Life on a Camera Strap

Go Ga-Ga for Photo Gadgets!

mod — Sat, 25 May 2013 17:14:38 +0000

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and we at mod could not be more grateful to those who fight for the honor of our country. As we make sure not to forget the meaning of the holiday, we also want to make sure you are PREPARED to take pictures with the coolest new camera gadgets out there… and your mod camera straps and other cool accessories of course! Let’s get right to it! Our top three picks, in no particular order, of must-haves for the Memorial Day weekend and summer holidays ahead, are as follows:

1) A Lens for 2-D or 3-D

3-D movies, 3-D TV, 3-D everything! Let’s face it – 3-D is all the rage, especially for the kids. As the world of 3-D continues to grow, manufacturers are coming out with ways for consumers to capture their own 3-D experience without turning to the Big Screen.

One of those manufacturers is the cutting-edge company Samsung. They have created a first-of-its-kind 45mm 2-D/3-D single lens that offers versatility for the NX300 camera. It allows the consumer the ability to do everything AND capture 3-D stills and video. All you have to do is switch on the lens. We at mod think this is an awesome way to add another dimension, literally, to your photos and videos!

2) The Look Lock

Since we know you will be photographing your kiddos this week… or maybe those of someone else…why not have a little help! At mod, we know how easy it is for kids to get distracted during photo ops, which is why we love the Look Lock! To sum it up… it’s an On-Camera distraction – and – a fantastic photographer accessory.

Made by Tether Tools, the Look Lock is actually a smartphone mount designed to hold up the screen in front of the camera. This allows you to show cartoons, videos and other materials to keep the attention of your “little rascals”. No more begging, making funny faces & noises, crying or screaming. Instead, just put on the Look Lock and you’ll get your perfect shot.

3) Tamaggo 360-Imager

When you are out capturing your spectacular moments this weekend and throughout the year, why not capture the WHOLE scene. That’s right – the Tamaggo 360-Imager allows just that. This single-purpose camera is solely devoted to taking 360-degree navigable panoramic shots with the push of a button. No multiple shutter clicks, no hard works, not cut and paste – just find a shot and shoot. Simple as that – mod loves this!

The Tamaggo also comes with built-in sensors that alert the device of its orientation when you are shooting, automatically shifting between shot types. It can capture both all-rounders and traditional long panoramas. After you are done, hook this baby up to a computer via miniUSB and use the built-in WiFi to insta-share your photos with friends and on social media. It also has Bluetooth so you can pair it with your phone. Too cool!

We hope you rock your photos with your new gear (and that you are doing it in serious style with a fabulous modstrap designer camera strap). Happy Memorial Day mod fans. Happy Clicking!

mod movement in West Texas

mod — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:56:58 +0000

As you know, at mod we love taking part in our community and making a difference in our world as best we can. You’ve heard about our mod movement: a campaign of love, and you have seen what we have been able to do in Africa and are doing now in West Texas. We whole-heatedly believe that there is no greater joy than giving. With that said, we wanted to highlight another SUPER COOL organization that we feel should get a lot of spotlight!

We recently came across an organization appropriately named 100 Cameras Photogs – you will LOVE this group! This incredible charity, whose slogan is “Give Photography. Change a Community,” seeks to empower children to “create tangible change in their communities by teaching them to capture their lives through photography”. The photographs they take are sold and 100% of the purchases go to funding solutions to “local problems in the areas of education, lifeline supplies and health care needs”. Too cool, right?!

So far, this group has worked on 4 projects: South Sudan, New York City, Cuba, and India. They are currently working on organizing their fifth project, and would love your help! mod supports 100 Cameras and the passion they have for photography and the youth of our world. As photo-loving people are, creative understates this organizations idea to raise money for the needs of communities in such an artful and powerful way. Keep shining 100 Cameras!

South Sudan project photo shown above from 100 Cameras.

Here’s to Mom!

mod — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:23:18 +0000

A Mother’s Love is powerful beyond measure. It protects, nurtures, disciplines, encourages, & knows no limits. It is deep and everlasting.

It is this love that founded mod.

This love between a mother and her daughter. This love of a mother helping support her daughter’s dreams. This love: a mother’s love. mod wants to celebrate Mothers everywhere. We admire all they do, and want to share with you last minute gift givers some great ideas for your mom!

Of course – our favorite: mod Limited Edition Mother’s Day Strap

Click here to visit Mother’s Day Central for Personal & Unique Gifts for Mom.

