commentator:

I had the honor of photographing this amazing family – Frank (legendary amazingly talented), Kim (cheeky smiley beautiful) & Baby Kiyana (adorably make my cheeks ache) Amodo. Just kidding, how I started this post is how he started his. =)

While Monica, Eli’Ani and I were in the island of Oahu, we had our first official family photo session done by the world famous photographer Frank Amodo (check out his blog and be inspired). It was also awesome to shoot side by side with him on a wedding (more about that later).

During our stay we not only just about ate the whole entire island but also found some hidden treasures thanks to Frank’s family. Until next time!

//ed pingol
contact me =)
edpingolphotography.com

commentator:

The Spider Camera System is a four-part harness system that allows the photographer to have hands-free movement.

Camera belt and holster work seamlessly together to create a hands-free harness system. Overall the Spider Camera System is made-up of four parts that help a photographer switch their equipment without having to worry about messy shoulder straps getting in the way. Each system will support one camera and they can be layered on top of each other to handle a multi-camera shoot.

The weight of cameras can be a burden and get in the way of getting that great shot. This system takes the weight of your shoulders and directs them to your hips.

It is easy to get the camera when needed because it is at my hips where my hands are and it allows easy access.

I like the multiple holes on the spider plate to insert the spider pin; which allows the user to figure out where it can be placed for the most comfortable fit for the shoot.

The plate is created to align with the bottom of the camera and the pin placement will help determine the camera angle on the holster and I like how this allows you to customize where the camera faces.

The only tool you need for this system is provided and actually fits into the spider plate so it cannot be lost and this is used to tighten the spider pin as needed.

The belt complements the system because the platform on it keeps the camera from rubbing up against your hips as you move around. The issue I have with the belt is that it is Velcro and it’s pretty hard to adjust as needed to get the correct fit. But once you get the right fit, it feel like it was designed specifically for you only.

My minor nit-pik about this product is the locking mechanism on the holster because it only allows you to auto-lock where the camera is locked in place and cannot be removed OR it is completely unlocked and this can dangerous for the camera and the photographer especially during an active shoot. To me I would prefer it to have auto lock ALWAYS just to be on the safe side.

What would make this product five out of five stars in my estimation would be an more agile and adjustable lock system that is able to keep the camera safe and allows the photographer the confidence to be able to move as needed for a very active shoot.

Overall it is a great product for a hands-free shoot and it comes with all the equipment needed in one compact system. Ed Pingol approves.

To find out more information on this great product check out:

http://www.spiderholster.com/

//ed pingol
contact me =)
edpingolphotography.com

UPDATE: PPGBA sold out all spots for this awesome series in just 10 days! can’t wait to meet all of you who are attending. mahalo!

last november, i had the pleasure of speaking at the professional photographers of the greater bay area (ppgba) annual sustaining members night. it was a huge turnout and i had a blast talking about my passion and meeting you all! here’s a photo from the event:

next month, i’ll be presenting at ppgba’s april four nights workshops on lighting, a collection of 4 weekly presentations by various photographers, including jade studio productions, joerg lehmann, and anna kuperberg. i’m so excited to be presenting on tuesday, april 20th at 7 p.m.! i highly recommend signing up early as these workshops get filled up pretty quickly. i attended a series a couple of years ago and found it incredibly helpful as the workshops were small and intimate, allowing for a great opportunity to network with the other attending photographers and ask questions of the speakers. for more info and to register, click here.

hope to see you there!!!

***This “Sticky Post” will remain at the top of the site through 11.19.09. Please see new posts below.***

Please join me for PPGBA’s Annual Sustaining Member Night! PPGBA is the Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area (SF branch of PPA), an organization I have been a proud member of since I began my career as a photographer. It’s definitely a worthwhile organization to be a part of as there are awesome monthly line-up of speakers, various “4 night workshops,” print competitions, and classes. And of course great opportunities to network with other local photographers, not to mention partaking in the consumption of some yummy meatballs. (No joke!)

On November 19th, I’ll be presenting on a special night in which you’ll get a chance to meet with representatives and view products of great photography-related companies. Though meetings are usually reserved for members or for those that pay to attend, this night is 100% TOTALLY FREE! Join me as I discuss my off-camera flash techniques and easy lighting set-ups. Feel free to spread the word. I hope to see you there!

What: PPGBA Annual Sustaining Member Night

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009

Time: Display and refreshments will be held from 7 – 8 pm and 9 – 10 pm. | Presentation by Ed Pingol from 8-9 p.m.

Where: Best Western Grosvenor Airport Hotel | 380 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA