the vest guy Photography Articles

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King of the Skies: 8 Powerful Photographs of Eagles

Written by PT Editor on 27 December 2018.

spectacular photos of eagles min

I've tried photographing eagles and other birds before, and let's just say that the results I got were not worthy of sharing...

Bird photography is a tough exercise; much tougher than setting up my gear to photograph landscapes, that's for sure!

But PhotographyTalk member Rob Daugherty has mastered the art of photographing birds, and his images throughout this article are a testament to that.

Eagles, in particular, can be tough to photograph because they can be a little hard to find. If you know when and where to look, though, you can increase your chances of creating images that highlight what eagles represent - power, strength, courage, and freedom.

Of course, when birds are in flight, you have the added pressure of trying to get the focus right, the framing and composition spot-on, and so forth.

But as you can see in the image above, when you get everything just right, spectacular photos of eagles can be had!

I had a chance to chat with Rob the other day and ask him a few questions about how to photograph eagles. I've included our Q&A below as a means of helping you learn a little bit about how you can capture better photographs of eagles.

Alex: What is the best time of year to photograph eagles?

Rob: It depends on the area you live in. In northern Utah where I live and in the rest of the lower 48 states, late December-March is the prime time. In Alaska, though, you can photograph eagles year-round. You can most easily find eagles to photograph along bear rivers and lakes where they can fish.

Alex: What is your number one tip for photographing eagles?

Rob: Be patient, relax, and enjoy them. If you aren't comfortable photographing birds in flight, practice on seagulls or similar birds first.

Alex: What sort of camera gear do you use?

Rob: I currently use the Sony a9 and the Sony a7R III with a Sony 100-400mm lens.

Alex: What are some must-have items in your camera bag?

Rob: On my day-to-day trips, I don't use a camera bag, and instead use a photography vest from my company The Vest Guy. With a built-in camera sling system, I always have the camera ready and I have immediate access to extra batteries, memory cards, filters, and anything else I might need.

Alex: When framing up your shots of these birds, what's going through your head?

Rob: I pre-visualize all my shots, always looking ahead to what's next - what is the bird or animal going to do next? I try to anticipate their behavior, and always leave room in my shots for birds to fly so it's never flying out of the frame.

Alex: What is your all-time favorite eagle shot and why?

Rob: My favorite eagle shot is one I took in Alaska (shown below). I waited for 45 minutes standing in a boat as the eagle finished eating a salmon. He took off and I was able to capture the best eagle photo I have ever taken.

I have to say that I'm a huge fan of Rob's photo above (well, all of them, actually!). Notice how in this shot that the eagle is in absolutely perfect focus. Its eye is clear and bright, which immediately draws your attention. The shape and texture of its feathers add beautiful visual interest to the shot as well. Patience really does pay off!

It's worth mentioning that Rob isn't just a great photographer and workshop leader, but he's also the founder of The Vest Guy.

I bring this up because I just got my vest in the mail the other day.

I have to be honest - I was one of those people that was hesitant to ditch my camera bag for a photography vest. But within a few minutes of unboxing my Colorado Photography Vest, it became clear to me that it's a change I should have made years ago.

I'm floored by its functionality and the comfort level it offers, and I can't wait to field test this bad boy. Stay tuned for a thorough review coming from me in the coming weeks!

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Photography Gifts to Buy Yourself in 2021

Written by PT Editor on 27 December 2018.

^{Photo by anyaberkut via iStock}

Not happy with the gifts you got for Christmas?

Or did you get a little money from Santa to spend on new photography gear?

Either way, there's no lack of awesome photography gifts to buy yourself in the new year.

Here's a few of my favorite photography accessories that I've enjoyed using over the course of the last year.

Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo

moneymaker solo 3

One of the best photography accessories I bought this year was hands-down the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo.

I've been a Holdfast customer for a long, long time, and I have their original MoneyMaker dual camera strap.

The "problem" - if you can call it that - with the original MoneyMaker is that it was purpose-built for two-camera shooters. I'm not always a two-camera shooter, though.

So imagine my excitement when Holdfast unveiled the MoneyMaker Solo, which is specifically designed for single-camera shooters.

moneymaker solo2

It's made of the same impeccable materials as the original MoneyMaker, with gorgeous full-grain leathers and high-quality metal components.

That makes it a durable (and beautiful!) addition to any photography kit.