A Mother’s Gift

by Janette Fisher

From the very first time, you hold your child

Their first gift is your heart forever,

The love you give and they return

Is the bond that will hold you together

Throughout their life, your love will be

A light that guides their way

The beacon aglow in the darkness

Should they ever go astray

Your love will give them courage

When the way ahead is unclear

And will give them strength, when needed

To help overcome their fears

Your love will accept them for who they are

Whatever they say or do,

Your love will forgive unreservedly

Because they are a part of you

It’s a love that will know no barriers

Have no bounds, no expectations

Your love will be unconditional,

Pure, with no complications

A love that remains as constant

As the stars in the heaven above

A gift no money on earth can buy,

The gift of a mother’s love.

Through the Lens: Starr Petronella of Urban Flair Photography

mod — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:24:42 +0000

At mod, we are all about photography, so it’s no surprise most of our fans and customers ARE photographers! Since photographers are busy focusing on other people, we like to turn the spotlight around with a monthly feature here on our blog. The first of each month we focus on a photographer and what makes them click! This month we have a very special spotlight on Starr Petronella of Urban Flair Photography.

If you would like to be featured for “Through the Lens,” email us at madison@modstraps.com!

Name: Starr Petronella

Company Name: Urban Flair Photography

Website: www.urbanflairphoto.com

Tell us how you got into photography: My mom was the first person to introduce me to picture taking with an old 35mm. She would take video at the family functions and she passed me the film camera. I’ve been hooked since, yet really started to pursue it as a career after my husband believed in me enough to buy me my first digital camera, a Canon 30D.

Define your photography style: I find beauty in all things decayed, broken, full of texture and falling apart. When I find an environment that gets me excited I love to put a client into it. I let the environment and lighting provide the impact of the images instead of many Photoshop actions.

Describe your favorite photo: My most favorite portrait was taken in an old abandoned paint factory. I did a photo shoot with a drag queen from Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Phoenix. There was this old metal box with 3 walls and was about 20 feet high and an open front. I put her in the box wearing a huge red tulle dress and used a strobe to create the only light source coming from above. It felt as though she were an individual trapped in a box, with some unknown force looking down upon her. She was truly a “Phoenix in a Box”.

Tell us your most memorable photography story: First off I feel the need to preface that I am a HUGE Urban Explorer. So a few summers back, on a hot Georgia summer day with the heat index over 100, a friend of mine and I went to find an old Abandoned Mental Hospital. We drove over 2 hours to the location in hopes we would find a way to get inside. After surveying the location and tucking our car in a church parking lot, we decided we were going to find a way in. We tried many entrances and finally, by pulling the door just so, we were able to get into the first building (no breaking and entering people, it was unlocked). It was almost as if the Urban Explorer Heavens opened up. I know that sounds so ridiculous, but the adrenaline rush and excitement of being somewhere that you probably shouldn’t be, and also not knowing what rests within this huge building, is just indescribable.

That day my friend and I were able to explore and daydream about all the patients and people who used to inhabit the building, all the while photographing the vacant rooms, decaying halls and relics left behind. My friend and I spent all day on the property and were even able to get into one more hospital building.

By the time we left we were one stinky, sweaty, elated, over-ecstatic mess. It was just like we went to the Urban Explorers Disney for the first time and we were just living off the high. It truly was a day I will always cherish.

I took some of my favorite photos to date at this location. I did go back 2 more times, but it wasn’t quite the same as the first. However, the last time I went I had a run in with the cops….but that is another story for another day. (Haha)

Are you an Early bird or Night owl? I am DEFINITELY a Night Owl, but once you have a child in Elementary school you are forced to switch around your schedule. Let’s just say for now I am a Night Owl in Early Bird’s clothing.

Who is your favorite photographer? There are many truly amazing photographers out there, but at the moment I am truly inspired by Sue Bryce and Kirsty Mitchell.

What’s the one camera/camera accessories that you can’t live without? I just purchased the Canon 5d Markiii, so that would have to be it.

mod movement 2: West Texas

mod — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:49:02 +0000

Just over a week ago, bombs lit the streets of Boston as thousands of runners and spectators were physically, emotionally and mentally wounded, scarred, bruised and beaten down. Three innocent lives were taken. We mourn the losses, the wounds, and the broken hearts, and we are so grateful that the Nation has come together to help provide relief in this time of grief and loss.

Two days following the terror in Boston, a massive tragedy struck West Texas. A local fertilizer plant exploded, leaving 5 times the amount of casualties as Boston and over 200 people injured. This small town was left in shambles and the people devastated. The blast was so large that it also damaged 150 buildings, including three of West’s four schools, and over 75 homes. In fact, it was so powerful that it set off seismographs, registering as a 2.1 magnitude tremor. Not only were the city and schools demolished, but many people are now left without work.

