April Killins Story

Oct. 202018 . Category:business, Encourage, growth, Guest Blog, How Do You HoldFast?, photography

From the get-go, HoldFast’s allegiance lies in this: steadfast dedication to professional photographers and the systems they utilize. Committed to paving the way, HoldFast gear accentuates style while also performing comfortably and efficiently. Responsible for creating a new genre within the industry, we’re changing the way photographers look and feel while doing their best work.

In this series, you’ll hear stories of HoldFast gear and the photographers–the pioneers, the adventurers, the originals–that use them. This is How You HoldFast.

It would be easy for someone to draw the conclusion that photographers that use HoldFast Gear, whether it be a Money Maker or Roamographer, are in for a more organized, more comfortable, and even more stylish shooting experience. But what would you think if you discovered that not only are HoldFast photographers changing the way in which they shoot–they’re also making more money?

Case in point: Canadian photographer April MacDonald Killins, who says she purchased a Money Maker for strictly aesthetics reasons.

“I chose the Money Maker because I believe that a part of my brand is communicated in the way I dress myself. I wanted a strap that could look good, AND take me wherever I dared to go, without hindering my ability to comfortably walk long distances, climb hills, and get right into the action,” Killins says.

The Burgundy Water Buffalo Money Maker that Killins invested in serves its purpose in both style and function.

“I bought it because I wanted something more formal to wear to weddings, but the mobility this system affords me was actually the game-changer,” explains Killins. “My hands are free to scramble up a hill or jump into the action while my cameras are ready in an instant. When it arrived in the mail and I put it on, letting two cameras fall free at my sides, I realized this was going to bring freedom to my experience of shooting.”

Killins splits her work between events, weddings, and portraits. Since beginning to shoot professionally in 2012, Killins commits her work to capturing the moments as they happen.

“My primary subject matter is relationship and experience. If a photograph communicates the experience of a subject in relationship with their environment, I believe it will make the viewer feel something…what it was like to be immersed in that event, to marry that girl, to live that life,” she says. Desiring to capture things minute by minute means she has to be able to get where she needs to be exactly when she needs to be there, something that’s afforded to her by utilizing her Money Maker.

“Having quick access to a variety of focal lengths allows me to walk into any situation with the confidence that I won’t miss a shot changing lenses, or simply because I couldn’t set myself up in the right place fast enough. Having my hands free lets me shoot more boldly; I’m not limited by my stuff.”

So where does being more profitable fit into all of this? Having a Money Maker to haul her gear around on has cut out unnecessary expenses, because Killins has now gained more time and freedom to shoot what needs to be captured, instead of worrying about finding her gear or being weighed down.

“I don’t need an assistant anymore. The Money Maker distributes the weight so evenly I can carry all my gear on my body for a full day without issue. I can hop into a limo or a bus without dragging camera bags around, and the leather is easy to pair with an outfit,” Killins says. “I love that I can strap all my equipment to my body and literally go anywhere without fumbling with bags or needing an assistant.”

Part of the Money Maker setup is a set of sailboat clips, designed with a safety strap, that allow photographers to not only detach and reattach their cameras quickly, but also secure them safely to the carrying system.

“It seems like a small thing, but if the strap had camera loops, or other fasteners I wouldn’t be able to customize it as easily. The clips are perfect. They are easy to release if I want the camera free, and at the same time feel solid and secure,” Killins shares. “I also like that the D-rings on either side are versatile. I can strap anything to them, not just a camera. I’ve shot events where I needed FOB access to certain areas of the venue, and I was able to have a camera on one side and clip my FOB to the other side.

“Every event is different and I like reimagining my setup so the most crucial quick-access tools are at my sides and I don’t need to load myself up with bags and lanyards. I don’t need to hide bags under tables at weddings. When I have two cameras at my fingertips, I can shoot with prime lenses even in fast-paced environments,” says Killins.

Killins admits that HoldFast products make her feel liberated, both in having her gear right on her, and being able to having a piece of gear that’s both stylish and durable.

“The MoneyMaker is comfortable and flexible, and it makes me super mobile while also looking good with a dress. I get compliments on my strap at every wedding. The biggest difference between HoldFast and other brands is that HoldFast looks great, and people notice it. Too much camera gear is designed with adventure in mind while overlooking style. HoldFast Gear looks good, and that’s important when you’re a walking representation of your brand.