I was honored to recently be interviewed by Andrew Hellmich, who has an absolutely fantastic podcast called the PhotoBizX Podcast that focuses on the business side of photography. We covered many backup-related topics on the show.

I really enjoyed chatting with Andrew, and we’ve already received some great feedback about the interview. Here’s what one listener had to say: “Fantastic interview – right up my alley! Loads of great information that I found easy to follow…Also had no idea you could download your social media content! WOW – super good tip and great for ideas for blog posts!” -Katrina J.

The vast majority of my interview is available for all to listen, but one section has been reserved only for Premium Members of PhotoBizX (well worth the small investment in my opinion).

The two main topics that I covered that are not in the interview linked above are on the topics of online backups and social media backups.

If you’d like information on those topics, I wrote an article on online backups which you can find HERE. And re: social media content, all the major social media channels have ways for you to export all of the information you’ve uploaded to them. Just search for “Download <social media name> archive”.

I hope you find the podcast helpful if you take a listen!

A link to the audio podcast and show notes can be found HERE.

Also, THIS PAGE has information about becoming a member (I’m an affiliate for his program so if you decide to subscribe you will be supporting my publishing efforts). In the past I’ve been a paying member, and I got a lot of value from it. For the last few years, I have not been doing much portrait work, so I stopped subscribing. But I still enjoy the content that’s available to everyone.

And I encourage you to Keep Backing Up Your Data (you are backing up, I hope!)

Platypod eXtreme compact tripod and case. Photo courtesy Platypod Pro LLC

Now for the longer story…

I have great respect for inventors who create products or services that solve their own problems, and then follow-up by creating products and/or services to help others who have similar wants or needs.

The Platypod and Platyball product lines are perfect examples of that. I’ve been following the story of the company’s founder Larry Tiefenbrunn since the first Platypod hit the market in 2015. I then backed the Platypod Ultra in 2017, the Platyball Ergo in 2019 and today, April 6, 2022, I backed the Platypod eXtreme on Kickstarter.

The Platypod is described by the company as an “all terrain camera support,” and the best way to see what it (as well as their Platyball tripod heads) can do is to watch some videos of the products in use, like the ones on the company’s website at Platypod.com.

Another great resource is the video replay of a livestream from earlier today on THE GRID with Scott Kelby. On the show, the product was described by Larry Tiefenbrunn, Scott Kelby and photographer Lizzy Gadd. Some of Lizzy Gadd’s incredible environmental self-portraiture was featured throughout the show, as well as some “behind-the-scenes” photographs showing how she used the Platypod eXtreme on location. To say that I was blown away by Lizzy’s work is an understatement!

A replay of the livestream can be found below:

And to see more of Lizzie Gadd’s work, visit: https://www.elizabethgadd.com.

And here’s some more technical information about Platypod eXtreme from the company’s press materials:

Like all Platypods, the new eXtreme utilizes four independently adjustable legs for precise adjustment on uneven terrain, and greater stability than conventional three-legged tabletop and travel tripods. What makes the new model unique is that the threaded legs not only adjust up and down, but also rotate for instant deployment (Editor’s note: Those new rotating legs are a big deal! That’s because of the speed at which they can be deployed compared with the previous models.)

When not in use, the legs fold flat for storage and needn’t be removed. The Platypod eXtreme also features an integrated handle and multiple attachment points for compact lights, extension posts, and other important mobile accessories.

Barely 5mm thick, measuring only 7.75×5.25 inches (19.7 cm x 13.3 cm), and weighing just 9.6 oz. (about .27 kg), the Platypod eXtreme features a plate constructed of premium aircraft-grade aluminum, with a standard 3/8” titanium main bolt. The precision eXtreme utilizes stainless steel rubber-tipped legs, screws, and springs, and is designed to securely support camera/lens combinations up to 22 lbs.

As I mentioned above, the Kickstarter project for the Platypod eXtreme can be found HERE. There is also a special offer for people who back the project during the first 72 hours of the campaign. I always note to my readers that Kickstarter is not a store, and you may want to look over the Kickstarter basics HERE. That being said, the company behind the Platypod eXtreme has always delivered to their customers and their communication to backers, especially during the recent pandemic when some delays occurred, was excellent.

