLR body and lens, and a memory card holster so you don't have to dig through your bag to find a new card when the first one fills up.

Also included is a SpiderPro Hand Strap so when you release your camera from the SpiderLight Holster, you have a rock-solid way of holding onto your camera, but without having to mess around with a long neck cord getting in your way. 

In other words, with this kit, you have everything you need for a productive photo shoot right on your hips within easy reach.

Sounds great, doesn't it?!

But the Sue Bryce Kit by Spider Holster isn't just convenient in that it allows you to comfortably carry your gear...

With the small form factor of the SpiderLight belt, you don't feel bogged down or cramped by your gear, either.

Instead, it affords you the freedom of movement you need to direct your portrait subject and compose eye-catching shots whether you're taking a close up, a half-body photo, a full-body shot, and so forth.

Sue Bryce has been creating breathtaking portrait, fashion, and glamour images for nearly three decades, so she certainly knows how to maximize a portrait photography workflow.

If you're ready to take the next step in your portrait photography, do yourself a favor and snag a SpiderPro Sue Bryce Kit, focus on posing from the ground up, and work on composing your portraits around the model's eyes.

You might just be surprised at what a difference these three simple tips can make!

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on the SpiderPro Sue Bryce Kit
• 3 Simple Ways to Be a More Productive Photographer

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Being a professional photographer is hard work.

Heck, being an amateur photographer is hard work too!

But luckily, we live in an era in which we have more tools at our disposal to help us take better photos than ever before.

Some would say that using these tools is taking the easy way out.

I disagree...

Instead, I say take advantage of technological advances to help you create more compelling photos.

Here's a few innovative products I really like that have helped me along the way.

SpiderPro Holster

I know it might not sound like it's something that would make a huge difference, but trust me when I say that the way you carry your camera gear impacts your ability to get photos.

Enter the SpiderPro by Spider Holster.

For starters, having your cameras on your hips and right at your fingertips means they are out of the way as you move around, but right there easy to access at the same time.

If you need to quickly draw your camera to your eye, you can do that, meaning you won't miss the shot.

Secondly, carrying your cameras on your hips makes sense from a comfort standpoint.

By distributing the load at your hips, you can carry your cameras much more comfortably. The more comfortable you are, the longer you can stay out and shoot. And the longer you can stay out and shoot, the more photos you can take.

Systems like the SpiderPro are additionally nice to have because they're so easy to use.

The SpiderPro has a patented ball-joint system facilitates easy action to holster and unholster your camera.

It's built like a tank, too.

The plates and pins used to secure your camera are solid and tough, so you don't have to worry about your camera slipping out or falling due to poor construction or ineffective materials.

Instead, you get the peace of mind knowing that your cameras will be safe and secure when you don't need them and easy to grab when you do.

Trust me - this thing will change the way you work whether you like to take portraits, landscapes, or something in between!

Learn More:

• See the Specs on the SpiderPro Holster
• Camera Accessories Every Wedding Photographer Needs

Pulse by Alpine Labs

If I told you there's a gadget that helps you take sharper photos, long exposures, time lapse video, and do it all from your smartphone, would you believe me?

Well, it's reality, and it's called Pulse.

This little guy attaches to the hot-shoe mount of your camera, plugs into the USB port, and gives you wireless control over everything from aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to HDR bracketing, timer delays, and time lapse settings.

It works on Bluetooth so that you can make adjustments from up to 100 feet away, too, so there's no more standing idly by your camera as it does its work.

Using a camera remote like Pulse means you can mount your camera on a tripod and use the remote to fire the shutter remotely.

That means you don't have to worry about camera shake, the result of which is sharper photos.

You can also use Pulse to extend the shutter speed to get delightful long exposure images.

It's just a matter of dialing in the settings you need and letting Pulse take it from there.

But where Pulse really knocks it out of the park is with time lapse video.

You can ramp the exposure with Pulse, meaning you can get seamless day-to-night time lapses that are beautifully exposed.

If real-time video is your thing, you can start and stop recording from Pulse.

There's even image review on your phone so you can see how your still images turn out.

That's not a bad set of features to take your photos from okay to pro-level if you ask me!

