Washington DC Wedding Photographer. Destination Wedding Photographer. Armin DeFiesta.

More Jackson… and Jordan Too | DC Photographer

Armin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:48:38 +0000

Of course this father is all over photographing his newborn! … and Jordan too! Jackson is 8 days old in these photos.

Our Son Jackson | DC Newborn Photographer

Armin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:19:01 +0000

Introducing our latest addition to the family, Jackson Reid DeFiesta, born March 2 at 2:04pm at 6.9 pounds, 22 inches long. He’s an amazing miracle! This birth was also much easier for Denise compared to Jordan. We were in at 9am, started pushing around 1:45pm, and Jackson was born 20 minutes later.

: I love how he’s looking at his mom =)

: Poor little guy started scratching his face up. Don’t worry, we filed his nails down since!

Motion Stills | DC Photographer

Armin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:02:06 +0000

I met up with Andrew in Richmond, VA to create some shots for his performing arts portfolio. I decided to go away from my normal post-processing methods again and challenge myself using one light, a Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash, and my trusty PocketWizards . I also changed some of my usual contrast and highlight settings in my post-processing workflow.

My Ladies | DC Photographer

Armin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:27:47 +0000

It’s been too long since I posted a few personal and family photos! And in case you didn’t know, Denise is due March 8 with our baby boy! These impromptu photos were shot in dark conditions using only available window light. ISO settings were at H1 (12,800) on my Canon 5D Mark II, hence the noise/grain. Shutter speed ranged from 1/30th to 1/60th of a second, aperture was f/3.5. I also used a PhotoFlex MultiDisc Reflector 5-n-1 Kit 32.

: My beautiful wife!

: Denise & Jordan… Jordan’s excited about her new baby brother coming next month! In this image I was holding a 32″ reflector with my left hand to bounce some of that window light onto them.

: My ladies!

BODA V3 LENS BAG WEATHERPROOF TEST | DC PHOTOGRAPHER

Armin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:54:29 +0000

This weekend is the DC & Baltimore area’s biggest snow storm in history, so far we have about 19 inches of snow and it’s still falling outside. So what better time to test the Boda V3 Weatherproof Lens Bag in the snow!

I placed my bag outside my house in the snow for one hour to see how well it keeps the snow out of the main lens and battery compartments – it had my CF cards, one 5D Mark II battery, and my beloved Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L lens inside. I brought the Boda V3 bag inside and it faired very well keeping everything inside nice and dry. The bag maintained its shape thanks to the rigid molding. However, it is not insulated so everything inside the bag was cold as expected.

I’ve had my Boda V3 for about 5 weeks now and it’s been standing up to my daily use and abuse. The Boda V3 bags are already shipping to customers. They’re almost sold out of the popular Plum color one! There are still some basic tactical black bags left of course. Visit GoBoda.com for more info and to purchase a bag, the V3 retails for $195. However, GoBoda was kind enough to extend my Coupon Code, use B1210DeFiesta and save $30. Your welcome!

: The Boda V3 is ready to take on the snow! Let’s hope it keeps the snow out of the main compartments!

: Here it is about one hour later… notice how much more snow fell, about 2 inches or so.

: The bag’s exterior was a little damp from the melting snow once I brought it inside…

: The battery compartment (small zippered pouch, bottom front of bag) kept this battery pack nice & dry.

: The zippered media pocket kept my CF cards nice & dry. I did feel a little bit of moisture inside though, probably due to the fact that I brought it into a cold environment straight from a warm environment.

: Notice the damp spots on the included Boda lens cloth? That’s because I keep it inside the unzippered front pocket area of the Boda V3 bag. I don’t recommend putting important items there if you think you’ll be exposing the bag to the elements.

: The main lens compartment was completely dry inside, not a hint of snow or moisture. Excellent!

: My lens was dry as was the entire interior of the lens compartment. No signs of snow or moisture seepage. Nice work Boda!

APPLE IPAD FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Armin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:28:34 +0000

: The Apple iPad–could this be a tell tale sign of the direction computers will be going?

