Technology Archives - Page 8 of 42

London Drugs Whistler Tech Conference Recap – Exciting New Products

Every fall, the top London Drugs Experts come together for an event where our vendors show off all the new exciting tech releases hitting store shelfs before the new year. This year’s event was held in the picturesque mountain village of Whistler BC. With over 60 vendors showcasing their goods, the show floor was packed with exciting and innovative products! From new cameras, TV’s, phones and audio equipment to gaming, and an abundant assortment of accessories too, there was something for everyone. We’ve highlighted some of the tech items that we found especially exciting and hope you will too!

Kodak Smartphone camera accessories – Estimated arrival early November

Kodak was the name in photography once upon a time. So much so that in Quebec the term “Kodak” means camera. This was the company that invented the digital camera after all. They have drifted off since the transition to digital, but the good news is they are slowly making a comeback. Their new smartphone camera accessories help you get the most out of the camera in your cell phone. With a portrait light that connects directly to your phone, a mini tripod and multiple lens adapters, the possibilities to elevate your phone photography are endless. With a macro lens adapter allowing you to focus extremely close up, a fisheye adapter to provide a 170-degree field of view (including black corner vignette) and an ultra-wide lens adapter to add that little extra expanse to your image. Look for these to hit shelves at London Drugs sometime in November.

Logixx Wireless QI Canvas Duo – Estimated arrival mid November

Logixx are quickly proving themselves as a smartphone accessory powerhouse. Their Peels Air Pods Case allows for infinite personalization, and have become very popular, as have their wireless charging accessories. New out on the market is their Wireless QI Canvas Duo. No longer will you be faced with the decision to take turns charging devices or buy multiple charging mats. The new Dual Charge Mat is sleek, modern and features two sides, allowing you to charge multiple devices at the same time. Now your watch and phone can charge in harmony. A great bedside accessory that will look sleek in any space.

Logiix Wireless Suction Battery Pack – Available now

Logixx’s battery packs are practical solutions for those extended periods when charging isn’t an option. The suction battery pack sticks to the back of your phone and will charge it wirelessly. Building off feedback from their previous model, they have made the new version a little shorter, while still carrying the same power. This was done to allow camera usage while the phone is charging. A great way to make sure you can continue snapping and charging without worry, when previously your battery would be ready to give out.

Nikon Golf Rangefinder – Available online / via special order in-store

Nikon have a long-storied history in optics. You might know Nikon primarily for their cameras and binoculars, but did you know they also make time-lapse, long term live cell imagery systems for medical research in addition to personal glasses? Nikon does many things and does them incredibly well, and this golf rangefinder is no exception. With 2 models available, you can be sure that avid golfer in your life can determine the distance to the pin accurately every time. Bonus: they are weatherproof, so those rainy days on the course are no problem.

Polaroid Originals Lab Printer – Estimated arrival mid-November

Polaroid: the name speaks for itself. Instant colour positive images from a time when images lived in film canisters for days. Now imagine taking that selfie from your Instagram and printing it as a Polaroid. Imagine no more, as the new Polaroid Originals Lab Printer does exactly that. Just lay your phone on top with the image displayed on your screen, press the button, and instantly you have a Polaroid of the same image. Using the Polaroid Originals app on your phone, you can even add your own custom edits prior to printing. The design screams Polaroid, as it is styled in that classic blocky polaroid fashion. This printer is a must-have for anyone who truly loves the nostalgic and tangible experience of a Polaroid but doesn’t want to sacrifice the ease of smartphone photography.

Arcade 1up Games – Golden Tee available now, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles available for pre-order

Arcade 1Up is bringing the essence of the arcade back and into your home. Their freestanding and countertop models are reviving the arcade experience for a new generation. Back in the day, the original arcade games were a social experience where you engaged with friends. In a world where online gaming has become the norm, the rebirth of these classic arcades is being well received. This fall London Drugs will be adding to our Arcade 1Up offerings with two new classic titles: Golden Tee golf and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Keep an eye out for these on display in your local store between now and the end of November.

