Month: March 2020

Magnus REX VT-6000 2-Stage Video Tripod – First Look

I looked into tripods and heads from all the big names like Miller, O’Connor, Sachtler and Acebill. Talk about sticker shock… there are dozens of models to choose from in the $5000 to $19000 price range! That’s more than I want to spend. So I looked at the next tier. Manfrotto and Benro are big players in the under $5000 video tripod segment. They make nice stuff.

But since video is not my main thing, that’s still more than I wanted to spend. Then I found out about the Magnus REX VT-6000 2-Stage Video Tripod with Fluid Head. 

Maximize Downtime – Improve Your Photography’s Online Discoverability

With all of us having some spare time on our hands thanks to the Coronavirus, now’s a great time to do some of the busywork that always seems to fall through the cracks when we’re operating at normal speed.

One place where I am terribly deficient and terribly lazy is paying attention to things like SEO on my website and more specifically, taking the necessary steps to make sure my images are discoverable by search engines like Google.

Buy Good Photo Filters – And See What I Use

Sometimes, it’s just fine to buy the less expensive option when you’re purchasing photo gear. Even though I can afford pretty much anything I want, I always default to bargains and good value.

When it comes to filters for your camera lens, I rarely think going cheap is a good idea. People spend thousands of dollars on a lens that they have saved up for only to cover it with a cheap, plastic, filter.

A Tutorial On Making Composited Photo Paintings

If you are following me on social media, you know I have been experimenting with what I call “photo paintings” for a good while now. After almost five decades as a photographer, I never get tired of learning new things; coming up with new ideas (new to me anyway) and trying to find new ways to express myself through my lens.

The photo paintings are my latest attempt at all of the above.

20 Ideas For Quarantined Photographers

Okay, it’s a new normal. The things we were all concerned about 90 days ago seem insignificant. COVID-19 is changing the landscape. But know this…one day, it will all be over and we’l resume worrying about petty things.

In the meantime, it’s a great chance to exercise your photography skills. Almost anyone who can read this post should be able to do most of these. If your circumstances limit you from doing a few of them, then do the ones you CAN do. I guarantee you that it will make you a better photographer and when things calm down, you’ll be glad you did these exercises.

Topaz Sharpen AI On Sale!

I have been using a new sharpening tool called Topaz Labs Sharpen AI. This tool works as either a plugin or a standalone program and in my opinion, offers the best sharpening I have ever seen.

It is now on sale – $59.99 (regularly $79.99)

Two Camera Bags From Arco

I love camera and gadget bags. My closet is my proof. When people ask me how many camera and gadget bags I own, I always say, “More than I need, but fewer than I want.”

It must be like my old girlfriend and her shoes. But I digress…