So much has been celebrated and criticized about Apple’s new iPad. Since I do not have one nor have I even touched one, I can only base my opinions on what we’re all reading about it. This “first impression on paper” review will be based from my perspective as a photographer and consumer and what I find useful in the iPad.

: After all, the “PADD” (Personal Access Data Display) has been a prevalent tool in Star Trek TV shows and films.

: PADDs are still in use in J.J. Abrams “STAR TREK” film (starfleet officer on the left is holding a PADD).

SKEPTICISM

Many of the skeptics talk about what it does not have. And yes, I can see where they’re coming from because there might be some things consumers will find they miss having. For example I am hoping the next iPad will have multitasking and a HDMI port, maybe a USB so I can attach a CF card reader to it. I don’t think I’ll need much else since it’s a mobile device and lets me stay on-the-move with its small and slim profile. After all, this is meant to be a mobile device. Keyboard docks will be available for purchase of course if you really need to sit down somewhere with it and do some typing.

PERSONAL MOBILITY – YES!

For my photography business if I need to do any serious work/editing/typing I’ll save that for my laptop or desktop. I would rarely do photo editing on a 10 inch screen, maybe just basic corrections but that’s it. The iPad is just way too small for what I do as a photographer. But that’s okay, I don’t think the iPad is meant to be a photo editing device! And I don’t think the iPad itself is meant to replace the iPhone or laptop either, but to fill a gap that Apple believes exists… or we have yet to discover our need for it! On the flip side, maybe consumers will buy into this new and “relaxed” way of browsing the web, checking email, reading books, watching videos, photos, etc.. I’d guess in about a year Apple will release version 2 of the iPad and it’ll have some or most of what customers want on it. Based on what I know at this point I like the iPad a lot, it’s slick, cool and looks like fun. But based on all the info so far it doesn’t do anything my Apple MacBook Pro or iPhone can’t do together when I’m “on-the-move” or just chilling out on the couch. Come to think of it I sometimes do find myself relaxing on the couch with the laptop AND iPhone TOGETHER. Perhaps the iPad could be a consolidated solution to that? I don’t know yet, I need to get one and find out =) As a mobile device I find the iPad’s sleek and slim profile a benefit for travel which I do a lot – small enough to carry, big enough to be practical for my weary eyes lol. It very well could end up as a niche product though.

As a wedding photographer I can see the iPad being a portfolio device for on-site client consultations. But I usually bring a sample album or two already anyway so brides can touch and feel the nice leather =). As a photographer, I don’t envision myself doing extensive photo editing on the iPad, but I am very open to the idea in future devices if the interface is easy to use and requires only a few clicks and “touches” on Apple’s awesome multi-touch screen.

I won’t be surprised if Apple has some forward thinking plans already with the iPad. I know this concept is not new, and many before it have failed. But maybe, just maybe this might be a successful one. This could be the start of the next style of computers or a totally big mistake lol. I’ll be an optimist and say this will lead to something new for us as consumers. I guess we’ll see how the market responds when it comes out this Spring.

Visit Apple’s website to learn more about the iPad. In the meantime here is a video of Steve Jobs introducing the iPad as well as some photos…

: In Star Trek, “PADDs” were as common as your mobile phone and come in all sizes. Some had specific purposes, others were general use devices.

DC ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | BEHIND THE SCENES OF AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Armin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:15:42 +0000

My clients are looking forward to their weddings this year, but they are excited about their engagement photo sessions as well! These are fun and relaxed photo shoots that help the couple get comfortable with being photographed and for us to get to know one another better. Most shoots are only an hour or so, but it’s time well spent.

I usually recommend couples to wear comfortable clothing in solid colors. Just be themselves while I provide some direction, but mostly just setting them up for a shot or a moment is all I need. Every couple is nervous before the photo shoot, but after about 10 minutes they realize how fun and easy it really is. I like to keep them moving and smiling, makes for some great photos they can enjoy for a long, long time.

I created a video last year to give couples a sense of how these are done and what to expect. My friend Natalie joined me just for fun and shot along side of me. Enjoy it!

