Finally Found - A dSLR Camera Bag Review

Searching for that perfect dslr camera bag and not finding it? I hear you. I've been looking for a bag, and not for a perfect one, but rather just a regular camera bag that will hold my camera, a couple of lenses, and also look good. Is that too much to ask for in this day and age where you can find anything and everything on sale? A few years ago I did succumb to the ultra cute bowling camera bag, but that bag is nowhere near functional, it only holds your camera body+lens, and it's really difficult taking out and about, but it makes for pretty storage. So the search continued.

Last month as I was planning a trip to a lovely place, I decided I had to spend precious time once again looking for a camera bag and who knew, maybe since some time had passed there would be something decent out there.

& Lo & Behold:

The Cosmos Vintage Camera Bag

It's not vintage. It's vintage inspired, vintage looking, it's well made faux leather which will hold a camera body and 2 lenses + phone, charger, cards etc. I'll let the pictures do the talking. 

The good news is that the interior dividers are removable (they come with velcro closures), so you can customize the space based on your needs. 

Easily carries:

Camera body + lens

2 more lenses

Front & back pockets for camera accessories, memo pad/tablet/netbook, money, credit cards etc. in short, you won't need another bag.

It's well made and good looking, has unisex appeal ; ) not too bulky, not too small, the size is just right: 

Dimensions: 14 Length x 4.5 Width x 8 Height inch (36 x 12 x 22cm) 

The adjustable shoulder strap allows you to wear it over your chest, perfect for those outings where you have to have your bag on you! 

You may also take the entire padded insert out and use it as an everyday bag.

Last but not least, the price can't be beat! I bought it on amazon for a great price. Camera bags don't come cheap, this one is affordable, functional and pretty! What else could I want?! 

Love my new camera bag!

If you own this bag, let us know what you think of it. If you plan on getting it, come back and tell us what you like and dislike about it! 

Sunday Spotlight: Photographer With His Killer Weapon

I would have liked a self-portrait but this photo was too good to pass!

Meet Najeeb Aziz: Photographer with his killer weapon. When I asked him to describe himself in 5 words, Najeeb went straight to the point. He has a no nonsense approach and I thoroughly enjoyed this interview! Najeeb hails from the beautiful city of Lucknow in India known as the Golden City of the East. He's an avid photographer who enjoys nature in all it's glory. He's currently working on Pvt Project of Horses in Lucknow Race Course, I have uploaded some of the photographs but for the entire album visit him at Najeeb Photochrom. 

Festival of Just Colors, Holi 2012

1-When did you first realize you couldn't go a day without photography?

Initially it started out of excitement of new camera, but then got into the habit of carrying it always.

2-Have you received formal education in photography or are you self-taught?

It's defiantly on my own and if I ever wanted to gain any knowledge youtube.com had all my answers and solutions..

3-What is your favorite camera accessory?

I usually don't attach any accessories into my camera, as a matter of fact not even flash.

Holi ~ Religious Spring Festival 

4-What is it about photography that makes it so special? Is it about freezing a moment in time, about telling a story with a single image? What makes it special for you? 

For me it's both freezing moment and the story behind it...... unless we freeze the moment there wouldn't be any story to narrate....

Today, a photograph does not need to shout “I am Art.” Photography stands on it's own without reference to other arts,with its five essential qualities,first proposed by MOMA curator John Szarkowski. These elements make photography unique: The Subject, The Details, Frame, Vantage Point, Time.

5-What are some of the difficulties you have overcome as a photographer?

1 - Passion does not make a business.
2 - Who’s paying for all this?
3 - What do your customers want? …the plan

6-In our digital age, the photography market and especially the fine arts market has become super saturated with photography of all genres. What advice would you have for someone who is starting out when they face obstacles with their photography business?

Every new business owner faces challenges. Some challenges are harder than others and some are even avoidable. The key to keeping the stress at a low level and ensuring the smoothest start up possible is to know the obstacles and how to avoid them.

Horse Race in Lucknow

8-Have you worked in the dark room? If yes, do you prefer analog photography and if not, would you like to try? 

I wouldn't want to try analog photography, as it would take alot of time developing the films, negatives, last but not the least if the moment is captured, but the picture has come out not as you expected, there would be alot of disappointment held.

9-If you could have a conversation with a photographer (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

Well I usually do have conversation with most of the photographers, but my favorite is Aditya "Dicky" Singh from Ranthambore, a wildlife photographer who has achieved a lot of fame in the world of photography and a perfect role model.

Even before I had bought my camera, it was he who gave me the right advice at the right time...hence till date he has all my answers to my questions.

10-We live in a big world, with endless photography opportunities, but if you were asked to photography three things and three things only, what would they be?

Animals : they could have 60 expressions in 60 secs 
Portrait : I usually click pictures without the person knowledge to capture natural photographs
Food : I try to make people drool over my photographs (which I have succeeded)

At the Lucknow Horse Race

Some more beauties from his albums

I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. Visit Najeeb at his facebook page Najeeb Photochrom  for more photos, updates and more!

Congratulations to PhotoDebb & Bright Rose Creations!

The results are in!

Congratulations ladies!

I will contact you to get your mailing addresses. I wish I could have something for everybody! Thank you all for participating, it was fun : ) My blog readers get a whopping 40% off with coupon code OFF40 and you may use it on any listing, be it print, mouse pad, note card or postcard! Thank you once again and come back  for an exciting interview on this Sunday's Spotlight: A Photographer With His Killer Weapon!

Giveaway Time!

In honor of my facebook fans, both old and new, I'm doing a giveaway for either a 5x7 / 6x9 photo print or a mousepad of your choice!
Open to participants worldwide! Simply visit www.zoewithlove.etsy.com, pick your favorite print or http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZoeWithLove?section_id=10704275 for the mousepads, come back here and comment with your choice and the reason why you like it!
Please include your email address (or send me a msg on facebook if you'd like to keep it private).

To increase your chances of winning, you may tweet, comment on facebook, blog about the giveaway and let me know in a new entry for each post you make!

2 winners will be chosen by random.org!

*Giveaway begins 2/23/2012 and ends Thursday 3/08/2012
*Winners will be announced on Friday 3/09/2012
*For questions, comments, suggestions, send me an email: zoewithlove@hotmail.com

Have fun and good luck!

With Love,
Zoe

The Road..

"The road to success is always under construction"

Lily Tomlin