Full disclosure: I received no compensation or products for review from Platypod Pro.

Highland Park Fireworks, Highland Park, NJ, July 3, 2019 © Andrew Darlow

Since the beginning of July, 2021 I’ve been sharing photo-related tips, tech reviews, useful apps, and inspiring video content that I’ve found with my main email list. Here are some of the subject lines from the collection (some have been edited a bit for clarity).

1: Some of my Favorite Fireworks Photography Tips (the photo above is from that one)
2: iOS and Android Photo Tips that Blew My Mind
3: A Fantastic Series That Has Inspired My Photography
4: This Video Speed Controller for Chrome Can Save Hours
5: A Simple List App I Never Knew I Needed
6: Another Outstanding List App
7: Fantastic 20 to 25 Dollar Wireless Items Perfect for Photography
8: Another Useful App That I Use Constantly
9: A Highly Recommended Photo-Related Podcast and Short Video
10: A Collection of Fantastic Historic Street Videos
11: How to Quickly Remove Power Lines in Three Apps
12: An Amazing Power Line and Object Removal App for iOS and Android

I did something very similar back in 2019 and the response was very favorable, so I decided to give it another go. The best part about it is that it helps me to dive into topics that I otherwise may not have spent the time to research to the same degree. If you have a list or social media account, you might want to do the same.

If you’d like to begin getting the tips (there are 18 more to go as of today!), just visit THIS PAGE and enter your name and email (you can unsubscribe at any time, and be sure to check your sp*m or Promotions tab in Gmail in case they go there).

Also, if you’d like to be able to read the previous email newsletters in the series, just reply to the email you receive from me and ask! I will then give you access. Here is that page again to sign up to receive the next 18 tips, plus future news, reviews, tips, and more.

Hope you enjoy the tips!

All the best,
Andrew

Andrew Darlow
Editor, The Imaging Buffet

The best way to truly see how the Platyball works, and why it’s different from all other ballheads, I would highly recommend taking a look at these two videos:

and

A Note About ALL Kickstarter Campaigns

As Sharky James, host of the PetaPixel podcast always says: “Kickstarter is NOT a store,” so it is possible that you will not receive this product, or anything that you back on Kickstarter. However, based on my experience as a backer of multiple Platypods (another fantastic product which you can find by searching for the word: platypod), I have faith that the company will deliver quality products on time.

Where to Find Out More or Order a Platyball

Because I believe that the Platyball Ergo and Platyball Elite products are worth recommending, I have decided to use the Kickbooster platform to become an affiliate for this campaign, which means that I will receive a small commission if you use my link to visit the campaign site and make a purchase. You can also just search on your favorite search engine for Platyball if you’d prefer not to use my link for any reason. To see the Platyball’s campaign on Kickstarter (Ends Sun. 3/15/2020 at 4:30PM EST) , visit THIS PAGE.

Back to the year 2020, I invite you to join me at Imaging USA 2020, either during my talk in the PRINT for Success Theater (Booth #957) on Sun. 1/19/2020 from 1:00-1:30pm, or at the PhotoFlashDrive.com booth on one of the days and times shown below. I am a customer of PhotoFlashDrive.com and they’ve been very kind to spend some time in their booth to answer questions and also give away one of my absolute FAVORITE products, their PlayBook Video Player.

The title of my talk is: Monitor to Print Matching Made Easy, and I’ll be covering step-by-step workflows as well as secrets that I’ve uncovered in my 25+ year career as a professional photographer and consultant. The first 60 people to arrive will receive a GalleryPouch bag, two pre-cut mats, and a full-color calibration print (a $20+ combined retail value). I Hope to See You There! To register, visit the show’s site HERE.