Marshall Headphones – Available now

Marshall guitar amps are synonymous with rock and roll. The iconic nameplate plastered in the center of a large amp stack is legendary. With all the headphones on the market, something that stands out as unique is the Marshall headphone line. Offering excellent noise cancelling properties combined with exceptional audio quality, they are an option not to overlook. Add in the vintage styling with modern touches in all the right places, and you have an awesome pair of headphones that really stand out from the crowd.

Sony PlayStation VR – Available now

VR isn’t anything new, but if you have been on the fence about getting on board, consider the Sony Playstation VR system. It comes in as a more affordable option when compared to many PC options on the market and is equipped with a decent library of games to enjoy. The headset fits comfortably, is easily adjustable and when combined with headphones, becomes a completely immersive playing experience. Following along on screen while others play is just as entertaining too. With titles such as Everybody’s Golf VR, Firewall Zero Hour, Tetris Effect, Gran Turismo Sport, and Astro Bot to name a few, the library of games available is continually growing, and includes something for everyone to enjoy.

Wandrd Prvke Photography Backpack – Available online

Have you searched aimlessly for a camera bag that is both functional and looks good? That is the guiding principle behind everything Wandrd makes. Their bags are a great option for the traveller looking to have a fluid combination of fashion and function for their camera gear and personal items. The integrated camera cube makes removing all your camera equipment quick and simple, and transferring it from one bag to another a breeze. Take a look at the many options here.

This is just a small sampling of what was on display at our tech conference in Whistler. There is a lot more in-store that our LDExperts will be thrilled to tell you all about. Hopefully, this list made you as excited as we are about all the new products coming to store soon! Drop by any London Drugs location and speak to an LDExpert today, or visit our website to find the latest and greatest tech. What new tech products have you most excited this fall? Let us know in the comments below.

13 Back to School Problems SOLVED

The new school year is now underway, and if you’re struggling to fully adjust, you’re not alone. It can be a stressful and busy time of year. To help ease into things this September, here are 13 tips to solve common issues you might be experiencing with the kids now back at school.

Problem #1

Tough Mornings: The days are getting shorter, so the mornings will be getting darker.

Solution: Wake up ready to take on the school run with the Philips Wakeup Somneo Light. It will wake you gently with a simulated sunrise that’s clinically proven to help you feel more rested.

Problem #2

I don’t have enough computer storage space: Too many kids shows taking up valuable storage space and there’s not enough room on the computer’s hard drive for their study projects.

Solution: A good external hard drive is the answer. Take a look at the Seagate Expansion Portable 8TB hard drive or the Transcend 4TB StoreJet and free up some of those valuable gigabytes.

Problem #3

Protecting your computer: The kids are a little less than delicate with their tech equipment.

Solution: The sturdy Asus C202SA Chromebook has been designed to withstand rough-and-tumble handling. It has a robust rubber-wrapped protective guard, it can survive a “drop test” from a height of 3.9 feet, and it can repel up to 66cc of liquid.

Problem #4

Too many bags, not enough hands: How can kids carry it all?

Solution: The Targus 17″ Voyager Laptop Backpack not only has a top-loading padded notebook section that can accommodate notebooks with up to 17” screens—it also has a large front cooler compartment for convenient food storage.

Problem #5

I don’t know anything about tech: How am I supposed to know what to buy?

Solution: London Drugs’ friendly tech experts are available in store to discuss technology needs for students. Ask them about laptops, portable memory devices, Bluetooth wireless headphones, software and accessories.

Problem #6

I don’t have time to shop: I’m too busy to go to the store.

Solution: Shop from the comfort of your home online at LondonDrugs.com and have your order ready for pickup in-store within two hours. London Drugs also offers free standard shipping on orders over $75.

Problem #7

Tired eyes: I worry about how long my kids are staring at screens.

Solution: The Asus 31.5inch Curved Monitor has a blue light filter that protects eyes from harmful blue light. It emits low blue light levels and is certified flicker-free. Add to that 25% sharper images and up to 77% more onscreen space – and you can see why this is the crème de la crème of monitors.

Problem #8

Restless kids: Are your kids bored of studying in their rooms?