Learn More:

• See the Specs on Pulse by Alpine Labs
• Simple Tricks to Getting Sharp Images With Your Camera
• How to Make a Time Lapse Video

SpiderPro Hand Strap

I don't know about you, but when I'm shooting photos, the last thing I want is my camera strap around my neck.

I want something that's out of the way, doesn't tangle up in stuff as I walk by, and gives me a way to securely hold my camera, even when it's at my side as I walk around.

That's where the SpiderPro Hand Strap comes in...

This thing is purpose-built to help you be more efficient with your photography - and get better photos while you're at it.

It's adjustable to any size hand and compatible with any tripod, extended battery pack, or vertical shooting grip. It doesn't even get in the way of the camera's battery door or memory card slots.

Better yet, the SpiderPro Hand Strap puts your hand in an ideal shooting position - at 45 degrees to the camera body. That's due in part to the unique s-shape that gives you access to your camera's controls with ease but without sacrificing the feeling that the strap is nice and secure on your hand.

In shooting with my SpiderPro, I've found that the strap is on the perfect spot on my hand - just above my knuckles near my wrist.

That maximizes its ability to support my camera and do so without causing my hand and wrist undue fatigue.

It's comfortable, too.

I swear my SpiderPro remembers the shape of my hand - it fits that well. It's probably the memory foam on the inside of the strap that does it!

In other words, this thing will help you shoot with greater ease, for longer periods of time, in greater comfort.

If that doesn't equate to improved photos, I don't know what will!

Learn More:

• See the Specs on the SpiderPro Hand Strap
• Explore More Camera Accessories to Help You Shoot Like a Pro

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One of the problems I had with my photos early on in my photography career is that they just didn't have a lot of impact.

I was confused as to why this was happening, too, because it's not like the locations I was shooting weren't big and beautiful.

Plus, I was pretty confident in my ability to compose a great shot, so that left me scratching my head a little bit.

If that sounds like your landscape photography experience, give the tips below a try. I did, and my photos are much better for it!

Epic Landscape Photos Begin With Research

I know that spending a few hours in your house, sitting at your computer researching things like drive times, where hiking trails are located, sunrise and sunset times, and so forth isn't as fun as actually being outside taking photos, but trust me when I say that the more research you do ahead of time, the better your photos will be.

Get on Google Earth to get a feel for how the landscape looks from a macro view. This could help you identify that special spot where you can get a more epic photo.

Do a quick Google search of the location where you'd like to shoot, and see what images come up.

Not only will this further your understanding of the lay of the land, but you can also find tons of inspiration for getting better photos.

Of course, you'll also want to research things like the sunrise and sunset times so you can capitalize on the beauty of Golden Hour.

Looking back at my early photos, the lighting was one of the primary reasons that my shots were falling flat - I simply wasn't taking advantage of the best light of the day.

Likewise, if you want to tackle astrophotography, you'll need to find out things like the phases of the moon, where the Milky Way will appear in the sky at the specific shoot location, and so forth.

Again, doing all this research might not be loads of fun, but it will be worth it when you see the improved results you get.

Learn More:

• These Breathtaking Drone Photos Turn Landscapes Into Abstract Masterpieces
• Essential Accessories You Need for Your New Camera

You Need the Right Gear

 

One must-have photography accessory that many landscape photographers seem to leave behind is a tripod.

That's not to say that they forget it; rather, it seems like some photographers think they don't need one.

I'm here to tell you that this is an incorrect assumption.

Having a high-quality tripod will certainly help you take more epic landscape photos.

That's because a tripod not only gives your camera the support it needs to get a sharp photo, but a tripod also helps you compose a better shot.

When you use a tripod, you have to slow things down a bit while you set it up. That gives you a few extra seconds to survey your surroundings and work out the composition of the images you're about to take.

Additionally, some tripods, like the ALTA PRO 2+ 263AB100 by Vanguard that's shown above and below, offer you tons of flexibility regarding the point of view from which you compose the photo.

As you can see, this tripod has a unique Multi-Angle Center Column that allows you to position your camera at just about any angle from the negative to the positive side.