Some of my clients purchase Signature Guest Books for their guests to sign at the reception. But there’s more than signing going on because each book is custom designed with space for writing anything they want. Clients can enjoy reading what their family, friends, and guests wrote after the wedding day is over.

: Clients love the engagement session. What they love even more is how Armin design’s the Signature Guest Book using their engagement photos. It’s a HUGE hit with the wedding guests at the reception. Your Guest Book includes some of the best images from your engagement photo shoot. Cleverly designed spaces in the book allow guests to write kind notes and wishes for you to enjoy reading for years to come.

2010 BRIDE’S CHOICE AWARD™ | DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Armin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:38:22 +0000

I’m excited to share some great news about my recognition by my awesome clients and WeddingWire. Thanks to all my clients for making this happen!

Here is the announcement from WeddingWire…

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that Armin DeFiesta has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Award™ for photography.

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

The ARMIN | photographer brand is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that ARMIN is among the very best photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. I would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating me for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY A SMART INVESTMENT | DC METRO AREA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Armin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:28:16 +0000

CLOSING THAT GAP OF UNCERTAINTY: Engaged couples today have hundreds of decisions to make for their wedding (or their planner does!). They also might have so many photographers to choose from! One way to save time before actually meeting with a photographer is to find a way to pre-screen them first. An intro or promo video about them and their brand is a great way to accomplish this. Videos help close that gap of uncertainty for the discerning bride.

So what are some tips to bring peace of mind to your wedding photography investment? One thing would be to choose the best photographer for the job. Here are some steps to do that…

THE LAST THING YOU SHOULD WORRY ABOUT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER

A wedding can be an important part of ones family history, and the wedding album is a keepsake for generations to enjoy. With so many photographers to choose from, trusting that responsibility to an experienced, responsible, and professional photographer is even more important today than ever before. The photos are the real tangible things that preserve your wedding day after all is said and done. Most wedding planners will agree that if you find a photographer you absolutely want to cover your wedding, do what you can to have them document your wedding day. It’s about having peace of mind at the beginning, middle, and end of the day! The last thing I want my clients to worry about is photography.

REFERRALS, REFERRALS, REFERRALS!

There is no denying that wedding photography today is not the same it was 5 or 10 years ago. More and more couples today are placing higher value and higher expectations on their wedding photographers. My clients do and so do the clients of several of my colleagues. For one thing there are more of us (wedding photographers) than ever before, especially in large city-regions like Southern California or the Washington DC and Baltimore regions. With the influx of photography “businesses” growing exponentially in numbers every year, competition is fierce. It’s no wonder that engaged couples are becoming more overwhelmed with the number of photographers to choose from and the number of referrals they get from their friends. There are hundreds, if not thousands of wedding photographers in my DC metro area alone. I personally have met a good number of them. There’s still no denying that getting referrals from your friends or your wedding planner is the way to go.

CLOSE THE GAP OF UNCERTAINTY

Nothing beats seeing and loving the work of an actual photographer that shot an actual wedding you attended before you even hire them (I get a lot of my business that way actually). The reason is that you already have a sense of how they work and what they’re all about. The gap of uncertainty is always there when a bride-to-be is searching for the right photographer. But when they have a sense of who the photographer is because they watched them work, it makes things so much easier for everyone, especially the bride. Or if you happen to have watched their intro video on their website, then that’s another way to close the gap. Several of my brides were confident in choosing me because of my video alone!

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Now that you’ve chosen your photographer, it’s time to discuss fees. This can bring a bride to a stressful point in the wedding planning – among many stressful points – the investment in photography. And like any smart spender a bride will have to ask herself “why?” A few months ago Evan Reitmeyer of MyDeejay asked me that same question, “Armin, why is wedding photography is so expensive?” There’s no short answer to this. It’s like asking BMW, “BMW, why are your ‘M’ cars so expensive?” Or asking Apple, “Apple, why are Macs more expensive than some comparable PC’s?” We could go on all day about brand, value, and customer service. But we don’t have all day, so let me sum it up with some reassuring words like I did for Evan…

“The value of wedding photographs preserves important memories that can span generations. Cliche, but so very true. Those that understand the high value of wedding photography also understand the pressure and responsibility placed on the wedding photographer to document and create these important memories for their client. There’s no “take-two” on the set here folks. Weddings happen in real-time. Selecting the right photographer should be on the top of a bride’s list. Many wedding planners recommend to NOT skimp on your wedding photographer and prepare to invest in the one you really want.

