I began looking for my first tripod around December in 2012. I don't remember exactly how I came across 3 Legged Thing, but that's who I decided to go with. After much deliberation, I finally decided to go with their most inexpensive model. I figured I wouldn't use a tripod much (wrong), so there wasn't really any need to spend too much on one.
I think there were two reasons 3 Legged Thing caught my eye. First, they seemed to have had really good ideas for their "tripod systems." The main feature I like that a large number of their tripods feature is a detachable leg that can be used as a monopod. I wasn't sure if I'd ever use a monopod, but if I did decide to get one, it would be at the very least another $150, so I decided I'd kill two birds with one stone (I later found out that, apparently, 3 Legged Thing isn't the only company to have this feature).
The other reason I liked 3 Legged Thing was because they seemed like a very small company run by a small number of photographers. I figured this would mean products that would work better for photographers as well as a possibility of better customer service.
My 3 Legged Thing Adrian arrived in the mail a few days after I ordered it. While it was on its way, I looked up some reviews. The majority of the reviews were on their more expensive tripod, "Brian," but I was able to find a few on Adrian. One of the reviews said that the legs kept coming loose, as well as a few other minor problems. When my tripod arrived, sure enough, it's legs wouldn't stay tight. It wasn't a huge deal, but I decided to shoot 3 Legged Thing and email. Within a day or so, 3 Legged Thing replied to my email, and sent me some washers they said would fix the problem at no cost to me. Unfortunately, the washers didn't fix the problem, but I decided just to deal with it.
I had written a review on the tripod on the website I ordered it from, and gave it a fairly low rating. A month or so after I wrote the review, the CEO of 3 Legged Thing, Danny Lenihan, sent me an email. In his email, Lenihan basically apologized for the issues I was having that he had read about in the review (that's right. He, or at least someone from the company, kept track of the reviews on their products) and informed me that they would be sending me a completely new Adrian at absolutely no cost to me. Not only that, but they let me keep my old one. I felt like I had won the lottery.
My new Adrian arrived in the mail, and it was obvious there were a few changes. The tripod overall seemed better, and the ball head had been updated as well. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was that the screw that attaches the plate to my camera had a D-ring on the first system I had, and the new one required a screwdriver (foreshadowing, I've kept my first baseplate with the D-ring throughout the entire ordeal I'm getting into).
All was well and fine with my new Adrian, until the piece that holds the baseplate on the ball head began to wiggle. At first, just a little, but it slowly got worse. I tried tightening the piece more, but it was as tight as it would go. This was a pretty significant issue for a tripod, as it was no longer stable while taking photos. Again, I shot 3 Legged Thing an email telling them about my problem, and again, they responded quickly.
3 Legged Thing told me to send them my ball head back, and then once they received it, they would send me brand new one. I wasn't sure how long that whole process would take, and I was about to go to Niagara Falls, and absolutely wanted my tripod for that trip. I told them not to worry about it, and I wasn't interested in swapping out the ball head.
A few days after I sent that email, a new ball head showed up at my door. I don't know if 3LT jumped the gun and sent me the ball head before I sent mine back, or if they had just decided to do me a solid favor. Either way, I was surprised and felt like a lottery winner once again (By the way, 3LT's ball heads are pretty awesome).
The ball head situation occurred towards the end of July 2013. We are now at Christmas. My mom had asked me to take a photo of our family, and I of course need a tripod so I could be in the photo as well. I pulled out Adrian and began to set things up. As I got to one of the three legs, the smallest leg section slid right out. I unscrewed the leg lock to investigate further, and it didn't take me long to figure out how the legs stay together, and that the section that slid out was missing those pieces. I took a flashlight and shined it down the leg, looking for the missing pieces, but they were no where to be found. To this day, I have no idea where those pieces went, or how they came off. Again, I emailed 3 Legged Thing.
In this email, I basically stated that I was having an issue again, but that I wasn't expecting yet another replacement, as they had already gone above and beyond what I had expected from a company. For the next few months, I just dealt with the leg being able to slide out. I usually only extend two sections anyway, and crouch down to take photos. I find this keeps the tripod more manageable and easier to carry, anyway.
We are now to March 2014. I went hiking with my wife, and I of course brought my camera and Adrian. While using Adrian, the leg came apart at one of the leg locks. It completely came off. I had to super glue it back on. Again, an email was sent to 3 Legged Thing.
