Resources
My Favourite Tools And Resources
“A new tool doesn’t make a better artist, but it does provide new options.”
The tools we use everyday have the power to shape our lives. They can make us more productive, efficient, and organized. But they can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
I get a lot of questions about the different resources I use, so I thought it would be helpful to create this page, containing all of my favorite resources, organized by category.
Disclaimer
Heads up: This page may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase after clicking on them, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend resources that I personally love and use. Thanks for supporting the free resources on isakvidinghoff.com
Content Creation
Any good content creator will tell you that one of the most important aspects of their job is having the right tools at their disposal. After all, how can you create high-quality content without the proper tools?
In this section, I will be sharing the tools and resources I use for content creation. From camera equipment to lighting to software and tools used for editing, collaborating and scheduling, I will be sharing everything I use on a daily basis to create quality content.
Lights
Video lighting is one of the most important aspects of filmmaking, and there are a variety of ways to light a scene. In this section, I'll share the lighting that I personally use to create my videos. The first light in the list is my Key Light, which lights up my face. The second two are RGB lights which I use to light up my background, and the last one, I use as a rim-light, shining on my face from an angle for the purpose of making it stand out more from the background and reduce shadows.
The Perfect Keylight
YN300 Air LED
I was impressed with the Yongnuo YN300 air led light. It is lightweight and easy to carry around. It’s really bright and has some useful settings that you can choose between. I’m personally using it as my key light when recording videos. I would definitely recommend this light to anyone looking for a good quality, affordable led light.
Add Some Color
GVM RGB LED Light
When I decided to start making videos, I knew I needed to get some good lighting. I did some research and found that this RGB light from GVM was one of the most priceworthy options for lighting up my video-background. This light is easy to use and it does a great job of lighting up the background. It's also very affordable, which is great.
Vibrant LED Colors
Weeylite BROBP RGB
When I'm outside, I utilize Weeylite BROBP RGB Led light, which gives me access to all the numerous light modes I need to produce a visually appealing background for my YouTube videos. My video quality has improved, and the best feature is that it fits in my pocket, and I can easily bring it with me on shoots.
Illuminated Elegance
ULANZI VL49 RGB
If you're looking for an affordable, yet high-quality RGB video light, the ULANZI VL49 is a great option. It's easy to use and comes with a variety of different color settings, so you can find the perfect look for your video. The light is also bright enough to be used in a variety of different settings, whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors. I’m personally using it as my rim light when shooting videos.
Mobile Videography
Capturing life’s precious moments, wherever you are.
A good mobile videography setup is essential for anyone looking to create high-quality videos on the go
If you’re looking to get into mobile videography, or just want to improve the quality of your videos, this section is for you. I’ll go over my mobile setup and what I use to get the best results.
You don’t need a fancy, expensive camera to get started in videography. The key is to have a good understanding of how to use your phone’s camera and some useful accessories.
My mobile videography setup consists of a smartphone, gimbal, microphone, tripod, light and some accessories that makes everything work together seamlessly.
Main Equipment
Camera That Doesn’t Quit
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
I use the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra to record high-quality videos, which is best for capturing 8K detailed and sharp video. The ability to record both A-roll and B-roll footage makes it super easy to create professional-looking videos. It is simpler to shoot high-quality movies in any situation thanks to its high-high resolution and auto brightness adjusting functions.
Good Audio, Made Easy
RØDE Wireless GO
These wireless microphones make it really easy to record good quality sound that syncs with my video. Moreover, these little gadgets proved to be game-changers in my audio recording system. I am able to test out the microphones in a lot of different places from long distances, and they prove to be the best at recording high-quality audio without background noise and are easy to carry anywhere.
Smooth Out Your Footage
Zhiyun Smooth 4
I'm not a professional photographer, but I like to dabble in videography. I was looking for a phone stabilizer to help with some of my shots and found the zhiyun smooth 4. Since then, I’ve been using it almost excessively. So much so that my friends now call me Mr. Gimbal. If you’re into videography and want to shoot professional footage with your smartphone, you should definitely get yourself a gimbal!
Get The Professional’s Touch
Filmic Pro
Filmic Pro is a great video camera app! It gives you manual control over focus, iso, shutter speed, and white balance. This is really helpful when you're trying to get the perfect shot. The app also has a lot of great features, like the ability to shoot in slow motion and timelapse. Overall, I'm really happy with Filmic Pro and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great video camera app!