It's also functional, too, with an innovative Belt Anchor that keeps your camera right next to your body. When you're ready to shoot, you can release the Belt Anchor with one hand for taking a quick shot. You can reattach it one-handed as well!

moneymaker solo 1

The comfort level of the MoneyMaker solo is next-level, too.

The shoulder strap is nice and large, which helps distribute the weight of your gear evenly across your shoulder.

The stabilizer strap helps keep the shoulder pad in place as well, so you don't have to worry about constantly adjusting it as you work.

This camera strap really is the pinnacle of form, function, and comfort. I highly recommend spoiling yourself a little bit by giving one a try!

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CanvasHQ Prints

As with Holdfast, I've been a customer of CanvasHQ for years now, and I keep coming back over and over again because the quality of their canvas prints is simply outstanding.

What I like about canvas is that it gives my photos a little more depth and character thanks to the texture of the canvas.

And since CanvasHQ is at the top of their game and uses only the finest canvas, inks, and wood for the frames, I know that when I order a print, it'll look spectacular.

Heck, even if there's something wrong with the print, I don't have to worry...

That's because CanvasHQ has a 30-day money-back guarantee. I've never had to utilize that guarantee, but if I did, it would be as simple as returning the print and getting my money back (or getting a new print sent to me).

On top of that, CanvasHQ has a lifetime guarantee against cracking, bubbling, or fading. Talk about peace of mind!

The process of getting a print is easy, too.

Just upload your image and CanvasHQ will give you tips for sizing, color adjustments, and so forth. You even get free proofs emailed to you before your image is printed.

Once it's printed, you'll get your artwork in a jiff - current turnaround time is just two days!

In other words, you can really treat yourself to something nice in the new year by getting a gorgeous, handcrafted print made of your favorite photo. And since it'll have a prominent place on the wall in your home, it's a gift that will keep on giving!

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Wolverine Data F2D Titan

What I like about the Wolverine Data F2D Titan is that it's an 8-in-1 rig that converts my slides, 8mm movies, and Super 8 movies, as well as 35mm, 110, 126, 127, and APS film to digital.

And the digital copies are beautiful thanks to the Titan's 20-megapixel high-resolution sensor.

You can use the F2D Titan to scan, too - it takes a mere three seconds to complete the process thanks to the Titan's innovative speed-load adapters that are sized just right for each format of slide or negative you're scanning.

Not only is this thing easy to use, but you can also see the digitized images on the 4.3-inch color LCD. You can also connect the unit to a computer or TV to view the results on a larger screen.

There's internal memory for storing images or you can use your own SD/SDHC memory card for more storage capacity.

Best of all, the F2D Titan is fully self-contained. You don't need a computer or monitor or software of any kind.

Just plug it into a power source and you'll be ready to preserve your memories!

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Inexpensive Lenses are a Great Gift for Yourself

^{Photo by yanik88 via iStock}

As we all know, photography can be one heck of an expensive hobby or profession.

That's why I've started to buy used lenses to help stretch my budget a bit further.

Think about it - if you can find good-quality lenses for a fraction of the price, that's a lot of money you can save over the long haul.

What's more, when you buy used lenses, you might even be able to buy a couple of them for the price of one new one. That's a deal if you ask me!

lensfinder

Though I've tried buying used lenses on places like Craigslist before, it was usually a shady deal that made me uncomfortable.

Then I found Lensfinder, and those troubles have gone away completely.

Lensfinder was built by photographers, for photographers, which makes it the ideal place to find great used glass.

There's no sifting through a million unrelated items on eBay, no creepy sellers on Craigslist to deal with, either.

^{Photo by FatCamera via iStock}

Instead, you just enter what you're looking for, and Lensfinder will present you with lenses that match your criteria.

Better still, it's an all-in-one platform, so once you sign up for a free account, you can buy all the lenses you want, pay for them via PayPal, communicate with the seller, and leave feedback without having to leave the site.

Not bad, right?!

If you're in the market for a new lens, pop over to Lensfinder and see what you can find. You might be surprised at just how much you can save versus buying new!

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Make Editing Videos Simpler and Faster in the New Year

It's become apparent over the last couple of years that photography and videography are merging more and more.

That being the case, many photographers aren't just creating beautiful photos, but they're also creating compelling video content.

Given that video production is taking a much more important role in the lives of photographers, in the new year, I'd suggest investing in one of the best video platforms available - Kizoa.

What I appreciate about Kizoa most is how easy it is to use.

