We are so excited to announce that our new Sharp Frame Media App is now available for our customers to place orders, manage properties, and download on the go. Because we know time is a treasure, we are focused on always making it faster to book and deliver content for our clients.
Our App is available for iOS and ready to download on the App Store. The fantastic news is that it will soon be available for Android users as well.
The booking process made easier and faster
Previously, our online booking process worked best on desktops. This new mobile app is designed to be user-friendly and walks you through a quick booking process right from your mobile device. Whether you may only need one of our irresistible photo packages or add-ons like Aerials, Zillow 3D Tour, and Matterport 3D, you can find it all in one place in the palm of your hand. It will automatically show all the products we have available for your property based on its location. You will still be able to select your preferred photographer and videographer, but it will offer you those with the best availability and based on location.
Booking your twilight photo shoots has also never been easier. If you are a Twilight lover, you will be able to see the availability hours for Twilight and book instantly. This is a huge benefit we are happy to bring to our clients within all of our service areas: Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.
Instant delivery
We know that going live with your real estate listing is time sensitive. With our new mobile app, delivering our media content has never been easier and faster. Now you can download your images directly from our app without losing the quality and go live on the go! Instantly download and share your photos on social media and other platforms to advertise your real estate listing or promote your company and brand.
Do I need to create an account to use the App?
Yes, you will need to create an account, unless you already have an account in Aryeo with us, in that case, you may just log in with your Aryeo account. But don’t worry, creating your account through our app is done in no time. So, don’t wait to get the best experience when booking your next real estate photo and video shoot through our Sharp Frame Media App.
Most cameras, especially the action ones, do not come with a good built-in microphone. Therefore, if you are interested in recording good quality audio along with the video from the action camera, you need to invest in a good action camera microphone.
In this guide, I will share the best action camera microphones for you and the reasons why they rank high in my opinion.
I have tried multiple microphones for my GoPro and DJI action cameras. I found these microphones to be the best choices for action cameras.
There are many things to consider while selecting a microphone with an action camera. These include cost, usability, sound quality, portability, weatherproofing, and others. While the following microphones are my best picks, each of these microphones has its pros and cons as with any products. I will also share the various advantages as well as disadvantages of using these microphones for action cameras.
1. Rode Wireless Go II Microphone
In my opinion, the Rode Wireless Go II is one of the best microphone options for your action camera. It is an improved version of their old Go wireless microphones.
The Rode Wireless Go II comes with two transmitters and a receiver. You can connect the receiver part to the action camera’s audio input. Rode supplies 3 types of audio cables with this microphone. So, you can easily connect it to most of the action cameras.
One thing that I really liked about the Wireless Go II is its internal storage feature. It is possible to store up to 24 hours of audio internally. Personally, I want to keep two copies of the audio. So, I find this feature very useful.
The battery life is also pretty good. I used to get around 6 to 7 hours after a full charge. The wireless range of this microphone is around 200m, which is pretty good.
The two transmitters allow you to use this system for recording two-person videos like interviews using the action camera. I use it for vlogging. When you use both the transmitters, the left channel will be used by one of the transmitters and the right channel by the others. If you are like me and want to use a single transmitter, you can configure both the channels for one transmitter.
The clip-and-go design of the Rode Wireless Go II is really good. Once I attach it to my t-shirt collar, I don’t have to worry about the mic falling. In addition, it is really compact and lightweight.
They also prove 3 wind muffs for the two transmitters and the receiver. The older version of Wireless Go had some issues with wind muffs falling off from the modules. They have fixed that issue in this version with the snap and rotate design. Wind muffs are required when you use the microphones outdoors.
One thing I did not like about this microphone is that all the controls for fine-tuning the audio gain are available only on the computer. I wish they make some provisions for doing the same in the microphones.
Click here to learn more about the Rode Wireless Go II and check pricing.
2. Rode VideoMicro Compact Microphone
I really loved the solid structure of the Rode VideoMicro with its metal body. It is a small and compact microphone that is only 8cm long. It is one of the best combinations with an action camera.
The 3.5mm plug coming out of the mic can be directly plugged into the camera’s audio socket. It comes with a hot shoe mount. But there won’t be a hot shoe mount in an action camera. But you can always use it with an appropriate rig that can mount the action camera and mic together.