If I were reading this post, I would just assume that the author was incredibly abusive to their gear. I can only say that I don't feel I do, and I generally tend to baby my gear. I see people treating their gear poorly and I cringe. I treat my gear like it's one of my cats so that it will purr and hopefully won't have to be replaced.
At this point, I was pretty upset with 3LT, and began looking for a new tripod from a different company.
Then, sometime last week, I was on Twitter. I saw that 3LT had retweeted someone who said they had just purchased one of their tripods, and I warned them to be careful because I had had so many problems with my tripods from them. Whoever was on 3LT's Twitter account at that time clearly took offense, and responded to my tweet. Eventually, 3LT said something to me that I thought was unprofessional, unwarranted, and insulting to my intelligence. I then went on a multiple tweet rampage, things escalated, things calmed down, and I told 3LT and their CEO that I was done with their company. 3LT told me to email them so they could fix the problem, but I told them not to worry about it; partially out of guilt for saying some of the things I said, and partially because of how much they had already done for me.
The next morning, I woke up with an order confirmation email, a tracking number, and another email from their CEO very similar to the one I received when Adrian was fully replaced. 3 Legged Thing had pulled up my previous address, and sent me, what I consider, their flagship*, carbon fiber, $459, Brian for a total cost of nothing as a replacement for my tripod. I wanted so badly to stay mad at 3LT, and just move on. After our Twitter battle, I wanted to find a new tripod company to support, badmouth 3LT and hurt their sales as much as possible.
Once a company sends you yet another replacement, not to mention one that is a huge upgrade to the model you had, it is incredibly, almost impossible, to stay mad at a company. It's like when you get in a fight with someone you love, and they tell you not to laugh or smile, and you do, even though you try your hardest not to. Not only did they send me Brian, but they got it to me within two business days all they way from the U.K.
When Brian got here, I tore open the box to reveal not only Brian, but some accessories as well. 3LT sent me their "Budgie Smuglaz Stone Bag," which is a nylon ballast bag that attaches to the legs of the tripod and heavy objects are placed in to better stabilize the tripod ($25). 3LT also sent me their "heelz," which are spikes that are swapped out with the stock feet and provide better grip on surfaces such as gravel or carpet ($40).
After getting over my excitement and boarder-line tears of joy, I unpacked Brian. It was immediately apparent that Brian was a much better feeling tripod, which is to be expected when going from a company's most inexpensive model to one of their best*. That's not to say that Adrian feels cheap by any means, but Brian is clearly better.
So after all of this, can I honestly recommend 3LT to anyone in the market for a tripod? Adrian? Maybe. Although if 3LT treats everyone as they have me, and correct any problems that pop up, I would take the chance without a second thought**. Brian? It's hard to say, as I've only had this model for a few days, but I can say it feels incredibly solid, and I hope that I don't have any more issues. After 3LT sending me Brian though, I doubt I'll ever email 3LT ever again; I'd feel to guilty after what they've done for me. Overall, if you're in the market for a tripod, I would recommend at least considering 3LT. Maybe not their most inexpensive model. If I were to do it again, I think I probably would, except I would spend a little more, and get one of their more expensive tripod systems. The service I've received from 3LT and their willingness to fix the problem easily trumps any issues I've had with their products or the company***.
www.danpomykalski.com
*I consider Brian their flagship model because it's the model I always see being reviewed and praised.
**Just because I received a replacement tripod because I was having problems with mine, doesn't mean you should go and buy a tripod from 3LT and complain about it until they send you a new one. I imagine this type of behavior would eventually cause 3LT to stop this type of customer service altogether, and you would be ruining it for people who are really having issues...
***The only real issue I've had with the company is what occurred on Twitter. To be honest, both parties were partially responsible for what happened, and the way things were handled overall by the CEO through his email and by 3LT sending me a tremendous upgrade can easily make one forget about what happened.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Post 70: Why DSLRs and social media aren't as bad as everyone thinks
The DSLR and social media are often the scape goats of aspiring and veteran photographers alike for the decline of the profession of a professional photographer. The DSLR has made photography much more accessible by not only making the equipment more affordable, but simplifying the process. Social media has made it incredibly easy for someone to share their work. These two factors, combined with a few others, have made it incredibly easy for someone with not a lot of money to go out, buy an entry level DSLR, buy some editing software, and market themselves as a photographer. A brand new, entry level DSLR can be had for a measly $500 from some online stores. This may seem like a lot, but when the Nikon D70 was released around 10 years ago, it was selling for around $1000, and it was much less of a camera than today's lowest level DSLRs. Editing software, which replaces what the darkroom was once for, is simple to use and fairly inexpensive as well. Not only is editing software highly accessible, but some photographers don't even find it necessary. I don't agree with this point of view, but I'm just throwing it out there that this cost can sometimes be avoided all together.