That, in turn, gives you tons of creativity for framing up interesting landscape shots, whether that's from an ultra-low angle point of view that includes more foreground interest or a more traditional shot from near your eye level.

Aside from that, this tripod has the features that are required for a landscape photography tripod.

That includes magnesium and aircraft aluminum construction that's incredibly stable and ultra light.

That also includes a bubble level control for level horizons, a canopy suspension loop to add counterbalance weight, angle rubber feet for a good grip on varied terrain, and a non-slip, all-weather TPU grip so you can grip and go, even if the tripod is wet.

Vanguard tripods have plenty of other features that will help you improve your landscape photography, too.

Check out the ALTA PRO 2+ 263AB100 in more detail here.

Learn More:

• How to Stabilize Your Camera For Sharper Images
• 5 Things You Need to Know About Tripods Before You Buy One

Always Be At the Ready

Timing is critical in photography, and if you're not ready at a moment's notice to take a shot, you might very well miss the opportunity to capture something truly epic.

So, don't pack your camera away in your bag and assume that you can get it out in time should the opportunity to take an awesome photo arise.

Instead, once you get to the destination, work out the camera settings for the current lighting conditions.

Have the lens you want to use already mounted on your camera, too.

Also have your camera accessible, that way you can simply draw it to your eye and shoot quickly.

The easiest way to do that is to use something like Spider Holster, which keeps your camera right on your hip as you hike around looking for epic shots.

An ideal companion for a landscape photographer is the SpiderLight camera holster, which is specifically designed for smaller DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

The Spiderlight slips right onto your belt and features a two-position metal lock to ensure you can draw the camera to your eye quickly, but also keeps your camera safe and sound right on your hip.

The Spiderlight doesn't block your camera's battery door, so when you need to swap batteries, there's no complicated process to remove the Spiderlight.

It also has a connection for a quick-release plate, so you don't have to remove it to attach your camera to a tripod, either.

On top of that, Spider Holster has a Spiderlight Backpacker attachment that allows you to holster your camera on a backpack strap.

Or, as seen above, you can keep your camera on your hip and use the Spiderlight Backpacker to holster a GoPro for some fun footage as you work.

The key here is that the Spiderlight will give you quicker access to your gear, which, when paired with having a good tripod and doing your research ahead of time, will put you in a better position to get the epic landscape shots you seek.

Learn More:

• Get the Specs and Pricing on Spider Holster Products
• Good and Bad Ways to Carry Your Camera

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Believe it or not, the Holdays are almost upon us! Since it's never too early to start shopping for your favorite photographer-type people, we're helping get you off to an early start. As always, we've listend to our members and followed the buying trends to bring you our lists of gifts sure to please any photography or cinematography buffs on your list. Here's the first for this year, with ten great gift ideas under $150.00. Happy shopping!

1. Syrp Variable ND Filter

A Neutral Density (ND) filter is one of the most creative tools you can give a photographer or cinematographer. It enables creative effects by allowing wider apertures and/or slower shutter speeds in bright lighting conditions. The most well-known examples are probably those dreamy, foggy effects created by moving water in stills and elimination of “roll” in videos. This rugged, variable version eliminates the need to carry several ND filters by allowing from 1 to 8.5 stops of exposure reduction with one filter!

Learn more here.

2. Datacolor® Spyder®LENSCAL

SpyderLENSCAL provides a fast, reliable method of measuring the focus performance on your camera and lens combinations. It allows photographers to obtain razor-sharp focusing or check to see that their lenses are working at their peak performance.

Learn More here.

3. WoodSnap

Imagine your favorite photographer's work printed directly on wood! Give him or her a vibrant, 16” x 20” wood print, complete with mounting slots and ready to grace his, her (or your) wall! Each genuine wood print is completely unique. Upload a photo from Facebook, Instagram or your computer, or email it in to get started.

Learn more here.

4. Spider Holster

Conventional camera straps are clumsy, hard on your neck and shoulders and not the fastest way to access your DSLR. The Single Camera System from Spider Pro transfers the weight to your hips and allows an incredibly quick draw of a full-size DSLR with lens when that killer shot comes up. It's revolutionary, rugged and perfect for active photographers.

