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.
To say thatKevin and Nicole Bergsort of ‘happened’ uponHoldFast Gearwould be an understatement. In fact, they weren’t even looking for a camera-carrying system at the time, having simply made plans to attend a workshop on flash photography in November 2012.
“We were super excited to learn and elevate our flash game to another level. After the classroom portion of the day, the group headed outside to put into practice what we had gone over that morning,” Kevin says. “I looked over I saw another photographer putting on his camera strap, and it was the single coolest camera strap I had ever seen; I immediately walked over and asked him about it.”
Nicole, knowing Kevin’s love for leather gear runs deep, backed his play after Kevin inundated the other photographer, Dallas/Fort Worth wedding photographer Hiram Trillo, with questions on where and how to get the strap.
Kevin and Nicole own Berg Photography, and purchased their first piece of HoldFast gear that same day, a tan Bridle Money Maker.
“The Money Maker I wanted was out of stock, so we had to wait a little bit for it to come in. We had to shoot a wedding with the old setup of two camera bodies on individual straps during the ceremony one last time, and I was miserable. I knew that there was a dual camera setup that was super cool, great looking and 100% functional, and I knew there was a better way and was so happy that I’d never have to struggle like that during a ceremony ever again,” Kevin explains.
After seeing how great the Money Maker was, the Bergs ordered a second one, this time in black, for Nicole–but their investment didn’t stop there.
“We saw that we could have our logo engraved on a strap, so we purchased matching Burgundy Water Buffalo Money Makers with our logo stamped into the leather. We ordered Nicole one of the Limited Edition Red Money Makers with the glove leather lining, while Kevin got the single coolest Money Maker ever made: Old Glory,” Nicole says. “Kevin later ordered another custom Tan Water Buffalo Money Maker with our mascot, the Berg Photography Dinosaur, Elliott, laser engraved on it.”
Designed as the first of its kind, the multi-camera carrying system allows photographers to carry their gear where it’s most important: right on them. Money Makers can be utilized as a 1, 2, or 3 camera system, a feature most photographers, including the Bergs, find to be most helpful.
“The ability to easily carry two separate camera setups at once…being able to switch between two different setups effortlessly allows us to catch so many more genuine moments and gives us the ability to be prepared for multiple situations at once.”
Nicole goes on to explain that originally they each used only one camera each, with the exception being during a ceremony when Kevin would somehow manage to harness himself with two cameras.
“The Money Maker has allowed us to use a two camera setup effortlessly throughout the entire wedding day, that allows us to have camera with a flash setup on one side and a natural light setup on the other.”
The Bergs photograph primarily weddings and portraits, having done so since 2009 and 2011, respectively. Nicole uses prime lenses, which means the Money Maker allows her easy access to two focal lengths.
For Nicole who uses prime lenses, that means she has easy access to two focal lengths.
“We’re also able to easily use both of our hands to direct and pose while our cameras stay firmly by our sides with our Money Makers. It also allows us to capture more moments on a wedding day,” Kevin concludes.
Kevin and Nicole each have a Roamographer as well: Kevin the larger, and Nicole the smaller.
“I have the large bag which carries everything I need for a wedding day and more in it, and Nicole has the smaller Roamographer bag that holds her extra camera, lens, and flash. I loved my bag so much that we later bought the small version for Nicole at the trade show at Mystic Seminars,” Kevin says.
Having used other bags prior to purchasing the Roamographer, Kevin knew, while it was an investment, the Roamographer had to be worth it, simply because his other bags kept falling apart.
He was not left disappointed. “My prior bags ripped, broke, looked terrible, and became unusable after a few months. I’ve had my Roamographer for over four years now and, despite the abuse, over packing, sliding on the ground, shoving gear into it without a care, it still looks great and all the parts still function like they should. The difference in quality between my Holdfast Roamographer and prior camera bags is ridiculous. I even stick flash stands and umbrellas through the straps all the time. My Roamographer still looks great and is still 100 percent functional after years of abuse.”
HoldFast uses the highest grade quality leather, and Kevin’s definitely put it to the test: “My Roamographer has lasted over four years with constant abuse–my prior bags couldn’t last four months.”
“The best thing about the large Roamographer is that it holds everything I need and then some. I can fit my two camera setups with a 24-70 and 70-200, two flashes, triggers, extra batteries, gum, wallet, keys, a handheld off camera flash, and a video light in it. That weighs the bag down for sure, but, considering I lighten the load by having my two cameras on the Money Maker, it is perfect for wedding day! The part I really love is that I can use the bag straps to attach a light stand and umbrella to my bag allowing my hands to stay free when walking,” he says.
The practicality and stylishness of HoldFast gear has kept the Bergs coming back for more.
“Holdfast quality is top notch and the gear is not only functional, but also damn good looking. We are constantly complimented on our camera bags and our money makers. Added bonus of the Roamographer is that it makes a great weekend bag as well. You can pull the dividers out and use it as just a really great looking leather bag!”
While the Money Makerhas made a huge impact on how the Bergs do their work, it’s also made a surprising, yet no less significant difference for Kevin while vacationing. We’ll let him explain:
“I hate looking like a tourist when traveling the world, so I kept my camera in my backpack instead of using the basic camera strap around my neck declaring to the world what camera I was carrying. Our first vacation to use the Money Maker was a trip to Ireland and, boy, did it make an impact!!! Instead of dragging my camera out of my backpack to take a photograph, I had my camera at my side at all times. I was able to capture more moments and interesting photos than ever before thanks to the easy access my money maker provides.”
“But, as with all great things, you don’t truly know what you have until it’s gone. On a trip to Sweden, we were delayed in London for two days on our return home. Having thought our trip was over, I packed my Money Maker in my checked baggage. Thanks to crazy airline issues, our bags were long gone, so we had a full day of touring London. And there I was like a regular tourist camera in hand and not on my beautiful hand tooled Old Glory Money Maker. I was miserable without it!!!”
Contact info
◦ Website: www.wearethebergs.com
◦ Facebook & Instagram: @wearethebergs
◦ Email Address:Kevin@wearethebergs.comNicole@wearethebergs.com