TWO VERY SPECIAL OFFERS FROM FrameDestination.com

As indicated in the image above, Frame Destination (FrameDestination.com), a Dallas and Internet-based supplier of fine-art photography picture frames and framing supplies, is sponsoring my talk at Imaging USA 2020, and I thank them for their support. I’ve been a customer of Frame Destination for many years, and I’m happy to announce that a product idea that I brought to them, called the GalleryPouch, is Celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary! GalleryPouch is a custom bubble bag that acts like a pillow of protection for framed artwork and many other uses. Made of smooth, 3/16-inch thick durable polyethylene bubble (smooth on both sides), GalleryPouch was created to help you guard artwork against damage during transport or storage. Each bubble wrap sleeve is sealed on three sides, and its opening is available with either a flap or resealable Velcro® brand closure. Frame Destination can create custom sizes for you from envelope size to 52 x 156 inches.

To mark the anniversary, Frame Destination has created some very special offers, including $10,000 in savings and free products! This is a perfect time to stock up or try out a GalleryPouch. Below are the active codes:

• TAKE $10 OFF any GalleryPouch ORDER* (Use CODE: GP10YEARS), or
• TAKE 20% OFF any GalleryPouch ORDER* (Use CODE: GPSAVE20)
NO MINIMUM ORDER IS REQUIRED (expires 2/28/20)
(Excludes shipping. For orders to USA addresses only.)

To see a video overview of me demonstrating the GalleryPouch bag (shown above), or to order, visit FrameDestination.com.

Show Floor and NYC (plus my head!) reflected in the glass, PhotoPlus Expo NYC 2019  © Andrew Darlow (click on image to see it larger)

I visited the PhotoPlusExpo 2019 in New York City yesterday, and as usual, it did not disappoint! It was a smaller show than some of the shows in the past, but it was still jam packed with a lot of great gear, and one of my favorite things of all…high-end photo papers! In fact, I think that it’s worth the trip just to see the printed samples in the booths of the companies I’ve listed below.

In addition, for this post, I will list some specials that are happening online and at the show. That’s a “Super Tip”: Whenever there are big trade shows, look for special offers from the companies who are exhibiting. They know most of their existing and new customers are not able to come to the show, so they will often share promo codes and offer other specials while the trade show is live. The show continues until Saturday, 10/26/2019 and Expo-only tickets are now just $25 (free expo passes ended on 10/23). You can purchase passes on-site if you haven’t already, and HERE is the main website for the show.

Also, in case you missed my article with information about the many presentations happening on the show floor (updated 10/25), you can see that article HERE.

PAPERS, PAPERS, AND MORE INKJET PAPERS!

As I mentioned above, one of my favorite things to do at the PhotoPlus Expo (and any photo trade show), is see the wide range of high-end inkjet papers that are on display. Often, different papers are presented (with the same image on each print) in racks like you might see at a store that sells posters. In the case of this year’s show, large, very impressive prints are generally displayed to showcase what’s possible when you pair exceptional images, a high-end printer, and a high-quality paper. Here are some of the booths that I saw and recommend checking out at PhotoPlus Expo 2019 (or you can, of course, check them out online and order sample packs of their papers to do your own testing.)

• Canon USA (Booth #121) – Link to Canon’s Large Format Printer Page
• Canson Infinity (Booth #449)  – Link to Canson Infinity’s Site
• Epson (Booth #701) – Link to Epson’s Site
• Hahnemühle USA (Booth #237) – Link to Hahnemühle’s Site
• Moab Paper (Booth #629) – Link to Moab Paper’s Site

And I would be remiss not to mention Blazing Editions (Booth #748), whose dye-sublimation prints on aluminum always amaze me. The prints start out as inkjet prints that are then infused into aluminum panels using heat and pressure. Below is a photo from their booth.

Blazing Editions’ Booth at PhotoPlus Expo 2019 © Andrew Darlow (click on image to see it larger)

There is also a fantastic exhibition of the work of Jay Maisel and Stephen Wilkes at the Icon Gallery located next to the Blazing Editions booth (Booth #737).

SPECIAL OFFERS

B&H Photo (Booth #451) has many show specials, which you can find HERE. As noted on their site, some of the special offers require a promo code, which is PPEBH19.