This new accessibility has now resulted in thousands of photographers springing up all over that all have to compete with another, as well as new competition for already established photographers. A common saying today is "everyone is a photographer."
It's true, and I hate it.
I once did a search for photographer in my area, just to see who I was competing with, and literally hundreds of results came up. It isn't uncommon for someone to go out, get a DSLR, take some photos, have someone see those photos, and then be convinced their photos look amazing and they should do it professionally. Hell, this is how and why I got started. And I won't hesitate for one second to tell you that my work was terrible, and I had absolutely no right to charge for it. This is the case for many people with DSLRs, which leads me to the main point of this blog post.
Everyone having a DSLR and advertising themselves on social media isn't as bad as everyone has made it seem.
Yes it's unfortunate that there is so much competition out there, but in all honesty, the majority of "photographers" out there aren't even close to producing even decent looking work. I'm not saying my work is the best out there, by any means, but I know there are people out there who are charging for results that are worse than mine. Those people who are producing terrible photos are then sharing their photos on the same social media as I am. Right next to my work. Which makes my work look even better. It's no secret that when something is juxtaposed to something that's of poor quality, that something looks many times better than it would alone. Hence, social media, and everyone thinking they're a photographer, isn't so bad after all.
Sure, I'll lose a number of clients to people who have a "big camera" and are willing to do it for free, but as one of my professors once said, they're simply "not my client." For every person out there who is looking to get a "deal," there is at least one other person who knows the importance and value of a good photographer who knows what they're doing. The biggest difference between photographers who know what they're doing, and "fauxtographers," is the willingness to learn about photography, and the willingness to take the time to edit the photos. People who don't know what they're doing think being a professional photographer is just simply pressing a button. Photographers that know what they're doing know it's much more than this.
Other benefits of social media are free marketing. I've never spent a cent on marketing yet, thanks to Facebook (although I've heard this will be changing soon), Twitter, etc.
Another piece of technology I'd like to thank is the smartphone. The smartphone has made it incredibly easy to upload photos taken by hundreds of people daily. It's pretty rare that these photos turn out well, which makes photos taken by people who know what they're doing look exponentially better.
Also, please be aware I'm not bashing on anyone who does photography as a hobby, or anyone who is just starting out when I'm talking about bad quality photos, etc. I'm talking specifically about the people who get a DSLR, and all of a sudden think they're a photographer. Even more specifically, I'm talking about the people who do this, produce terrible photos, and steal my clients.
www.danpomykalski.com
This new accessibility has now resulted in thousands of photographers springing up all over that all have to compete with another, as well as new competition for already established photographers. A common saying today is "everyone is a photographer."
It's true, and I hate it.
I once did a search for photographer in my area, just to see who I was competing with, and literally hundreds of results came up. It isn't uncommon for someone to go out, get a DSLR, take some photos, have someone see those photos, and then be convinced their photos look amazing and they should do it professionally. Hell, this is how and why I got started. And I won't hesitate for one second to tell you that my work was terrible, and I had absolutely no right to charge for it. This is the case for many people with DSLRs, which leads me to the main point of this blog post.
Everyone having a DSLR and advertising themselves on social media isn't as bad as everyone has made it seem.
Yes it's unfortunate that there is so much competition out there, but in all honesty, the majority of "photographers" out there aren't even close to producing even decent looking work. I'm not saying my work is the best out there, by any means, but I know there are people out there who are charging for results that are worse than mine. Those people who are producing terrible photos are then sharing their photos on the same social media as I am. Right next to my work. Which makes my work look even better. It's no secret that when something is juxtaposed to something that's of poor quality, that something looks many times better than it would alone. Hence, social media, and everyone thinking they're a photographer, isn't so bad after all.