Accessories
Get The Perfect Shot
Insta360 Selfie Stick
When you're out and about, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you're getting the best possible shot. With the insta360 selfie stick, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you can capture any moment, from any angle. Whether you're taking a group photo or trying to get a shots of scenery, this versatile tool will help you get the perfect picture every time. I pair this with the Smooth 4 gimbal for additional footage opportunities
Get A Grip On Great Angles.
Joby GripTight GorillaPod
If you're looking for a sturdy, reliable tripod for your smartphone, the Joby GripTight GorillaPod Stand PRO is a great option. It's made of high-quality materials and can hold your phone securely, even if it's a larger model. I've used it with both iPhone and Android phones, and it works great with both.
Add More Than Just A Cold Shoe
Cold Shoe Adapter Ring
With the EACHSHOT 4-Ring V2 Cold Shoe Adapter Ring, you can add all kinds of accessories to your gimbal setup. Whether you're looking to add a microphone, LED light, or even a small monitor, this ring gives you the ability to expand the capabilities of your gimbal and get more out of your investment. Plus, it's made with high-quality materials that are built to last.
A World Of Possibilities.
Moment Case
Made from premium polycarbonate and Bio-TPU body, this case serves as a protective case and allows me to attach various lenses to improve the mobile footage. A lens attachment for your phone opens up a world of new possibilities for photography. With a wide-angle lens, you can capture more of the scene in front of you. A telephoto lens lets you zoom in on distant objects without losing image quality. And a fisheye lens gives you creative new perspectives on the world around you.
Video Production
The final stage of the filmmaking process can make or break a video. A good post production process can take a mediocre video and turn it into a masterpiece, while a bad post production team can do the opposite.
Create Stunning Videos
InVideo
InVideo is an online video editing tool that is simple to use and has a lot of great features. I really like how you can upload your own videos or use their stock footage. You can also add music, text, and transitions to your videos. The only downside is that there is a learning curve to using the tool. Overall, I would recommend InVideo to anyone looking for an easy-to-use online video editor.
Effortless Collaboration
Wipster
I love wipster.io! It's an amazing tool for managing video projects. The interface is super user-friendly and the features are really helpful. I've used it on a few projects now and it's saved me a lot of time and headache. I highly recommend it!
Breathe Life Into Your Project
Depositphotos
When you're trying to capture the perfect moment, whether for a commercial or a personal project, there's nothing worse than grainy, poor quality footage. But with Depositphotos premium stock footage, you can rest assured that you're getting only the highest quality video content to help bring your project to life. I love Depositphotos for their premium stock footage. The quality is always great and the selection is huge. I can usually find what I'm looking for, whether it's a specific scene or just some general b-roll.
Stay Organized Forever
PCloud
If you're looking for an affordable and permanent solution to your cloud storage needs, pcloud is the way to go. With a lifetime deal, you only have to pay once and you get to keep your storage forever. Whether you need to store photos, videos, or documents, pcloud has you covered. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, so you can get started right away.
I switched from Google Drive to PCloud in 2020 and I’m not planning on exchanging it any time soon.
Working From Home
The World Is Your Office
Whether you are working from home by choice or by necessity, there are a number of tools and resources that can make the experience more productive and enjoyable. By purposeful selection and use of the right tools, you can create a work-from-home environment that supports your life purpose. The following are some useful tools and resources for working from home.
Stay Organized Forever
Dell XPS 15 7590
The Dell XPS 15 7590 is a powerful and reliable computer that can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. With its fast processor and large memory, you can work on multiple projects at the same time without slowing down. I’m using this laptop since 2018 and it still works perfectly.
Take Your Style Anywhere
Logitech K380
The Logitech K380 is a great Bluetooth keyboard that can be used with multiple devices. I really like how it can be easily paired with my computer, phone and tablet and switched between them with the push of a button. The keyboard is also very lightweight and portable, which is great for traveling. The keys are not as loud as some other keyboards, which is nice when you're trying to be discreet in public places.
Great For Anymouse
Logitech MX Master 2S
The perfect companion to the K380 keyboard. This mouse too, can seamlessly switch between three bluetooth devices. It’s also really comfortable to use for long periods of time. The extra buttons, and horizontal scroll wheel is super-useful. I’ve personally been using this mouse for more than 5 years and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good wireless mouse.
Take Your Ergonomics With You
Nexstand Laptop Stand
If you're looking for a laptop stand that will allow you to have an ergonomic position, the Nexstand is a great option. It's easy to set up and is adjustable to fit a variety of different heights. It is foldable, and comes with a case which makes it super-easy to bring with you wherever you want to set up your temporary office
Work Distraction-Free.