There is more to it than just showing up and taking pictures at a wedding. Wedding photography today has evolved to a higher standard, almost an art form requiring the right equipment and skill set. Not only is it a physically and mentally demanding job on the day-of, but there are behind-the-scenes work going on before and after the wedding day the client does not see. It’s not unlike hiring an attorney to represent you in court. You’re not just paying him/her to show up on your court date right? You’re paying them for their level of expertise, education, the resources they have access to, and the time and labor put into building your case and executing the mission before and after the court date. It’s a professional service business, very similar to a smooth running photography business.”

I deliver a brand of peace of mind to my clients throughout the entire experience. The last thing I want them to worry about is photography. The clients I cater too have a high hopes and set high standards for their wedding, the photography is no exception.

Boda Bag Review | The Boda V3 Lens Bag | DC Wedding Photographer

Armin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:46:52 +0000

Yes it’s the review that many of you have been waiting for – my review of the new Boda V3 lens bag from GoBoda.com!

The Boda V3 lens bag (available with plum color as shown)

If you’re ready to purchase this amazing high quality bag now, visit www.GoBoda.com and enter my coupon code B1210DeFiesta and get $30 OFF. The code is still good as of today February 15th, thanks GoBoda for the extension!

Here are my first impressions:

High quality build and materials
Stronger molding seems to enhance rigidity and durability
The new molding increases the overall size of the bag (compared with previous Boda bag models) without sacrificing comfort
The new shoulder strap totally rocks – thicker & wider, it provides improved weight distribution and comfort
Easy access to the media pocket (no more flap to deal with like with the previous Boda Dry “V2″ bag)
Metal rivets at the bottom of the bag for enhanced support and protection
High quality fray resistant zippers
Retractable lens cloth – way cool =)
Larger side pockets that could play double duty as a place for extra lenses
Locking hinges keep the straps securely fastened to the V3, plus an overlap strap to prevent the shoulder strap from twisting over

What’s my favorite enhancement of the new Boda V3 lens bag compared to previous Boda bags? The answer is BUILD QUALITY.

Actually, there are several enhancements and improvements that GoBoda thought about based on customer feedback, and simply because they are not one to rest on their laurels. They put a lot of thought and effort into making the Boda V3 a better bag. This would prove to be a challenging task due to the huge success of the now sold out Boda Dry V2. I LOVE my Boda Dry V2. It’s a staple in my photography life! Can the Boda V3 really prove itself to me? We’re going to find out very soon, but let’s learn more about GoBoda.

In 2007 GoBoda introduced a series of lens bags that changed the photography industry. The brainchild of award-winning photographer Jim Garner and his interpretation of feedback from hundreds of working photographers, Boda lens bags were designed to provide photographers with a practical solution for quickly and easily accessing their equipment during a photo shoot. In 2008, version 2 (V2) of the Boda bag launched with several enhancements and the bags sold out. A cult following began to grow and Boda bags started appearing in journals and blogs. Today, the Boda lens bag has become a staple for many of the world’s leading photographers. Most camera bags are designed for storage–Boda bags are designed for activity, enabling photographers to focus less on their gear during a shoot and more on the moment.