Learn more here.

5. Perfectly Clear

Perfectly Clear Complete for Photoshop and Lightroom offers incredibly effective, one-click enhancement of images.  You can use the 40 built-in presets or easily create your own with precise control.   With this bundle, you'll get complete control over exposure, contrast, noise reduction, and color.  Portrait photographers can also quickly enhance the eyes, skin, face, teeth and much more in one easy-to-use package.

Learn More here.

6.Wolverine F2D Mighty

Most photograhers have stacks of negatives and slides just begging to be converted to digital images, and who doesn't have a bunch of old home movies to digitize? The Wolverine Digital Converter makes it easy to create high-resoultion (up to 20MP) digital files from film and positive transparencies. Give the gift of preserved memories.

Learn more here.

7. Promaster Multi-Function IR Timer Remote/Intervalometer

Time-lapse sequences are among the most fun and rewarding things you can do with your DSLR. With this intervalometer, you can control your sequences remotely on most brand-name DSLRs and for those that don't have IR sensors, you can add an optional cable to use it wired. Of course, it also works as a standard remote shutter release with a little extra control, like controlling the number of exposures in continuous mode, all from up to 30 feet away.

Learn more here.

8. Sirui T-004X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head

This aluminum travel tripod from Sirui is compact and weighs in at just 2 pounds. Its legs reverse fold, so its closed size is just 15.7 inches. The adjustable center column can be replaced with the short center column for low angle shooting and three leg angle settings let you keep shooting on uneven terrain. Despite its small size, it can support up to 13.2 pounds and has a maximum height of 58 inches. The tripod even comes with a ball head with safety-lock Arca-type compatible clamp with quick release plate.

Learn more about the Sirui T-004X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head.

9. Aquapac SLR Camera Case with Hard Lens

How awesome would it be to shoot underwater with your DSLR? The Aquapac can make that happen! Not only is it guaranteed to let you shoot under up to 15 feet of water, it will float if you drop your camera overboard, and doubles as a protective “rain suit” to keep out moisture, sand and other contaminants. It also comes with an adjustable neck cord and moisture-detecting desiccant packets. Open up a whole world of new possibilities with this gift.

Learn more here.

Glide Gear DEV 235 Camera Track Slider 23.5"

One of the coolest things you can do with videos and time-lapse sequences is to add smooth, controlled camera motion. This simple slider enables that without a lot of expense, but without sacrificing quality. It mounts to a tripod or can be set up on almost any surface with the adjustable legs and rubber ball feet. It accepts almost any digital camera, camcorder or video camera, so there's no need to worry about what your favorite photographer shoots with!

Learn more here.

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^{Image Credit: Eloi_Omella via iStock}

I love this time of year because fall is a great time for photography and I get to plan my annual trip to PhotoPlus in New York City.

If you've never been to PhotoPlus, it's a smorgasbord of photography classes, seminars, photo walks, and keynote speakers. Plan to be there October 25-27, 2018!

It's a great opportunity to rub elbows with other photographers, learn about where the industry is headed, and scope out awesome photography products from some of the top photography companies in the world.

I always enjoy the expo at PhotoPlus because it's nice to see old friends and make new ones (and it's fun playing with all the products on display!).

Here's a few fine folks I'm excited to see at this year's PhotoPlus.

Sirui

What I appreciate about Sirui is that they listen to photographers and put out gear that has the features and the versatility that we want. 

This is evident in all of the products they produce, but particularly with their tripods.

I’ve been rocking a Sirui W-2204 waterproof carbon fiber tripod for years now, and it is hands-down the best tripod I’ve ever owned.

In fact, I love this tripod so much that I honestly didn’t think that Sirui could ever really top it. I was wrong.

Earlier this year, Sirui unveiled a brand-new line of professional tripods that take the meaning of “great tripod” to another level entirely.

Dubbed the “SR Series,” these tripods have some impressive statistics: they can hold up to 55 pounds of gear, reach a height of 80-inches with the optional two-stage center column, and have rock-solid twist-lock leg mechanisms that make for quick and easy setup.

