No question that every photographer is on the hunt for the holy grail of light modifiers for speed lights. these are the tools that mold and shape the raw light coming out of your flash. Usually too harsh, it can be softened, broadened, gelled, minimized, focused, bounced and otherwise made o do as you wish, for the photographs you want.

And every year, a new one is introduced that may be the right one.
The truth is that each one usually has it’s place, and you may end up using the one that is appropriate, and convenient.

The latest one I’ve used, and will highly recommend, serves a dual purpose:
The LumoPro LightSwitch flash modifier, usually $30, now til Dec. 6th (or until they run out) only $20 at MidWest photo!

This case transforms into good protection to transport your flash, into a triple purpose reflector system. Either you have a good wraparound white rector to soften and spread, or a single strip to just bounce back. Or if you need a black trip to kill some of the bounce, you get that too.
Using a hook and loop system (nobody seems to say velcro anymore) you get a band to wraps round the the speed light, and then when you unzip the case, each piece attached appropriately. Only note is I’m keeping the band on and it sometimes catches as I remove it.

The next new item is the MagMod system.

As per the name, it uses a magnet system to attach all of the soft silicone reflectors. A single piece which will fit just about any speed light, has the prime magnets to hold the attachments.
It also can have grids, gels, or a snoot added. This is V2, as V1 had some issues with magnets coming loose from operator error.
Good light, packs small, and can clean up easily. For those of you using multiple lights, they also make a great silicone strap that holds a pocket wizard perfectly to your flash.
Hopefully this video will answer your e=inevitable magenta questions, although I’m not keeping my credit cards next to it.

Various prices and Black Friday deals are available to 11/30.

Still one of my favorites, although a little large, is the donut, or it’s original name RoundFlash.

I did a comparison test awhile back, and found that this lightweight unit packs small, plays big. In other words, it collapses down like a reflector, then pops open to give you a sweet ring light using your speedlight. You can see above how it works, and at BH this unit goes for RoundFlash about $114.
Lot’s of imitators, but I’d recco going with the original.

Of course, no article on lighting modifiers would be complete without giving props to the Gary Fong Lightsphere.

Seriously, years ago at PhotoPlus Expo, Gary had people in 4 lines and handing over money so fast it was crazy.
With good reason as it’s a great product, and the collapsible version is the one to get. Silicon fingers grip your speedlight keeping it in place.
Basic unit is $60, and you can add on all kinds of extras for your shooting pleasure.

There are also great products from Lumiquest, a classic, and Rogue you should check out,
You can not go wrong with any product on the list above. They would make any photographer happy!

More to come!

OK, I hope the food coma has subsided, and you are now ready to shop in earnest.
Just kidding.
Today, I’ll concentrate on some great new tools out there for your video making pleasure, or to gift the action storytellers on your list.

One of the most versatile, and quality products that is out there now is the Atomos Ninja Blade.

Essentially, it’s a video monitor/recorder that allows you to use your DSLR’s video sensor capabilities, and adds the features you wanted from a dedicated video camera.
Bypass the camera’s card slots and be able to record over 10hrs on an outboard drive. I’ve gone to the now affordable SSDs.Features I particularly like are the ability to use focus peaking, and highlight zebra functionality.
If you’ve been considering a vid monitor for your DSLR, this rig is an outstanding unit. An HD monitor and recorder that will record in ProRes and Avid ready files, so save time transcoding. At $500, it’s not cheap, but comes with a ton of accessories. Add a drive, cable, and some mounting accessories you probably have, and this could change the way you shoot video.
This is what come in the pelican-like case:

About $500. There is a terrific video on YouTube, that can give you a great overview as well. Just about 27 min, so not posting here.

Audio is 50% of your project. Unless it’s bad: then it’s 80%!
First off is an amazing deal at Amazon on the classic studio headphones. Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones

Why do you want these?
Aside from the price, currently $50, these headphones give you the actual, non-affected sound. not added bass, nor treble. You be the engineer, and mix/eq later. And very easy to gift at this price.

Of course, add some external mics onto your rig, and depending what you may be shooting, the range is endless.
On the affordable quality side is the Rode Series.
The Video Mic Pro by Rode is a high quality , lightweight shotgun mic, designed for the DSLR.

About $250

A new, more compact, mic in the Rode line is the VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Mic. For only $60, this mic will do the job in a pinch. I now added this to my general bag.

Personally,for mics I use a Tram lav, TR-50, for prime interviews, and an Audio-Technica for my shotgun. Be prepared to spend a lot more for those, plus cables and probably wireless transmitters/recievers. I use Sennheiser and get along just fine. The Rode Micro is now always with me, just in case.

If you have a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema, you’ve realized that you need a good rig to get the most out of it.
Check out the RedRockMicro RetroFlex.
This kit includes a great, versatile cage, one of the best viewfinders I’ve seen and a pistol grip handle with a cable to trigger the camera.

It’ll look like a classic film camera, while giving you the handheld ease of operation. A full review is coming as well.
Honestly, I love the entireRedRock Micro line of mounts and filmmaking tools.
Start by buying some basic configurations. As you build the parts you need to customize the rig you require, you’ll find that the pieces will make up a rig tool box of sorts, you’ll reconfigure as your needs per shoot shift.
And there are deals right now!

