Capturing fast-paced images requires advanced skills and the right equipment.
If you’re new to sports photography, putting together essential equipment may seem like an overwhelming task, and it’s okay.
Here’s the expert guide for sports photography essentials that will help you capture the action:
Pick the right camera to take sports photography like a pro. You need fast auto-tracking and continuous shooting features to get those epic shots that you see on the internet.
Mirrorless cameras are compact and lightweight, making them a perfect candidate for a sports photography camera. But regular DLSRs will also do the trick and to many pros still the best option for sports photography!
The next decision will be to decide between a full-frame and a crop sensor camera. The former provides a broader dynamic range and better shot quality at low lights.
Some of the popular choices for sports photography cameras are Canon 1DX, Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon 80D, Nikon D4, Nikon D850, and Nikon D7200.
Choosing the right lens is as much important as the camera. Lenses can take a large chunk of your budget, so you need to get them right.
We recommend carrying both prime lens and zoom lens. The former provides sharp results and better low light performance, while the latter offers a wider focal range.
If you have to choose between the two, go for a prime lens, but keep the zoom lens at the top of your shopping list. If you have trouble capturing a wide range of photos, do vice-versa.
Some of the popular lens options for sports photography are Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.6-5.6L USM, and Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G AF-S VRII.
Camera accessories play an instrumental role in ensuring that you don’t lose focus (no pun intended) when capturing your shot.
Essentials like bags, rain covers, lens cleaners, spare batteries, and memory cards are necessary to ensure your sports photography sessions go smoothly.
As a sports photographer, you need to keep the camera ready and prepared to capture fast-paced action. Blink, and you’ll lose the action.
Buy a high-quality wrist or neck strap to ensure your camera’s always in your hand, and you’re all set to take amazing sports photos.
At Due North Leather Goods, we have premium-quality Canadian-made leather camera straps.
We offer a variety of camera straps, including classic leather wrist straps, handmade camera straps, and more, to protect your camera when capturing live sports action.
Visit our website to get your hands on top-quality leather camera straps today!
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Research has shown that Canada’s photography industry has expanded by 1.6 percent on average in the last five years each year. Here are some photography tips to take professional snapshots.
One of the first things you should work on is getting your focal point right. Whether you’re shooting a building, a landscape, or a person, you must find a strong focal point that makes your viewers sit up and take notice.
When you’re strategizing or setting up a shot, pause for a while and ask yourself which aspect of the picture you want your audience to concentrate on. By placing the essential parts of your photo off-center rather than in the middle, you can create a balance between the shot’s background and the main subject.
Imagine you’re quietly shooting an animal from a distance from atop a hill, and suddenly your camera slips from your hand, tumbling down the mountain. Not only will you scare away your subject, but your camera will also be badly damaged by the time you retrieve it.
A strong camera strap that hangs around your neck or connects to your wrist can save you a lot of trouble, especially when you’re shooting from a height. It can help you take professional photos by focusing solely on how you want the shot to come out rather than worrying about your camera’s condition and the possibility of losing it.
You’d be surprised how much your photo’s composition can change by putting effort into its perspective. By simply altering the distance or angle you’re shooting from, you can transform the image’s meaning and mood.
Try capturing the same subject from below and above, or up close and far away. A bird’s eye view can make the focal point appear small in the shot while photographing them from below can make their appearance towering. If you want to communicate a sense of authority, try filling the frame with your subject.
You might have come across many pictures, especially in wedding photography, where the bride and groom are visible while the background is blurry and soft.
This intentional out-of-focus effect can help your viewers focus on what you want them to, making your subjects pop out of the backdrop. Bring them up close to the camera and capture them in front of a distant setting.
Ready to buy North American handmade camera straps ? Due North Leather Goods Co. offers Red tab leather camera wrist strap, Racer leather camera neck strap, Baron leather camera neck strap, Trimz leather camera wrist strap, Bowman leather camera neck strap, and much more! Get in touch with us today for any questions regarding our attractive leather camera straps!
Many photographers don’t give a lot of thought to this little accessory until their neck starts giving trouble. This can save you a trip to your chiropractor, and it can also help you take better photos without worrying about a full-day event. Here are some factors you should consider while purchasing a camera strap.
One of your biggest priorities while purchasing a camera strap should be how comfortable it is. Whether you’re covering back to back weddings or covering a full-fledged event, your camera strap should be suitable enough to take shots from different angles.
Leather camera straps can correspond well with your shoulders’ counters over time while also offering durability and aesthetic appeal. It’s a classy, high-quality material that can easily carry your camera by making your photography experience relaxed and secure.
