Directive Studios Blogs

Chris is a hopeless Technology Fanatic, an Inbound & Outbound Marketing Expert as well as a Trusted I.T. Advisor, Web, Graphics & Software Designer. When he's not running Directive and JoomConnect he's probably sharpening his skills as an Amateur Photographer and Filmmaker. Chris lives with his wife Charlotte and their 2 sons in Upstate NY. Visit his photography site at www.directivestudios.com.

Riding a Motorcycle with your Dog!

This blog is going to cover everything I've learned about riding a motorcycle with your dog. I really like writing blogs that saves my readers money or time, since I've done a ton of research on this and purchased and tried lots of products, maybe I will save you some time. If you feel I have, leave a comment below and share this post! First of all...

JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit

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JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit. Professional Tripod 5K Stand and Ballhead 5K for DSLR Cameras or Mirrorless Camera with Lens up to 5K (11lbs). Black/Charcoal

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Digital Camera

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The Canon 5D Mark IV is currently my main camera for photography but I also use it for video. The Canon 5D Mark III is now my backup camera. There were various other enhancements that made the upgrade worth it to me. Still has the rolling shutter though for video. :(

Oneonta Featured in Motion Picture Altered Hours

Oneonta, NY - March 23, 2018 - The City of Oneonta is featured on the silver screen. Altered Hours, a sci-fi thriller filmed in Upstate New York, features footage of Oneonta and the surrounding areas. This footage was captured by local filmmaker, Chris Chase. Chase was approached by Altered Hours director and SUNY Oneonta alum Bruce Wemple, who found a video Chase had directed online, and wanted the rights to the footage for use in his movie. Inspired by the look and feel of the footage, Wemple connected with Chase through Ben Gifford, who coincidentally works for Chase’s company, Directive, a local IT & Media company. Gifford acted as First Assistant Camera Operator on Wemple’s film. Gifford, who grew up in Delhi, said, “I had the honor of meeting with the director Bruce Wemple before him and his team started filming this movie. Little did I know it would turn out to be...

Freehands Leather Gloves

Freehands Leather Gloves

These are the gloves I use on cold shoots since every location is not going to be sunny and 75. These men's leather gloves are meant to keep your hands from freezing while still being able to access the buttons on your camera and accessories. With elastic wrist bands to keep the cold out, you don't have to worry about going out in low temperatures to get the shots you need. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/812017-REG/Freehands_41011MX_Men_s_Leather_Gloves_X_Large.html

Watertight Hard Case for GoPros

Watertight Hard Case for GoPros

Because we keep adding GoPro gear to our inventory, we decided to make sure everything is protected in one place. This Go Professional Case has enough room for all our cameras and accessories. It's watertight hard outer shell will keep our gear safe and sound while traveling from setting to setting.  B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1076347-REG/go_professional_cases_xb_306_studio_case_for_6.html

GoPro Hero5 Black

GoPro Hero5 Black

Supporting 4K resolution at 30fps, we couldn't resist the new GoPro Hero 5 Black. We have always been satisfied the with quality and durability GoPro products have to offer. This being their first camera that is completely waterproof without housing, we're excited to put this thing to the test. Voice control, video stabilization, touch screen display, and 12MP photos with different modes including time lapse, we couldn't think of a reason not to have it!  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274419-REG/gopro_chdhx_501_hero5_black.html

Base for Osmo

Base for Osmo

This simple and lightweight base allows us to set our Osmo down where we want to. A really simple design that does the trick while fitting snug to our Osmo. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1223978-REG/dji_cp_zm_000341_base_for_osmo_camera.html

DJI Universal Mount for Osmo

DJI Universal Mount for Osmo

This DJI Universal mount is designed for the accessories you might have used for your DSLR. The cold shoe mount allows you to attach things like lights, microphones, or other gear right to the Osmo. A great attachment to be able to use lights and microphones on the fly. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188630-REG/dji_cp_zm_000240_universal_mount_for_osmo.html

DJI Z-Axis for Zenmuse X3

DJI Z-Axis for Zenmuse X3

The Osmo Z-Axis is designed to reduce any vertical shake while waking or jogging with the gimbal, which is exactly what we plan on using it for. The Osmo is a great tool for B-roll at events, so why not reduce the shake while walking around. All we have to do is connect our camera and gimbal to be ready to go. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1247983-REG/dji_cp_zm_000344_osmo_z_axis_for_zenmuse.html