Solution: Let them study on the go with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. Its fast processor and expandable memory provide an efficient platform for multitasking. It even comes with an S pen that never needs to be charged. Or choose an 11-inch Apple iPad Pro with its all-new, all-screen design to get the most from working on the go.

Problem #9

I don’t know what to do with old devices: How do I recycle?

Solution: Students upgrading electronic devices can recycle their old devices through London Drugs’ What’s the Green Deal? in-store comprehensive recycling program.

Problem #10

My house is noisy: The kids can’t focus on the podcast or play they need to listen to.

Solution: Treat their ears to some JVC Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling On-Ear Headphones. Bluetooth wireless technology lets them pair their smartphone or tablet for easy access to their saved playlists, while noise-cancelling technology helps block out all the noise fellow family members are making.

Problem #11

My kid’s workspace is boring: How can I brighten up their study area?

Solution: Great for homework, to-do lists and doodling, the Quartet Glass Desktop Dry-Erase Pad is fun and functional. This frameless desktop pad adds a convenient feature to any workspace and doesn’t stain, scratch or dent.

Problem #12

Busy lives: Trying to fit in time for family fun.

Solution: Try these cool retro Arcade 1Up Games, fun for almost any age. Relive the glory days of arcade gaming in the comfort of your own home with the family.

Problem #13

Back to school is expensive: And I don’t want to pay more than the other parents.

Solution: Keep costs low and get extra peace of mind with London Drugs’ price match guarantee.

Capture the Beauty of Fall with these Photography Tips

It’s hard to pick a favourite time of year for photography, but fall makes a pretty good case for the most photogenic season. Fall is the perfect time to explore your surroundings and experiment with your photography; the vibrant leaves and soft light create an opportunity for all kinds of beautiful landscape and portrait shots. To help spark your creativity, our LDExperts in the Photolab have some tips to share for capturing great photos of the fall foliage. Keep reading below to see them all!

Explore Your Location

When heading out shooting, take the time to explore your location and find the perfect subject. There might be a tree with glowing red leaves right around the corner from that one that only has half its leaves left. It also helps to do a little research when your planning your shoot – take a peek through local hashtags on Instagram to see where people have spotted some of the best and most colourful trees, or search out articles from the previous fall season which may indicate some good spots to check out.

Single vs Multiples

A single leaf vs. a pile of leaves. A single coloured tree alone in a field vs. a rolling hillside covered in vibrant leafy trees. Play with numbers and create drastically different images.

Use All Kinds of Subjects

Obviously, the fall season presents beautifully coloured trees. But fall produces much more photo opportunities than just the trees; fresh mushrooms in the forest, apple picking, pumpkin patches and corn mazes also make for great fall photos. A photo walk around your neighbourhood might unearth some seasonal photo inspiration. Or check out event listings in your area to see what other fall activities might present some fall-themed photo ops.

Shoot Rain or Shine

Don’t rule those rainy days out! Fall colours pop on overcast days. The moisture also lends itself nicely photography. Think of wet droplets on bright leaves. Imagine a bright red leaf floating in a puddle with a pretty reflection on the water surface. Overcast days might surprise you so don’t write them off. Instead, be excited about them! If it’s sunny, the early morning and late evening sun is ideal. It creates a warm glow and sidelight. If you’re shooting portraits, this may be the only light source you need!

Capture Fall in Action

If you’re shooting people, there is lots of action you can capture in the fall, from children playing in leaves, to a couple standing face to face with leaves falling around them (you’ll need someone out of frame to throw them in the air for that one!). The act of pumpkin picking or apple picking also lend well to action shots. For more subtle action, someone sipping steaming apple cider in a colourful park is simple but impactful.

Try New Vantage Points

Glowing leaves on a blue sky, shot from below can have beautiful colour contrast, but so can climbing a hill to get the overview of the valley covered in turning leaves. Play with your vantage point and consider what you want as an end result.

Tech Corner (Bonus Tips for the Advanced User)

Focus

Fall air can be crisp, and allows your eye and your camera to see further when compared to summer. If you’re shooting wide, stop your lens down to F16 and capture that depth of the image. Or, if you’re shooting people, open your lens up to F2.8 and have that pretty bokeh with coloured trees beautifully blurred in the background.