You can choose from a variety of camera styles, depending on your needs and preferences. Neck-straps are attached to eyelets so either or both sides of the camera body. You can carry your camera by hanging the strap around your shoulder or neck.
They’re easily adjustable and can be attached quickly, offering you flexibility in situations where you must take spontaneous shots.
The wrist camera strap is another option that connects your camera to your wrist via a cord. This style can suit you more if you use smaller, light-weight cameras, including smaller profile mirrorless cameras or point-and-shoot ones.
Your camera strap should connect well with your camera, so make sure you examine the strap’s compatibility with your camera. Some straps include two attachments, while others give a singular one that goes well with your camera.
In either case, the connections should be stable and sturdy enough, so whichever angle you take, or whichever height you’re shooting from, you can be sure your camera won’t go tumbling down.
When considering different camera straps, keep in mind that one size may not necessarily fit all. If you have a tall build, make sure you get a longer camera strap that perfectly reaches your fingertips.
Aside from height, some photoshoots require that you keep your camera close to you. Even if you’re traveling, you don’t want it to slump at your side, as that could damage its lens or other essentials parts. So, the length of your camera strap is easily adjustable when you’re covering different events or different angles on repeat.
Looking for a reliable leather camera strap? Based in Canada, Due North Leather Goods Co. offers classic leather finger strap, Racer leather camera neck strap, Bowman leather camera neck strap, Baron leather camera neck strap, Trimz leather camera wrist strap, and much more! Visit our online store today to buy camera straps that make you and your gear look good!
Here’s our picks of the most photogenic spots in Toronto.
New York City’s Meatpacking district isn’t the only place with red-brick walls and cobblestone paths. Toronto has its own popular red-brick spot at Distillery District.
Distillery District is not just one of the most picturesque places in Toronto, but also has historic significance. It used to be a Victorian industrial site which was then transformed into a cultural hub in the 2000s. Today, it’s full of unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and bistros with outdoor patios. You’ll even find a brewery here.
This is one spot you don’t want to miss photographing!
If you’re not sure what place to visit first, start with Sugar Beach. This 8,500 square meter beach park is open year-round, and makes for a great photography spot. The cute and aesthetically pleasing beach is a hit among tourists and locals alike, giving them some of their finest clicks.
Sugar Beach is named after the old Redpath sugar factory that’s situated right next to it. During summer, you’ll see the sandy urban beach lit up with ornamental lighting and adorned with cute pink umbrellas. Candy stripes, Muskoka chairs, and maple trees are also among Sugar Beach’s aesthetic features and give visitors several photographic opportunities. During winter, the beach is covered in snow and looks magical under the moonlight. It’s a win-win for all seasons!
You don’t have to travel all the way to Prague and pose alongside The Lennon Wall for some cool photographs of local art and a graffiti covered surface. Toronto’s very own Graffiti Alley does the job perfectly well!
As one of the most celebrated areas in the city, Graffiti Alley is a small alleyway (also called Rush Lane) where the street art is constantly changing. Local artists color the walls with their craft and talent, creating beautiful spectacles. Graffiti Alley has also been used to make political statements via art, and holds much reverence among locals.
Sandwiched between Queen Street West and Augusta Avenue, Graffiti Alley is easy to miss if you don’t know about it. Make sure you drop by to witness the ever-changing street art and click new photographs of the place each time you’re there!
You want your camera within reach at all times when you’re visiting these beautiful places. The best way to do that is by using our leather camera wrist straps. All of our products are handcrafted in Ontario using Canadian made leather, and are built to last several years.
Buy a leather camera wrist strap today!
]]>Here are a few accessories to get for your camera right away...
Why is a tripod an important component of your camera equipment? Well, because it allows you to take high-quality shots at just the right angle by holding your camera upright and absolutely still. This results in sharp and detailed images that would otherwise be quite difficult to capture.
Invest in a sturdy tripod that holds your camera firmly and doesn’t wobble over when touched lightly. Ideally, your tripod should extend to your eye-level so that you can shoot even when you’re close to the ground. Aluminum tripods and carbon fiber tripods are both good options.
Most cameras come with a standard zoom lens that typically covers a focal length range of 18-55mm (APS-C format camera). For a full-frame model, the focal range may be 24-105mm.
There’s nothing wrong with these zoom lenses, and they’re great for individuals who’re just getting started with photography. Soon enough, though, you’ll need a lens that allows for wider zoom, especially if you’re shooting landscapes. Similarly, for getting high-quality close-up shots of smaller subjects, a macro lens is the best option, whereas a telephoto lens is suitable for framing action subjects. Even an additional portrait lens with a wide aperture can help you avoid blur backgrounds.
Once you’ve figured out the type of photography you’re most interested in, it’s best to invest in an additional lens that complements it.
