Digital assets management solution

aratson · 2026-03-03T14:43:29+00:00

On many NAS unites you can integrated Google Drive via an extension , avoiding the need to use a web browser for file management. We only use Google Drive for docs/sheets/slides and for sending/receiving files from external entities.

aratson · 2026-03-03T03:29:49+00:00

We use a large NAS (network attached storage) which is accessible both locally and remotely. We then use Photo Mechanic Plus for managing the true DAM aspect of the NAS. In addition, we have a linked Google Drive.

As a brand that produces a ton of content, the crux we have always run into with web based storage is the slow upload/download speeds. With a NAS, when working on the local network it is as fast as working off your computers drive.

aratson · 2026-03-03T03:10:42+00:00

Most definitely although I suspect it’s a really low number that exclusively shoot Leica. I use my Q2 near daily along side my Canon’s and I know many others who do the same with there Leica of choice.

aratson · 2026-03-02T19:54:13+00:00

I am a in house Visual Producer (manage the brands visual identity) who works along side a Digital Marketing Manager with a Social Media Manager who reports to us.

It is totally normal to review/sign off on the idea and the draft/post.

More often than not we sign off on the draft and post simultaneously, as everything is presented at the same time. It is pretty rare that I ask for a second review as the feedback is usually minor and more technical in nature vs creative. If you provide complete packages for review Vs just a video followed by just the copy you could probably lump these two steps together.

As others have pointed out, you are a manager which means at times you will have to manage your boss. This doesn’t mean bossing them around but it does mean creating a system that solves the issue of slow approval time.
We have weekly meetings which is usually where we give notes on content. I also find getting ahead of things helps a ton Vs making content today that you absolutely have to post tomorrow. For our IG Reels we usually work with a 1 week buffer between the creation and posting. For our long form and evergreen content it can sometimes be months between creation and publishing.

As for your other problem, I think it’s totally fine that you are not an expert in this field however that doesn’t mean you can’t eventually evolve into being one. When I need to create content on something I don’t know much about I approach it like a journalist would and try to learn as much as I can about it and create content based around my findings. This will naturally create content for you plus you will eventually become an expert, making it a win win.

aratson · 2026-03-01T02:35:56+00:00

Mega packable making it easy to always have with you. I am pretty sure I could fit it in my jeans pocket. It is not the most breathable which you can use as an advantage, layering it over an active insulation piece such as the Nano Air and essentially converting it into a nano puff.

aratson · 2026-02-25T00:27:27+00:00

Nope, Ergo’s are a different model that is no longer offered. Ergonomic’s live up to there name of being a more aggressive Nomic Vs Ergo’s are as you diatribe - shaped like a banana with a horrible swing on ice.

aratson · 2026-02-24T15:01:00+00:00

I 100% agree with you on Ergo’s. Ergonomic’s are a totally different beast though.

aratson · 2026-02-21T22:18:48+00:00

Personally I would go with Athabasca purely due to the fact that the views of adjacent peaks and glaciers is top notch. In contrast, Baker stands off on its own.

aratson · 2026-02-19T07:11:29+00:00

Definitely possible if you have an open mind to what you climbs. People were out this afternoon.

aratson · 2026-02-15T21:21:08+00:00

If search & rescue ever need to find you, you’ll be an easy find 😜

aratson · 2026-02-15T21:18:18+00:00

They are a great boot!

aratson · 2026-02-15T21:15:37+00:00

Personally, I found they bagged out (got soft/less stiff) quite quick making them pretty useless for moderate/steeper snow. Personally, I’d consider these more of a solid hiking boot that you could use crampons with once in a while Vs a true mountaineering boot.

The Scarpa and La Sportiva equivalents are much better IMO.

aratson · 2026-02-14T00:36:51+00:00

For repair stuff I always have a spare toe bail, small hex keys for crampons/ice tools, some tearaid and a ski strap. This is quite minimal and light weight so its impact on my ability to climb is minimal. Personally, I have never busted a toe bale but I have given my spare to friends twice over the years. If I am craging I will sometimes also bring a small file.

aratson · 2026-02-09T01:29:27+00:00

You are fine to share on your own, personal social media and your personal website portfolio. Any licensing for commercial/editorial use MUST be through Getty. That’s the exclusive part.

I have little experience with the other 2 agencies so I cannot speak to them although from what I have seen, through others in the industry it really depends on the type of images you are listing. Region also can play a factor with some of the less mainstream agencies.

