Les Atkins Story

May. 212018 . Category:business, Encourage, 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.

After over 20 years in the industry,Les Atkinsknows what it takes to capture the big moments. As a wedding & portrait photographer, serving both North Carolina and southern Virginia, Atkins’s passion for photography began with a gift from his parents in the late 1970s: a Kodak Brownie. As Atkins explains, the camera still sits in his studio in North Carolina.

Atkins approaches photography like he approaches life: “with an open mind, preparation, and a huge imagination.” HoldFast Gear didn’t register on his radar until an accident put him in a position to seek a remedy for significant pain.

“A few years ago my wife and I were traveling out to dinner when we were hit by a drunk driver not far from our home. The jarring caused significant back and neck pain which still occurs from time to time,” Atkins explains.

“As a full time wedding photographer, the camera weight can also be unbearable at times. I’m sure most photographers can sympathize knowing the combined weight of a Canon 5D Mark IV with a 70-200 lens. In the year following the wreck I sought out ways to continue to do my job without spending days in pain.”

Fortunately, Atkins says a friend mentioned HoldFast Gear. After purchasing the Money Maker in Burgundy Water Buffalo, Atkins admits he was a bit unsure. “I was skeptical at first since the strap would come across my shoulders, but the design is perfect for those who have neck and shoulder pain,” Atkins says. “It evenly distributes the weight unlike the traditional across the chest style straps.

The functionality of the Money Maker has been life-changing for Atkins, along with the fact that its fulfills the desire Atkins has to look stylish while working.

Atkins elaborates, “It’s extremely comfortable and professional looking. Other gear I’ve used made me look like “photog nerd guy”. I want to look professional at a wedding without looking out of place from guests. Not only has it allowed me to do my job, but I gotta say I get quite a few compliments from clients on the nice look it.”

By allowing Atkins to carry his cameras where it’s most important–actually on him–the Money Maker has definitely provided a sense of security during the fast pace of the jobs he shoots.

“I’m able to have everything I need for weddings, engagements, and family sessions. I typically put my wide angle on one body and my 70-200 on the other allowing me to be ready for most anything on wedding day. I’m also confident the camera is secure at all times.

“I wouldn’t think of being a wedding photographer without the Holdfast Money Maker.”