Equipment

Tripod and filters are key. Shooting with a tripod will allow you to shoot at slower exposures and lower ISO’s while shooting deep depth of field. Filters will allow you to add contrast and pull back the sky. If you’d like to learn more, pop by a London Drugs store and talk to an LDExpert today to find out how filters can help improve your fall photography.

Showcase Your Best Fall Shots

After all that attention and care you’ve taken to get the best possible fall photos, you’ll want to do them justice by showcasing them! To truly make the colour in those fall leaves pop, an aluminum metal panel is a great print surface for your images. The high-gloss finish will make them look sharp and vibrant. Our Photolab can even print them up to 40×60, for images that will give that ‘wow’ factor. Glossy prints and enlargements, as well as metallic prints, are also excellent choices for displaying your colourful fall photos.

Need some help picking the right print surface? Our LDExperts are always happy to help! Just visit us at your local London Drugs Photolab. If you already know exactly how you want to showcase your images, you can get started with your order online, or on your smartphone using our London Drugs Photolab App for iOS and Android.

In the Field with the New Sony RX100-VII Camera

Sony has just dropped their RX100-VII compact point-and-shoot camera! Our LDExperts had the opportunity to take it into the field at the Richmond Sunflower Festival and put it to the test. Watch the video below to get a peek into the camera’s key features and see actual footage from the RX100-VII. Then keep reading below to find out what we think (and catch our exclusive video with Jin from Sony Canada at the bottom of this post)!

The Sony RX100-VII is the seventh iteration of Sony’s top-end point-and-shoot RX100 line. The newest incarnation brings many features of the A9 mirrorless into a compact pocketable camera. The all-new 20.1 MP, 1” stacked sensor can capture bursts at 20 frames per second, has incredible autofocus and can create 4K HDR video!

The impressive spec list of this camera doesn’t stop there. The most notable performance upgrades come in the video features. Sony decided to include an integrated 3.5” microphone jack, and continuous autofocus with face, eye and object detection in video mode (including eye detect for animals). Combined, these features open this camera up to anyone looking to create high-quality video content with sound.

Equipped with a Zeiss 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 lens, this camera can achieve nice wide-angle shots for up-close action, with the telephoto abilities to get right in on the action from the sidelines. The burst mode of 20 frames per second with no blackout or dropped frames is lightning fast, and ensures you can capture those moments of high-speed action.

Having it out in the field at the sunflower festival, we spotted a hummingbird to put the camera’s quick focus and burst mode to the test. When we spotted it, we quickly pulled the camera out hoping to capture the shot. To our pleasant surprise, the camera powered up, and zoomed in in no time. The autofocus instantly locked in on the hummingbird and the burst mode captured it beautifully. The quick response of the RX100-VII proved it as a capable pocket power machine.

These features also translate well for parents with active kids. The autofocus and burst mode combine to make sure you always capture your children in any activity they are participating in.

It’s also great for shooting in manual mode! For the more seasoned photographer, the camera’s manual controls allow full control over all settings, to really capture the shot you want. The front ring dial also allows for a custom experience by choosing what setting it controls.

Overall, our impression was how capable this camera was for such a small package. We strongly recommend it for anyone looking for a serious upgrade from their phone, but without diving into the interchangeable lens world.

Watch Jin from Sony Canada walking through even more camera feature highlights.

Pick up your Sony RX100-VII at London Drugs here!

Expert Tips for Bringing Your Camera on Your Next Camping Trip

A camping trip is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer – especially in the summertime! It’s all about turning off your phone, breathing in that fresh air, enjoy others’ company, and taking in the beauty of nature. For Canmore Alberta-based photographer Sarah Magyar, it’s also an opportunity to snap some truly great photos to remember the whole experience. If you’re keen to capture your next camping adventure, you’ll want to check out Sarah’s 7 tips below for bringing your camera along while camping.

