How to Photograph Real Estate Mike Kelley has mastered the "twilight look" for architecture, and now you can too with this 8-hour intensive training class. Learn everything you need to know to succeed in architecture and real estate photography from business to shooting to editing to delivery. You will find no other source of comprehensive architecture photography information than this DVD. [Fstoppers Store]
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Custom Brackets Digital PRO-E Rotation Bracket If you need a reliable flash bracket for event or wedding photography, this is Noam Galai's bracket of choice. Noam spends much of his time shooting celebrities at events and needs something he can rely on and that's comfortable and light weight. The universal camera plate is handy and assures you won't need to buy something else for your specific camera. [B&H]
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Manfrotto Video Tripod with Fluid Head Most video tripods are extremely expensive, but this one manages to stay low cost because it is not carbon fiber and integrates several plastic components and a less expensive fluid head. But less expensive doesn't mean not great! This tripod is extremely light weight and easy to operate. Fast setup, multi-function tilting pan head works fantastically, and it is a must-have for any video production. Works great with DSLRs! [B&H]
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CamRanger If you do any tethering at all, especially if you want to use an iPad, you absolutely must own the CamRanger. If you plan to shoot architecture in the Mike Kelley style, then you CERTAINLY need one, because it makes the shooting day faster, easier and more fun. It's also great for video and in portrait studios so models can see how they are looking fast and wirelessly. Seriously, everyone needs one of these. [B&H]
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Phottix Odin TTL Triggers Look, there is more out there than PocketWizard. If you want another option that maybe gives you more flexibility than the kind of triggers, then Phottix is an outstanding choice. Jaron swears by these, and the ability to actually see your groups and control all your lights from one LCD that makes a huge difference. These also have incredible range and reliability and work directly with the Mitros TTL flash (without an additional trigger). [Canon Connection | Nikon Connection]
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Phottix Mitros II Speaking of the Mitros, if you want a powerful and reliable TTL flash, Phottix's Mitros is a great choice. For a lot less expensive than the Nikon or Canon versions, this is comparable to the Canon 560II in power, but comes with a built-in TTL receiver for the Odin- pretty much the first flash to integrate a receiver without the need for additional wireless parts. Great flash, with the only downside being the someone difficult to navigate menu screens. [For Canon | For Nikon]
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Tascam Linear PCM Recorder Almost all DSLRs are capable or producing really great quality video these days, especially the Canon 70D. Unfortunately, and bizarrely, many of the mid and low level cameras don't have a headphone jack. Crippling for video production. This linear recorder will mounts under the camera and gives you not only that headphone jack, but a ton of other control features (including the ability to record up to 4 channels simultaneously) that you won't ever be able to work without again. [B&H]
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The Art Behind The HeadShot DVD The Fstoppers original DVD will make any portrait photographer better at what they do. Both pros and amatueurs alike are raving over this video because it works. It's being called "an instructional DVD that is virtually flawless from A-Z. The DVD is bursting with well planned instructional content." Once they harness what is taught on it, the photographer in your life will thank you from sunrise till sunset for the gift. [PeterHurley.com]
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Google Nexus 7 II by Asus I know, the iPad is pretty much king when it comes to tablets, but hear me out. The Google Nexus 7 is an awesome piece of hardware and it's compact. The whole reason the iPad Mini even exists is because a 7-inch tablet was already proven popular by the Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7. If you're averse to Android, remember that this is pure Android. Zero bloatware. It's awesome, and really affordable. [B&H]
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Canon 85mm f/1.8 At one fifth the price of the L-series glass lens, the Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens is a really spectacular buy. It's outstandingly sharp and performs extremely well in low light. It is my personal favorite portrait lens. If the photographer in your life shoots Canon and needs a great affordable portrait prime, this is it. [B&H]
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Nikon MB-D14 Multi Battery Power Pack GRIP Who doesn't like a little more power? Battery packs are a necessity for anyone shooting for a long period of time (especially video). They also give someone a little more to grip which can make shooting confidently a lot easier. If the photographer in your life recently picked up the Nikon D600, he or she will really appreciate this addition to their gear closet. [B&H]