It weighs only 42 gm. I really loved the red and black color combination of this mic. It is a unidirectional microphone. So, it will take audio from one direction only. Thus, it helps to avoid the noise from the surroundings to an extent.
One thing I observed in this microphone is that it can capture low tones without any issues. Even if you talk softly, the microphone will capture it. The sensitivity of this mic is really good.
I also enjoyed the fact that it does not require any battery. Also, the mic does not draw too much power from the host device. So, you don’t have to worry about the mic draining your action camera battery.
I also liked the shock mount accessory that comes along with this microphone. In my opinion, it is a perfect option for action cameras. When you use an action camera outdoor, it will be subjected to lots of jerks and vibrations. This shock mount will help the microphone to capture audio with reduced vibrations.
One thing that I didn’t like about this mic is that the frequency response is high for the lower limit.
The fact that the Rode VideoMicro costs less makes it a popular choice among vloggers.
Click here to learn more about it and check current pricing.
3. Rode VideoMic Go II Microphone
The Rode VideoMic Go II microphone is another good microphone for action cameras. It comes with a shock mount, windshield, and an SC14 TRS to TRS cable for connecting to the camera. I really enjoyed the audio quality of the Rode VideoMic Go II.
It weighs only 33 gm (without the accessories). When you attach all the accessories, the weight is under 100 gm only. So even though the mic is lightweight, you will not feel it like a flimsy microphone.
This microphone takes power from the host. You don’t have to use any batteries with it. I just love this feature. It avoids the headache of carrying batteries with you. It is like a plug and play device. It is one of the best action camera microphones for beginners.
One thing that I noticed during my initial use of the VideoMic Go II is that the wind shield provided along with this mic is not that good. The microphone still picks up some wind noise. So, I tried using the Rode WS12 windshield instead of the default one. It helped me to eliminate the wind noise completely.
One thing that I did not like about this microphone is that there are no LED indicators to see if the mic is active or not. Also, the headphone jack will be functional only during active recordings.
The price really makes it an affordable option, especially for beginners.
Click here to read more about it and check current pricing.
4. Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone
If you are a person who prefers to use a lavalier condenser microphone with an action camera, the Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier condenser microphone is for you. It is an omnidirectional lapel microphone. It comes with a pop filter.
I have been using this lavalier microphone for quite some time, and I really like the sound quality. Even though it is specifically designed for smartphones, it is a good fit for action cameras too.
You will have to clip it on your cloth and position it near your mouth to get the best results. It is very good at eliminating most of the surrounding noise. You don’t have to point it in any particular direction for a good sound pick-up. It can be in any orientation closer to the mouth.
I like the natural and crisp sound of this microphone. The noise is relatively less, and I was able to remove the noise in the editing stage. In addition, the Kevlar reinforced cable ensures its durability.
The thing that I did not like about this microphone is its short cable length. They could have made it slightly longer. But, you can always use an extension cable to increase the length. But make sure to invest in a good quality extension cable. Otherwise, there will be a drop in audio quality.
Click here to learn more about this microphone and to check current prices.
5. Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone
The unidirectional shotgun mic Sennheiser MKE 400 is another good microphone option for action cameras. It comes with a standard headphone plug. So, you can use it only if your action camera supports one.
The ambient noise rejection rate is pretty good for the MKE 400 shotgun microphone. This good rejection rate is possible with the help of the super-cardioid recording pattern.
I loved the audio quality of the Sennheiser MKE 400 shotgun mic. It is crisp and clear. It is an analog microphone. There will be no signal processing happening in this mic.
The low-cut filter switch in the microphone helps to cut down some amount of noise during outdoor recordings. I find it useful when the noise is high outside.
This microphone requires two AAA batteries. I wish it came with an integrated Lithium-ion battery so I could charge and use it. But, I get around 90 to 100 hours with a couple of fully charged batteries. So, I have to carry spare AAA batteries when I use this microphone.
They have provided gain switches (-20 dB, 0 dB, and 20 dB). But there are only 3 positions for adjustments. I wish they had provided a gain knob with more stopping points instead of the switch for better control.