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Bringing my camera camping is something I always do. I don’t necessarily bring it for ‘professional’ photography reasons, but more so I can capture moments. My friends and I camp a lot, even if half of us have to work the next day, so bringing my camera means I get to capture and keep memories of smiling faces, people enjoying each other’s company and most importantly people shoving hotdogs and smores in their mouth!

Don’t forget your camera

So tip #1 for bringing your camera on your next camera trip is well, bring it! Capturing those authentic memories will mean more to you than the most perfect landscape image. Capture the moments that you want to hold on to forever: the ones you can look back on in years to come that will bring a smile to your face and remind you of the way things smelt, felt and looked.

Photo by @pat.hoffman

Pack your lenses in the car

Tip #2! If you’re car camping, bring a few lenses, or all your gear! There are so many opportunities for photos while camping: portraits, landscapes, products, sports, the list goes on! So you’ll want to make sure you have all your lenses so you don’t miss an opportunity to get the perfect shot. Plus, you’re car camping so it’s not like you have to lug it around with you, just keep it safe and locked in your car!

Have extra batteries on-hand

Tip #3 don’t forget the extra batteries! We’ve all been there, you have the perfect shot lined up, you go to flip the switch to turn on your camera and it doesn’t turn on. I must say it is one of the worst feelings in the world! Making sure you double, even triple check will guarantee you won’t miss that awesome shot!

This is especially important to remember while backcountry camping as batteries can drain faster in the cold. Also, when you’re in the backcountry, there’s no outlets which means no charging your batteries if they die. I always make sure to bring at least two, or three, extra batteries with me when backcountry camping.

London Drugs has a great selection of batteries for almost all cameras! Added bonus they also offer a wide assortment of chargers for your batteries if you’re looking to charge all your batteries at once.

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Keep your camera cool

Onto tip #4: if you’re going to be leaving your gear in the car while camping and it is hot out, you’ll want to protect it! Bring an empty cooler or something that will keep your gear cool and out of the heat. This will also protect it in the back of your car. I find this also helps with lens changes. Camping can be dirty and dusty, so make sure to keep your sensor and lens protected and clean.

Bring a portable tripod

Tip #5: Invest in a good/packable/reliable tripod! This will give you a chance to set up some great landscape shots, or allow you to maybe get in the frame and capture some memories with you and your friends. A tripod is always a good thing you to keep with you, especially if it’s small and doesn’t take up too much room.

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Invest in a good backpack

Tip #6 is for both car camping and backcountry camping: invest in a good backpack! This will allow you to keep all your gear together. My bag has a rain cover which is essential when I am backcountry camping; the weather is unpredictable in the mountains and you never know if it might rain! I personally have a backpacking backpack that I put a camera insert in, however you can purchase bags with camera inserts in them. Having a good backpack will also help protect your gear when you are putting it in the back of the car or keeping your backpack in the tent with you while you sleep.

Get to know your surroundings

Tip #7: If you are a landscape photographer make sure to know the area that you’re camping in. Make sure you know where the sun will set and rise to make sure you capture those beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Whether you’re car camping or backcountry camping, know where you’re going to be sleeping and do a quick internet search to see if there is anything unique in the area you might want to capture.

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Use a camera clip

Tip #8 is primarily for backcountry camping and something I find to be essential. Invest in a good camera clip that attaches to your backpack strap. Some are sleeves that slide onto your backpack strap and some are metal clips you clip on. I love capturing moments during camping trips and this allows me to have my camera accessible at any moment so I don’t have to stop and pull out my camera and slow everything down.

Print your favourite shots

When I’m finally home from an amazing backpacking or camping trip I always try to order some of my favourite images as prints. This allows me to keep those moments with me. It is also a great gift idea! Have a great photo of your best friend laughing at the campfire? Why not put it on a mug or a blanket or pillow? Better yet, you can create a poster collage of a whole bunch of images from that trip, or even use those photos to create your own calendar! The London Drugs Photolab has a great selection of different ways you can print your favourite memories and share them with your friends, or keep them for yourself.