Whether I'm using their cloud-based platform online or using their free iOS app, I can edit my videos and turn them into professional-looking creations in short order.

Kizoa has a huge suite of tools that make the process of editing so much easier. That includes the ability to add transitions and special effects as well as music and text overlays.

There's even a collection of pre-made video templates to help you get started. Naturally, basic tools for straightening, cropping, and rotating, among others, are also available.

Once I'm done editing my videos, sharing them couldn't be more streamlined.

I can share the video via the built-in YouTube or Facebook integrations, download it in various file formats, burn it to a DVD, or even email it.

And since Kizoa starts at just $29.99 for a lifetime premium membership, it's a gift you can get yourself without breaking the bank!

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Kenko Nyumon Circular Polarizing Filter

kenko polarizer

If you're like me and you shoot a lot of landscapes, a circular polarizing filter is a must-have.

Not only do they help minimize glare off non-metallic surfaces like water, but they also reduce atmospheric haze and boost contrast in the sky.

The result of all that is a landscape photo that's cleaner, crisper, and has more drama. What's not to like about that?!

Buying a lens filter is a lot like buying a lens - you get what you pay for.

But that doesn't mean that you have to spend an arm and a leg to get a great polarizer.

I've used a Kenko Nyumon Polarizing Filter for a while now, and it has performed beautifully.

Its optical-grade class is polished and coated to aid in resisting water and oil from your skin.

kenko 82mm

On top of that, these filters have a SLIM mounting ring, which minimizes vignetting when you're shooting with a wide-angle lens.

Kenko offers these filters in various sizes from 37mm to 82mm, and also offers models that fit Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, and many other brands of lenses.

If you invest in one filter in 2021, make it a circular polarizer. It simply offers too many benefits not to have one in your bag!

Editor's Tip: Get Kenko’s latest updates and access to promos for discounted gear. Click here to sign up.

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Syrp Genie II Linear

One of my New Year's resolutions for 2021 is to shoot more timelapse videos. To do that, I'll be using the Syrp Genie II Linear.

I haven't used this rig yet, but I've used its predecessor many times and to say that I've been impressed with it is an understatement.

Syrp really has made making timelapse videos so much easier thanks to the innovative features they've packed into their little motion control device.

And when I say little, I mean it - the Genie II Linear is every bit as small as the original Genie, so you can pop it in your camera bag and you'd never know it was there.

This little guy can attach to any slider on the market and can even work with cable cam systems up to 328' in length.

That means you can quickly and easily upgrade your timelapse setup to get beautiful timelapse videos and real-time videos as well.

On top of that, you can control the Genie II with your smartphone and tackle tasks like key-framing, shooting interviews, creating timelapses, and shooting B-roll as well. Syrp is working on future features that include live view and camera control for ramping exposure, among others.

It really doesn't get much easier than that to create a timelapse video!

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The Vest Guy Colorado Vest

Even though I've only had my Colorado Vest from The Vest Guy for a couple of weeks, I'm already at the point of being so happy with it that I had to include it on this list.

Seriously - if you don't have a photography vest, you need one!

I never thought I would ditch my camera bag in favor of a photography vest, but now that I've experienced how much easier it is to carry gear on me instead of in a bag, I'll never go back.

For starters, these vests are designed and made in the U.S., which as a veteran of the armed forces, I really appreciate.

The design of the vest makes shooting photos so much easier with large cargo pockets on the front where you can carry a couple of lenses up to 400mm in length.

The integrated camera strap is highly adjustable for a custom carrying experience, and keeps your camera right at your fingertips for quick shots.

There's even a scratch-proof pocket for filters as well as optional accessories like padded shoulders, an additional camera strap, a hydration pack, and custom name tags, just to name a few.

Why not make 2021 the year you step up your game, streamline your workflow, and shoot in greater comfort?! You can do that with a photography vest from The Vest Guy!

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The Best of 2018

Luminar 3

As someone that's used Photoshop and Lightroom for years and years, I understand how difficult it is to switch to a new editor.

Recently, though, I made the move to Luminar 2018, and once the new Luminar 3 was released, I jumped on board with it. Talk about a great decision!

What sets Luminar apart from programs like Lightroom is that it's much, much easier to use.

There are a host of presets (called Looks) that you can apply to your images with just one click for quick editing, but you still have the option of making fine adjustments with a variety of slider controls.

Luminar 3 also has artificial intelligence-powered editing tools that make dozens of adjustments simultaneously to further speed up the editing process.

