News about StudioFD, Frank Doorhof, and more.

No more wrinkles in your backdrops

One of the biggest frustrations can be easily solved

As a photographer, I love backdrops.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with seamless paper, but from an early stage, I began painting walls and using wallpaper to create more realistic or interesting backgrounds. But when you change your backdrops a lot, you need backdrop clamps. I tell you why.

backdrop clips

Click Backdrops

A few years ago, we were introduced to Click Backdrops (a brand we now also sell), and I was immediately impressed by the quality of their backdrops. Proper shadows, high-contrast vinyl (without hot spotting), and the very nice pro fabric, which photographs as well as the famous canvas backdrops, without the known issues of wrinkles and damage over time.

Backdrops on location

But you also want to be able to shoot on location without sacrificing what you are used to in the studio.
We have several compact portable systems, and with a large car, there is no reason you cannot bring the ProFabric or vinyl backdrops.
However, for most people it would be ideal to have a backdrop you can fold up very small, and still has a nice print and size like you’re used to in the studio. In fact, we even deliver our new ProFold in backgrounds with a floor attached, and it still fits in a small bag.

The ProFold material is slightly elastic, and even when you don’t use anything, it already hangs very straight. But of course, we want it perfect, right?
And that can be done really easily and cheaply.

First, the ProFold material can be mounted in several ways.
You can use the loop on a background system, or use clamps or magnets from our vinyl backdrops.
Because the material is elastic, you can easily create a super-tight backdrop with a few background clamps.
Because video always works better, we’ve filmed a small video showing how they work.

Get them here: https://frankdoorhof.com/web/product/backgroundclips/
💰 Only €19.95 for a set of 12.

And one in Dutch

YouTube player

 

How to built 3-Dimensionality in your sets 

Clicki is also a very portable backdrop (and does fit in our car exactly) 

 

 

A game changer from Platypod

Some products are game changers, and so is the Platypod Mag Deluxe Set

And sometimes you don’t see it right away. Like with the Platypod Mag Deluxe Set.
As you may know, we are the distributor for several photography products, including IQwire, Rogue, ClickBackDrops, Geekoto, and, most recently, PlatyPod. For me, the products we carry must also be the ones I use in my own work. It doesn’t make any sense to advise gear we don’t start 100% behind.

“So, what makes our brands so special?” you might ask

Products designed for the photography market vs products designed by photographers for photographers

You have probably heard me saying it during livestreams and workshops a lot, and it’s one of those things you immediately notice when you start using your new gear. How often did it happen to you that you bought something amazing only to find out that when you get it…. well to say it gently it didn’t do what you wanted, and often you probably wonder “how could they release something like this?” or it just works but……

Enter the new Platypod product.

Game changer The Platypod Mag Deluxe Set

The Platypod Mag Deluxe Set

We do more and more with our (i)Phones.
We first bought a phone to make phone calls. Nowadays, you can create professional photo and or video, and audio recordings with almost every smartphone.
One of the biggest advantages of using smartphones is that they are small, run for a long time on a battery, and have loads of apps.
Because they are so small and easy to operate, you can place them in places where you would normally not be able to place a camera. But we need a lot more than just a phone.

For example, how do you make sure it stays put, even when there is some motion, how do you adjust the angle… etc.
Well, don’t worry, we have the solution for you.

With the Platypod Mag Deluxe Set, you get a complete setup for your iPhone, including a nice stable base. Not a small base like you see on so many chargers, but a nice and stable round surface that will keep your phone nice and stable. And of course, you can angle the phone with the included adjustable connector.
But that’s not all.

One of the biggest frustrations is charging

It is without a doubt the charging cable or weak MagSafe adapters.
We love using cases, and I don’t like to take my case off when using a MagSafe. With the Platypod Mag Deluxe Set, that is no problem, even with our thicker case, the iPhone was connected rock solid and charging.

And don’t even start about the charging cable.
They are always way too short. Meaning you have to use extension cables. And when using an extension cable, you, of course, also need the right connector. Next to your bed, you might need the older USB-A connector, but when using it for filming, you of course like to charge via USB-C.

The Mag Deluxe Set got you covered!
We deliver a removable (also such a thing! That should be standard but hardly is) 2 meters long cable with at the end a USB-C and a connected USB-A converter. This way, you can’t lose the converter and easily switch between different systems.

Platypod Mag Deluxe Set

And for the Hollidays, we deliver everything for an awesome introduction price and a nice gift box.

Get the new Mag Deluxe Set now for only EU 69,95 in our webshop

We ship all throughout Europe (where you can also find all the other Platypod accessories).
The new Mag Deluxe Set is of course, fully compatible with all our other Platypod products.

So what can I use it for?