7 Hikes for Stunning Photos This Summer

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Sparkling blue lakes, panoramic views of endless mountain chains, calm meadows with wildflowers blowing in the breeze and breathtaking scenery all come to mind when you think about hiking in the Canadian Rockies. With the endless amounts of trails and mountains to summit, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all the possibilities of capturing amazing moments, wildlife or perfect landscapes. To help get you started, Canmore Alberta-based photographer Sarah Magyar has compiled her top 7 hikes to capture stunning photos this summer, – some easy and some a little more difficult!

1. Tower of Babel

Photo by @adventuringsarah

This is one of my all-time favourites. I am not one to re-do hikes, there are just too many to experience out here! However, this is one I try to do every year. It offers amazing views of the Valley of Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake and Consolations Lake.

It’s short but difficult, and is more of a scramble than a hike, but the views at the top are worth the physical effort. There are awesome rocks you can sit on, lakes you can shoot from above, and of course you can capture the world-renowned Moraine Lake.

2. Devil’s Thumb

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Devil’s Thumb is an awesome hike in Lake Louise I would rate as moderate/difficult. The trail passes by Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes, Lake Agnes Tea House and Big Beehive making it one of the most photographic hikes I’ve done. You have the opportunity to capture some of the most picturesque spots in Lake Louise.

You follow the trail to Big Beehive then hang a right up to the top. You don’t actually get to the views of Big Beehive doing Devil’s Thumb but you pass right by the trail and I highly recommend adding the extra 500m to 1km to your trip as it offers an unbeatable view of Lake Louise.

3. Parkers Ridge

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Parker’s Ridge is located along the Icefields Parkway and is an easy/moderate hike. Once you’re at the top you get awesome views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and of the Parkway. Highly recommend this one for families and anyone trying to capture something different such as a glacier!

4. Rock Pile at Moraine Lake

Photo by @adventuringsarah

It is no secret Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful (and popular!) places in Canada – in fact it used to be on the Canadian $20 bill! The Rock Pile hike is super easy and good for all ages. It will allow you to get the perfect shot of Moraine Lake, just like you’ve seen all over Instagram.

For an added bonus, visit at sunrise and walk to the dock where the canoes are. Whether it’s a cloudy morning or a clear one, it will be mesmerizing.

5. Peyto Lake

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Peyto Lake is another classic spot to stop and capture the amazing blue of the lake. Some even say it looks like a wolf head! This is a heavily trafficked location and it is best to go and catch at sunset. The hike up is super easy and leisurely so it’s good for any and all ages!

6. Athabasca Falls

Photo by @adventuringsarah

This waterfall is one you don’t want to miss and is along the most beautiful road, the Icefields Parkway. You have the chance to walk to the waterfall and continue to look over the gorge. This is a magical place and offers a few different perspectives for you to get creative photos!

7. Wasootch Ridge

Photo by @adventuringsarah

Located in Kananaskis, this hike is a little more difficult. The beginning is steep and you gain quite a bit of elevation, but the views are worth the effort. You get views of both sides of the valley as well as the well-known mountain in Kananaskis called Yamnuska. Again, this hike offers the opportunity to get a few different shots all in the same day!

Getting these shots is half the fun! I love going home, plugging in my memory card and ordering prints, or fun gear, of my pictures! The London Drugs Photolab does an awesome job of printing shots and making them look just as vibrant and beautiful as they do on the computer and in real life. Between aluminum metal panels, canvas gallery wraps, bamboo prints, and calendars, they’ve got tons of options to make your images come to life. They even have two brand new fine art papers: Kauai and Baryta! Kauai is a smooth cotton paper that is designed for a long life, and is the best choice for prints that require Museum Grade quality. Meanwhile, Baryta is a bright white cotton paper that is ideally suited for photographic images, yielding a high D-Max with exceptional tonal range. Both worthy of your best images!

#Real Experts: The Ultimate Lens Guide for Amateur Photographers

Getting the shot you want as an amateur photographer can be difficult. From camera gear, to lenses, to the spirit behind the image, there is much to consider! Choosing the right tools for the job is essential to elevating your photography and making your photos stand out.

Luckily, Brayden Hall, Vancouver-based adventure, lifestyle, travel photographer, videographer and social media influencer, has a few insights to help you select the right lenses and equipment to get the images you crave.