 

Speaking of easy setup, the SR Series tripods have three-position leg angles that further allow you to position the tripod just right to get the shots you want. 

Add in an integrated bubble level to keep your horizons straight, a removable flat top plate for converting from photography to videography, and an integrated ¼-inch socket on the spider for attaching accessories, and you have the makings of a tripod that can handle anything you throw at it.

And on top of all that, the SR Series is just one of many tripod families by Sirui. They have dozens of other tripods that are packed with features for photographers of all skill levels. 

Sirui will be manning Booth 1054 at PhotoPlus 2018. Stop by and see the impeccable quality of their SR Series tripods and other products for yourself! 

Learn more about Sirui

Holdfast

I’ve owned a lot of photography gear over the years - plenty of it perfectly good, some of it really bad, and even less of it that I’d put in the “spectacular” category.

Well, solidly in that spectacular category is my gear from Holdfast.

These guys crank out some of the best photography straps and camera bags on the market today. I’ve used their products for years now, and I can personally attest to the quality, the functionality, and the aesthetics of their MoneyMaker Dual Camera Strap and their Roamographer Camera Bag. 

But Holdfast embodies something else that I appreciate beyond their ability to craft amazing photography gear - they’re constantly working to improve their products and deliver innovative gear that makes our jobs as photographers easier.

New for 2018, Holdfast recently unveiled their MoneyMaker Solo - a single camera version of the original MoneyMaker.

The Solo solves the one “problem” of the original MoneyMaker in that it’s specifically designed for single-camera shooters. Photographers asked for a “lite” version of the MoneyMaker to address this issue, and Holdfast has obliged in beautiful fashion.

Where my original MoneyMaker can accommodate up to three cameras, the Solo gives you a comfortable and functional way to carry one camera such that it’s out of your way, yet right at your fingertips for quick shooting at the same time. That’s thanks in large part to the included belt anchor that keeps your gear locked in without moving, right at your side, yet easily releases it when you need to take a shot. 

Made using the same gorgeous leathers and hardware as the original MoneyMaker, the Solo also has the same versatility of the original MoneyMaker because you can add Holdfast’s cell phone pouch and lens pouches to carry even more gear. 

If you’re new to the Holdfast environment, I strongly suggest you find your way to Booth 651 at PhotoPlus 2018 and scope out the MoneyMaker Solo and their other products firsthand. You won’t be disappointed! 

Learn more about Holdfast

MyCaseBuilder

I go to PhotoPlus every year and spend a ton of time on the Expo floor checking out all the incredible photography gear that companies are putting out. 

Over the last two or three years, I’ve run into the folks from MyCaseBuilder, and each time I visit their booth, I’m totally blown away by the online program at MyCaseBuilder.com. It is so easy-to-use and each custom insert is unique, created with incredible attention to detail and overall quality.

MyCaseBuilder elevates the process of designing and manufacturing their inserts with an engineer’s precision and an artist’s impeccable touch. 

On top of that, the MyCaseBuilder team is simply a collection of rock stars that are dedicated to creating products that not only protect valuable gear from damage, but also help all us photographers actually do our jobs better. 

Since you can completely customize your MyCaseBuilder foam insert, you can determine what case the insert is for as well as the kit it will be used with. Whether you’ve got a Nikon D850 with ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses for landscape photography or a Sony A7R III with a slew of prime lenses for portraiture, or something in between, these custom foam inserts will accommodate whatever gear you’ve got.

Better still, since you get to determine where each piece of kit goes in your insert, you can customize how your gear is stored in your case to suit your specific needs. Now that’s what I call perfecting your workflow!

I don’t travel as much as I once did, but I can tell you this - if I’m ever on the road with my photography gear as much as I used to be, the very first thing I’m going to do is design a MyCaseBuilder custom foam insert to protect my camera, lenses, and other gear. 

If you’re headed to PhotoPlus 2018, be sure you drop by Booth 162 and see what MyCaseBuilder has to offer. Take it from me...you’ll be impressed!

Learn more about MyCaseBuilder

Click Props Backdrops

One of the newest companies on my must-see list at PhotoPlus is Click Props Backdrops. 

