The State of Your Home Office
Mine's been evolving since 2019
Cubicle life has evolved into the home office. And personally, I love the change.
Even though I have to pay for the equipment that I use to do my work. It’s the gear I want. And it has been evolving since 2019.
Here’s the latest snapshot of my setup. I’m still using an Intel iMac with a 4K monitor, but I’ve added an M2 Pro Mac mini with a portable 4K monitor. The Mac mini can display on either or both of those screens.
Because Zoom has become an essential way to meet with others, I have a USB mic nestled in an ISO-Bubble and mounted on a boom. I can swing the mic closer to me during calls. I’ve repurposed my Olympus PEN-F as a webcam using the ElGato adapter. The camera is on an adjustable platform that I can raise for a more flattering angle.
Behind the white backdrop is a LED ring light that I turn on during video conferences. It produces a nice, soft light that’s rather flattering.
I still have various legacy hard drives, a CD reader, and ports galore for adding peripherals as needed. All my keyboards and mice are Bluetooth to help reduce cord clutter.
With this setup, I conduct online workshops, record the weekly TDS Photography Podcast, edit pictures, write articles, and explore the vast online universe.
What is the state of your home office? I’d love to hear in the comments. If you have pictures online of your setup, you can enter that URL in the comments field.
And last question… Are you ready to give this up and return to cubicle life?
Satechi Mac mini Stand and Hub
I’ve talked about this before, but if you missed it the first time, and are wondering what all those ports are below the Mac mini in the picture, it’s the wonderful Satechi Mac mini Stand and Hub. I have a review of it with all the details on The Digital Story.
The FilmCameraShop is Back Open
After a little time off to build up new inventory, TheFilmCameraShop is back open. I have 35mm film cameras, lenses, flashes, filters, and more. If you’re thinking about getting back into analog photography, or want to add a few new tools to your bag, stop by and take a look.
When my previous job started requiring that people return to the office and wouldn’t approve for me to be 100% remote, I found another job. Working from home suits me much better and I have my dog with me all day. I won’t be going back!
I “officially retired” just before folks started being called back-to-the office, and shortly afterwards started a work-from-home consulting gig (part time). I’ve got to admit, I miss the office camaraderie — but definitely not the office politics!
After my old 27” iMac died (pity these aren’t available with an M2 or M3 chip), I replaced it with a MacBook Pro and external monitor. It works beautifully for me — for both consulting and photography.