If you fancy yourself a photographer, his advice will help you get that perfect shot for Instagram or to display and enjoy on your wall at home.

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

1. Everyone’s story is unique. Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be an expert in photography?

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

My love of photography all began on my first backpacking trip to Latin America. I set off for a 6-month backpacking trip around South and Central America and discovered my love for travel. I didn’t even own a camera at the time but when I got home from my life-changing trip I just knew that I could not spend the rest of my life working at my desk job.

Once I was home I purchased a drone just for fun and began exploring my epic backyard in beautiful British Columbia. I eventually bought my first camera, a Sony a6300, and began documenting my adventures. After MANY adventures and TONS of practice, one thing led to another, which brought me to where I am today.

Eventually, some of my closest friends and fellow creatives joined together and formed the creative collective known as All About Adventures. I now spend the majority of my time travelling near and far working with various clients and discovering new places with my best friends by my side.

At the core of it all, travelling, finding new experiences, going on good old fashioned adventures, and being able to do all of this with my closest friends are what drive me and inspire me to keep creating and pursuing this career and lifestyle.

2. When you started in photography, what camera/device did you use? Do you still use the same one?

Technically the first device I ever started creating videos and photos with would have been my iPhone and GoPro… But the device that really got me started in my career was my drone. I started off only taking drone videos and photos with my DJI Phantom Pro 3. The first camera I ever bought was my Sony a6300. I upgraded from the Sony a6300 to the Sony a7R ii when I got my first major job with some clients in Alaska and have been using that ever since.

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

3. What are your basic lenses and why do you use them?

The two lenses that I use the most are my 16-35mm F2.8 and my 24-70 mm F4. If I had to choose just one, it would be the 16-35 mm F2.8. I prefer to have a subject in my images with a vast landscape and I can really make these images come to life with my 16-35mm.

4. Do you ever use specialty lenses?

Yes! I also use a telephoto 70-200 mm and 24mm F1.4 prime from time to time.

I use the telephoto lens when shooting wildlife or when I want to shoot a subject off in the distance with some compressed mountains in the background.

I use the 24mm F1.4 in low light situations and when I am shooting more lifestyle, portraits or products in scenes.

5. What’s the leading factor in choosing which lens you will shoot with on a given day?

It definitely depends on the landscape I am shooting and how I want to bring that to life. Each lens I own has a different way of creating the type of scene that I want to portray in my images and different landscapes have a huge factor in that.

For example, if I am shooting a camping scene with a tent in the mountains I will typically use a wide angle lens to capture everything.

It also depends if the shoot I am going on is just for fun or if it is a client shoot where I am shooting products. In that case, I would typically use a lens where I can have a wider focal range and be able to zoom closer in the feature the product.

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

6. Do you think there are any particular photography items that new photographers could do without? What are 1-3 things photographers do not need?

I think it all depends on what type of images these photographers are trying to capture. I don’t really think there is anything that a new photographer technically does not need… But a suggestion I can make is starting out with one lens, preferably a 16-35mm or 24-70mm, and mastering that lens before going out and buying a bunch of fancy zoom lenses or primes. If you are shooting on a crop sensor you can just look for the equivalent mm for the size of the sensor your camera has.

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

7. Do you have any particular products, tech, or tools you’re passionate about or find particularly useful in your photography? What are 3 things you can’t – or won’t – go on a shoot without?

On every shoot, I bring my 16-35mm 2.8, my drone which is a DJI Mavic Pro 2, and if I am hiking I always have my peak design clip attached to the front strap of my bag so I don’t have to go in and out of my backpack every time I want to take a photo.

8. If present you could go back to past you and offer one piece of advice, what would that advice be?

If I could go back in time and give one piece of advice to the past me who was just starting out in photography it would be to be more present.

At the start of my career, I was so caught up in trying to take the best images when exploring a new location that I would forget to take time to enjoy the place I was there to explore in the first place. Now I make sure I get the images I want but also make sure I take the time for myself to explore the beautiful places that I am adventuring to.

