The Photographer’s 2016 Kit Bag
Whether you’ve got a case of digital love or you’re still infatuated with traditional film, it’s an exciting time to be a photography fan. Thanks to the developers spearheading the photo editing software movement and the number of festivals launched to celebrate photographic excellence, it’s never been easier to hone your craft or share your creations with the world.
At Digitalab, we love any excuse to talk photography – and today, we’re giving you a peek inside our kit bag. From the innovative apps we can’t get enough of to our favourite photography festivals, we’re giving amateurs and professionals alike everything they need to make next year’s portfolio their best one yet.
London Photo Festival
If you’re an emerging photographer looking for an opportunity to exhibit your work, look no further than the London Photo Festival. Book your space at 2016’s Earth, Water, Air and Fire festival to take the next step to professional prominence.
Photo London
The second edition of Photo London commences in May 2016 and there’s a lot on offer at this international photography event. Bringing together leading photographers, exhibitors, curators and dealers, you’re invited to be a part of this world-class photography fair.
Miniclick
The Miniclick Photo Talks pay tribute to still and moving images of all kinds, with a wide variety of participatory events, provocative discussions and vibrant parties for you to get involved in – no matter which photographic styles speak to you.
SWPP 2016
The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers holds Europe’s largest all-welcome photographic convention every year, and SWPP 2016 opens its doors on the 20th January – offering no less than five days of action-packed programmes, presentations and networking opportunities for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
Every May, Oxfordshire-based artists have the chance to exhibit their latest and greatest works alongside other talented creatives across the county thanks to Artweeks. Photographers can visit a number of unique exhibition spaces throughout Oxfordshire, and locals can register to be a part of it themselves.
Les Recontres d’Arles
From July to September next year, the latest instalment of Les Recontres d’Arles will take the photographic world by storm. This annual summertime photography festival sees thousands upon thousands of visitors come together for a glimpse of never-before-seen images and a chance to participate in tours, discussions and signings galore.
World Photography Organisation
The World Photography Organisation (WPO) is the home of the Sony World Photography Awards, giving aspirational artists an opportunity to make their mark and receive global recognition for their contribution to the artform. Enter now to be a part of it.
The Kennel Club
If you love capturing canines on camera, the Kennel Club’s Dog Photographer of the Year competition is your chance to turn your passion for pets into industry exposure – and hopefuls can enter any time before March 13th 2016.
Take a View
Nature lovers, rejoice – Take a View’s Landscape Photographer of the Year competition has been running since 2007 and celebrates the very best in sensational scenic shots. With a grand prize of £10,000 up for grabs, this clash of creative titans is not to be missed.
Open Eye Gallery
The non-profit Open Eye Gallery was founded in 1977 and celebrates innovative and independent photographers – with a colourful catalogue of exhibitions to fill your calendar. Based in Liverpool, this gallery has championed the artform for almost 40 years – and you could see your works on display in this legendary exhibition space.
The Photographers’ Gallery
At London’s largest public photographic gallery, the exhibitions range from historical images to daring new projects. The Photographers’ Gallery is a place where artists can discover up-and-coming talent and participate in everything from specialist workshops to social happenings.
C / O Berlin
Located in the heart of the capital, C / O Berlin is a non-profit photographic gallery home to a calendar full of changing exhibitions, seminars and workshops – well worth a visit for any photography lovers and professional artists looking to explore the international scene.
The Photographic Angle
The Photographic Angle is responsible for a collection of free exhibitions, touring the UK and transforming public spaces into transient art galleries. Submit three of your favourite images for a chance to exhibit alongside a diverse suite of photographic specialists.
Michael Hoppen Gallery
Opened in 1992, the Michael Hoppen Gallery is a monument to the medium and home to a combination of photographic masters and breakthrough artists. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, London, this diverse gallery celebrates the past, present and future of photography.
Photography Farm
This residential photography workshop nurtures budding artists, helping them to develop their skills and brush up on their business acumen. Photography Farm is the brainchild of alternative wedding photographer Lisa Devlin, who makes it her mission to impart the valuable insight she’s gained throughout her career in the industry.
Nigel Wilson Workshops
Described by Time Out magazine as “the best photography course in London”, Nigel Wilson’s workshops are packed with technical expertise – giving you both the aptitude and confidence to realise your full potential as a photographer, with dates available throughout 2016.
MyPhotoSchool
At MyPhotoSchool, you learn from the experts – with a colossal menu of courses dedicated to a diverse range of photographic styles. Whichever subjects you’re drawn to and skills you’d like to develop, this online school is jam-packed with professional workshops, tutorials and specialist insight.
Aspire Photography Training
Commercial awareness is key to a successful career as a photographer, and Aspire Photography Training gives you the tools to take the market by storm – with courses on everything from photographic themes to business development.
