Sure, there was Black Friday.
Then Cyber Monday
Then Green Monday.
And the sales continue..
If you are looking to make some purchase before year end, you are in luck!
I keep getting emails about sales continuing this week. Everyone wants to end the year on a high note, including the stores.
Here is also a link to all of the Holiday Gift Guides of 2023
What to get?
Well, as always, this is usually the best time to grab some media cards and hard or SSD drives. Prices seem to hover in a good place this time of year.
Then I would highly recommend getting your self a new Wacom tablet, and even if you have one, the latest ones, with BT and touch capabilities, make them the best computer base tool out there for your editing, and honestly, your everyday use thanks to that touch pad capability

Continue Reading »

Whether you’re traveling or working from the home office, you need the right tools.
Or maybe it’s just the coffee shop, you want tools to help make it as easy as possible.
This is a big category, and I’ll try to group them into categories.

All of the items here I have used in the real world, and highly recco. The photos are large so you can see the details.

At home:
First of all, you want to have your laptop at a proper angel for comfort.
Twelve South has a perfect stand for that: The Curve

It’s a great height, and I just add on a  bluetooth keyboard and trackpad.
Then you want to be able to use your phone to possibly face time while reviewing work on the computer. Rolling Square makes a well-made, and elegant solution for this.

Reviewed here as well. 
With a modular system and magnets, your magsafe phone can be attached to your laptop and angle to the perfect spot. And it folds or is removable for travel.
Pick up an additional mag plate and one of their lights and you have a sleek working environment. Or even a charging plate.
A great stocking stuffer, is their InCharge  6 in 1 charging cable. Always have the right connector! Continue Reading »

Ok, let’s talk about audio.
You know that it’s 50% of your content, unless it’s bad. Then it’s 80%

Yes, this list hasn’t changed a lot from last year, except for a few big additions:

When you want to go more mobile, and connect directly into your camera , or to a portable mixer, the latest from Rode, the Rode Wireless Pro just works . With a receiver and 2 wireless mics, you can quickly hook up your subjects for an interview situation. Plus this new setup gets you 2 lavalier mics for a more discreet mic situation.And finally, a compact charging and storage cage. In NYC, I’ve seen the local news station using these as they cover the local beat.

This new version features a 32 bit float, which is essentially a secondary recording that can ensure a quality recording when you go to edit. N0t able to use direct into your camera, but it’s your audio  insurance. Read more about 32 bit floats here.
Good news is that it is also compatible with a lot of other Rode products. Honestly it may be a bit harder to find due to the popularity, but worth the hunt.

Another solid choice is the Deity Duo, Continue Reading »

I hope you all had a relaxing holiday and got to spend time giving thanks.
And if you were clicking the keyboard or hitting the stores, we all know that Black Friday gives way to Cyber Monday!
To be honest, I always feel that it’s SSD/hard drives, and media cards that can be the best deals on these 2 days.
As we move into the cooler months, nothing beats sitting down and turning the pages of a great photo book.

Here are the photobook gift suggestions for this year:

Any book by Paul Nicklen!
Paul, and his partner Cristina Mittermeier make the most amazing and beautiful photographs of our natural world.

Paul is a SeaLegacy co-founder, National Geographic photographer, acclaimed ocean conservationist, and TED Talks favorite, Paul Nicklen traces his extraordinary love affair with the polar regions in his most recent book, Born to Ice. His powerful images of iconic arctic and Antarctic wildlife and scenery, coupled with his inspiring photographic storytelling, blends ethereal beauty of the icy landscape with a compelling call to action.
Yes, previous descriptor was the official word. Continue Reading »

It has been an interesting year in the world of image making.
There is major emphasis on content creators, and the equipment they may need.
And Black Friday sales will be active on these brands, with highlighted products below:
Joby, Pivo, Platypod, and LumeCube and Ankerworks

Usually the biggest deal are on Black Friday, but don’t stress: Cyber Monday is right around the corner!

Let’s break it down from basic to major:First of all, if you are using a phone to create, the first you need is the Joby Bluetooth remote control. Turn your phone recording on and off from a distance. Pairs fast on your phone, dependable. Great tool.

A perfect gift for the mobile creator is the Joby Beamo magsafe light. Giving 4 hours of light, this light attached to a mag safe phone, and if you don’t have one, they include a thin metal ring to place in your case of phone back. Continue Reading »