With summer ending and fall getting ready to make its appearance it’s time for photographers to look for new subjects to shoot. The possibilities are endless as are the options for shooting them! Who knows, it might just be time to upgrade to a better bag, a new lens or some new techy gadget to get you inspired. I don’t recommend getting caught up in the equipment buying mode, unless you really need it and can justify the purchase through use, but…….sometimes a little something new can get you out the door and shooting with a new perspective!
Several items I’ve run across recently have caught my attention and are worthy of further investigation.
Think Tank Camera Bags – these bags are designed with the working photographer in mind and are built to last. Although they might seem a little pricey at first, the features and build make this an investment you won’t regret. Check them out at http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/modular-component-systems.aspx. Using this link will also get you a 20% discount!
Capture NX2 – This software, by Nikon, is one of the most effective and useful RAW conversion softwares I’ve seen. The user interface is straightforward and the tools work as they should. I’ve run this on both PC and MAC platforms and have been quite impressed. For those of you tied to Photoshop or Lightroom or Aperture, check this out. It offers several features that may convince you to incorporate this into your workflow. If you don’t shoot RAW, you may want to start with this.
Digital Pinhole Lens – This is so simple it's silly, and it's fun! Do you remember the first time you took a photograph? The anticipation, the expectation of something new and different, and a different perspective it gave you? This little lens, made from a body cap, is just plain cool and fun! You can get one for about $35.00 on the web, plus shipping and the homage to Uncle Sam. Under $50 bucks and you’ve got a whole new outlook on life through the lens. Give it a try!
Eye Fi Wireless SD cards – With instant gratification being the norm these days, I guess this product just had to come to life. Imagine wirelessly transferring your precious images to your computer once you return to your computer, and not even touching a button. This handy dandy little device does just that. Available in various sizes these little cards come with the software and an adaptor that makes the installation process dead simple, and the first time you use it you can’t help but smile. A $100 bucks and you’re there! The convenience is unbelievable and the product is great. Check it out when you have a minute. http://www.eye.fi/
Amazon Wish Lists – Santa Claus never had it so easy! Imagine spending a leisurely afternoon browsing the web for the coolest new photography equipment and gadgets, making a list of your favorites, and then sending it to everyone on your friends list as possible suggestions for Christmas, New Years, Birthdays, and other special occasions. Well, it’s just that easy. Go to www.amazon.com and create an account, or if you’re already an amazon user, log in. When you see and item you just have to have, click on the “add to wishlist” button. Voila! Your wishlist is started and all you have to do is share it with those you want to include. This could seriously keep down the incidence of unwanted, returned, or otherwise inappropriate gifts.
ExpoDisc White Balance Filter - You can easily set your digital camera’s white balance using the ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filter. Made out of metal, the ring easily snaps into and out of your lens filter threads. This is useful when snapping landscapes and is very easy to store in your bag. Prices start at $75 and run up to $190 for larger sizes. It’s convenient, fast and easy to use.
Optech Rain Sleeve – This nifty little piece of plastic should be in every photographer’s bag. How many times have you been out shooting when a rain shower or thunderstorm popped up, and you stopped shooting? I know I have, but now I won’t! With an eyepiece opening that allows viewing through the actual viewfinder, and a drawstring enclosure that accommodates most lenses, it is quite useful. For $12 you get a really cool raincoat for your camera and lens and the ability to keep shooting in inclimate weather. What more could you want??
A new Magazine subscription – Buying a new lens or camera body doesn’t guarantee you will produce professional quality photos. It may increase your chances, but there are no guarantees. Photo magazines offer great technical advice and lots of creative inspiration for next to nothing. Check out your local bookseller for the latest in domestic and international magazine offerings.
Hopefully you’ll get motivated to get outdoors and start shooting some new stuff. If you can’t seem to find the motivation, check out a few of the items above and see if they don’t get you going. It’ll be fun and you’ll get some great new images to brag about. Keep shooting!!
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