Waterproof Case for DJI Osmo

Waterproof Case for DJI Osmo

Its important to make sure your gear can get from one place to another safely. This case is made just for our Osmo 4K camera and it's gimbal. Not only is it waterproof, but it also keeps all of the Osmo accessories nice and snug. We can fit our batteries, chargers, filters, and any other accessories we need all in one spot. If you plan on traveling with your Osmo, we suggest this case to keep your gear from getting the worst. B&H Link:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1213692-REG/skb_3i_15106osmo_iseries_1510_6_waterproof_case.html

SanDisk 32GB USB

With the USB 3.0 technology this usb can hold 32GB worth of data. You can also manage your content right from your phone with the SanDisk Memory Zone app for Android, which allow you to access, store, and manage your files right from your phone.  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1163527-REG/sandisk_sdddc_032g_g46_32gb_usb_type_c.html

DJI Zenmuse Filter Pack

DJI Zenmuse Filter Pack

Designed for Aerial Photography, these Polar Pro Filters are made for the DJI Zenmuse X5/X5R camera lens. This pack includes a UV, PL, and ND8 filter. We plan on using these for bright situations such as snow, water reflections, or even sunny day glares. We can now have more control over the camera's shutter speed which will give us more options when it comes to taking videos or photos. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1202882-REG/polar_pro_p6001_dji_phantom_2_vision.html

OSMO ND64 Filter

OSMO ND64 Filter

Because we get a lot of snow here in Upstate New York, this ND filter will help our osmo's exposure in really bright situations. This ND filter is best used for water reflections, snow, or even desert shots. The razor sharp clarity of the glass along with the light weight design really helped us decide which filter was best for our Osmo.  

Gorillapod Stand for Smartphones

Gorillapod Stand for Smartphones

This Gorillapod stand will help free your hands from your smartphone. This stand has over 24 leg joints that allows your to get the perfect position to hold your phone. Whether you want to use the camera on your phone to vlog, or have the screen work as a monitor, this gorillapod will help you get the job done. Holding smartphones between 2.7-3.9", it's an awesome tool to free up your hands on and off set. B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1062046-REG/joby_jb01325_griptight_gorillapod_stand_for.html

DJI Self-Tightening Propeller

DJI Self-Tightening Propeller

Designed with improved dynamic balance and reduced vibration, we added these to our DJI drone. Now the propellers that come with any DJI are not bad, however we upgraded to the Z-blade design to make sure our drone has even better handling and balance. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1164701-REG/dji_cp_ep_000083_9450_self_tightening_propeller_for.html

Manfrotto Lumimuse 8 On-Camera LED Light

Manfrotto Lumimuse 8 On-Camera LED Light

Lighting can really make or break a subject in a photo or video. With this small on camera LED light, we now have another light to put in our camera bag just incase. This light is made up of 8 LED diodes that have a 4 step dimming option to make sure our light is set just right. We don't suggest using this as your primary light source, but it definitely does the trick when you need a little extra lighting in front of the camera. B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1137208-REG/manfrotto_mlumiemu_bk_lumie_muse_on_camera_led.html

3 Legged Carbon Fiber Tripod

3 Legged Carbon Fiber Tripod

Standing as tall as 68.6", and as short as 9.3", this tripod is exactly what every photographer needs. The 3 Legged tripod has a number of awesome features for it being so lightweight. The 360 degree ball head, reversible folding and removable legs, and other features really make this tripod stand out from the others. We highly suggest this for anyone who wants a tripod that is lightweight, durable, and doesn't take up much space when packed.  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1244089-REG/3_legged_thing_albertkit_albert_carbon_fiber_travel.html

Extension Stick for Osmo

Extension Stick for Osmo

In the era of selfie sticks, we decided what's an Osmo without one. This DJI extension stick for the osmo is equipped with an articulation ball head, and of course the extendable design to give your Osmo the angle it hasn't had before. However, holding the Osmo out far enough can be nerve-wracking, the hand strap that comes on the extension stick will help secure the rig in your hand.   B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188625-REG/dji_cp_zm_000227_extension_stick_for_osmo.html

Zenmuse X5 Camera and 3-Axis Gimbal

Zenmuse X5 Camera and 3-Axis Gimbal

For a drone or handheld gimbal, this DJI Zenmuse Camera can record in 4K and take 16MP photos. Not only is the resolution great for the size of this camera, it also has over 12 Stops of dynamic range which gives us more shadows and highlights to play with. The videos and stills can record to a micro SDHC/SDXC card that will make sure your footage stays nice and secure. From single shot and burst photos, to time-lapse and video modes, this DJI Zenmuse camera is a highly recommended choice!  B&H Link:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1186060-REG/dji_x5l_camera_and_3_axis.html/prm/alsVwDtl

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