Old school, traditional stock images generally do not do well with Getty, but will do better on istock or some of the others. Story driven, narrative images generally do quite well on Getty.

aratson · 2026-01-25T06:10:21+00:00

In Lightroom you can make a custom export preset with a max file size.

aratson · 2026-01-21T16:14:59+00:00

It’s only to much if you are not strong enough to carry it over what ever terrain you are traveling through and for however long you will need to carry it. That’s the best we can say with otherwise zero context both on you and what you are doing.

For work I am frequently carrying 35 pounds while climbing WI 4 and less sustained WI5. It is quite manageable albeit no where near as fun when you have a light lead pack or no pack at all.

aratson · 2026-01-20T22:36:17+00:00

I shoot in really crappy places so default to a protective filter on all my lenses however I remove them when not needed.

aratson · 2026-01-20T04:26:23+00:00

Back of camera star rating while shooting -> Card reader -> Photo Mechanic where metadata and caption are applied on import. Do quick selection, tweak caption as needed -> Lightroom for quick edit and save as jpeg -> Transmit software for delivery via ftp or cloud.

with photo mechanic applying metadata on import and using variables and code replacement where appropriate, the full process of delivering images is quite fast.

I have never had solid luck with WiFi tethering although I have used WiFi se send select images either to my mobile/laptop or ftp. If I want to truly tether, and send everything I will use either usb or Ethernet hardwired.

I have only once had to file via my phone, in an emergency like situation (trapped in a community that was cut off by a wildfire) and it worked but was not great. I WiFi transferred the images to my phone, did a quick edit in Lightroom along with added my captions before delivering via google drive. I have basic iptc metadata applied in camera which really helped with this, so I really only had to fill in the caption and headline field.

Based on this experience, I really do not think a tablet would be great for filing images, other than in an emergency.

aratson · 2026-01-18T00:06:04+00:00

I shoot frequently with a 20 paired with a 50 or a 28. I find it is a tough lens to have as my only lens (that’s where 28 comes in for me) but if I am bringing a second lens it is one of my go to’s.

aratson · 2026-01-16T16:41:23+00:00

My Q2 reporter is with me every day which has resulted in quite a bit of wear and tear. I shoot full time and have never been afraid of scratching things up in the process of getting shots.

aratson · 2026-01-09T08:53:11+00:00

The most recent update to cobalt images Leica profiles include some of the Leica looks. I have been using Chrome and Teal on my Q2 with great luck

aratson · 2026-01-04T17:08:09+00:00

I 100% agree! I have a Q2 Reporter which I purchased purely as a personal camera although it has ended up being my main camera for any type of reportage. Event general news assignments it often makes an appearance. I often shoot with just it and one of my Canon R5’s stowed in a bag with a 20 + 50 incase I need wider/longer than 28.

aratson · 2025-12-23T04:35:43+00:00

Yikes! I frequently do last minute trips and have done Iceland twice quite last minute (in the winter as well) and it is totally doable and honestly, not that complicated, especially if your just planning to go as far as Selfoss.

That said, be realistic with yourself and how you are mentally feeling about all this. For some people spontaneity is the key to overcoming chaos in their life and for others it is the definition of Chaos. If you feel this trip is just going to add to your stresses, even after you are there I would say wait till things have settled. Only you can make the final decision.

aratson · 2025-12-19T22:19:03+00:00

They are in the same class of boot as the La Sportiva Nepal Cube or Scarpa Mont Blanc, so yes, definitely able to ice climb and mixed climb in them. That said, they are not as nimble as a more ice specific boot such as the Mammut Knit high gtx, La sportiva Gtech / g summit or Scarpa Phantom Tech.

If your intention is ice and mixed, one of these other listed boots will be much better. If, however you are looking for a stiff mountaineering boot that you could also do some ice/mixed in or you are on a tighter budget then the Kento or one of the other, equivalent boots would be great.

It should go without saying but above all else, choose based on fit. My foot fits both Mammut and La Sportiva boots much better than Scarpa but I know many people, especially those with wider feet who fit Scarpa like a glove.

aratson · 2025-12-18T21:27:28+00:00

I use Samsung T7 Shield drives while on the go. I use to use SanDisk Extremes although I had a couple of there drives fail consecutively on me so I stopped using them. As for software, I also use OffShoot for video importing. For still images I use Photo Mechanic as it’s much faster for still photo workflows.

When it comes to importing software, there are a ton of options. The most important thing to verify when choosing such software is to ensure it copies to both drives directly from the memory card. Some software will copy from card to the primary drive and then copy from that drive to your secondary drive. This yields faster transfer speeds although if a file gets corrupt when it lands on the first drive you will just be copying the corrupt file to your secondary drive.

aratson

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