One thing that I really liked was its weight. It weighs only 3.2 ounces. The compact shape is also suited for the action camera. It comes with a TRRS cable that allows you to connect it easily to a 3.5mm jack.
Click here to learn more about it or check current pricing.
6. DJI Mic
DJI is a popular brand when it comes to drones. The DJI Mic looks more like the Rode Wireless Go II microphone. It comes with two transmitters and a receiver.
I like the charging case that comes with the microphone bundle. You need to just drop in the transmitters and the receiver into it. The charging will happen just like the Apple Air pods. The design of this case has really impressed me.
I am also impressed with the range of the transmitters. I used to get the transmitter around 5 hours after a full charge. The receiver also comes around 5 hrs. But one thing that I observed is that the receiver is the first one to get switched off. The charging case provided with it comes with an inbuilt battery. It is capable of holding an extra 10 hrs of power.
I liked the crisp sound quality of the DJI mic. The transmitter weighs around 1.1 ounces. You can either use the clip or magnet to attach the transmitter to your clothing. You will get a notification through vibration when you press any of the buttons in the transmitter.
You can also connect an external microphone like a lavalier mic to the 3.5mm jack provided in the transmitter. If you don’t like to clip the small rectangular block on you, the lav mic can be a good choice.
The built-in storage of the transmitter of the DJI mic has saved me many times. It supports 14-hour in-built storage for audio. It will help you to get an additional copy of your audio recording. It is also possible to record directly onto the transmitter. You can record in 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV format.
The thing that I did not like about the DJI mic is that there is a chance that the link and the record button can be pressed accidentally. They could have made a better design to avoid this accidental button press. Also, there is no latency monitoring mode in this microphone.
The cost is slightly higher when you compare it with the Rode Wireless Go II microphone.
Click here to learn more about it or check current pricing.
7. Movo VXR10 Pro
I like the small form factor of the Movo VXR10 Pro microphone. However, design-wise, it looks more similar to the Rode VideoMicro.
It comes with different accessories like a windshield, shock mount, and cables. They also provide a hard case for keeping the mic and the accessories. In my opinion, this case makes it easy to carry around. It helps to improve the portability of the mic.
I tried using it with my GoPro Hero 10. I find the sound quality of this microphone to be a decent one. It is quite easy to set up because of the battery-less design. You can plug in and use it whenever required.
The shock mount accessory they provide, along with the mic, is one big reason I went for this microphone. It helps to avoid noise pick-up due to vibrations.
The headphone out that comes with this mic is only compatible with the full-on TRRS connection. So, it is not possible to monitor the audio in real-time. Anyway, I don’t monitor the audio in real-time. So, it does not seem to be a big issue for me while vlogging with the action camera.
I found it a little difficult to insert the mic into the shock mount. However, once you insert the mic, it remains safe and secure. Also, I don’t remove the mic from the shock mount quite often.
One thing that I did not like about this microphone is that it picks up some ambient noise. Actually, it should not pick up such noise since it is a directional mic. However, if you are a person who loves having some background sound while recording the audio, it will not be an issue. The audio feels more natural to me.
It is an affordable option that comes with lots of accessories.
Click here to learn more about this microphone or check current prices.
Which action cameras support an external mic?
Some action cameras do not have the option to connect an external microphone. So, I will share a list of action cameras that allows you to connect external microphones.
1. GoPro Action Cameras
You need to buy an external adapter to connect the 3.5mm audio plug into the GoPro action camera. The Pro 3.5mm camera mic adapter can be used as the adapter.
The following GoPro action camera models support external microphones
GoPro Hero 10 Black
GoPro Hero 9 Black
GoPro Hero 8 Black
GoPro Hero 7 Black
GoPro Hero 6 Black
GoPro Hero 5 Black
GoPro Hero 4 Black & Silver
GoPro Hero 3 Black
GoPro Hero Session
If you have a GoPro Hero 10 Black or Hero 9 Black, you can also consider the option of using the Media Mod accessory that comes with an inbuilt mic and a 3.5mm jack for connecting external microphones. You can use this 3.5mm jack to connect a good quality external microphone for better audio. It costs around $80.
2. Akaso Action Cameras
You can connect an external microphone to the Akaso action cameras through a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter. However, all the Akaso action camera models do not support the external microphone.
