THINGS & STUFF!

I share products I use, plan to use or have seen others highly suggest. I also share products that provide a solution to a question that has been presented to me as a Business and Project Manager or Photographer. As an Amazon Associate I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through some of the links. Things and stuff is where the magic happens for me … the things that make it easier.

Visit My Facebook Page
Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are Commission links, if you go through them to make a purchase I may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate. I share products I use, plan to use or have seen others highly suggest or products that answer a question that has been presented to me in my Photography groups. As an Amazon Associate may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links.

{office}

{photography}

DISCLOSURE

Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate or Commission links, if you go through them to make a purchase I may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate. I share products I use, plan to use or have seen others highly suggest or products that answer a question that has been presented to me as a Photographer or Business & Project Manager. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My Favorite Things

In the image above I am using a AD200 Pro inside the 72″ parabolic umbrella without diffusion material on the 6.5 X 10 Microfiber backdrop (love it!). Using the Canon 6D Mark 2 and the Godox trigger for the AD200 Pro.

My main lights are:
3- Alien Bee 800
4-Godox AD200 Pro
3-Canon Speedlights
3-18 inch ring lights

My favorites are the AD200’s for their portability and ease of use.

I primarily use the Alien Bee units with EVENTS that will be fast paced and need a faster recycle time AND when I don’t want to think about replacing batteries.

The AD200Pro batteries is listed as 500 full power flashes and should be plenty for most events. I do some 2-day long hour events and find them a best fit for that setting and the AD200’s a best fit for my branding and portrait work.

Suggested Crop Sensor in Canon:
Canon 80D
Canon 90D

Suggested Full Frame:
Canon 5D mark IV 

Suggested Canon Mirrorless:
Canon R6 (coming August 2020)

I love it! (view it)

But, that wasn’t always the case. I was going into my second year with it and still hadn’t set it up fully.

My first impression was simply” what the!” It was like a puzzle that I just wasn’t mastering.

I don’t want to run my business without it because it just makes life easier and allows me to be free to do other things. Whether it’s photography or another business check it out.  (view it)

This dark grey backdrop is simply amazing. Not only is it microfiber but you can wash and dry it. It’s thick and well made with a rod pocket. I’m loving it.

(view it)

Kate Black Microfiber 
10×6.5
also washable with a pocket and no wrinkle issues:

view it here

This little speaker packs a loud punch and is just the right size for portability and ease of use  when I’m working at home or doing sessions on location.

(view it)

I’m team Canon-woot!

I have two Godox triggers for Canon. I find one has a much easier interface over the other so I use it more. BUT if you need a hot shoe, get #2.

#1 -MY FAVE is this Canon trigger. It comes in Nikon and Sony also but I find this version more user friendly.
(view it)

#2- this one has a hot shoe.
(view it)

SONY- https://amzn.to/2XqEQQe

NIKON-https://amzn.to/2XqEQQe

I tried several and non beat the color and clarity on this one. I’ve been using this since Feb 2019.

(view it)

I purchased this December 2012 and it’s still going strong! No tears, loose threads or zippers-nothing.

When I’m going on location I have a laptop, iPad or 2-in-1 with me and this backpack was perfect. If you don’t travel with those the space is great storage for other things.

I give this backpack a real workout and it’s standing the test of time.

(view it)

18 inches and bright!
Great for portraits and table top/still life. I use it a lot for food photography.

(view it)

If you’re in STYLED PLATE which is my food group for home cooks who want to enhance their images you know I’m a fan of these photography backdrops. I’ve been using this set since July 2018 and it’s in great condition.
(view it)

Also check out this black wall paper. It will stain but it makes beautiful texture in food or product images.
(view it)

This black wood grain wallpaper makes a great product background as well. Great for dark flatlays etc.
(view it)

Portable. Lightweight and enhances the client experience for photo sessions on location.

(view here)

{Starting OCF}

Getting Started with OFF CAMERA FLASH? 

BUDGET Friendly KIT:

1-AD200 or AD200 Pro by Godox
1-Softbox modifier
1-Trigger
Canon
Nikon
Sony

1-Lightstand
1-Virtual OCF Starter Consult with NJ (Book Here)

This virtual consultation will address your questions and ask you to produce images LIVE while we are on-camera. Please have your gear charged and ready to be used during our call.

Once you’ve gotten comfortable with one light add others and get even more creative. This is a kit that is budget friendly to start but is buildable for any type of photography.

News You Can Use

https://amzn.to/3fCHNn8

Food
Photography

Some of my favorite tools for photographing food are listed below.

In the image below I am using natural light and a small dark background that can be easily rolled or stored flat.

My Favorite Things

My main lights are:
Alien Bee 800
Godox AD200 Pro 
18″ Ring Light

I use natural light, ring lights, my Alien Bees or Godox lights for food photography.

Suggested Crop Sensor in Canon:
Canon 80D
Canon 90D

Suggested Full Frame:
Canon 5D mark IV 

Suggested Canon Mirrorless:
Canon R6 (coming August 2020)

My favorite lens is the Canon 100MM Macro.
I also use my 50mm frequently and the 40MM.

If you’re Nikon or Sony look for lens in the 50mm and 100mm range.  Example: Nikon has a 105mm.

If you’re using a crop sensor remember to account for your crop factor.

I love my little skillets for a lot of things. These 6.5 inch cast iron skillets are easy care and already seasoned but I just like going through the process so I seasoned them again-I know, I know!

You can see me using it here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwBGZb9h9-D/

AND you can grab yours: https://amzn.to/33KqYV0

https://amzn.to/3kgjqix

https://amzn.to/2C0Ap76

https://amzn.to/2Do26Yh

18 inches and bright!
Great for portraits and table top/still life. I use it a lot for food photography.

(view it)

I tried several and non beat the color and clarity on this one. I’ve been using this since Feb 2019.

(view it)

https://amzn.to/30vTUhl

If you’re in STYLED PLATE which is my food group for home cooks who want to enhance their images you know I’m a fan of these photography backdrops. I’ve been using this set since July 2018 and it’s in great condition.
(view it)

Also check out this black wall paper. It will stain but it makes beautiful texture in food or product images.
(view it)

This black wood grain wallpaper makes a great product background as well. Great for dark flatlays etc.
(view it)

https://amzn.to/2Do1v8X

NJ listens for understanding! She makes sure she understands what your needs are prior to making suggestions.

Lashaune Tisdale

I already knew and respected NJ as a photographer and business woman, so when the opportunity appeared for me to hone my food photo skills by joining a group run by her, I did not hesitate. She gives straight forward feedback but she is always gracious about it. Rare combo.

Geneva Gurrusquieta, Geneva Gurrusquieta

NJ’s style of teaching is simple and to the point. Her analogies are crystal clear

1956STONESTREETIMAGES, Vernida McKoy

NJ is extremely knowledgable about solutions that can benefit your business. Her knowledge and expertise make it easier to narrow down the options and select a solution that is tailored specifically to your business.

Photographer,, Ashley Evans