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

9. Which photography trends are you seeing that you’re excited about or are interested in exploring?

In the outdoor, adventure, travel and even just the Instagram community, there are soooooo many trends that are happening so fast. Like having hipster blankets and hats in your images, or another one that is just popping up right now is that everyone is trying to take images of motorcycles and going out and buying new bikes. Hahahaha… I am not the biggest fan of these materialistic trends and definitely don’t think you should go out and buy a motorcycle just to take some images of it. If it’s something you are truly passionate about though, go for it!

One trend I am really liking lately is that people are starting to get an urge to explore and capture new locations around the world that I have never seen.

There is a lot of very similar content out there, especially on Instagram, and it gets very repetitive. It’s awesome to see people breaking the norm and visiting places that I’ve never seen and really getting back to the roots of adventure photography. Which is basically like I said before, good old fashioned adventuring and discovering new places!

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

Brayden is a Canadian adventure, lifestyle, travel photographer, videographer and social media influencer with an insatiable hunger to explore. From the epic peaks of Patagonia to the lush tropical beaches of Indonesia, you can find him searching for the next adventure.

In 2014 he set out on his first backpacking trip throughout Latin America. It was there where he realized his passions for travel and creating content of the beautiful locations he discovers. Since then he has co-founded All About Adventures and worked with high-profile clients such as Google, Air New Zealand, TenTree, GMC, Marmot, Ultimate Ears, Destination British Columbia, Visit Finland and many more all around the world.

Over the course of his career, he has accumulated a massive social media following of over 230K+ fans. At the core of it all, Brayden loves to travel near and far exploring the places our beautiful planet has to offer and have a GREAT time doing it.

You can contact him via his website. Learn about his story here, or follow him on Instagram.

photo cred: @braybraywoowoo

For additional tips on how to photograph like a pro or select the right lens for you, drop by your local London Drugs and talk to any of our in-store photography experts.

London Drugs Whistler Tech Conference Recap – Exciting New Products

Kodak Smartphone camera accessories – Estimated arrival early November

Logixx Wireless QI Canvas Duo – Estimated arrival mid November

Logiix Wireless Suction Battery Pack – Available now

Nikon Golf Rangefinder – Available online / via special order in-store

Polaroid Originals Lab Printer – Estimated arrival mid-November

Arcade 1up Games – Golden Tee available now, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles available for pre-order

Marshall Headphones – Available now

Sony PlayStation VR – Available now

Wandrd Prvke Photography Backpack – Available online

13 Back to School Problems SOLVED

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Capture the Beauty of Fall with these Photography Tips

Explore Your Location

Single vs Multiples

Use All Kinds of Subjects

Shoot Rain or Shine

Capture Fall in Action

Try New Vantage Points

Tech Corner (Bonus Tips for the Advanced User)

Focus

Equipment

Showcase Your Best Fall Shots

In the Field with the New Sony RX100-VII Camera

Expert Tips for Bringing Your Camera on Your Next Camping Trip

Don’t forget your camera

Pack your lenses in the car

Have extra batteries on-hand

Keep your camera cool

Bring a portable tripod

Invest in a good backpack

Get to know your surroundings

Use a camera clip

Print your favourite shots

7 Hikes for Stunning Photos This Summer

1. Tower of Babel

2. Devil’s Thumb

3. Parkers Ridge

4. Rock Pile at Moraine Lake

5. Peyto Lake

6. Athabasca Falls

7. Wasootch Ridge

#Real Experts: The Ultimate Lens Guide for Amateur Photographers

1. Everyone’s story is unique. Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be an expert in photography?

2. When you started in photography, what camera/device did you use? Do you still use the same one?

3. What are your basic lenses and why do you use them?

4. Do you ever use specialty lenses?

5. What’s the leading factor in choosing which lens you will shoot with on a given day?

6. Do you think there are any particular photography items that new photographers could do without? What are 1-3 things photographers do not need?

7. Do you have any particular products, tech, or tools you’re passionate about or find particularly useful in your photography? What are 3 things you can’t – or won’t – go on a shoot without?

8. If present you could go back to past you and offer one piece of advice, what would that advice be?

9. Which photography trends are you seeing that you’re excited about or are interested in exploring?

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