That includes AI tools for enhancing the sky as well as the Accent AI filter (shown above) that applies about a dozen changes to your image that improve the colors, detail, and tone of your image, among others.

With non-destructive editing, a new library for organizing and sorting your photos, customizable workspaces, precise adjustments without having to make selections, and a host of other innovative tools, Luminar isn't just powerful, but it's also easy to use and affordable!

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Click Props Backdrops

I know not everyone is a portrait photographer, but if you are, you can step up your game in 2021 with a high-quality backdrop from Click Props.

I've known the Click Props team for years, and I've even spent time with them at their Las Vegas studio. I've seen these backdrops up close and personal, and they're gorgeous!

These backdrops are made of 550gsm vinyl, so not only are they super strong, but they're also easy to clean when your shoot is wrapped up.

You can use and abuse these things without worry that they'll be trashed - they're that durable!

The backdrops come with reinforced grommets along the top, which makes it easier to hang them and swap them out between shoots. You can even order your backdrop without grommets and set it up on a roller system if you prefer.

Either way, the backdrop will hang straight and clean, so you don't have to worry about folds or creases causing a distraction in the background.

There's a huge selection of backdrops (and floors) to choose from as well - more than 200 unique designs that will help you fulfill your creative vision.

When you create portraits, the background might not be the star of the shot, but the background certainly matters when it comes to the quality of the photo.

Boost the appeal of your portraits in the new year with a gorgeous backdrop!

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SIRUI SR-Series Tripod

sirui sr tripod

I got my hands on SIRUI's new SR-3004 tripod a couple of months back, and this thing is an absolute beast.

I've used SIRUI tripods for the better part of a decade, and the quality of craftsmanship of these things is what has kept me a loyal customer over the years.

My old tripod - the SIRUI W-2204 - is a great tripod. But I got the SR-3004 because it's a bigger, beefier tripod that can extend to 80 inches in height with the optional two-stage center column and can hold up to 55 pounds of gear.

And even though it's not advertised as being waterproof, as you can see in the image above, my trip to the beach involved a lot of water. So long as I rinse the tripod off and dry it before I head home, I've experienced no problems whatsoever from sea water or sand.

sirui sr3004

SIRUI has loaded this thing for bear with features as well.

That includes a flat top plate with 3/8" mounting screw for maximum stability, a removable top plate for quickly converting the tripod into a video tripod, a multi-function hook with built-in adjustment tool, and a 1/4" socket built into the spider for quick and easy attachment of accessories.

Add to that simple 1/2 twist leg lock mechanisms and three-position leg angles, and you have the makings of a tripod that's the ultimate in functionality and ease of use.

What a great gift to buy yourself in 2021!

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The Vest Guy Review

Written by PT Editor on 28 January 2019.

the vest guy review 2019

The Vest Guy is a Utah-based company that has been making vests for photographers, military, police, EMS, and others since 1990.

Their products are proudly made in the U.S. and have developed a strong following of loyal users who give the vests top marks for comfort, functionality, features, price, and more.

In this hands-on review, I offer my thoughts on my custom M&M Travel Photo Vest from The Vest Guy.

In the video above, you can get a feel for the features and benefits of this vest, as well as fit, my thoughts on comfort and functionality, and more. I provide an overview of each of these categories below.

The Vest Guy: Features and Benefits Review

the vest guy features and benefits

It's funny, I have accidentally set my gear down in spots that mucked up my bag so many times...

One of the worst times was last year at Joshua Tree. I spent the night up there, photographing the Milky Way through the night.

I slept in my car for two hours and woke up drowsy and needing a coffee BAD.

I made the half-mile or so hike back up to Barkers Dam just as the sun was coming up.

I raced to get on position. I saw the spot I found the night before, threw my bag down, and got set up as quickly as I could.

the vest guy features and benefits review

Within minutes, the sun was casting this beautiful warm light and climbing fast. I got the shot I wanted (shown above), and it's not a bad shot if I do say so myself!

After getting this shot, I looked down at my camera bag to find it sitting in mud, and covered with thousands of those swamp/mud flies!

Needless to say, this is one of many times in which a photography vest would have saved me a ton of trouble.

the vest guy benefits

Now that I have the M&M Travel photo Vest, I don't have to worry about de-mudding my camera bag.

This thing also has a TON of room for my gear. In fact, this vest will hold the same amount of gear as my 45L camera bag.

