PhotoPlus favorites

PhotoPlus Expo is probably my favorite trade show. Yeah, CES and PMA have more new products, but PhotoPlus is the only one where I can wander around and check out all the cool stuff from accessories companies that can help me out with shooting issues I run into.

For instance, I loathe on-camera flash. Unless there's some way to diffuse it or bounce it--or use it for special effect--flash produces a stark, deer-in-the-headlights look I abhor. As I was passing by LumiQuest's booth today, the company's Soft Screen caught my eye. This ingenious little add-on snaps into the camera's hotshoe and covers the pop-up flash with a little diffuser screen.

And then there are camera bags. You'd think manufacturers would be tapped out of innovative ideas after 50 or 60 years. But Lowepro managed to surprise me with its Slingshot series of bags. These single-strapped designs travel comfortably on your back, like a backpack, then swing around to your front--with the bag opening right on top--for easy access when you need it. Nice.