Sure, I'll lose a number of clients to people who have a "big camera" and are willing to do it for free, but as one of my professors once said, they're simply "not my client." For every person out there who is looking to get a "deal," there is at least one other person who knows the importance and value of a good photographer who knows what they're doing. The biggest difference between photographers who know what they're doing, and "fauxtographers," is the willingness to learn about photography, and the willingness to take the time to edit the photos. People who don't know what they're doing think being a professional photographer is just simply pressing a button. Photographers that know what they're doing know it's much more than this.
Other benefits of social media are free marketing. I've never spent a cent on marketing yet, thanks to Facebook (although I've heard this will be changing soon), Twitter, etc.
Another piece of technology I'd like to thank is the smartphone. The smartphone has made it incredibly easy to upload photos taken by hundreds of people daily. It's pretty rare that these photos turn out well, which makes photos taken by people who know what they're doing look exponentially better.
Also, please be aware I'm not bashing on anyone who does photography as a hobby, or anyone who is just starting out when I'm talking about bad quality photos, etc. I'm talking specifically about the people who get a DSLR, and all of a sudden think they're a photographer. Even more specifically, I'm talking about the people who do this, produce terrible photos, and steal my clients.
www.danpomykalski.com
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Post 69: What's in my bag (Update)
I believe I've done one of these already, but of course, my bag is always changing (both the contents and the bag itself). For whatever reason, posts/YouTube videos like these are incredibly popular, and in order to keep up with the times, I'm following the trend. Here's an update of what's in my bag.
First, the bag: I recently picked up the Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Daypack. Originally, I had gotten the 10L version of this pack, but the smaller pack was just a tad too small. So, I went back and swapped it out. I almost got the 20L version, which had a zippered pocket on the outside, but the thing was just too ugly to pull the trigger on it. So I decided to go with the 15L which just looked like a bigger version of the 10L. I've had one other photo-backpack besides this one, and the Lowepro wins hands down. The straps are much better, and this pack is similar to what you would use for hiking as opposed to what you would generally use for school. I was kind of hesitant on this pack because of the lack of pockets for nonlenses and bodies, so it wasn't my first choice when I first started looking for a new pack a year or so ago. I don't know why I impulsively bought the Flipside, but I'm glad I did.
Here's what's currently in the Lowepro Flipside Sport:
Lenses
Nikon 300mm f/4: This is the older version of the 300mm, and I love it. For what I paid for it, it was an absolute steal and replaced my Nikon 180mm f/2.8 I used to have.
Nikon 105mm f/2.5: I don't use this lens a whole lot, and honestly, the only reason it's in my bag is because of the reputation it has as one of Nikon's best lenses ever. Maybe one day there will be a time where I'm glad I lug it around, but so far that hasn't happened. I don't trust my eyes enough to use a manual focus lens in a professional setting.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G: This is my new favorite lens. I try to use it as much as possible, even if it isn't the best choice. That's how much I love it. I make it work.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G: I've used this lens more than any other. Before I got the 85mm, this was my go to lens for everything. Everything.
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G: This lens is usually in Devan's bag, and I don't use it a whole lot. I'd like to replace it with the newer 35 Nikon just released, but we'll see. I've started using the 35mm a little more recently, and this used to be my go-to lens before the 50mm replaced it.
Nikon 24mm f/2.8: This used to be my go-to lens for landscape shots or anything I needed to get somewhat wide for. At one point, the rear element got scratched up, so I haven't been using this lens as much. I wanted to replace it anyway, so I'm not too upset about the scratch.
Bodies
Nikon D7000: I've been using this for a couple of years now. I don't have too many complaints about it, but it'll probably be replaced with a full-frame body within the next year or two. It will definitely be my backup body.
Flash stuff
Pocketwizard Plus X (2x): I have two of these in my bag. I like the simplicity of them. They definitely make my life much easier than triggering my flash with my on-camera flash.
Nikon SB-26: I just picked this flash up used to use with my Pocketwizards. It feels pretty solid and does its job.
Miscellaneous
At first, I was bummed because the Flipside sport didn't have anywhere to keep my other goodies, except for a rather useless zippered pocket on the inside that's pretty large, but doesn't expand much. I realized I can store quite a bit in the side pocket that's intended for a water bladder, though, which really made me fall in love with this bag. This is what's in that pocket.