Every videographer should own one of these. Yes, you need a solid tripod, but when you are shooting in tights spaces, or on fast deal, the Manfrotto MVM500A Aluminum Fluid Monopod with 500 Head, is a monopod with the total package. Comes a fluid head on the bottom legs, and a sweet pan head, you will use this. A lot.

Affordable quality for only $240 (pictured is the previous version, the 561B. If you can find that, you’ll save about $50.)

These are a couple of ideas for you, and who knows, maybe there will be some great deals out there this weekend. This is good gear that will serve you well, however, and bring a smile to a gifted whether you get it on sale on not.

I’ll be doing some lighting and software reviews coming up shortly.

In a bold move, you can now add piece of mind to a Canon pro camera gift this season. At no additional cost!


MELVILLE, NEW YORK, November 24, 2015 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, launched a promotion for CarePAK PLUS (which includes accidental damage protection) just in time for the holidays. Now through Saturday, January 9, 2016, Canon’s CarePAK PLUS is available at no cost to customers who purchase from a list of six professional Canon EOS DSLR camera bodies and eight EF USM lenses plus “kit” lenses on eligible camera bodies from a Canon Authorized Dealer. Providing protection from accidental damage like coffee spills to additional hardware coverage from excessive wear and tear on mechanical and electrical issues, CarePAK PLUS coverage lasts 13 months from the date of product purchase. And as an added bonus, CarePAK PLUS is transferable, meaning the customer can give the product as a gift this holiday season and the benefits will transfer.

“This complimentary CarePAK PLUS promotion was developed so photographers can focus on capturing family festivities during the holidays, or shooting professionally on assignment, without having to worry about the costs and anxiety associated with accidental damage,” said Eliott Peck, senior vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “By offering this promotion to our customers, we’re letting them know we stand firmly behind them and if it’s needed they can count on Canon’s 100 percent U.S.-based customer service.”

Eligible Canon cameras and lenses include:

EOS 6D
EOS 7D Mark II
EOS 5D Mark III
EOS 5Ds
EOS 5Ds-R
EOS 1D X
EF 17–40mm f/4L USM
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM

In addition, any lens included within a kit with an eligible body will be covered. For example, if a customer purchases the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens kit, the lens will be covered since it is included in the box with the body (also known as a “hard bundle”).

The CarePAK PLUS promotion provides protection from kids, pets, and life including accidental damage such as drops, spills, power surges and other unforeseen events. It also includes additional hardware coverage from excessive wear and tear on mechanical and electrical issues. Those that do require a repair under this promotion will also enjoy priority service, free return shipping and support direct from Canon, never a third party. Canon’s CarePAK PLUS gives consumers the confidence that their product will be serviced by Canon factory trained technicians using only Genuine Canon parts. Customers who activate the complimentary CarePAK PLUS offer after taking delivery of their covered product will also have the option to extend the coverage for up to three years from date of purchase at an additional cost.

Details of the promotion are available at http://www.usa.canon.com/carepak-plus including the terms and conditions and the link to register eligible products

One of the best deals that Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer is media.
You know, what you shoot to, store on, transmit from: SD, CF CFast,SSD, Hard Drive, Flash Drive, Etc..
Everyone needs it, and whether it’s a stocking stuffer, or a night of Chanukkah gift, this item is usually one of the best deals of the season.
Admittedly, some of the products are about to be replaced with faster units, but you need this stuff. Maybe you like to keep the card as a master back-up file. The deal coming up will easily allow you to do this. (just remember to open it at least once a year)
One thing to look for is speed of the card. Whether you are shooting video, or using one of the Mega file cameras, read/write speed is critical to keep you shooting.
My main brand is Lexar, as they have never let me down. Of course, Sandisk will also do you you right, just a matter of choice.
Her are some products to consider:
The Lexar Pro 2000x is an incredibly fast card, that even comes with it’s own reader for speedy workflow.

If you’re shooting 4K video, or a 36mg still file, this card will rock your world!
Available in 32-128 GB sizes. And regarding size, everyone has a different viewpoint: smaller to not put all of your eggs/images in one basket, upload some while shooting more, not needing to change out cards while shooting an interview or scene. lot’s of ways to go.
The 64GB goes for about $95

Going Go-Pro or other micro SD camera? the check out the Lexar Pro 1000x, UHS-II.

Also comes with it’s own reader for faster workflow.
The 32GB model is only $30!
Both cards are available in a lower priced 633x version.

Then they make the awesome Lexar Workflow Hub.
OK, this is really geared to the heavy user using multiple cars on a shoot. Download all cards concurrently to a folder, or consecutively to Lightroom, and get some other work down while that is happening. Great for a wedding, or music festival photographer. With 4 modular ports, and Thunderbolt daisy chin capability, you can customize it depending on what media type cards you use.
Maybe the drone lovers will love this 3 slot micro SD module:

I will also sometimes carry the modules in my bag separately, as each one works on it’s own.
The 1st gen hub goes for $50., without modules, and still gives you USB 3.0. The latest version with Thunderbolt jumps up a bit to $190.

