What happens behind the scenes is almost as interesting as what is happening in front of the camera. That might be why so many photographers have a blog entry about the gear they use. What tools we use and how we use them that is interesting to fans, hobbyists, and working pros alike. It’s no secret the BSM guys all shoot with Canon equipment. It’s also no secret the entire operation is driven by an extensive assortment of Apple products. What you may not know are the not so common “tools of the trade” we use.
One of those new favorites is the support system we use for our Live Photos setup. We found out very quickly we needed a superior platform to hold the laptop, router, power distribution, antennas, day sheet, and…… well, you get the point. There is a fair amount of gear that needs to be set just outside the arena panel. It also needs to be secure since it is dangerously close to the action.
This is where "Virtual Jacey" lives while doing Live Photos every weekend. The Tabelz offers great support and safety for all of the gear.
The Bull Stock Media Team could use several devices, but our support of choice is a laptop platform called Tabelz (www.tabelz.com). This platform mounts on the top of a tripod. It gives us an incredibly strong, stable platform to place our laptops on. Before finding Tabelz, we tried small folding tables, with alarming results. Many times there is limited space to place our setup. The other variables we have to deal with are a combination of uneven arena dirt, and a snarl of cables from the TV cameras. When using the Tabelz mounted to a beefy tripod, we can adapt to the uneven ground, adjust the height to a more productive level, and fit it all in the small footprint we have to work with each week.
This picture shows the small space our Tabelz utilizes all the while performing a big job!
We truly are prepared for the unexpected with this setup. It’s also used during our studio shoots as a setup to preview the shots as they are taken. There simply isn’t a comparison when checking images on a 15 inch screen versus the little screen on the back of the camera. 
The Tabelz are also a necessity when it comes to our print-on-site setups. Placing the laptop at a comfortable level to work while standing is imperative to the success of keeping the flow moving. We recently had to place one of our Tabelz into surprise duty as a elevated platform for a LCD projector of which it handled just fine.
Clearly we are happy with what the Tabelz do for us, but what makes them so great? They are light yet incredibly strong. Their thin profile allows us to pack them in minimal space which is a concern when traveling. Additionally, you can attach outboard shelves, mouse pads, drink holders (which we use as a lens holder), and the newly released tripod head platform. It may seem like a simple thing, but when a product performs so well, its just one less thing we have to worry about while we’re catching the action for you.
Whether you are a professional photographer or you just need to set something up in a portable environment, Tabelz has the product for you. They are incredibly diversified and not matter what you need, we are confident they have the right fit. Go check them out HERE and tell them Bull Stock Media sent you!
