Back To School
Many moons ago, when the economy was unstable and layoffs were rampant, this author decided to switch careers to pursue filmmaking. With a new perspective and energy, but without any guidance, knowledge, or tools, going back to school for digital filmmaking was a no-brainer. The aim was to tell real stories in documentary form, and it became a challenging but ultimately rewarding adventure.
Tips for Starting Out
If you’re just starting out at the dawn of your student career, or find yourself older and wiser looking for a change, and you want
Creating music doesn’t have to be tied down to a large studio, or even a humble desk setup at home. While those settings are excellent choices for coming up with new ideas, you must be prepared when creativity strikes, regardless of where you are. Whether you are in band practice with your friends or trying to make hard-hitting beats on your laptop, you should have everything you need to capture your ideas.
It’s also important to consider the size and weight of portable recording tools; the last thing you want to worry about is how to carry
No matter how compact your camera is, you’ll find that your film and video shoots will still require keeping multiple accessories close by. While hard cases keep these items safe for travel, they are quite bulky. Backpacks can hold many items, but they don’t always provide the quickest access. So for on-set use, smart creators turn to set bags and pouches to save space and time.
Tote Bags
A wide storage area and simple design make tote bags perfect for carrying a variety of accessories and supplies on set. Larger ones are handy for
If you have found yourself moving, downsizing, or going away to school, you might be dealt a desk area that is drastically smaller than that to which you are accustomed. If this is you, or will be you sometime soon, a small workspace is no reason to panic. With some intention and a bit of finessing, you can cultivate a sleek and functional small desk setup without compromising on quality. I am going to share some helpful pointers with supplementary products to consider while you transition into a new, smaller workspace.
Lose the Monitor Base
While much of today’s coursework is online, it never hurts to have a good printer. Whether this is for your final term paper, notes for a group study session, or handouts to get everyone on the same page, so to speak, you will need a good printer to get it done. Photography students can also benefit from a specialized printer to have complete control over their final images. Here are a few options that would make a great choice for a dorm room or apartment.
The Workhorse: Brother HL-L2460DW
If all you need is a simple printer to get your
Fall is nearly upon us, which means many recent high school grads will soon be heading off to college. To help incoming freshmen thrive during their first year on campus, we’ve put together a list of useful computer tech we think will benefit them in and outside of the classroom.
Essential: Laptop
A good, reliable laptop is arguably the most important piece of computer gear a student can bring with them to college. Regardless of their field of study, students need a laptop that offers solid battery life and enough processing power to tackle
From obnoxious car horns interrupting your tranquil yoga session to the loud coworkers distracting you from meeting that important deadline at work, it’s certainly a noisy world out there. Enter noise-canceling headphones, a quick-fix to unwanted noise that’ll save you a down deposit on a cabin in the woods, as well as your sanity. Once a
Working on your laptop for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. If you’re not craning your neck to view the smaller screen, you might be scrunched up on your couch with your knees propped to support your laptop, both of which will cause undue strain on your body in the long run. This is where supportive accessories like stands and risers come in handy. Whether you are using a laptop, a notebook, or a tablet, there are great options to make working more comfortable, and we are going to highlight a few.
Single-Height Laptop Stands
Single
Headed back to school and looking for a great backpack? You’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of some our favorite packs, including top picks from renowned bag makers like Incase, Thule, and Peak Design.
Incase ICON Lite Pack
Featuring a sleek, all-black design and a wide assortment of pockets and compartments, the stylish
The new school year is nearly upon us, which means it’s time to start stocking up on necessary gear and supplies. For film and photo students, that means finding the camera and gear that’s right for you.
Generally, schools require a DSLR or mirrorless camera with detachable lenses and full manual controls. Far from the smartphone or point-and-shoot pocket camera many of us are used to. To help you get the perfect tool, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite cameras broken down into four categories:
Best Overall Cameras
Best Mid
Whether it's a four-year undergraduate program, a two-year graduate school, or a single class, studying film production is different from other fields of study. Film production classes are more like being in a trade school. Students learn and apply work skills, as well as film theory. Most importantly, you will be shooting at least one short film, and to make that film you need equipment, tools, and supplies.
Most film programs provide the cameras, sound equipment, and editing facilities you need, but, to take full advantage of them, some
With summer almost over and the first semester of school starting, it's high time to shop for your back to school supplies if you haven't already. In addition to the standard fare of pens and paper, we'd like to recommend some of our favorite tablets. These devices are some of the most highly reviewed tablets available and many are what we would consider among the best tablets for students heading back to school.
Budget-Friendly: Apple 11" iPad Air A16
Getting your hands on a quality tablet doesn't have to be costly. Take the