Every Day is Christmas!!!

We've been on a spending freeze since September as we've tried to be good stewards of our resources. So it was with a healthy dollop of elation that I got a shipment from B&H Photo this Friday with some camera equipment that I needed to shoot an upcoming wedding. The local photography shop didn't have the Pelican case I was looking for and a comparable one costed double putting it beyond what I could reasonably ask them to discount. What's a Pelican case you ask - well hold on to your hats...

There are two photography products that I use and love that are made here in the good old U.S. of A. The first are Pocketwizards which I wrote about in a previous post.. These radio transmitters and receivers reliably trigger my strobe lights. Since kids are so unpredictable it's nice to have something during the photo shoot I can depend on.

The second product is the 1510 Pelican carry-on hard case. I know it's hard to get excited about a piece of luggage, but photography bags/cases are to photographers what purses (e.g. Coach bags) are to most women. We want something functional (i.e.protect our investment in equipment) while looking good (I hate to admit it but I do like to look professional with my clients). The guarantee on the case is "Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee ... does not cover shark bite, bear attack or children under 5." I love it - great product and funny people.



So the reason I love the case so much besides the fact that it has nice little cushioned compartments and can float in water is that it miraculous holds the following:

• Six lenses including a 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens
• Two stands, umbrella swivels and strobe lights
• An umbrella (for softening light or a rainy day)
• Four pocket wizards
• A light meter
• A partridge in a pear tree
• A host of accessories: memory cards, gaffer tape, gels, filter, snoot, grid

...and I'm going to make a modification to have the option of fitting my laptop onto the cover.  The case also doubles as a nice stool for customers to sit on.  But best of all, the kids love the packaging.