You need a safe and simple way to carry your camera while you’re photographing your subjects, and a heavy camera bag swung across your shoulder just won’t do. Do you know what will work in this situation? A good old neck strap for your camera.
Neck straps ensure that your camera is always within reach. It also keeps your device in sight at all times. Not to mention the ease of convenience it adds when you’re travelling. Every time you click a picture, all you’ve got to do is hold up your camera at the right angle and you’re good to go!
We have an extensive collection of leather camera neck straps available online. All of our products are handcrafted in Ontario using Canadian made leather, and are built to last several years.
Buy a leather neck strap for your device today!
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However, merely buying a leather strap won't cut it. Whether it's a neck, wrist, or finger strap, anything made of leather needs consistent maintenance and care. Let's run through some necessary steps you can take to care for and maintain your leather camera strap over time.
As a proud leather strap owner, the first step to maintain your leather strap is to inspect it well and regularly. Leather does not fare well when neglected, which is why you need to keep an eye out for natural damage and signs of wear and tear.
After every outdoor photography expedition, make sure to look out for any cuts, tears, or scratches. This is important because damage to the material itself can make using the strap unsafe for your camera.
It would be best if you also looked for creases or fold marks. While the leather we use comes with natural crease marks and they will increase over time — you must make sure there's no severe damage to the material.
Lastly, the rivets and rings deserve your attention too. Metal needs care just as much as leather and shabby looking fixtures will drag your strap's appearance down.
Leather relies on oil-based moisture and shade to retain its shiny surface. Water or other liquids, direct sunlight, dust, humidity, and mold are all detrimental to leather in any shape or form.
Make sure to stay on dry land and in the shade as much as possible when you're outside. Regular applications of leather creams or dressing after a long day out in the sun is the perfect therapy for your leather camera strap.
You should also store your leather camera strap in a microfiber cloth bag if not used for a more extended period. Just remember to clean and moisturize it as much as possible during storage.
You don't always have to clean your leather strap if you take good care of it. Depending on how dirty it gets and how much you use it, you can clean your leather stops at intervals of 6-12 months. The first step is to get any grime off with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Dampen it slightly after a cursory clean to get off all the dirt hiding in the material.
Next, dry it in the shade for 24 hours or more if it's still damp. Don't rush the process with a heater or a blow dryer. That will damage the strap. Instead, it would be best if you let it take its time. Lastly, apply some dressing and massage it in with the cloth to make sure every inch is soft.
Ready to own a Due North Leather Goods Co. leather camera strap of your own? You can buy leather camera straps online from our website no matter where in the world you are. Make sure to check out our Bowman Leather Camera Neck Strap or the Trimz Leather Camera Wrist Strap: the classic options everyone loves!
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Ideally, a photographer should have three, comfortable camera straps at all times: for your neck, wrist and finger. Depending on the occasion, you’ll need all three for different purposes. However, what’s more important is the material they’re made out of.
You should consider updating your rough polyester strap to our handmade leather camera straps, and this is why.
Comfort is the Priority
A camera may not be heavy on first contact, but after even an hour of having it hang onto your neck, you’ll realize how important a role the strap plays. With a synthetic cloth strap you’ll constantly be chafing and may even develop a friction rash at the point of contact.
Instead, you want something that’s narrower, but sturdy enough to take the weight of your camera and its lens. We use full grain leather that’s been vegetable tanned for the ultimate original leather feel and we make sure to bevel the bottom edges for your comfort. Since all of this is done by hand, our QA process is airtight, ensuring that you get a perfect leather camera strap.
Change Up Your Strap’s Type
You may even want to change up the kind of strap you have. Hours of having your camera putting pressure on your neck can cause knots and strain, which isn’t ideal. With a range of strap types, you can alternate between them and possibly make things easier on yourself.
Check out our Classic Leather Finger Strap or Red Tab Leather Camera Wrist Strap as well as the Bowman Leather Camera Neck Strap for a complete set of leather camera straps for each purpose.
Look Classy on The Job
There’s nothing that ruins a classy suit or a well curated outfit more than a scratchy, cheap-looking camera strap. If you’re a photographer who likes to look good as they shoot, you definitely want to chuck out that bulky free strap you get with the camera. Our leather straps are made for this exact purpose. With basic, sleek design and the slightest of metal accents — you’ll look good no matter what you wear our leather straps with.
A Lifetime Investment
The best part about buying high-quality, handcrafted leather straps? Durability. As long as you take care of it well, our camera straps will last you a good long time. In fact, even the aging process of leather brings unique creases and color variation that will make your leather camera strap look like a
bespoke item.
Buy our classic, Canadian-made leather camera straps online on our website, with international shipping!
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