And after years of not getting on board, I’ve finally feel that I can endorse the Eye-Fi Mobi Pro.

After moving to the Nikon D810, and know thing there was no wi-fi on board, this was the best solution to uploading to social media in the field. Yep, it works easily, and you get a year of cloud storage.
About $80

We’re gonna start a little easier this year.
There has not been a ton of groundbreaking gear this year, but that’s probably a good thing: less to consider.
Sure, drones are the biggest new purchase, although I still am curious what everyone is doing with that footage. Like an extreme wide angle lens, considered judicious use goes along way.
Let’s step back from the gear for a moment, and look at what those tools can do:
Today, I’d like to recommend some of the best books I’ve seen this year for gifting.It should give a range for those on your list. Or your own wish list!

My vote for book of the year, and an incredible value is the Dave Heath book, Multitude, Solitude.

With incredible high quality printing, thoughtful and insightful writing this huge retrospective of a masters like and work will give anyone hours of, well I’m not sure if I’d call it pleasure, but satisfaction.
As a contemporary of Robert Frank, Garry Winogrand, and the shifted look at the street from that era, Dave Heath brings a different look, with a strong emotional depth, of the people he met, observed, connected with. There is a darkness coupled with some rich happiness in this volume, and you could spend the whole of your winter vacation pouring through this.
About $55.

In another portrait filled volume, Self & Others: Portrait as Autobiogaphy, a photographer that has been on many LA photographers radar for years, Aline Smithson, has finally published a long awaited cumulative book of her portraits.

There is a beautiful and playful sense of her connection with her subjects, and I found a hard time picking out my favorite images. the further along I went in the volume, the more kept getting added to the list. Her artistry, and design sense is strong, and this is a book you would want to share with everyone. There is an upbeat lightness with an inherent depth, which is the true mark of a master. A look inside portraiture as self awareness.
Coming in at $45, or you can direct from the artist and get it signed!

One another side of the coin, is one of my favorite magazines, Toilet Paper, which can be had as a combined volume of issues, or single issues.
World reknown artist Maurizio Cattelan, and Pierpaolo Ferrari, have created this imaginative and bizarre zine, with no words, only pictures. Sound good?
Check a cover out:

Maybe NSFW but could be just for any nudity. It is openly displayed in book, plate, table form, in MOMA.
You probably have someone on your list that would love this.
From $12 for single issues to around $60 for a combined volume.

Love some rock and roll, and you can’t go wrong with the king of the genre, Danny Clinch and his thick and rich volume of photographs of the musicians you already love. His entre into the personal world of the off stage life, becomes your entre in this book.

I’d like to point you to one of my favorite, although small run, of his pubs.
The polaroid prints volume is extremely special as Danny shares scanned polaroid/instant photographs from photo sessions with his friends. Like Springsteen.

At $25, this is an incredible find and the music lover and photographer on your list will be smiling when the wrapping paper comes off. And if you buy from him, you’ll get a signed copy. Might as well see if you have to gift someone with one of his amazing photos as well. Good prices, and high quality.

We lost one of the most amazing photographer we have ever seen when Mary Ellen Mark passed away this year.
She left some gifts for us in two major publications: Tiny, Revisited and the Aperture publication “Mary Ellen Mark on the Portrait and the Moment: The Photography Workshop Series” on MEM teaching her method and discussing what photography truly means to her.

Also included in the book, are images from her students, and perhaps in the reading you can get a glimpse of what she shared.
I ended up reading it in an afternoon and have gone back a few times already.

Of course there are the classics:

Every library should have a copy of the Family Of Man , and this is the 60th Anniversary for the exhibition, still the most well attended photo exhibit EVER! yep, ever.

Curated by Edward Steichen, this book represents over 250 photographers work from around the world, depicting the human condition in many cultures. Seems we are pretty much the same.
And now for the first time in years, it is available as a hardbound copy.

Honestly, this book made me want to be a photographer when I was 8 and found a tattered reprint of it in the family bookcase.
Because of that book, I do what I do today. When I realized that a still image could move me like that, it’s all I wanted to do.
And at $25, you can’t miss.

I always keep multiple volumes on had to gift people with. I will never forget getting a call abot a family who I gave the book to, but really didn’t look through it till months later. The wife and her daughter had been going over the pages and were moved to tears. It is now their gifting go-to.
Get it, give, cherish it.

And if you have no room for more books, and wonder what to give the photographer who has everything?
This is a digital archive of all of the issues of Aperture, going back to the first issue in 1952.
With a yearly subscription of $59, you are giving access to the archive AND an online subscription fro all current and coming issues for the life of the subscription. Here is a fuller review of the archive.

I will tell you about one of my favorite books that live on my coffee table at all times.
And that are books my daughter has given me about the time we’ve spent together.

I cherish these.
You know how to make these, right?
Shutterfly, Apple, whomever?
affordable , personal, and right for the season.

We’re coming back with more…….