The use cases are endless.
Because the  Platypod Mag Deluxe Set is compatible with all other accessories from Platypod, you can use it as a base for a complete studio.

But, you can also just place it beside your bed or working desk to wirelessly charge your phone and use the nice background options of the new iOS, and angle the phone exactly how you want it.
Thanks to the strong MagSafe and angling connection, it’s also a great tool for reading, or working on something while keeping your hands free (cooking, online meetings, webinars). Due to the stable base, you can still type and operate your phone with one hand, without being afraid you knock something over and, for example, end up with a cooked iPhone.

And of course, when using your iPhone for live-streaming, you never have to worry about running out of power. The 2 meters cable is for most situations more than adequate and will keep your iPhone powered for even the longest streaming sessions. When using the charging pad to charge, your port is free to mount other accesoiries.

in short… It’s awesome and the perfect gift for the holidays 😀
I just got mine and love it.

Platypod Mag Deluxe Set

The Platypod Mag Deluxe Set here is in use in the kitchen. The USB charger is just right under the base

 

This product was introduced on Scott Kelby’s The Grid, episode 668. They mention us too (around minute 19)

 

 

 

A new product in our store Platypod

Platypod is one of those….

Products I talk about a lot during seminars.
There are products that are designed for the photography market, and there are products that are clearly designed for photographers by photographers.

I’ve been using the Platypod system I guess from version 1 and it’s always in my bag.
Especially when I don’t want to bring a tripod it’s a great solution, but also for my music it’s great to mount a microphone. And when we travel it’s used to mount our iPhones when filming. And when you think that’s all…. nope you can also use it in the studio or on location to mount your strobes in most creative locations where a studio stand is impossible or impractical. Especially with the new hybrid strobes like our own Geekoto’s a system like the Platypod is something you cannot afford not to own 😀

Available now in our store

In the years I’ve been teaching there is one thing that I always love to do.
Review and test gear/software. Most of the times the products are ok, they do what they need to do and sometimes there is some “magic” where you keep finding new ways to use it. Where you start creating better images/videos because you are now free to mount your lights/cameras/mics wherever you want. etc.

For me from the first Platypod I got I had that feeling and through the years the line-up has grown considerably, so it’s no surprise we have added Platypod to our line up of product.
So let’s take a look at the system.

You can find the platypod system on our webshop (click here)

 

Platypod eXtremeThe system

The Platypod system is a compact, low-profile camera support solution designed for photographers and videographers who need stability without the bulk of traditional tripods. Here are some key advantages of using the Platypod system:

1. Portability and Compact Design

The Platypod system is a game-changer because of its size. It’s flat, lightweight, and can fit snugly in your camera bag, backpack, or even pocket. Perfect for travel, hiking, or any time you don’t want to lug around a full-sized tripod.

2. Stability on Unusual Surfaces

The Platypod is a sturdy tripod with adjustable spike-feet that make it super stable on any surface. It can stand on rocks, uneven ground, tabletops, or even be attached to poles and trees with included straps. It’s the perfect tripod for when tripods struggle to stay balanced or find a good foothold.


3. No Tripod Restrictions

Many places, like museums, historic sites, and cities, don’t let you use regular tripods. But the Platypod is different. It’s small and doesn’t draw attention, so you can take long-exposure or low-light photos without anyone noticing or more importantly, breaking the rules.

4. Versatility

Platypod is a versatile tripod head that can handle heavy camera gear. It’s compatible with ball heads, magic arms, and other mounting accessories, making it perfect for macro photography, video work, vlogging, and even mounting lights and microphones.

5. Cost-Effective

Compared to fancy travel tripods, the Platypod system is super affordable. It’s like having a stable shooting platform without breaking the bank or getting all tangled up.

 

The Platypod system is a fantastic tool for photographers who want a stable camera setup without the hassle of a bulky tripod. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, cozy interiors, mesmerizing time-lapses, or epic videos, it’s your reliable companion when a full tripod isn’t an option.

Platypod Handle Platypod Mag Platypod Traveler Platypod Tab Platypod Delta Platypod eXtreme Platypod MagGrip

 

 

 

Introducing the new Geekoto softboxes

You’ve already seen them

I’ve been posting some images online and on the blog already with the amazing new striplight and lantern from Geekoto.
But today I want to share the official video we made for the Dutch market (and English) about these brand new softboxes.

Of course both softboxes are super fast to setup and collapse plus they both can change the speedring. For the stroplight there is a totally new designed mount that makes assembling even faster (I thought it was not possible).

You can get the striplight and lantern and all other Geekoto gear via our webshop.
On the webshop you find all the gear I use and like.

Let’s take a look at the videos.
I’ve created an English and Dutch version.