Thursday, May 27, 2010

Could LED Lights Be Best for Your Needs?

If you’ve heard the term ‘LED light’ but aren’t sure what it really means or why you should consider using it in your photography, let us shed a little light on the situation!

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. This particular kind of light is often used in other arenas, particularly in automotive lighting. Some recent technological developments have made this lighting source an excellent fit for photographic uses as LED lights can give off as much white light as other standard light sources.

LED lights are able to provide a uniform lighting source because the light is clustered in such a way to provide a streamlined beam of illumination. LEDs are very compact and there are no concerns of tubes or filaments breaking, which can greatly complicate a photo shoot. They’re also extremely energy efficient. Another bonus? Because LED lights don’t emit heat, there is little risk of this form of lighting causing or contributing to a fire. And they can save money because they last significantly longer than conventional lighting sources—up to 100 times as long!

When it comes to your photography, you’ll be able to achieve better natural-looking lighting by using a high quality LED light such as some models from our PROMASTER series. These lights are also the perfect accessory to use for your video projects. Here are a few choices to consider, and we have models which be used on-camera or as part of a studio lighting setup. www.fortwortcamera.com

Pick the Perfect Gear Bag



While many of us are guilty of tossing our digital cameras and equipment inside a large tote or backpack, deep down we know that we should be taking better care of our gear. The right bag provides a number of benefits including proper padding to absorb shock and to protect from bumps and drops, and keeping all your accessories and chargers in one place so they aren’t lost before your next trip. There are so many designs to choose from, and it can get a bit overwhelming at times, so let us help you narrow your focus. Here are a few tips to help you find the right gear bag for your needs:

Consider Your Gear: Take a quick mental inventory of your equipment. Do you use a point-and-shoot camera or do you switch between a point-and-shoot and your DSLR depending on the situation? How many lenses do you have? Are there accessories that you own that you often forget to bring with you such as filters, flashes or lens cleaner? How often will you need your laptop with you during a shoot or travel? Do you want to keep everything streamlined—including your laptop-- in one bag or do you have a laptop bag you already use for this purpose? Thinking about all your items as a group will help you get a better idea of which bags will make the cut.

Include Room to Grow: If you’re like many photo enthusiasts, you’ve got a wish list of accessories and other items you’d like to own one day. While there’s no reason to purchase a bag that far exceeds your current needs, ponder getting a slightly larger size if you are considering additional purchases of equipment this year.

What’s Your Style? It’s important to consider your preferences when choosing a bag. Some people find that a backpack style is the perfect design when needing to carry a substantial amount of gear comfortably while others prefer a messenger style designed to lay flat on the hip and that distributes weight off the shoulder. Still others would prefer something that blends into a work environment and looks more like a traditional briefcase.

How Will You Use Your Bag? Will your camera bag often be considered a carry-on for airline travel or do you need something capable of handling additional items when out hiking or outdoors? Do you need a smaller model that lets you travel light? Or, is it best to have a rolling hard case to help you navigate train and airport terminals?

When it comes to keeping your gear protected and organized, the right bag can make all the difference. We’ve got a number of different styles for you to consider ranging from small messengers to full-sized carryalls: www.fortworthcamera.com