Shootsmart
Situated in West Yorkshire, Shootsmart Photography Training offers expert guidance on all kinds of photography. Whether you prefer group workshops or one-on-one training sessions, you’ll find your ideal learning experience right here.
The 36exp Photographers’ School
36exp is a photography school in the heart of London, delivering specialist knowledge to absolute beginners and aspiring professionals alike. Giving you the skills to take charge of your photography, 36exp combines theory with a hands-on experience for the best of both worlds.
London School of Photography
From stock photography to portraiture and photojournalism, the London School of Photography has a menu of masterclasses to suit all tastes. Inspiration and motivation are at the heart of every LSP course – helping photographers of all skill levels to reach their individual goals.
The Royal Photographic Society
Membership with the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) entitles you to monthly e-newsletters, camera insurance offers, exposure opportunities, a society distinction and a chance to be a part of exclusive workshops at discounted prices – plus a whole lot more.
Leica Q
Over a hundred years since the original Leica was created, the Leica Q is here to break new photographic ground and update the definition of a compact camera. With the fastest lens in its class and a superior electronic viewfinder to all alternatives, everything about this camera is state-of-the-art.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC TZ70
The LUMIX TZ70 brings the world’s finest details into crisp focus, helping photographers capture their favourite subjects in any lighting conditions – and its compact size makes travel photography easier than ever before.
Sony RX1R II Professional Compact Camera
Thanks to a 42.4 megapixel resolution, retractable electronic viewfinder and the world’s first optical variable low-pass filter, Sony’s RX1R II compact camera is a cut above the rest. Shoot in higher quality everywhere you go with this palm-sized prodigy.
FUJIFILM X-T10
Photographers will love the lightweight FUJIFILM X-T10, which puts colour reproduction at the forefront. You can select the exposure mode to suit every scene – and with panoramas, multiple exposures and advanced filters all included in the camera’s functionality, the world is your oyster.
Canon EOS M10
Combining “DSLR performance with effortless portability”, the Canon EOS M10 is a simple and elegant tool for transitioning into the world of interchangeable lens photography. Ideal for everything from holiday selfies to urban exploration, the EOS M10 offers expert control coupled with no-sweat photo sharing.
Nikon COOLPIX S9900
The Nikon COOLPIX 9900’s 30x optical zoom, which extends to 60x Dynamic Fine Zoom, is ideal for bringing subjects and textures into razor sharp detail. On top of that, in-camera time-lapse functionality and contemporary design make this camera truly cutting-edge.
Sony Xperia™ Z3
The Xperia Z3 is the smartphone capable of incredible image quality, thanks to its 20.7 megapixel camera and ISO 12800 sensitivity – ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for a transitional tool while they continue to hone their craft.
KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA 400 Film
The world’s finest grain high-speed colour negative film gives photographers what they need to capture colours and textures in spectacular depth. Ideal for fashion and portrait photography, KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA film is designed to reproduce a spectrum of skin tones brilliantly and beautifully.
PhotoJoJo
Amateurs and professionals alike will fall head over heels in love with PhotoJoJo – the online store fit to burst with gorgeous photographic gifts. From lens wraps to smart projectors, this irresistible site is an online treasure trove of treats photographers can’t resist adding to their baskets.
Really Right Stuff
Delivering state-of-the-art camera support systems to its customers, Really Right Stuff is your one-stop shop for professional tripods – with a range of robust, flexible and high quality products on offer, and options to suit all skill levels.
BlackRapid
The humble shoulder strap is rarely in the spotlight – but BlackRapid considers camera accessories a priority. Ergonomic design and customisable storage make these shoulder straps the most versatile options on the market – giving you the chance to find your camera’s perfect match.
SHUTTERbag
SHUTTERbag is the female photographer’s first choice for beautiful, functional and durable leather camera bags – offering artists a way to transport their equipment in safety and style. Find your favourite shade and head straight to the checkout.
Think Tank Photo
Transporting gear with care is a key concern for any professional photographer – and at Think Tank Photo, finding your ideal travel companion is easy. Think Tank’s rolling cases are premium quality and designed for photographic equipment to give you total peace of mind wherever you go.
PocketWizard PlusX
PocketWizard’s class-leading wireless triggering systems give you the power to free your flash from your camera – and the PocketWizard PlusX radio is compatible with all of the brand’s transmitters and receivers. Simply attach one to your camera and another to your remote flash, then get shooting.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is available as part of the Creative Cloud Photography plan and allows you to bring your images to life – intensifying colours, emphasising your focal point and recreating the beauty of the real thing. Organise, edit and share your photos with ease thanks to the desktop and mobile apps.
Canva
Intuitive and impossibly user-friendly, Canva offers a perfectly practical solution to your image editing needs. With the facilities to create powerful layouts, add a range of graphic assets and typography, and save images in high quality PDF format – all at lightning speed – this free online software is the answer to any photographer’s post-production prayers.
