Photo Accessory News

The first thing most landscape photographers do upon arriving on location is to pull a wide-angle lens out of their bag. This approach may work great for shooting expansive scenes, but it will also give images a familiar look, and can even stifle one's creativity.

There are two primary reasons that some photographers avoid supplemental light when shooting outdoors. One is that they simply prefer the look of natural light imagery—and in most cases we tend to agree. On the other hand, there are those who refuse to use even the most basic speedlight because they don’t understand how it works.

Ask any experienced landscape photographer to name their favorite accessories, and the polarizing filter will be near the top of the list. Used properly, this simple tool adds impact to outdoor photos, but a heavy-handed approach will spoil an otherwise great shot.

You have common sense enough to know that you need a spare battery, high capacity memory cards, USB card reader and, for sure, a subscription to Shutterbug, so we won’t restate the obvious. But there are a few other things you really should have to maximize the fun and function of your new camera.

Zen Photo is an online store featuring quirky accessories, gifts and other distinctive items for photographers. One of our favorites items are their “Nikon Patent Sheet Shoes” because of the graphics of a vintage Nikon patent sheet printed on the shoes.

IIncase has teamed up with pro surfer Kelly Slater to release new backpacks and bags designed specifically for action cameras. Called the Incase x Kelly Slater Action Camera Collection, the bag and accessory line was designed for GoPro users and outdoor photography enthusiasts in collaboration with Slater and world-famous water photographer Todd Glaser.

It's a new year and time to take a fresh look at accessories that make photography more fun.