DON’T KNOW YOUR CPU FROM DDR, OR YOUR SSD FROM HDD? JARGON GETTING YOU DOWN? OR MAKING YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED?
WE’VE GOT YOU, DON’T WORRY!
here to help!
We’ve been working in photography and moving image for over twenty years, we’ve travelled the world on big commercial jobs and done everything from tiny editorial shoots up to billboards for global brands. Along the way we’ve hit almost any challenge or problem you could name and powered our way through, drawing on a wealth of experience and know-how.
Couple that experience with a unhealthy obsession fascination with tech, and you might see why Mainframed was born, we’re here to help other people, using our extensive knowledge.
You’re never alone, most people struggle with the tech side of being a creative, it’s not helped that we now have to master so many different mediums. Fortunately, we’ve always jumped head first into new tech, it’s exciting to see what it’ll help us achieve.
See below for some of the most common subjects we are asked about.
If your question is not listed, then drop us a note.
Video
If you are a photographer in 2023, you need to shoot video - no two ways about it. We can help you get started and make it seem far easier and less scary! If you have some of the kit already and need some pointers, or if you’ve been shooting bits for a while and want to up your game, we can help.
Video EDITING
Getting your head around the basics of editing will save you time, money and give you a better idea of how to shoot for an edit. It might even save your bacon. We always recommend Blackmagics DaVinci Resolve software, it’s free and one of the industry standards, it’s also easy enough to learn the basics.
AI + APP Workflow enhancement
Are you finding yourself doing a lot of repetitive tasks and wasting hours of time? Well, chances are - they can be automated. Let’s try and save you some time shall we? We use a mix of apps and hardware to streamline, speed up and make workflows less monotonous.
EQUIPMENT REcOmMENDATIONS
Want an opinion on a bit of gear or camera system? We’ve used almost everything and can tell you whether you really need it, whether it will help you improve, or whether it is overhyped and over-marketed.
STARTING A PODCAST
We helped start and continue to run The Exposed Negative Podcast, lean on everything we’ve learnt so you can make it a much easier process. It’s a great thing to do. We can recommend services, editing & microphones.
CRM & DATABASES
Whether you need a small CRM or one that can dial into your mailing lists. We’ve built databases in Notion, used full CRM systems and BusyContacts. We’ll be able to advise the best type of system for your size and budget.
PIMP YOUR WEBCAM
If you create images for a living then your webcam must look good. Every point of contact you have with the client should show your expertise. Lighting, running your cameras as your webcams, it all adds impact.
e-mail - inbox zero tactics
Are you feeling swamped with your inbox? We use Apple Mail to achieve ‘Inbox zero’ which is a method of keeping your mailbox up to date. We use Smart mailboxes with some clever filters so you can see what you have to answer. Clearing out the clutter.
Storage
The backbone of the modern photographers office & workflow. We can advise on all storage related questions from creating archives to backing up and automation. Our main pro used to be endorsed by the largest pro hard drive manufacturer and has given talks about storage all over the world.
CAMERA SYSTEM SWAPS
We’ve got previous here, our main pro swapped 9 systems in 3 years. We’ll can advise you if the swap will add value to you and your business. We’ll advise on camera choices and why you might not need to do as bigger swap as you thought.
TETHERING & TETHERED WORKFLOWS
We’ve been shooting tethered since USB 2.0, we can recommend the best cables, set ups, locks and software options for the industry standard workflows, impress your client and back up at the same time? Dream time!
STUDIO FIT OUTS
We’ve helped fit out studios and we’ve done bespoke high speed camera installs. We’ll be able to work the equipment into your budget and don’t believe in fluff - you’ll get what you want & need. We’re not tied to any suppliers (but we are able to get discounts at the main ones, because we’re charming…)
SOCIAL MEDIA AUTOMATION
Do you forget to post or simply not like social media? Well, why not set some time aside every month or so to schedule everything, we can run you through your options and useful bits to take the stress off.
Website UX + Culling
We’re all so connected to our work and images, it’s really tough to be objective. Fresh eyes and a full website stress test can really help edit your website and point out any flaws or problems. It’s amazing how hard it can be to find people’s contact details sometimes!
Workflows
We’ve met so many people with either convoluted or non-existent workflows, it makes us cry a little inside. Having a consistent workflow will enable you to work smarter, not harder. Improving overall efficiency and consistency, which is great for reassuring for clients.
AI Image Generation
We can train you how to create image assets to use in your pitches or storyboards. AI is going to change the way we work, we will be doing our best to keep up with all the changes!
AUDIO + MICROPHONES
Check, check, etc etc. Do you know when is best to use a shotgun or a hypercardioid? Or how to lav someone. How’s best to record internally and externally, and what the hell is 32-bit float? We can talk you through it.
ANY OTHER TECH QUESTIONS
Best drop us a note, there are no silly questions and we know that tech doesn’t come naturally to a lot of creative people.
We’re also pretty bloody honest, if we’re unable to help, we’ll tell you straight away and should be able to put you on to someone who can help.