Paint the Moon
Offering Photoshop actions for photographers, Paint the Moon takes the hassle out of image editing – helping artists realise their vision quickly and cohesively. Intuitive for beginners and robust for seasoned photographers, these resources are as flexible as they are powerful.
PhotoPlus X8
PhotoPlus X8 is brought to you by the award-winning software developers at Serif and gives photographers a platform to alter, enhance and illuminate their images with meticulous precision. Add PhotoPlus X8 to your basket today to crop, correct and recolour to your heart’s content.
Photocrati
Professional photographers need visually stunning websites to do their portfolio justice – and thanks to Photocrati, creating first-rate responsive sites is easy. Fully flexible and packed with dynamic features, this WordPress theme is the ultimate in customisable web design.
EyeEm
An eye for gorgeous images makes EyeEm the first choice for royalty-free photos. This online community brings together ambitious photographers looking to increase their exposure and get paid to share their photography with EyeEm’s discerning user base.
Palette Gear
The future of photo editing is here and its name is Palette. This game-changing technology allows photographers to connect modules, creating a bespoke editing tool that can be integrated with Photoshop, Lightroom and a number of leading applications – putting you in complete control.
Magisto
With the help of Magisto, you can transform your images into powerful, polished movies ideal for sharing with the world. Created to connect your experiences with the people you care about, this app is free to use and it takes just 3 steps to find a sophisticated finished product.
NextGEN Gallery
To give your portfolio the royal treatment, check out NextGEN Galleries – the WordPress plugin designed to make uploading and showcasing your photographs a breeze. Managing your galleries couldn’t be easier, and its responsive functionality makes for optimal viewing on all devices.
500px
Whether you’re looking to discover inspiring images or an artist eager to sell your latest works, 500px is the place to be. This online marketplace attracts photographers and their fans in the name of personal expression and it’s easy to become a part of this passionate community.
Wacom
The world’s leading pen tablet manufacturer, Wacom is committed to giving you total creative control when it comes to your photos. Wacom’s range of interface technologies make photo editing more intuitive and experiential than ever – with a diverse range of models available subject to your specifications.
SpyderCHECKR 24
From camera calibration to colour correction, SpyderCHECKR 24 exists to help photographers achieve the utmost accuracy when it comes to the colouring their images. Giving you a way to capture the authentic shades in every scene, this portable, lightweight tool is the ultimate photographic colour palette.
Táve
Táve Studio Manager is a life-saver for working photographers who’d rather spend their time creating than managing the responsibilities associated with self-employment. From invoicing and workflow management to professional branding and contact forms, Táve is a business tool like no other.
Over
Editorial photographers will fall in love with Over – the app that incorporates beautiful typography into your images to create stunning and stylish outcomes. Intuitive and impactful, Over harnesses the combined power of text and image with incredible results every time.
LightTrac
Lighting conditions are crucial to the success of outdoor photo shoots, whatever your subject – and LightTrac gives you all the information you’ll need to organise your shooting schedule and find the optimal time, location and conditions anywhere in the world.
Cycloramic
Nothing gives a sense of scale like sweeping panoramic shots – and Cycloramic is the iPhone app that puts the tools to create, edit and share stunning panoramas at your fingertips. This ground-breaking software transforms your phone into a hands-free panoramic camera. Visit the App Store to experience the magic for yourself.
ProCamera
Offering “the fastest, highest quality and most advanced three-shot HDR capture on iOS”, ProCamera introduces the control of a DSLR to the mobile photography experience – with a huge range of image editing options to help you make the most out of every single shot.
HIPSTAMATIC
Swipe through a digital treasure trove of lenses, films and flashes with HIPSTAMATIC Camera, Apple’s original App of the Year. This user-friendly app helps aspiring photographers enhance their mobile images – with easy, instantaneous transfer options across iCloud, Dropbox and a number of other platforms.
StickyAlbums
StickyAlbums is the professional photographer’s best kept secret, revolutionising the way artists retain clients and win new business. With the ability to create a completely bespoke, branded mobile app, photographers can see their professional branding front and centre and share their app with clients to let them access the shots themselves.
SmugMug
If you’re a professional photographer looking for your own customisable site designed to showcase your portfolio in all its glory, the search is over. SmugMug was created to help photographers find e-commerce ready designs, with the flexibility to personalise your website to perfection.
Triggertrap
Triggertrap Mobile enables photographers to use their smartphone as a remote trigger – creating a world of possibilities when it comes to long exposure shots, time lapse movies and high speed photography. Download the app for free and invest in the Triggertrap Mobile Kit to get started.
Fancy being featured in our 2016 kit bag? Email us at tegan@gntmedia.co.uk to get involved!