It’s been about a year since I first laid eyes on my first backdrop from these guys at PhotoPlus 2017. And man, was I ever impressed!

Those positive impressions have stayed with me since, and I’m excited to see what Click Props Backdrops has in store for PhotoPlus 2018.

From my point of view, there are two things that make this company one of the most exciting in the photography industry today. 

First, they simply make some of the best backdrops on the market. If it’s quality you’re after, you needn’t look any further.

Not only are these backdrops beautifully made, but they’re also durable, too.

If you’ve spent any time in a portrait studio, you know that no matter how hard you try, dust and dirt always find their way onto your backdrops. 

But since Click Props Backdrops use 550gsm vinyl, they’re super easy to clean between shoots. What’s more, the vinyl is thick, so it doesn’t easily tear or puncture. That’s durability you can count on! 

The second thing that makes this company stand out is the sheer enthusiasm that Kat Armendariz, operator of Click Props Backdrops, and her team have for photography and helping other photographers create top-notch images.

They aren’t in it just to make a quick buck. Instead, Kat and the Click Props Backdrops family strive to offer the best-quality backdrops, floorgrounds, and combo sets. 

But don’t take my word for it - Click Props Backdrops is a three-time winner of the Best Professional Studio Accessory award. 

If you’re at PhotoPlus this year, don’t miss out on seeing the best backdrops on the market. Visit Kat and her team at Booth 462.

Learn more about Click Props Backdrops

MPB

Whether you're in it for fun or as an occupation, photography is expensive.

Fortunately, there are ways to save money on photography gear and get more bang for your buck.

MPB is a great option for photographers that way to buy or sell used gear.

Their secure online platform makes it easy to find what you need for a price that doesn't break the bank. And if selling old gear is on your mind, MPB makes getting rid of your old stuff a breeze as well. You can even trade in your old gear to finance newer gear!

If you're a buyer, MPB has an unrivaled collection of cameras, lenses, and other gear you can choose from.

Once you find something you like, you simply place your secure order, wait for your gear to arrive, and enjoy a six-month warranty on your purchase.

If you're a seller, MPB offers competitive pricing for your gear, that way you get the most out of your old camera or lens. MPB even offers free pickup to make the process of selling your old gear easier.

I can speak to the ease of using MPB because I've bought and sold gear with them a number of times.

If you're looking to save money on new-to-you gear or have a camera or lens you want to get rid of, MPB is the place to do it.

Drop by Booth 265 at PhotoPlus 2018 to say hi to the MPB team!

Learn more about MPB

Skylum

Skylum is a leading photography software company whose mission is to make editing your photos as simple and user-friendly as possible.

Their Aurora HDR software is the best HDR software in the business, and helps you create flawless HDR images in a matter of seconds. That's thanks to revolutionary tone mapping with a Quantum HDR Engine that instantly merges bracketed images into perfectly balanced HDR photos.

No bracketed images? No problem! You can even create HDR images from a single source photo.

Skylum's Luminar software is no slouch, either, with an innovative suite of tools and high-end proprietary technology that gives you the power to create images that are truly breathtaking. Seriously, for my money, Luminar is every bit as good as the big boys - Photoshop and Lightroom.

That's due in large part to the fact that it's got 45 intelligent filters to enhance your photos, 67 smart presets that make editing a breeze, and an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that facilitates quick photo editing.

Luminar is also available for a one-time fee, so there's no endlessly repeating charges to use the software like other companies.

If I summed up Skylum in one word, it would be innovation. These guys are the tip of the spear in photo editing software. There's a reason why they've won so many awards!

Swing by Booth 155 to check out the latest from Skylum.

Learn more about Skylum

Peak Design

If you ask me, Peak Design is one of the top camera bag companies right now.

Not only do their bags look like a million bucks, but they're also highly functional and affordable, too.

Better yet, Peak Design understands that every photographer has different needs, and their line of bags seeks to give each of us just what we need for our specific workflow.

Whether you have a ton of professional gear you need to carry in a big bag, a small mirrorless system for weekend fun, a bag to carry your drone and the associated accessories, or something in between, Peak Design has just what you need.