Hunt’s Photo & Video (Booth #362) has special pricing on many items on the flyers they are distributing at the show. I assume they are the same price on their website, but you could always ask them if you call the store to order. You can find many of their current special offers HERE. One item in particular that caught my eye is the Lowepro Fastpack BP 150 AW II ($59.50).

PhotoflashDrive.com (Booth #861) is offering  20% off all of their products (Expires 10/26/2019). If you are at the show, I highly recommend stopping by to see what they do, and don’t miss seeing their amazing PlayBook Video Player.

Skylum Software is in Booth #149, and they are doing continuous demos during the show, as well as speaker presentations (you can see a Google Doc overview of their talks HERE). They just announced their Luminar 4 software, and it looks extremely impressive. If you don’t use Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw for your editing (or if you want to access some of Luminar’s unique tools as an external editor/plug-in), I think you will love it. Full Disclosure: I have an affiliate partner with Skylum, so I receive a small portion of sales when you use the links I provide. To see all of what Luminar 4 has to offer, including a lot of amazing bonuses when you pre-order, including a free 1 year subscription on Smugmug.com, visit THIS PAGE. (Luminar 4 ships Nov. 18, 2019).

ONE MORE THING!

I have one more thing I’d like to share from the Expo. I was very impressed by a company called My Case Builder. Basically, you choose what case you have, and they will then custom cut foam for your gear that fits perfectly in the case. For more information, visit www.mycasebuilder.com. They had a show special printed on a postcard at the show, but I don’t see it offered on their website, so I don’t think it’s right to share it. However, you can call or email them and ask if they will apply their current show special to your order.

IN-PERSON OFF-CAMERA FLASH WORKSHOP IN PRINCETON, NJ – 11/2/2019

I’m really looking forward to teaching a workshop titled: Mastering Off-Camera Flash at Rising Star Photography Society in Princeton. NJ on Sat. 11/2/2019. For full details, visit THIS PAGE.

The best way for me to describe how to get the most from the show is to read THIS ARTICLE that I wrote last year all about the show. There, you will also see articles from previous years.

METAL PRINT EXHIBITION: ON + OFF THE GRID

This year’s exhibition of metal prints by Blazing Editions will feature the work of Jay Maisel and Stephen Wilkes, and I’m sure the images, as well as how they are presented will be outstanding as always. See the caption above for more information about the exhibition and the opening reception, which will be on Thursday, 10/24 from 5:30-7:30pm.

EXPO FLOOR SPEAKER SCHEDULES (constantly being updated)

One of my favorite parts of the PhotoPlus Expo are the many talks that happen on the show floor during the show. It’s also an opportunity to sit down for a bit after walking up and down the aisles. Here are a few of the many speaker schedules:

Unique Photo (Booths #945 and #845)

Hahnemühle (Booth #237)

Olympus America (Booth #1063) 

Skylum Software (Booth #149) and they are doing continuous demos during the show, as well as speaker presentations (you can see a Google Doc overview of their talks HERE). They just announced their Luminar 4 software, and it looks extremely impressive. If you don’t use Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw for your editing (or if you want to access some of Luminar’s unique tools as an external editor/plug-in), I think you will love it. Full Disclosure: I have an affiliate partner with Skylum, so I receive a small portion of sales when you use the links I provide. To see all of what Luminar 4 has to offer, including a lot of amazing bonuses when you pre-order, including a free 1 year subscription on Smugmug.com, visit THIS PAGE. (Luminar 4 ships Nov. 18, 2019).

Tamron (Booth #620)

Cover of the book: Insisting On the Impossible: The Life of Edwin Land by Victor K. McElheny

I especially enjoyed David Senra’s overview of the book: Insisting On the Impossible: The Life of Edwin Land. Polaroid cameras and instant film have been such an important part of my life, both personally and professionally. Much like with electricity, automobiles, planes, etc. (Senra covers the people behind those stories as well!), it’s easy to take for granted the incredible amount of time and effort that went into creating Polaroid’s various instant films and cameras. It’s also fascinating to learn how much Edwin Land influenced Steve Jobs. I doubt Apple would be the same company today had it not been for Dr. Land and Polaroid.