Memory cards: Mostly Lexar 8gb professional level SD cards. I have a few 32gb, but those are used in the second slot to back my images up on. I like to use cards with less space so if they fail, I only lose 225 RAW files instead of the entire shoot.
iPad mini: I just picked this up intending to use it as a way to show clients my portfolio, or photos right after they've been taken while shooting. I haven't gotten the chance to do this, so I'm sure how it'll fit into my workflow, but that's my plan.
SD card reader for iPad: Let me plug my SD cards into my iPad.
Circular polarizing filter: Polzarizes things in a circular fashion. 52mm filter size.
Lens cleaning cloth: Yep
Batteries: AAs for Pocketwizards or flash.
Square card reader: Can be the difference between getting paid or not getting paid.
So there you have it. Now if you want to make photos like me, be sure to go and purchase everything I use, because that's how it works.
www.danpomykalski.com
First, the bag: I recently picked up the Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Daypack. Originally, I had gotten the 10L version of this pack, but the smaller pack was just a tad too small. So, I went back and swapped it out. I almost got the 20L version, which had a zippered pocket on the outside, but the thing was just too ugly to pull the trigger on it. So I decided to go with the 15L which just looked like a bigger version of the 10L. I've had one other photo-backpack besides this one, and the Lowepro wins hands down. The straps are much better, and this pack is similar to what you would use for hiking as opposed to what you would generally use for school. I was kind of hesitant on this pack because of the lack of pockets for nonlenses and bodies, so it wasn't my first choice when I first started looking for a new pack a year or so ago. I don't know why I impulsively bought the Flipside, but I'm glad I did.
Here's what's currently in the Lowepro Flipside Sport:
Lenses
Nikon 300mm f/4: This is the older version of the 300mm, and I love it. For what I paid for it, it was an absolute steal and replaced my Nikon 180mm f/2.8 I used to have.
Nikon 105mm f/2.5: I don't use this lens a whole lot, and honestly, the only reason it's in my bag is because of the reputation it has as one of Nikon's best lenses ever. Maybe one day there will be a time where I'm glad I lug it around, but so far that hasn't happened. I don't trust my eyes enough to use a manual focus lens in a professional setting.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G: This is my new favorite lens. I try to use it as much as possible, even if it isn't the best choice. That's how much I love it. I make it work.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G: I've used this lens more than any other. Before I got the 85mm, this was my go to lens for everything. Everything.
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G: This lens is usually in Devan's bag, and I don't use it a whole lot. I'd like to replace it with the newer 35 Nikon just released, but we'll see. I've started using the 35mm a little more recently, and this used to be my go-to lens before the 50mm replaced it.
Nikon 24mm f/2.8: This used to be my go-to lens for landscape shots or anything I needed to get somewhat wide for. At one point, the rear element got scratched up, so I haven't been using this lens as much. I wanted to replace it anyway, so I'm not too upset about the scratch.
Bodies
Nikon D7000: I've been using this for a couple of years now. I don't have too many complaints about it, but it'll probably be replaced with a full-frame body within the next year or two. It will definitely be my backup body.
Flash stuff
Pocketwizard Plus X (2x): I have two of these in my bag. I like the simplicity of them. They definitely make my life much easier than triggering my flash with my on-camera flash.
Nikon SB-26: I just picked this flash up used to use with my Pocketwizards. It feels pretty solid and does its job.
Miscellaneous
At first, I was bummed because the Flipside sport didn't have anywhere to keep my other goodies, except for a rather useless zippered pocket on the inside that's pretty large, but doesn't expand much. I realized I can store quite a bit in the side pocket that's intended for a water bladder, though, which really made me fall in love with this bag. This is what's in that pocket.
Memory cards: Mostly Lexar 8gb professional level SD cards. I have a few 32gb, but those are used in the second slot to back my images up on. I like to use cards with less space so if they fail, I only lose 225 RAW files instead of the entire shoot.
iPad mini: I just picked this up intending to use it as a way to show clients my portfolio, or photos right after they've been taken while shooting. I haven't gotten the chance to do this, so I'm sure how it'll fit into my workflow, but that's my plan.
SD card reader for iPad: Let me plug my SD cards into my iPad.
Circular polarizing filter: Polzarizes things in a circular fashion. 52mm filter size.
Lens cleaning cloth: Yep
Batteries: AAs for Pocketwizards or flash.
Square card reader: Can be the difference between getting paid or not getting paid.
So there you have it. Now if you want to make photos like me, be sure to go and purchase everything I use, because that's how it works.
www.danpomykalski.com
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