Think Tank Photo brings new concept to bags for photographers

With the release of its new "Skin" Series of modular bags, Think Tank Photo has brought new ideas and inventions into the mix for photographers on the move. New security features include improved protection for photographer's gear and a "Security Plate" System for the identification and tracking of lost bags. Every bag has a unique serial number that can be tracked at Think Tank's website. Features also include a combination zipper lock, a security cable (think bike locks for cameras), and a secure laptop attache for roller bags. Also, the new "Skin" series bags are fully collapsible to maximize space while traveling.

The material forgoes the extra foam padding so often associated with photographer's bags, and is designed with the working photographer in mind. Think Tank's "Lock or Rotate" technology is present here, and all components for cameras, multiple lenses, and SLR flash units can be easily accessed from the Skin Belt, where they can rotate around freely or be locked in position. The Skin Set is intended to work with a minimum of noise, to avoid startling that elusive subject, whether they are cranes waiting above water, or a transient man who has yet to wake up.

Among the new line of Roller Bags, the Airport Airstream has received the most acclaim, having been included in the "Hot One Awards" of 2008 in Professional Photographer magazine. By synthesizing the qualities of a large camera bag with international carry-on size requirements, and including space for a laptop bag to be securely stored inside, Think Tank Photo has combined comfort, security, and ease of use in their new line.

From Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s founder and lead designer:

“As they are rollers, photographers can move quickly from one flight to the next and without the burden of carrying this weight on their shoulders. The goal is to minimize the wear and tear on their bodies and the fears associated with transporting expensive photographic equipment.”

The Airport Airstream comes at a price tag of $289. The Airport International V2.0 retails for $329. Visit Think Tank's website for more information.

Corbis offers bloggers free images

Corbis, the stock photography company, is offering photos for bloggers like me to use on their websites. The catch? Each image contains an embedded advertisement, either overlaid on part of the image, or in hidden "roll-over" format. This offer comes from a partnership between Corbis and PicScout, whose website PicApp.com will be the location at which bloggers can download their images. Ad revenue will also be generated, and bloggers will have the opportunity to earn their share with enough images through PicApp.

From Corbis Chief Executive Gary Shenk, via Reuters:

"We work with a partner so that those pictures are tracked, and if they're being used illegally, we can figure that out. But as long as they are downloaded through this application, you're legit and you're ready to go."

This is part of a growing trend amongst stock photography businesses that find they must grow and change with the times. Fast-growing online offers like these have been developed to deal with the ever-encroaching amateur market, with low-cost photo purchase sites and micro-payment sites. Snapvillage.com is another project that follows this vein: a site for user-submitted photos which allows photographers to sell their material for $1 to $50 each.

Click here to find out more about Corbis, or here for PicApp.

Yahoo Photos to shut down September 20, Smugmug moves in

Yahoo Photos users will find themselves adrift when the company will discard its photo-sharing feature in favor of Flickr, which was bought by Yahoo in March 2005. Yahoo has acknowledged the differences between the two programs, and has offered the alternatives of Shutterfly and Kodak Gallery services. Smugmug, the “anti-establishment” photo site, has weighed in with a unique offer for Yahoo Photos customers.

A discount of 50% will be applied to new Smugmug subscriptions made by Yahoo customers. Emphasizing a low number of pop-ups or banner ads, Smugmug offers many features to the professional photographer, such as a user rating system that makes images increasingly visible on Smugmug’s site-wide search engine, shopping cart options for prints, and options for customization.

Having worked with both Flickr and Smugmug, I have to give the gold star to the latter. Smugmug is also pushing the envelope in uploading options, and functionality with Adobe programs.

From Smugmug’s press release:

“While sites like Flickr and Shutterfly have design limitations due to built-in editing applications, SmugMug unleashes a file uploader for Adobe PhotoShop Elements 6. Adobe Photoshop files can now be manipulated/edited and uploaded for display on a SmugMug user’s site, with the best and brightest picture clarity.”

Senior Vice President of Yahoo Brad Garlinghouse has expressed a wish to focus on clear-set goals, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. This is outlined in his memo, “The Peanut Butter Manifesto,” in which worries are expressed that Yahoo is being spread too thin.

On the other hand, Smugmug’s customer service is truly enviable. With the profusion of websites and online services, customer service is usually the first thing that is left by the wayside by companies struggling to keep ahead and adapt. It’s good to see that a well-specified service can keep going, and meet success in doing so.