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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

July/August 2011

New Tools Of The Trade

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Boost Flash Power
On-camera flash units are an ideal solution for assignments in difficult locations where portability is what matters most. The XT Flash Extender series from Harbor Digital Design was developed to help photographers get more flash output when working with long distances. The unit mounts securely to the flash with a custom adapter so no straps or Velcro® are necessary. Quick, secure mounting allows for easy and accurate focusing on your subject, helpful when shooting sports or fast-moving animals. It produces up to two or more stops of additional light at 100 feet. Estimated Street Price: TBA. Contact: Harbor Digital Design, (253) 851-6117, www.harbordigitaldesign.com.

O Bracket
The Flashpoint O-Shape Twin Flash Bracket (FABO) consists of two C-shaped tracks that form an O for attaching two flash units as desired. The bracket is an ideal solution for producing light from multiple angles. The flash units can be placed vertically or horizontally, depending on what the situation calls for. The length of the bottom bar is extendable for matching different lenses of varying lengths. Estimated Street Price: $26. Contact: Flashpoint, (800) 223-2500, www.adorama.com.

Inflatable Studio
If you're fed up with trying to book expensive studio space, the Inflatable Photo Studio offers a quick and easy alternative. Created by New York City-based photographer Brian Hedenberg, the studio inflates in three minutes. The materials used to make it range from high-grade UV polyethylene to a PVC/Vinyl, matte, fire-retardant substance. It comes in three sizes, with the largest measuring 20x30x13 feet, weighing 40 pounds and folding up into a 4x2x2-foot box. You can assemble it anywhere, but it's recommended that you do so on flat ground to avoid puncturing the floor. Ventilation holes let you attach a fan to increase air circulation inside the booth. Estimated Street Price: TBA. Contact: Inflatable Photo Studio, (832) SEND-IPS, www.ips-studio.com.

In The Background
Give your images more punch by changing them up with Photobacks. With an extensive lineup of Photoshop templates, digital backgrounds and Photoshop Actions at your disposal, you can offer clients photo books, portraits and cards that stand out. For portraiture, you can give the subject a whole new look by dragging the image into one of the templates or adding a Digital Background. Also included are video tutorials that show you how to get the best results. The Premium Package includes more than 150 Photoshop templates, about 180 Digital Backdrops, 15 video tutorials and more. Estimated Street Price: $64. Contact: Photobacks, (760) 766-3339, www.photobacks.com.