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL STORIES

I can remember my family taking photos with Polaroid cameras from a very early age, and the sound of a Polaroid sheet of film coming out of a Polaroid film pack is one that’s etched deeply into my memory banks. For years, as a photographer in New York City, I also used Polaroid film backs on a Hasselblad camera, which gave me and my clients a sense of security re: the exposure and the overall look of an image before shooting the job on 120 roll film. I also have fond memories hiking with a dear friend and using a Speed Graphic 4×5 camera with a Polaroid 545 Film Holder and Polaroid Type 55 Pos/Neg film. If you want to see those exact items on one page, I found a website with them HERE. And I can’t leave out Polaroid Transfers, which I created for years using 35mm slides and a Vivitar Polaroid Instant 35mm Slide Printer. This page has a nice overview of Polaroid transfers and “emulsion lifts,” which you have to see to believe!

To see thumbnails of all the books David Senra has read and distilled on his podcast, as well as podcast episodes, you can visit his show’s website HERE. He has decided to have a premium model for his show, which means that some of his podcast episodes are reserved for those who become supporters of his show. That’s why you’ll see that some of the episodes are short “previews.” But more than half are full episodes, which probably totals about 75-100 hours of audio. I would recommend downloading his episodes through a podcast app on the Apple App Store (Overcast is my favorite, but you can use Apple’s Podcast App) or Google Play Store (Pocket Casts is free and an excellent choice) so that you can listen to them on the go.

Hugs and all the best,
Andrew

P.S.- As I mentioned a few days ago, I’m a partner once again for The Complete Photography Bundle VII from the folks at 5 Day Deal, and this year, it has an estimated value of just under $3,000 for only $89.  The amount of video training, presets, e-books and much more from a wide range of professional photographers and video professionals is incredible. Also, 10% of all sales is donated to charities (about $1.5 million has been donated to date, and more than $50,000 has been raised in the first three days of the event). Whether or not you decide to purchase the bundle, you can enter a $10,000 giveaway that includes a free copy of a piece of software for everyone who enters from Skylum Software called AirMagic. Just look for the entry form toward the bottom of the 2019 Bundle Page. There are only two days left to take advantage of the bundle (ends on 10/8/19), and you can find it HERE.

Here’s a quick overview image of the people and companies who are contributing:

A $10,000 GIVEAWAY AND A FREE APPLICATION FROM SKYLUM SOFTWARE

Because the bundle is so highly discounted (nearly $3,000 in value for just $89), I believe that if you find just one valuable item from the bundle, it will be worth investing it. Whether or not you decide to purchase the bundle, you can enter a $10,000 giveaway that includes a free copy of a piece of software FOR EVERYONE WHO ENTERS from Skylum Software called AirMagic (here’s a link to a quick overview video tutorial of the application). Just look for the entry form toward the bottom of the 2019 Bundle Page. It looks like this:

10% of all the proceeds goes to charities (over $1.5 million has been raised thus far), which you can select. I usually choose to give an equal amount to the charities they have selected. About 100,000 people have purchased the bundles over the last seven years, and I’ve bought at least four of them. In a word, the content is AMAZING! If you’d like to check out what’s inside the bundle (and it’s A LOT), visit THIS PAGE.

P.S.: I HIGHLY recommend purchasing a dedicated external hard drive (or making some space on a drive you own) for all of the files that you will probably be downloading if you purchase the bundle. That way, you can move the content from computer to computer and not worry about filling up your internal hard drive (if space is an issue on your internal hard drive(s)). You may even want to purchase two relatively small hard drives (512GB or 1TB) so that you can use one as a backup. They can be found for $50-75 each online or in camera stores/office supply stores like Staples.

Again HERE IS THE LINK to the The Complete Photography Bundle VII 2019. Please feel free to contact me HERE with any questions you may have.

All the best!

Andrew
Andrew Darlow
Editor, The Imaging Buffet