DIY Umbrella mount hack for your Worklights

This should be quick and easy. (All links for reference only, I bought everything at Lowes)

I use 500 watt work lights for my videography, especially at events. I mount the hole in the bottom of the bracket to a light stand using a 1/4" (or 3/8" depending on the lightstand) wingnut/butterfly (yes, I know the pic above shows a nut. I was too lazy to dig out a butterfly for this photo. Sue me). If I need to use umbrellas, I have been jamming them into

A case for your DR-05

If you bought the Tascam DR-05 I posted about a while ago, you've probably been looking for a case. Sadly, it's too wide and tall to fit into any standard padded camera cases I've found. Whenever I go shopping I look in the camera/other cases area to see if I can find something it will fit in, and finally I did. At the checkout line at my local discount store (Amazing Savings, located in Brooklyn and all over NY & NJ) I found a glove compartment umbrella that came with the perfect size case for the DR-05. It even has space for a rolled up lav mic or a spare set of batteries. It's one of those soft rigged cases, so it's not crush proof or padded, but should offer a decent amount of protection if you want to chuck your DR-05 into your camera case and not worry about it. I was easily able to squish in a spare piece of padding on each side so it's protected on top and bottom. It is the perfect case for the DR-05, and at $5 in store, it's definitely a steal. It even comes with a tiny umbrellaJ. If you need to buy it online, I only found it sold direct, for $8+shipping ($3 for me), which is not a bad price for protecting your Tascam anyway. (buying more then one lowers the price)

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All about lightstands

In the world of frugal photography, there is some gear to skimp on, and some not to. Take lenses for example. While you want to get deals on lenses, and the best bang for your buck, you don’t want to, say, buy damaged lenses to repair. Or off brand lenses. Or try to make your own. Because the quality must be perfect to achieve the proper result, lenses, or any other delicate piece of gear, should be well researched and carefully chosen, and invested in.
Light stands are a perfect example of something you can hack it with. You can substitute a light stand for

Sony 50mm f/1.8 for $125

Amazon has the Sony 50mm f/1.8 SAM for non-Full Frame Sony Alphas for $125. Definitely a great deal!

I have the older, minolta version of this lens, and when I head out (not to work), it is the lens on my camera 99% of the time. Sharp as a tack, good in all lighting conditions, dirt cheap, what more could you ask for? Great for portraits and chasing kids (hopefully your own) in the park. Enjoy!
Price good til Dec. 31 apparently

Adorama has it too for $124, but it's out of stock :(

Edit: B&H has it as well. I guess it's an industry wide deal?

B&Hhas a rebate on the Tascam DR-05 - comes out to $66!

I have to keep this short cause I'm at work. B&H has a rebate on the Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder - comes out to $66! and free shipping in the USA. Has great reviews.

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Pro 9' Air Cushioned Black Lightstand,$33!!!!!! or go generic for even less

Adorama has the Flashpoint Pro 9' Air Cushioned Black Lightstand, 5/8" Top Stud with 1/4-20" Screw Thread. for $33 and free shipping.

however, if you're more Frugal than that, you can get this 10' one on amazon for $21.

I own one of these and while it's not very smooth sliding, it is solid, and i got mine several months ago for $26, so this price drop cant be beat!

OtterBox 1000 Series Waterproof Case $7.73 and prime shipping on Amazon!

Amazon has the OtterBox 1000 Series Waterproof Case, for $7.73 with free Prime shipping or free Super Saver Shipping with a $25+ Purchase