With the hype of Boston, West Texas got a little lost in the shuffle. As fellow Texans, we want to help come to the aide of people in our state needing help, which is why we chose to pair up with Willie Nelson and many other generous peoples to focus our second mod movement on West. Willie will be donating proceeds from an upcoming concert to the town’s volunteer fire squad, and we at mod will be donating 10% of our sales from the month of May to this deserving cause.

We urge all of you to spread the word and partner with us in love to help this town and its suffering people. Every small gift helps – and this month, so will every small purchase from mod. Thank you for being a part of the mod movement of love. We wouldn’t be able to bless the lives of others without you.

“Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, just know in your heart it will be returned.”
? Steve Maraboli

All photo credits can be found here: The Atlantic

Life Can Change – In the Blink of an Eye (or in the Flash of a Camera)

mod — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:29:14 +0000

“Someday your life will flash before your eyes…make it worth watching” – Lexus

CLICK

Cheers ringing through the crisp air; smiling faces holding signs of encouragement; and determined runners pushing forward to the finish all caught with the click of one camera.

CLICK

Shrills ringing through the smoky air; horrified faces racing to safety; and fearful runners sprinting away from the finish all caught with the click of one camera.In the blink of an eye, or the flash of a camera, life can change. We all witnessed this on Monday of this week: Patriots’ Day. A day that reminds us of the unity, freedom, pride and independence of our country. A day celebrated by an athletic event that captures the steadfast, dedicated and tenacious spirit of our people. A victorious day that became defamed by horrific acts of terror in Boston. Our hearts break for all the individuals, families, and friends of the victims. Our hearts break for our Country that seems more characterized by division than unity. Our hearts break for the depraved person or persons who were responsible for the bombing, as they are filled with a darkness we cannot fathom. Even though they still have their life, they are already dead within.

As photographers, we cherish moments: other people’s moments. Special celebrations, sacred events, monumental events, nature in its raw beauty, new life and tragedy are all caught by the click of our camera. We can tell a story without words. We can freeze a moment in time and the emotions that accompany it. We are always capturing history. Whether it is the history of our family, friends or the United States, thank goodness we are still at our craft; our passion; our hobby. Without us, these things would be lost.

In light of this event, we want to encourage all of you to cherish life. Make sure you are capturing your own memories on film and living a life worth capturing. Love with all your heart, give to others, explore, play, and make the most of the gifts, talents and life you have been given. For we are here for but a moment in time, and like we see all too often, it can all be gone in a flash.

Celebrating Our Female Spirit: mod Receives Accreditation With Women’s Business Council Southwest

mod — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:29:28 +0000

The work day begins. Four women – focused, intelligent, driven – all come into office. Perfume saturates the air, along with conversation, booming ideas and creativity. Then enters our fifth partner Brandon. The lone male in the office. Some may say, “Oh my, all that estrogen. Poor Guy!” Well, I am here to say, “Ya right!” In fact, I feel sorry for estrogen! It can’t catch a break! Too little causes hair-loss and hot flashes; too much causes breast cancer. What’s a hormone to do to keep a good reputation? Does anyone know that ”estrogen maintains functions of key neural structures, such as the hippocampus and basal forebrain, and the widely projecting dopaminergic, serotongenic, and noradrenergic systems.” To sum that up, estrogen pretty much impacts healthy function of all your brain. That is really powerful. It keeps you youthful and vibrant. It helps produce new life and maintain emotional and mental health! Sounds pretty good to me.

Well believe it or not, all of us at mod, Brandon included, trust that we have been able to grow our company into a business that celebrates the beauty, diversity and power of women because we are “estrogen-dominant”. It is this female spirit that took an idea and gave life to a fabulous product. It is this vibrant, youthful spirit that longs for beautiful items for our customers. It is this clarity of vision that keeps us moving forward with new innovations and camera accessory product designs. We understand our consumer; we want to cater to their needs; and we thrive on providing a way for them to express their unique personalities and spirits!

To celebrate and honor the female spirit of our company, after four years of being in business, we finally applied for our Women-Owned Business certification and are now accredited with the Women’s Business Council Southwest! With four women owners, and one “poor male”, mod could not be more thrilled. What a huge honor it is to be recognized with so many other incredible companies owned by strong, focused women – out to make a difference and change the world. Don’t get me wrong, Brandon’s energy provides a harmonizing balance and helps keep us focused, grounded, and pushing forward. We love our masculine partner, BUT - estrogen dominant are we … and it ain’t bad at all!