As I explain in the video, one front pocket of the vest holds my 70-200mm lens while another front pocket contains a 24-70mm lens.

I was able to carry two camera bodies as well - a Sony Alpha a6300 and a Nikon D850.

Also tucked away in the vest was a set of NiSi filters. I had extra batteries, memory cards, and some cleaning supplies in the vest as well. And all of that was carried in the front pockets. There's even more storage on the back of the vest!

the vest guy mm travel photo vest

Naturally, one of the biggest benefits of a vest like this is that all your gear is right there at your fingertips.

Instead of having to rifle through your camera bag looking for whatever it is you need, you can simply open one of the pockets on the vest and easily retrieve the item.

This makes lens changes faster as well because your lenses are right there on your person, safe and sound in a pocket that keeps them clean and dry as opposed to knocking around in your camera bag.

the vest guy features

The two lower cargo pockets you see above are 10"x3.5"x7" while the upper velcro pockets (shown above) are 6"x6".

The cargo pockets have both inner and outer zippers for easy access, and the 6"x6" upper utility pocket has an interior elastic loop, D-ring, and key clip.

The vest also comes with one camera strap, a hydration sleeve, and a carrying handle at the top that makes it super easy to grab the vest out of the back seat.

the vest guy alaskan pouch

The Vest Guy takes it to the next level with optional features, though.

You can add a hydration bladder, padded shoulders, and inside zipper pockets, if you so wish.

You can also add a second camera strap, padded shoulders, front and back name tags, an Alaskan pouch (shown above), a laptop pouch, and even zipper silencers.

Truly, The Vest Guy has thought of everything when it comes to the features on their vests.

The Vest Guy: Comfort Review

the vest guy comfort

What's really impressed me about my The Vest Guy vest is that it is supremely comfortable. That's even true with every pocket filled up with gear.

Part of the reason why these vests are so comfortable is that they are 100-percent customized and made to order to your specific needs. Additionally, these vests are highly adjustable, that way you can tailor the fit to your specific needs (i.e., wearing a t-shirt vs. wearing a big, heavy coat under the vest).

That means that in addition to the vest fitting like a glove, you can choose the specific features you want that extend the vest's ability to help you carry gear in total comfort.

What's more, The Vest Guy has a long-standing reputation for quality, and the materials they use to manufacture these vests are top-notch.

the vest guy price

In other words, these vests are the height of comfort and are incredibly durable. In fact, your vest will likely outlast your cameras, lenses, and other gear!

I noted in the video that the materials used in creating this vest remind me a lot of the military-grade gear I wore when I was in the Army. That's a good thing!

Between the heavy-duty YKK zipper, durable fabric mesh construction, and beautiful stitching, this vest is made to take its lumps while keeping you comfortable at the same time.

If that's not impressive enough, consider this - these vests are covered by a lifetime workmanship warranty.

When it comes to investing in photography equipment, not many companies offer a lifetime guarantee. But that's what you get with The Vest Guy!

The Vest Guy: Get Over It...No One Cares What You Wear!

the vest guy vest review

As I mention in the video, I swore up and down for years that I'd never wear a photographer's vest.

It wasn't that I tried one and didn't like it, either. Instead, I was honestly self-conscious about how I'd look in one.

Admittedly, I thought photography vests were a little silly looking, but now that I've actually field tested the M&M Travel Photo Vest, I'm a photography vest convert!

As I noted earlier, the comfort of this thing is off the charts, and quite honestly blows all of my camera bags out of the water.

I love how the weight of my gear is evenly distributed and how stable I feel carrying all my gear right on my body.

Even the best camera backpacks I've owned over the years can feel bulky, cumbersome, and make me feel as though I'm top or back heavy. That's just not the case with this vest.

The Vest Guy: Price

the vest guy mm vest review

The specific model I have - the M&M Travel Photo Vest - starts at just $214.95.

Depending on the options you select, the price will be more, though.

Different models have different pricing as well. For example, the popular Colorado Vest starts at $259.95 while the Pacific Northwest Vest starts at $279.95.

For my money, these vests are a fantastic investment.

For a high-quality camera bag that fits as much gear, you're going to spend about the same amount of money.

But wearing your gear on your body in a vest like this is simply more comfortable and more functional too.

Like I said earlier, I used to swear up and down I'd never wear a photography vest. But now that I've tried it, I wish I would've made the switch years ago!