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Nikon 50mm f/1.4 Prime Every photographer needs a good wide open normal lens, and for the Nikon faithful, that would be the Nikkkor 50mm f/1.4. This is a must have for anyone with a Nikon camera. [B&H]
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Canon 50mm f/1.4 Prime Just like with the Nikkor lens above, Canon photographers will love a 50mm f/1.4 prime. This is a pretty solid lens that many are fans of. [B&H]
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Orbis Ring Flash Attachment Kit If you are a fan of circular catch lights or how fashion images you might see in magazines affect skin, you need a ring light. Some ring lights can be absurdly expensive, but this kit lets you get that look without breaking the bank. [B&H]
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Nikon SB-700 Speedlight So maybe I've said a few times that there are things a photographer absolutely needs. Well this time I really mean it. Every single photographer must have at least one speedlight. These things rock because of their short flash duration, their portability, and their power. Can't argue with it, they are a must have. If he or she shoots Nikon, grab this for them. [B&H]
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Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite Like I said above, every photographer needs one. If he or she shoots Canon, you can pick this up for them and really make them smile. [B&H]
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ONA Leather Brixton Bag We gave one of these away last month, and it was one of our most popular contests to date. That stands to reason that these bags are desirable, and I agree. If style is on the forefront of your mind, than a Brixton camera bag fulfills that desire. [B&H]
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Lowepro Pro Roller x100 Before I got one of these, I knew I always wanted a roller bag. Now that I have one, I can't see how I went so long without one. This is a tough, rugged and versatile bag that really does everything you can expect from it. Want to use it for regular luggage? Just take out all the inserts. It's also carry-on approved! [B&H]
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GoPro Hero3+ Fewer products resulted in the amount of excitement that we received when we announced this camera. GoPro is the biggest name in portable HD video because it was the first and continues to impress with quality and features. The 3+ also has addressed the low battery life and bugs that existed in the original release of this product. There isn't a single photographer alive who doesn't want this camera. Get it, and you'll be the star come Christmas morning. [B&H ]
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Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic If they already own a Lensbaby but demand greater control, the Edge 80 optic makes a great gift. With aperture control on the focus ring and a more controlled tilt-shift look, this optic makes any Composer Pro better. [B&H]
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Gitzo 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod A great tripod purchase will last a photographer for years. Some of us have been using the same tripod for most of our careers. If you really want to impress the photographer in your life, you'll get him or her the best tripod you can find. One fantastic option is this Gitzo tripod. Carbon fiber, 4-section, screw lock legs, and all around one of the sturdiest and most trusted brands. A really great tripod that will last a photographer for at least 10 years. [B&H]
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Elinchrom EL 69" Octo Bank A nice, large octagonal soft box is a beautiful thing, and Elinchrom makes one of the better ones available. This 5.75 foot softbox isn't large enough for full body shots, but it is great for anything above the waist without worrying about falloff. The light that comes out of these things is beautifully soft and is the go-to style soft box for nearly every portrait photographer of any merit. [B&H ]
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Litepanels Micro LED On-Camera Light Great for video when on location, but also fantastic for macro photography. Get this little daylight balanced light wherever you need it without having to worry about cables. I know a toy photographer who loves LED light for his macro work, so if your photographer friend is into that this is a phenomenal gift. [B&H ]
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Manfrotto Fluid Video Monopod w/head As a reader of Fstoppers.com, you surely recognize this sweet product. Excellent for video and photo uses, this monopod has a great head on it already. Super fluid, super smooth. This one product can do so many things. I seriously want one of these. Seriously. Major hint. [B&H ]
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Induro PHQ3 PHQ Series 5-Way Panhead If your friend is a very discerning photographer who likes things just so, this is the perfect gift. Five way articulating head with precise fine tuning and excellent control. This is a wicked head and perfect for a photographer who likes things exact. [B&H]