The following Akaso action camera models support the use of external microphones
Akaso Brave 8
Akaso Brave 7
Akaso Brave 6
3. Insta360 action cameras
The external microphone can be connected to different models of Insta360 action cameras through adapters.
Today, with the advent of digital photography, anyone with a decent camera believes they can take good photographs, which isn’t entirely incorrect. Modern technologies like auto focusing, auto exposure (these two have been around for a couple of decades, by the way,) auto panorama stitching, and intelligent eye-tracking, to name but a few, have made the need to hire a professional photographer redundant.
These days almost anyone with a decent camera and a little know-how can easily pull off some great photos. Day by day, the competition to be a photographer is becoming stiff. So, is there still a place for a pro photographer in today’s digital world?
Of course, there is!
While the medium of recording an image has changed over the years from analog to digital (from film to sensors), there are human aspects to being a photographer that no technology or artificial intelligence has been able to replace. Not as yet! Not even with artificial intelligence gradually taking over. They are lighting, and composition – the two essential components of photography without which no photograph can be labeled ‘good.’
There is, of course, also the idea of visualization, a term first coined in 1927 by the famous American landscape photographer Ansel Adams, a term he was to use throughout his long career. Adams’ famous ‘zone system’ is still used by photographers today to evaluate creative exposure areas.
So, What Hasn’t Changed?
Design
Well,for one – the primary camera design. The first version of the Camera, the Camera Obscura, was little more than a light-tight box with a lens and a focusing plane on the opposite side.
Artists used this to trace out the outline of images to get their perspectives accurate. The Camera of today is still essentially a light-tight box! It has a lens on one side and an image-capturing medium, the sensor on the opposite side.
If you ignore the frills of technology, this basic design of the Camera hasn’t changed over the years. It is no harder to be a photographer today than 100 years ago. You still essentially use the same tools as photographers of yesteryear. While it has become easier for a beginner to take photographs, how professional works well on his craft separates a pro from an amateur.
Optics
The second, and probably the more important, aspect of photography that can never really be replaced is how a lens makes an image. Optically, there are times when a longer lens makes a more eye-pleasing image than a shorter focal length lens. At other times, and under different circumstances, a shorter lens makes a better image.
Additionally, a smartphone cannot replicate the resolution, detail, and clarity that a proper camera like a DSLR or mirrorless camera can capture. No matter the number of megapixels squeezed into the miniature mobile phone sensor, the photographs don’t have the dynamic range, detail, and clarity.
Lighting
Okay, you have a good camera, a full-frame, and a great lens. Does that guarantee you will come out with great images? No way! It is more complicated than that to be a photographer!
Anyone with a bit of knowledge of photography knows that the best time to shoot outdoors is during the morning or evening light. Professionals refer to it as the ‘golden hour,’ when the sun is not too high up in the sky.
This light gives a lovely warm tone ideal for portraiture and allows for some nice highlights in the hair when the sun is behind the model. That’s speaking of just natural light.
Photographers don’t have the luxury of choosing a time or place to shoot most of the time; they need to create that effect (or a different effect as the shoot may require) using artificial lights.
Technology helps here, too. With battery-powered outdoor lights, photographers can create highlights just where they want, even the outdoors on an overcast day. It doesn’t sound as simple as using a mobile phone.That’s why people still hire professionals – for their knowledge of equipment- why it is so hard to be a photographer.
You don’t need to have the right equipment; you need to know the technique and how the lighting works for working with minimal gear and yet producing stunning results.
Composition
Whether shooting with a mobile or with a piece of professional camera equipment and the best lights – the gift of composition is something of a human element that nobody can buy (remember the old saying that the best things in life are free?)
While some people are born with the talent to make suitable compositions, it is a skill that can also be acquired over time.
Composition is one of the key elements of a good picture and one that cannot easily be quantified or measured. It also makes it one of those things that make it so hard to be a photographer; because it simply isn’t something that you can go out and buy or even learn in a day.
The rules of composition are more or less psychological aspects that make an image appear pleasing to the human eye. An excellent point to start learning composition is to check up on the golden ratio. It appears naturally in the world that photographers incorporate into their images, among other rules of composition.
