As photographers, we spend a big quantity of our time post-processing photos, writing emails, and interesting in different computer-related duties. Whereas we frequently scrutinize the gear photographers use for capturing, there’s seldom an in-depth exploration of the post-production setup they make use of. On this article, I’ll showcase my post-processing association.
Laptop & Peripherals
15-inch MacBook Professional
Let’s start with the cornerstone of my setup. I make the most of a 2019 MacBook Professional, which, by now, is kind of outdated. However, it has aged remarkably effectively, and I do not encounter important points when modifying photos and performing fundamental Photoshop duties. For my wants, this suffices, though it is a weak hyperlink within the setup. A extra optimum answer can be the brand new 16-inch MacBook Professional. If I had been to accumulate a brand new laptop presently, I might go for the inventory M2 Professional 16-inch Mac. Provided that I function from SSDs, there’s little justification for paying additional for storage. A RAM of 16GB proves satisfactory for many pictures duties. Whereas further GPU energy might be advantageous for potential 3D work within the distant future, the 16-inch model appeals to me extra as a result of additional display screen actual property it gives.
BenQ SW321C
A powerful monitor that brings pleasure to your visible expertise. Personally, I am keen on bigger screens, making the 32-inch model an apparent choice. This monitor provides an array of ports catering to numerous wants, together with an SD card slot, ships with a hood, and excels at displaying photos with accuracy. A minor downside is its comparatively weighty construct, which could necessitate investing in a sturdy desk.
Magic Mouse
This is an unpopular opinion: The Magic Mouse is not as horrible as some declare it to be. I genuinely recognize this mouse’s flawless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Whereas extra ergonomic mice can be found, they lack the aesthetic attract of the Magic Mouse. Moreover, I am among the many few people preferring a smaller-sized mouse. I carry my Apple mouse whereas touring, as I favor it over the trackpad. Considerations in regards to the inconveniently positioned charging port are unfounded. Personally, I am unable to recall the final occasion when the mouse ran out of battery. With a modicum of organizational diligence, charging it each few months suffices.
Magic Keyboard
Persevering with with the Magic lineup, the magic keyboard stands out as one among my favourite tech equipment. In brief, this keyboard boasts wonderful tactile response, and enduring battery life, and ranks among the many best keyboards I’ve used. Though it is a pricier choice, it is effectively definitely worth the funding.
Beats Tablet+ Speaker
High quality music is paramount. I take pleasure in music nearly across the clock, and the Beats Tablet+ serves as my chosen speaker. Regrettably, it lacks the identical stage of Apple Magic because the keyboard or mouse, but it delivers first rate sound. Had been I making the selection at the moment, I might probably go for the HomePod as an alternative.
XP-Pen Graphics Pill
When retouching duties come into play, a graphics pill turns into important. This specific graphics pill is not extravagantly refined, but it surely performs the required duties adequately. Reality be instructed, I take advantage of it occasionally as a lot of my retouching is outsourced. The pill’s sizable dimensions are advantageous for those who possess ample desk house, but they show problematic in cramped circumstances. For the current, I would not suggest buying this product as a result of stylus feeling relatively low-cost and the USB connectivity exhibiting instability.
Storage & File Administration
Kingston Workflow Station
Consider it as a rack on your SSD drives. Frankly, that is a kind of gadgets that good points utility as you accumulate extra drives. Basically, it is a hub outfitted with 4 male USB-C ports. Since it is a powered hub, there aren’t any restrictions on the varieties of gadgets you may join. You possibly can purchase SD and MicroSD readers, and the station itself ships with a USB miniHub. I discover the Workflow station notably helpful for SSD administration. It gives 4 SSD slots proper at your workspace with out the necessity for additional cables or hubs. A powerful product certainly.
LaCie D2 8TB Onerous Drive
These drives home my archives. Nearly each photoshoot I’ve performed resides on such a drive. I sometimes procure these drives in pairs, as having backup options is crucial. The LaCie D2 stands as a premium product, and I strongly advise investing in top-tier storage. In spite of everything, your work is at stake.
Samsung T7 SSD
This was my preliminary expertise with a genuinely wonderful SSD. Some time again, I reviewed this SSD and concluded that it is each exceedingly quick and reliable whereas remaining fairly priced. Over a 12 months following that assessment, I nonetheless depend on this SSD for my ongoing tasks. Happily, I’ve encountered no points other than the everyday slowdown that impacts practically all SSDs as they method full capability. With its compact measurement, it is best for journey.
Kingston XS2000
A considerably smaller and swifter SSD, probably probably the most reasonably priced 20Gbps options obtainable. From my checks, I discovered that this drive excels at studying quite a few information however lags in writing capabilities. This shortcoming is not a priority for photographers who may shoot tethered and write to their drives at a slower tempo. I make the most of mine as a video modifying drive, and whereas it is barely slower than different 20Gbps choices for transferring knowledge from reminiscence playing cards, its measurement and portability make it a wonderful answer. One caveat is the subpar learn/write efficiency; be ready to provoke a guaranty declare for those who discover any decline in pace or efficiency.
G-Drive Cell Professional 1TB SSD
This represents my alternate work drive and is arguably my present favourite. Whereas it is the most important among the many SSDs when it comes to bodily measurement, it is also essentially the most sturdy. Regardless of its barely greater price in comparison with competing SSDs, it compensates with superior high quality and reliability. I expertise minimal drops in learn/write speeds with the G-Drive, in contrast to the Samsung and Kingston alternate options. Furthermore, this SSD is strong sufficient to face up to drops and is even water resistant. What extra might a touring photographer require?
EZ Quest 10-1 Hub
There is a restrict to the variety of ports one can have, and as a photographer, a number of exterior storage gadgets, a card reader, maybe a monitor, and even a colour calibrator demand connectivity. Because of this I depend on a USB hub to satisfy my further port wants. In the long term, a sizeable powered hub supporting greater speeds and masses may be extra pragmatic. Nevertheless, on account of my frequent travels, a compact moveable hub is a extra good choice.
Different
Aroma Lamp
I additionally maintain an aroma lamp inside attain, contemplating it an indispensable element of my post-processing workflow. A satisfying aroma considerably contributes to my focus and rest, in the end enhancing my thought course of and productiveness.
In essence, this includes the {hardware} I make use of for post-processing my photos. How does your post-production setup examine? Share your insights within the feedback part under.