They also have a host of innovative camera straps and a new travel line (detailed in the video above), complete with an organization system to keep everything from your dirty clothes and shoes to your camera and lenses nice and tidy in your bag.

For people like me that are a little on the unorganized side, their travel backpack is a total lifesaver.

These guys really do think of everything, but if you need more convincing, a few minutes at Booth 1131 will make you a Peak Design enthusiast!

Learn more about Peak Design

Kate Backdrop

A new company that's on my radar is Kate Backdrop.

I stumbled upon these guys when I was looking for backdrops to recommend for a friend that's a portrait photographer.

To say that I've been impressed with what I've found from Kate Backdrop is an understatement.

For starters, the sheer size of the selection of backdrops is amazing. We're talking hundreds and hundreds of designs for all kinds of portraits, from holiday themes to abstract textures, birthday party backdrops to sports backdrops.

What's more, not only are these backdrops premium quality, but they're also budget friendly. Talk about a win-win!

You can get custom-painted backdrops, custom sizing, rubber floor mats, complete studio sets, and more.

I, for one, will be spending a good deal of time at Booth 367 because I want to see just how incredible these backdrops look up close!

Learn more about Kate Backdrop

Focus Camera

If you've got a need for a new camera, lens, or other accessory, do yourself a favor and make Focus Camera your go-to resource for new photography gear.

I've worked with Focus Camera for years now, and I can tell you first-hand that every time I order something, I'm blown away by the customer service experience.

Not only that, they do a great job getting your gear to you in a timely fashion, which as an incredibly impatient person, I really appreciate.

Their selection of products is second-to-none as well.

That includes photography and videography gear, scopes and optics, TVs, computers, and even musical instruments.

Something else that I appreciate about Focus Camera is that they have competitive pricing.

There's no big markups here, no outrageous fees, either.

Instead, when you buy something from Focus Camera, you know that you're getting a fair price on top-notch products, and that you'll have a team of professionals that will have your back after the sale, too.

Seriously, if you have a problem, a concern, or a question, you'll quickly discover just how great the team at Focus Camera really is!

Stop by Booth 164 to see the Focus Camera difference!

Learn more about Focus Camera

Epson

I fully admit that I was a Canon printer guy for a really long time.

But when my Canon printer was on its last legs, I decided to give Epson a try. That was a great decision.

I have Epson's SureColor P800 printer, and it has quickly demonstrated itself to be the best printer I've ever owned.

It's clear that Epson is at the forefront of printing technology based on the results I've gotten with this printer.

Not only is the color absolutely incredible, but the printer can accommodate making prints up to 17-inches wide. You can even make borderless prints!

The giant 80ml ink cartridges are nice, too, because I print a lot of images, and nothing is worse than getting those low ink warnings when you're in the middle of printing an important photo.

Whether you need a small print or a large one, a color print or a black and white, Epson has you covered!

See what new products they have in store by visiting Booth 707 at PhotoPlus 2018.

Learn more about Epson

Spider Holster

Years ago, I picked up a Spider Holster SpiderLight hand strap for my Sony a6000, and I instantly became a huge Spider Holster fan.

Since then, I've picked up a strap for my Nikon D850 as well as a new hand strap for my Sony a6300.

To say that these straps are intuitively designed is an understatement.

Not only are they crafted using materials that are durable and comfortable, but the design of these hand straps makes shooting a much more comfortable endeavor.

The strap hugs your hand - not strangle it - so you get the comfortable carrying experience you want while knowing that your camera won't slip off your hand, either.

But don't think that Spider Holster is only about hand straps...

Their holster system is one of the best in the business.

From single and dual-camera systems for big, professional gear to holsters, straps, and other accessories for small point-and-shoot cameras, Spider Holster has you covered.

No matter what kind of holster you have, you'll find that the speed with which you can work is increased.

What's more, you'll know your expensive gear is safe and sound with Spider Holster's unique ball-joint system that keeps your camera and lens securely attached to the holster, yet allows your gear freedom of movement, that way it can move with you, not against you.

Seriously, if you've never experienced the joy of carrying your gear in a Spider Holster rig, you need to give it a try at Booth 1025!

Learn more about Spider Holster

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