MY REVIEW OF THE BODA V3 LENS CARRYING SYSTEM

One thing I noticed right away is the bag feels ROCK SOLID! The new high strength molding and material does add some bulk to this highly anticipated successor to the Boda Dry V2 lens bag. As a result the Boda V3 is larger, taller and deeper, and not as low profile as the previous Boda bag (Boda Dry), there is no denying that. I was expecting the added bulk to be uncomfortable to carry and affect my shooting. But after almost two weeks of using the V3 I was pleasantly surprised and happy to be proven wrong - the Boda V3 lens bag was very comfortable to carry and easy to use. The high strength molding maintains its shape enhancing form and function. Another pleasant surprise was the confidence-inspiring feel of the bag. My lenses seemed better protected than ever before. This is due to the Boda V3’s new high strength molding which seem to help the bag maintain its shape and protect what’s inside even more. Ballistics Cordura has been proven in the field time and time again as a strong, durable and lightweight material. Combine that with the Boda’s high strength molding and weather proof materials and you will have improved gear protection as a result. Many of our roller bags and camera bags are made of this material and similar molding already so this should be familiar territory. The folks at GoBoda listened to photographers’ feedback during their research and development for the new Boda V3 lens bag. After all, Jim Garner (owner of GoBoda) is a photographer himself so he understands photography gear and requirements. A lot of thought and effort went into improving, developing and manufacturing this bag without sacrificing quality and function. One look and one touch and it really shows. I created a video review for you to watch, it’s almost 10 minutes long so give it some time to load. For quicker video loading, watch in “normal quality”. Take a look to get a closer look at the V3…

COMFORT – the new shoulder pad and the padded top cover are my favorite enhancements. The shoulder strap alone is worth the investment! It consists of a strap and a thick and wide ergonomic shoulder pad that distributes the weight very nicely. This results in much improved comfort, especially for long photo shoots. Purchase the new Boda V3 Waist System and you can take the weight off your shoulders and distribute it along your hips. Also, the padded top cover when in the open position and tucked back provides added comfort along your hip and back. A very nice touch indeed.

Photos courtesy of GoBoda

Thicker, wider and ergonomic, the new shoulder strap on the Boda V3 enhances comfort & performance.

The comfort padding on the top cover when in the open position (or "action" position as I call it) provides comfort for your hip/back. When the top cover is closed it provides interior protection for your lenses.

SECURITY – Improved security and protection of your precious gear is enhanced by the durability and strength of the new high strength molding and Ballistic Cordura material. The higher level of protection is much improved over the previous Boda bags. My old Boda Dry bag served me well and none of my gear was ever damaged. But I always felt I had to be delicate with my previous Boda bag. The previous bag was more flimsy and thinner compared to the new V3’s thicker and stronger molding. The good news is that there is no significant weight added or any sacrifice in comfort in the new Boda V3. The new V3 also continues its tradition of being weather proof. I have already subjected my V3 to snow and rain and all my gear stayed dry, no moisture seepage at all. The sealed weather proof zippers still do a great job!

The Boda V3 lens bag is their strongest and most durable yet. While I believe the new shoulder strap is all you need for comfort and ease of use, their new Boda V3 Waist System is worth getting for those that prefer to support the weight of their gear along the hips.

EASY TO USE – Like its predecessor the Boda V3 is easy to use. The new molding helps the bag maintain its shape, therefore making it even easier to take lenses in and out without any snags. All the pockets are in the same places as the Boda Dry bag – business card slot, pocket for your mobile phone, external hard drive pocket, water bottle pouch, paperwork pockets, wallet style organizer, and a large deep front pocket for anything that you can fit in there. Speaking of pockets, the two large exterior side pockets are much larger than its predecessor’s – actually they’re huge! It’ll be much easier for photographers to store extra lenses in there as so many have done in the past with their Boda Dry bags. Even the Boda V3’s “phone” pocket is bigger. I also like how GoBoda got rid of the front flap and exposing the awesome media pocket for easy access. And speaking of that, the media pocket is larger and deeper so you can hide other things in there with your CF cards. Overall I really am pleased again with the functionality of the Boda V3.

Bigger, deeper media pocket. Holds 8 CF cards. And it's perfect for hiding a CF card reader or other gadgets inside of it.

The big side pocket is still with us in Boda's newest V3 bag. Except it's even bigger and deeper. Still not deep enough to completely cover my flash, but it's not really meant to is it? I can easily hide an extra lens in there like a 50mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/1.4.

