A while ago I stumbled across two items that have now helped me numerous times while out photographing and also saved tons of time after wards in post processing.  I found out about these items from other fellow photographers so I figured I think it is only fair to extend the knowledge to whomever may read this blog.

The first item up is the Black Rapid camera strap, honestly it is a very, very simple concept.  It is basically 1 inch webbing that is adjustable in length and can freely slide on a swivel, simple right?  It has a padded strap to reduce neck and shoulder fatigue and can connect directly onto the bottom of you camera.  This little innovation has saved me a few neck aches after a long day and also allowed me to get shots faster when that photographic moment arises.  The other plus is since the camera lays down by your hip your hands are free which enables me to interact easily with whomever might be my focal point of the day.  Simple & Effective.  Side-note: personally I do not like the attachment that comes with the strap that hooks onto the tripod mount of your camera.  For two reasons:

1. If I want to mount it on a tripod I have to remove the strap or if I want to add on my Battery Grip I have to take it off.

2. It can come loose (there are a couple of scary accounts of this) so I just hooked it onto one of the normal strap attachments that is used for stock camera strap and then taped it shut for ease of mind.  No issues yet.

Next up a newer piece of gear, the Lastolite Balance Smarter.  It is a very durable, portable and light 18% grey card that I use for gaining a custom white balance in difficult lighting scenarios (many weddings!).  On my Nikon it is VERY easy to get a custom white balance reading and just continue shooting.  All that needs to be done is switch the white balance to Preset, hold the button for 2 seconds, fill the frame with the Lastolite take a photo and then keep on shooting.  This little item gives me higher image quality and saves time correcting the color temperature and white balance on the computer.

Left Side: Camera Auto White Balance             Right Side: Camera Preset Custom White Balance

The Lastolite Balance Smarter, nifty.