Catherine recommends all her favorite gear, vendors, books, etc.
My Favorite Things
Pen Tablet Review | Wacom Intuos4
My Favorite Things 
20
Mon 12.05.2011
As a self-proclaimed geek, I get seriously excited about new gadgets and camera gear – and I just have to share with you why my Wacom Tablet is one of the most important gadgets in my studio. Let’s put it in perspective – The Wacom Tablet is to the mouse what a Smartphone is to a cell phone. You don’t realize you need it until you have one, and after that, you wonder how you ever survived without it.
I was hesitant to buy one at first because it is yet another gear investment and I thought it would be very difficult to learn. To my surprise, it literally took me one half of an afternoon to adjust to my new savior and compared to my L Series lenses and other gear buys, it certainly didn’t break the bank.
I often ask in my seminars – “who uses a Wacom Tablet” and a bunch of hands will shoot in the air. I then ask, “who couldn’t imagine their life without a Wacom Tablet” – and they hands NEVER waiver. Why is it so awesome? Well, there is the fact that I no longer suffer from sore wrists and am undeniably resisting the feared computer addicts carpel tunnel syndrome, but beyond that: I work HEAPS faster, more efficiently, and am much more precise. If you’re a serious photographer who does your own retouching, this pen tablet is definitely a must-have. Oh, and Wacom’s tech support? Exceptional.
Wacom has released a newer version than the one I have (I’m jealous!) – check it out at http://www.wacom.com/intuos.
Are you a Wacom lover? Then tell me your story! If you are considering, I hope this tips the scale – you like my blog that much more :)
The LowePro Pro Messenger AW Series camera bags truly embody the spirit of adventure and travel. Completely understated, these bags quietly whisper, “Don’t look at me. I’m not important. I’m not a camera bag.”
In this recent shoot in San Francisco (picture), I felt right at home blending my bag in with those of the myriad frazzled bicycle messengers. (Until everyone saw me shooting a beautiful bride, of course!)
The charcoal canvas material and lack of front logo practically begs to be hauled off to some developing country inviting everyone along the way to NOT notice the photographer in their midst.
Finally, we have the option of a great camera bag that avoids the proud display of a colorful logo against a jet-black synthetic exterior.
With both an incredibly well padded non-slip shoulder strap and a handle, the Pro Messenger bags are surprisingly easy to carry.
The front flap uses either a magnet for quiet access or it can fold out, to use the biggest, loudest, velcro pads I have ever seen. (Great for those locations where your gear needs a bit more protection.)
The back pocket will easily hold a small laptop and somehow, despite the slim profile, the bags hold a ton of gear. I tested the Pro Messenger 200 AW and managed to find room for my camera, four lenses, a flash, a bag of goodies, and my iPad … wow.
Photo taken by Hayley Durack.
Catch the launch of the LowePro Pro Messenger AW Series camera bags at the PDN PhotoPlus 2011 Expo this week. Of course, while you are there, don’t miss my seminar on “Building Your Wedding Brand in New Media” this Friday, October 28, at 3.45p.m EDT.
Join me, Ibarionex Perello, Scott Eccleston and Andrey Tochilin as we grill Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski about their new iPad digital magazine. Light It made it into the Top 25 of Apple’s “Top Charts” for free iPad Apps on Day 1. Congrats, Kelby team!
For more on the premiere issue of Light It, read my review last week.
Can’t get enough? Watch the promotional video for the revolutionary magazine here:
My Very Own Epson Movie!
My Favorite Things 2
Mon 08.08.2011
I had the honor of collaborating with Epson to talk about the Epson Signature Worthy Exhibition Canvas Satin. Watch the video to learn how the Epson fine art canvas is one of the most essential parts of my service as a wedding photographer.
On Location with Epson P-7000
My Favorite Things, Video 0
Mon 05.23.2011
Watch my video to learn why the Epson P-7000 is an indispensable tool for shooting on location.