I've always loved this water bottle pocket, so valuable on those hot summer day photo shoots! The new V3 water bottle holder/pocket is even larger and deeper. Again, it can double as a place to put a lens like a small 50mm.

Boda includes a handy retractable lens cloth

Boda V3 now has locking hinge points so your shoulder or waist strap stays securely fastened to your Boda V3 lens bag.

GoBoda reinforced the locking hinge point with a strip of fabric across the hinge to prevent the strap from twisting over and around itself and pulling off backward, yet allowing enough play to work on either the shoulder or waist strap. (Photo from my iPhone)

On the left is the Boda V3, Boda Dry V2 on the right. While some may think twice about the increase in size, the V3 allows for more effective carrying space. The V3 also has those cool metal rivets on the bottom of the bag, or "feet" as I call them. The metal "feet" provide stability when standing on a flat surface like I demonstrated in my video and in the photos below. (Photo from my iPhone)

The V3 is taller than the V2, no denying that. Some may not like that, but some may accept that as a beneficial trade off for that extra bit of carrying space. Also take note of the V3's slight rake going left to right - the left side of the bag is slightly higher than the right. For ME, this aids in holding most 70-200mm telephoto lenses of all sizes with the lens hood on. It also aids in clearing the top of the bag when taking lenses out if you're shouldering the bag on your right hip. (iPhone photo)

Side views of my Boda bags. The V3 has a more stable stance due to its new high strength molding and metal "feet". Fully loaded it stands straight up. I could never get my Boda Dry V2 bag to do that without helping it into place as it would be susceptible to falling over. (iPhone photo)

SUMMARY

GoBoda listened to customer feedback and worked hard with the best manufacturers to find ways to improve their products and make them more effective. The Boda V3 Lens Bag is an overall improvement over the previous Boda bags in terms of comfort, security, and ease of use. The new two-piece ergonomic shoulder pad is worth the money alone. The stronger molding with Ballistic Cordura and weather proof materials takes gear protection to the next level in lens systems. And the simplicity and functionality that made the Boda bags popular is clearly evident in the new Boda V3 lens bag. While the added girth may make some photographers think twice about the bag, I feel the enhancements outweigh the bag’s size increase. GoBoda will be launching the smaller Boda Jr. bag soon for photographers wanting a smaller solution, I cannot wait to check that out! In addition, GoBoda will be launching a new product that will save on-the-go photographers both time and money: the BODA MODULAR STORAGE BAG. This carefully constructed roller bag is the perfect solution for traveling: the lens bag will fit right into it… hmmm sound familiar? =)

This is my ThinkTank Airport Security roller bag. I configured it to make space for my Boda Dry V2 lens bag so I can just "stow-and-go" =). GoBoda will be launching their very own roller bag soon and your Boda lens bag will fit right into it due to an interesting feature - Therm-a-Rest®. It's an insert that "tailors" the bag to cushion equipment effectively with no need to repack or reorganize. Again, just stow and go! I am VERY excited to check this out when it's available. (Photo from my iPhone)

One of the benefits of a slight increase in the bag's size is the ability to easily store a SLR camera if you really need to (without grip). Here is my 5D Mark II easily fitting into the bag in the upper right of the photo. (Photo taken with my iPhone)

The previous Boda bags were a proven success for many photographers. I believe the new Boda V3 will continue this success and surprise many photographers with its improvements. When you’re ready to purchase your Boda V3, visit http://www.GoBoda.com and use my Coupon Code B1210DeFiesta and receive $30 off. I will be showing this bag to my photographer friends at a photographer party within a couple of weeks. I hope to share some of their first impressions with you soon!

Just when I thought there wasn’t much to improve on the Boda Dry V2 lens bag, GoBoda proved me wrong! And for once, I’m happy that I’m wrong The Boda lens bags are simply one of THE most important pieces of photography equipment I’ve ever had and the Boda V3 is no exception.

Thanks to Jim, Katarina, Claire, Lanae and the rest of the GoBoda team for their support and continuing with this great product!

Check out GoBoda’s promo video: