We work in a very unique profession, and often the best ideas are the ones that come from necessity in the field. Photographers can be very “MacGuyver-ish” with gaffer’s tape, a clamp, some bubblegum and a paper clip.

Many years ago, we created a Tips and Tricks section of b-roll.net. Posted ideas ranged from shooting a train coming at you via a mirror to finding an inexpensive dimmer at IKEA. Some are things you already know; others give you a total “why didn’t I think of that?” moment.

We’re unveiling the new, searchable Tips and Tricks section of b-roll.net TODAY. You’ll now have easier access to the great knowledge base of our impressive readership.

We want to add your Tips and Tricks to our library, and we’re not afraid to bribe you. Not only will you get the bragging rights of seeing your name in lights on b-roll.net but, we’ll also send you one of our brand-new b-roll.net STICKERS.

Email us your Tip or Trick (with b-roll.net TIPS in the subject line) to: info@b-roll.net. Please include a solid write-up of your idea, along with your name and the company you work for. You’ll have a better shot at being published if you include some good photography to demonstrate your idea. And don’t forget to include your mailing address - we won’t publish it, but we need to know where to mail your sticker.

So that’s your homework assignment… get writing, and we’ll see you in class tomorrow.

From: Tom Cassidy, Chief Photogapher, WPIX-TV New York

This is a trick/tip for Ultralight users. Ok, you’re a million miles away from the crew car and you of course didn’t bring a run bag. Now it’s time for some MOS or an impromptu presser and the 9V in your TX or RX is flaking out. Well if you use an Anton Bauer Ultralight then simply tilt the light head up and in the small cavity underneath will be your backup 9V discreetly taped in place! Problem solved!!! Of course having your run bag is a better option but as we all know; stuff happens.

From Tom Cassidy, Chief Photographer, WPIX-TV, New York

I stumbled upon a flashlight made by EVEREADY that has over the years become my secret weapon(s) for interior car lighting. The flashlight is about 6 inches long is flat and uses a fluorescent bulb. It will fit in the middle of a steering wheel, in the sun visor, on the dashboard, even on the ceiling. I have put this sucker and at times several of them almost everywhere in a car (with the help of some “G” tape) It has provided me with some of the most natural “source” lighting you can get. The best part is they’re only $6—take seconds to install and can be stored anywhere!

We’ve been proud to have Nino Giannotti as a knowledgeable contributor to the b-roll.net FORUM for many years. After 37 years as a still photographer and cinematographer, he’s learned a thing or two about lighting.

In January 2007, Nino decided to share that knowledge with veteran and aspiring photographers around the world through his website http://efplighting.com.

The reaction to this free flow of information was amazing, with millions of hits in the first 6 months, and Nino realized he needed to expand his site. The new and improved version of http://efplighting.com contains free listings and a more in-depth paid section. A tremendous amount of professional expertise is now available for only $50 per year.

We’re happy to have EFP Lighting join b-roll.net as a sponsor and partner, and we wish them great success in educating the world’s photographers.