To make things even more complicated, photographers sometimes purposely break the rules of compositions to make their images stand apart! But of course, one needs to know the rules before they can go ahead and break them meaningfully.
Visualization
Professional photographers swear by ‘seeing’ an image in their minds before they go ahead and make (not take) the photograph. Once you have the final image in your mind,you need to learn how to break it down into different aspects such as lighting,composition, backgrounds, makeup, styling, etc. (if shooting a model). This process of visualization is something that only comes over time and experience.
This is why a photographer needs to know the fundamentals of composition, design elements, and color theory, to name a few qualities of a professional.
The Human Element
How you treat people can play a huge part in how many returning clients you get as a photographer. It is tough to be a photographer for someone who isn’t a people person, whatever the subject you may be shooting.
Maintaining relationships, basic courtesies, professional behavior on and off shoot, and punctuality all play a significant role in the success of a photographer.
Moreover,when photographing people, a happy photographer is much easier for a model to work with than someone yelling at their assistants!
The Business Factor
So,you’ve learned photography, really given it a shot, you’ve studied the subject and mastered the art. But still, those assignments don’t seem to be coming in. It is a sad truth that most creatively inclined people do not bother about the business aspects of photography.
Given today’s fast-paced world and photographers springing up a dime a dozen, the underrated photographer sometimes makes it hard for a more gifted person to be a photographer – simply because one might be better qualified at the marketing aspects.
There was a time when photographers were few in number and therefore high in demand. Like any other profession, times have changed, and today,a dozen people are aiming at the same job. Consequently, photographers need to ensure that their work is on social media for the target audience even to know that they exist.
Besides, pricing your shoots is also a crucial factor,but that can be an article in itself. How you price yourself should be logically based on the investment in equipment and insurance you’ve made and the unquantifiable aspect of how much you charge for your time as a photographer!
Yes, it is hard to be a photographer, but it always was! There was a time when a photographer needed to also be a chemist, processing images in a dark room to make fine prints.
Many of those procedures and dimensions have changed. Lightroom, Photoshop, Luminar and other software has today replaced the darkroom! Let us say that the essentials of composition, lighting, visualization, optics, and the human element have made it as hard to be a photographer as it was a hundred years ago!
I hope this article gave you some insight into the subject. Click the following link to learn if photography is a dying industry.
A birthday photo shoot is always an exciting occasion for everyone involved – the birthday girl or boy, the guests, and you, the photographer. However, if you’ve done a lot of birthday photoshoots in your career, it’s not uncommon to run out of ideas for how the birthday party should be captured.
While the quality of the birthday photos is something that you can easily work on in post-production, having a good initial idea is crucial for your client’s overall satisfaction.
That’s why I’ve gathered the 10 best birthday photoshoot ideas that you can look into and recommend to your client, with a guarantee that they will like them. So, let’s get into it and find out which birthday photoshoot idea will make your next birthday girl the happiest client you’ve ever had.
While there are many different themes that you could do for a birthday photoshoot and have the birthday party guests be delighted with the outcome, some well-known classics work the majority of the time and are guaranteed success.
Let’s see the top 10 birthday photoshoot ideas that will always work:
Park Photo Session
No matter where the birthdays are taking place, going to a park for the shoot is an easy way to create beautiful pictures with friends.
Make sure to bring your closest friends, and just have fun.
Going just before the party starts, preferably while the sun is setting, will provide you with some fantastic shots, and having more people in the shoot will create a wholesome atmosphere, resulting in photos that will stand the test of time.
Park Photo Session Tip
To get the most life in your park photos, make sure to wander the grounds a bit the day before.
See where the sun hits and how the bright colors look on your camera, as the results will be different depending on what time of the year it is.
Different seasons will affect the lighting and the colors differently, so make sure that you do a few test photos the day before.
Homely Family Photoshoot
If the birthday party you need to do a birthday shoot for is one of the family children’s birthdays, then assume that the family will enjoy having the birthday pictures in their home.
A big benefit of this is the fact that everyone will be way more relaxed in a familiar environment surrounded by family, and you will get some amazing shots in turn.
You could even do a traditional birthday portrait with everyone in the amazing picture that they will keep for a lifetime.
