Archives for ‘Visual Departures’

Last-Minute Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Photographers

As we wind down 2010, everyone seems to be searching for unique gifts and stocking stuffers for the holidays. As the distributors of quite a few unusual photographic products, we can offer a few suggestions. If you've got a friend who's into photography (or just want to get something nice for yourself) read on for some ideas…

The Strobist Collection

David Hobby & Rosco present The Strobist CollectionOne of the most popular blogs for photographers, www.Strobist.com is a great place to learn to use off-camera flash techniques. Using gels on multiple strobe units can create some really striking lighting effects. David Hobby, the founder of Strobist.com, spoke with our friends at Rosco labs about packaging some of their most useful gels for "strobists" pre-cut to fit precisely over a standard strobe unit. These 55 pieces of filter come in a convenient clamshell case that fits into any pocket or camera bag; all you need is a piece of tape to hold them in place…

(Contact us to find your local dealer, or shop for the Strobist Collection online.)

microGAFFER Compact Gaffer Tape

microGAFFER tape compared to standard 1" and 2" rolls of gaffer tape

Gaffer tape is a wonderful thing. It may be the most useful thing on a set, next to the camera itself (and the photographer.) The problem is, it's HUGE! A roll of gaffer tape can easily weigh more than your camera. A while back, we noticed how ridiculous that was and invented microGAFFER. It's identical to professional gaffer tape, but fits in your pocket (or camera bag; or glove compartment.)

(Contact us to find your local dealer, or shop for microGAFFER tape online.)

3" Circular LitePad and AA Battery Pack

3 inch circular LitePad

We love, love, love LitePad. The 3" circular LitePad is thin, lightweight, and can be powered by your choice of a wall outlet, your car's cigarette lighter adapter, or (best of all) AA batteries. Being able to take a daylight-balanced light source anywhere (along with your imaging tool of choice, be it camera or iPhone) makes it possible to capture all kinds of wonderful photos from daily life.

(Contact us to find your local dealer, or shop for the 3" circular LitePad or LitePad AA battery pack online.)

Steadybag Junior

Steadybag Junior supporting a Leica point-and-shoot cameraWhile the standard three-pound Steadybag is a bit too big to fit in a standard stocking, the half-pound, 7"x5.25" Steadybag Junior is perfect. And it's perfect for supporting any point-and-shoot camera, allowing you to use longer exposure times and lower ISO settings — which means less noise in your shots. It lasts for years (unlike a beanbag), comes in three great colors (again: unlike a beanbag), doesn't attract insects or mice (absolutely not like a beanbag), and sets up in about one second.

(Contact us to find your local dealer, or shop for the Steadybag Junior online.)

Need More Ideas?

If you're still stuck on just what to get for that special someone, give us a call! We can make recommendations for just about any type of photographer or filmmaker, young or old, amateur or professional.

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The "Nature" of Quick and Dirty Macro Photography

Great close-up nature photography doesn't have to involve a lot of equipment (and weight or bulk). I almost always have with me, besides the latest in Canon's G-series of professional quality point-and-shoot cameras, a couple of our smallest Flexfill collapsible lighting reflectors, a Steadybag Jr., and a table-top tripod and head.

Comparison of an open 20-inch Flexfill with an identical closed model inside its storage pouch

We've been bothered at home by an invasion of what I just learned are cicada-killing wasps. Earlier today, I watched one of these airborne attackers start to drag his latest victim under our porch. A quick shot of hornet spray took care of the wasp, but it was too late for the cicada. But in a couple of minutes, using a white Flexfill (model 20-1) as a shooting surface and a silk Flexfill (model 20-9) to diffuse a very harsh sun, I was able to produce a studio-quality image of both.

Insects on a white Flexfill

The Canon G11 has extraordinary macro capabilities (plus I always try to shoot RAW files), and since I was shooting down, my Leica ball head and tripod was the choice over the Steadybag.

The silk Flexfill was the key to the shot, allowing the G11 to make a correct exposure even in bright sunlight. Each of the 20-inch Flexfills weighs less than 5 ounces, expands to a 20" circle, folds down instantly to about one-third that size, and fits into its own 8" pouch. Flexfills come in a variety of sizes, up to 60" across, and all of them are similarly compact, lightweight, and reliable.

Next up: using the ultra-cool LitePad (Rosco's LED light panel) to produce a location food photograph at the edge of the ocean.