Through the Lens: Melissa Lynn Hunt Photography

mod — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:06:52 +0000

If you would like to be featured for “Through the Lens,” email us at madison@modstraps.com!

Name: Melissa Lynn Hunt

Company Name: Melissa Lynn Hunt PHotography

Website: www.melissalynnhunt.com www.blog.melissalynnhunt.com

Tell us how you got into photography: Photography was a very serious hobby of mine. While I was teaching kindergarten I considered starting my own business. I had recently gotten married and was about to also start my own family. I knew that when I had children I would want to put them first. I took my vision, put together a plan, and I work hard every day to live out my dreams.

Define your photography style: My style is genuine, timeless, & fun

Describe your favorite photo: My favorite photo is actually of my son. We were getting ready for bath time and he was so interested in watching the water come out of the faucet. So I took a step back, picked up my camera, and snapped the cutest little pic of him.

Are you an Early bird or Night owl? I’m a night owl although I am trying to become an early bird!

Who is your favorite photographer? That’s a tough question because I could name 50 photographers that I love and admire. However the very first photographer that comes to mind is Katelyn James.

What’s the one camera/camera accessories that you can’t live without? Easy! My Canon 50mm 1.4

Spring Photography in Bloom

mod — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:00:02 +0000

Courtesy of www.thefabweb.com

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” -John Muir

Spring truly is one glorious season! It brings nature back to life and provides a mixed color palette of vivid, bright hues and beautiful pastel tones. Spring lets us embrace a new, fresh world. We want to encourage all of you photographers to focus on the beauty of nature and your family at play in it!! What a great season for photography! Buds blossoming, colors changing, growth of the body, spirit and all living things are some of the many reasons to get out that camera. Let this season serve you by inspiring you to continue your photography journey. Ask yourself: how can I capture the emotion of this season in my pictures? To help get you inspired, we have provided links to some of our favorite spring photography sites. Enjoy and Happy Clicking.

http://photo.tutsplus.com/articles/inspiration/70-striking-and-surprising-spring-photographs/

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/photos/spring-pictures/

http://psd.fanextra.com/articles/30-vibrant-examples-of-spring-photography/

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/23/35-high-quality-pics-for-spring-inspiration/

http://photo.net/editors-picks/2009/spring-photography/

Leap Ahead During March

mod — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:10:15 +0000

Since mod. believes March is a time to leap ahead and make the most of this year, we wanted to encourage all of you to brush up on your photography skills, get further involved in your hobby, and enhance your current skills and passion! We have listed some of the top conferences coming up that might spark your interest or get you thinking about other conferences that suite your needs, likes and desires within the world of photography!

Listed below, check out the WPPI in Vegas! This show, intended for Wedding and Portrait Photographers, is a 2-day workshop for emerging artists who envision a successful future in photography. It allows you to sharpen your technical skills, learn how to run a profitable business, and break out on your own using top marketing tips from industry leaders!

Another great show is the PhotoShop World Convention in Orlando, which allows you to experience the most amazing line-up of Photoshop, photography, and lighting training in the world. It’s designed to boost your skills so that you work can soar to new heights.

Are you an International Photographer? If so, check out The Photography Masters Conference in Grado, Italy, which is an exceptional event for photographers featuring award-winning speakers to inspire you. This conference is not to be missed!

Finally, we love PhotoPlus Expo in New York, which is the largest photography and imaging show in North America, attended by over 24,000 professional photographers and enthusiasts. Explore over 250 exhibits, see thousands of new products, and attend conference seminars, keynote presentations, special events & much more.

If jet-setting to a conference, expo or convention is not in the cards for you, NO WORRIES!!! There are plenty of local and online courses and workshops you can join! Nikon & Cannon both offer great online workshops, and there are many local group & classes in your area. These also serve as great ways to get fabulous training, meet amazing people with similar interests, and learn cool new techniques, gear options, and photo opportunities! Check these online options or local groups to get further plugged in and educated!

http://www.wppionline.com/index.shtml

WPPI

MGM Grand Las Vegas
Conference: March 7 – 14, 2013; Expo: March 11 – 13, 2013

http://photoshopworld.com/

PhotoShop World

Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

April 17-19, 2013

http://www.photographymasters.eu/

The Photography Masters Conference 2013

Grado, Italy

May 18-19, 2013

http://www.photoplusexpo.com/

PhotoPlus Expo

Javits Convention Center, New York City

October 24-26, 2013