Adding a happy birthday banner in the background can be a fun choice, but you can also do one without it.
Swimming Birthday Photoshoot
Birthday parties in hot weather often include a pool, and that’s exactly what you should use as one of your birthday photoshoot ideas.
Having a birthday picture with all your friends having fun in the sun and around water is one of the main photoshoot ideas people have as teenagers, so why not use it in this situation.
You can add props like balloons and sprinkles, but playing in the water is usually what gives the most admirable results, no matter what age people are.
Swimming Birthday Pictures Tip
As a professional photographer, you should have your camera ready for all kinds of situations, and water is one of them.
Before you go to the location and start the shoot, make sure that your camera is fitting for photography near the water.
Make The Most Of Balloons
Balloons are always a part of parties, so you should make the most of them in the photoshoot.
There are many creative ways to use balloons to give the pictures some life and more fun, and people always have a lot of fun when balloons are involved.
They will celebrate and have fun, which will translate to the pictures. This will work whether it’s a family party or friends who celebrate something.
Number balloons that show what birthday it is are trendy nowadays, so make sure to run that by your clients. If they don’t like that in particular, then you can maybe hang some other shapes of balloons, like crowns.
Special Day In Nature
Scenic photography is always a great option, so if it’s going to be a lovely day out when the birthday party is organized, going into nature to hang out and take photos can be a great choice.
Talk with your clients about what locations they might have in mind, and see how that would work for you and your camera.
Try to go there a day early and capture some shots so that you get some ideas about what everything will look like and what you can expect.
Nature Photography Tip
Doing photography in nature is way different than doing it in the city or the studio, so if this is going to be the first time you do a project like that, make sure to prepare your equipment in advance.
It’s best to go there alone or with a friend a few days early to test everything out, capture a few shots, and then pack accordingly on the day.
Flower Crown Ideas
One thing that can be fun, especially if it’s a teenage birthday girl photo shoot, is flower crowns.
Having everyone wear flower crowns will give an exciting vibe to the pictures, and the idea will probably be fun for them, too, as making the flower crowns can be a different activity for them.
Please make sure that the flowers they use are in various bright colors, as it will add to the fun atmosphere you want to capture.
Throw The Confetti
Another thing that is usually always present at birthday parties is confetti.
Most people love it, and everyone gets happy and excited once it’s popped, and it will be your task to capture that excitement the best you can, as it is something that people will want to remember.
So, shoot away, and don’t stop once the confetti starts going around!
Dance Photo Shoot
Once the years have passed, a lot of people look at candid photos with the most fondness, as they capture just how happy they were the best.
Dancing is usually a big part of birthday parties, so you will probably find it’s the best way to get some candid and spontaneous pictures.
Make sure that you take a lot of photos, as there is a chance that not a lot of them will end up the way you want them to because there’s a lot of movement involved and lighting may be dim.
Have A Dress Code
One of the first things that you should talk with your client about after you’ve got to know the location is whether they’ve thought about a dress code.
While some people like everything to be very spontaneous and “in the moment,” a lot of people will enjoy having uniform photos, and one of the best ways to do that is to have everyone dress in a similar fashion.
This is also a great way for the party and the shoot to have a theme.
Dress-Coded Photoshoot Tip
It has become common knowledge that the best photos for celebrations come from the black-and-white themed parties; however, something could be even more important.
The location you’re shooting at has its colors, so the most crucial thing will be that the colors people wear work with the colors in that place, so you can go over there and take some test shots and see what fits best.
Go To Your Favorite Location
To have your clients and all guests be as relaxed as possible, one of the best ideas is to have them take photos in their favorite location.
Even though the birthday party might not occur there, the photos will end up being something special, and you would probably want to take that on a special day like your birthday.
Just make sure that your equipment works for that specific location, and you’re all set!
Below is a video on shooting kids birthday parties:
Let’s Shoot Some Amazing Pictures
Now that you have all these ideas within the arm’s reach, you’re all set up to talk to your clients about what their ideas are and how you can work together to make the most of them.
As I’ve said multiple times, the best way to go with this type of photo shoot is to have natural light available, so make sure that you check this guide out to have the best results.