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microGAFFER™ Gaffer Tape

microGAFFER packages contain 4 rolls of tape

This is professional, high-quality gaffer tape… in a much more convenient form.

Ahhh, gaffer tape (or is it "gaffa tape", "gaff tape", or any number of other terms?) Whatever you call it, it's possibly the most useful piece of gear on a stage or set, whether large or small. And hoo boy, is it convenient: So light! So compact! So pocketable! (Err… wait, are we still talking about gaffer tape?)

As a matter of fact, we are. Presenting a new product from Visual Departures: microGAFFER™ tape. microGAFFER is identical to professional gaffer tape in all ways except the problematic ones: size and weight. Use it anywhere you'd use standard-size gaffer's tape: secure cabling and other equipment, make minor repairs, block out staging, label control boards, and more. It tears off easily and leaves almost no residue, just like gaffer's tape (because that's what it is.)

The difference is, it’s so compact, you can buy several rolls and keep them wherever you need them. Keep one in your car's glove compartment; one in your backpack; one in your SLR camera bag (and each of your other gear bags); you can even keep one in your pocket. Now, when you find a problem on the set or location, your solution will be within arm's reach — solve the problem and move on.

Back in the bad old days, many pro photographers would hack around the problem of too-large tape rolls by tearing off a bunch of gaffer tape and then re-wrapping it around the legs of their tripods, tearing off little bits as needed. We're happy to say that those days are now past us. Find a dealer and try a few rolls!

microGAFFER tape compared to standard 1" and 2" rolls of gaffer tape

Specifications and Dimensions

  • Each multi-pack contains 4 rolls (2 Black, 1 Grey, 1 White)
  • Each roll is 1 inch wide by 8 yards long
  • Made in the USA
  • Also available in standard sizes & widths
microGAFFER by the Numbers
Standard Gaffer Tape microGAFFER™ Tape
Length 60 yds. 8 yds.
Width 2" 1"
Diameter 6 3/8" 2 1/2"
Weight 115 oz. (7 lbs.) 2.2 oz. (1/8 lb.)

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Flexfill: The Original Collapsible Reflectors

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Get Total Lighting Control, Whether On Location or In Studio

We've all seen it: when the contrast between your light and shadows is too extreme, the sensors in your camera will "crush" the highlights or shadows, ruining your exposure and washing out all your detail. Using a reflector to "fill" the shadows or soften direct light brings your subject within the range your camera can capture reliably.

  • Controls natural or artificial lighting contrast and quality
  • Sets up and collapses in about one second
  • Collapses to one-third its size for easy transportation & storage
  • Zippered nylon pouch included
  • High-quality materials; made in the USA

In 1982, Visual Departures introduced the first collapsible reflector: Flexfill. Today, Flexfill is used by thousands of top studio and location photographers. Available in four sizes and nine surfaces, it's a highly portable and efficient lighting solution.

Flexfill is fast. The riveted spring-steel rim allows any Flexfill to open up or fold down to one-third its working size, instantly, with the flick of a wrist. And you can hold Flexfill reflectors flat, concave, or convex, depending on whether you want neutral, spot, or diffuse light.

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There have been many copycat products, but none compare well to Flexfill. Flexfill reflectors have always been made in the USA; built to last from tough, non-fading materials. Cheap knockoffs often come apart at the seams, and the manufacturers often include the rim fabric in their measurements. Rest assured: when you buy a genuine 48" Flexfill, you'll get the full 48" of usable area you paid for.

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Flexloc: A Strong, Reusable Cable Tie

Flexloc releasable cable ties are made from tough, flexible nylon, and their 50-pound tensile strength ensures they won't snap under pressure.

Why Waste Gaffer Tape and Zip Ties?

Flexloc releasable cable ties are perfect for tying up all the cords and cables that photographers and other audio-visual professionals struggle with every time they work. A ribbed inner surface makes them self-locking and secure; just a quick pinch of the fingers releases the tie. Unlike zip ties, you can use Flexloc ties over and over again.

Flexloc cable ties are made from tough, flexible nylon, and their 50-pound tensile strength ensures they won't snap under pressure. Their 10-inch length accommodates any diameter up to 2-3/4 inches, and they can be joined together for larger bundles. They're available in orange and black. We're sure they'll become an essential part of your studio's workflow.

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