Sony MDR 1000x
The Sony MDR 1000x noise cancelling headphones are great for when you want to work undisturbed. They are very comfortable and fit well. The sound quality is excellent and they block out a lot of noise. I’ve used them for more than five years now and they still work great.
Get a leg up on fatigue.
Anti-Fatigue Mat
Tired of being tired? An anti fatigue mat may be just what you need to get back on your feet. These mats are designed to provide cushioning and support for your feet, legs, and back, helping to reduce fatigue and improve circulation.
A Decluttered Desk.
Omoton Vertical Laptop Stand
A vertical laptop stand helps to declutter your desk by taking up less horizontal space. This can help you to stay more organized and productive, as well as creating a neater working environment.
Change The Way You Work.
USB C Adapter
With the help of a USB C Multi screen adapter, you can easily turn your laptop into a powerful workstation. This is perfect for those who need extra screen real estate for productivity or creative purposes. The adapter allows you to connect up to two additional monitors, giving you more space to spread out your work and increase your efficiency.
Improve Your Posture
Saddle Stool
When you sit on a Saddle Stool, your hips are positioned higher than your knees. This open angle helps to improve your posture by aligning your spine and pelvis. The Blood and Oxygen flow is increased to the discs in your spine which helps to reduce back pain and other health complications associated with poor posture.
Travel
If you're anything like me, you love to travel but hate the headache of packing and planning. It's hard to stay organized while on the go, but with a little help, it doesn't have to be! This section features items designed to keep you organized while travelling, so that you can focus on enjoying your trip and being your most productive self.
Packed With Possibilities
Nomatic Travel Bag
The Nomatic travel bag has more than 20 features, including a built-in laundry bag, shoe compartment, and water-resistant materials. This makes it the perfect choice for busy travelers who need to pack light and stay organized. With so many features, the Nomatic travel bag is sure to make packing a breeze.
Stay Organized On The Go
eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack
The eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack comes with a variety of organizational features to help you keep your items in order. A dedicated laptop compartment keeps your computer safe and secure, while the front organizers provide a place for smaller items. The backpack also features side water bottle pockets and an adjustable sternum strap to keep things comfortable when you're on the go.
More Space For Your Adventure
Gonex Packing Cubes
When it comes to packing for a trip, the last thing you want is a pile of clothes taking up space and making it difficult to find what you need. With Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, you can keep your clothes organized and take up less space in your bag. That means more room for souvenirs on the way home!
Your Inbox On The Go
Document Folder
A document folder allows you to keep your physical inbox with you when you travel. This means that you won't have to worry about losing important papers or forgetting to bring them with you. Plus, the clear plastic design makes it easy to see what's inside so you can grab what you need and go.
One Cable To Rule Them All.
Chafon Multi-Purpose Charging Cable
Having a single charger for all your devices means never having to search for the right one or carry multiple chargers with you when you travel. Chafon's Multi-Purpose Charging Cable 6 in 1 USB 2.0 is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod, Samsung phones and tablets, as well as other Android devices, making it the perfect way to keep all your devices powered up.
No More Overweight Fees!
Digital Luggage Scale
Weighing your luggage before you leave for the airport will save you from being charged extra for an overweight bag. The AmazonBasics digital luggage scale is easy to use. Simply clip it to the handle of your suitcase and lift. The large digital display will show the weight in either pounds or kilograms.
Ultimate Protection On The Go.
Universal Travel Case
This case will keep your delicate electronics safe whether you're carrying them across town or around the world. The hard shell protects against impact and shields from the elements, while the soft interior cradles your devices so they don't get scratched or bruised in transit. You can rest easy knowing your valuables are well-protected.
Productivity
It's Monday morning. You're already behind on your to-do list and your inbox is overflowing. The pressure is mounting and you can feel a headache coming on. You need to be productive, but you don't know where to start. Sound familiar?
If you're struggling with productivity, you're not alone, but there's hope! With the right productivity resources, it is possible to take control of your time and start getting things done.
Stay Secure Online
Sticky Password
When it comes to online security, the best offense is a good defense. That’s why it’s important to have a strong, unique password for each of your online accounts. But who can remember all those different passwords? Sticky Password does the hard work for you by storing your passwords safely and securely. So you can focus on other things – like pursuing your life purpose.
Sharpen Your Focus
Freedom
We all know how difficult it can be to stay focused at work, especially when there are so many distractions. Freedom.to helps you stay focused by blocking out distractions and allowing you to customize your environment so that you can get the most out of your work day.
Consolidate Your Workflows.
Notion
An all-in-one workspace for your notes, tasks, wikis, and databases and gives you the freedom to consolidate all of your tools into one place. This means less time spent context switching and more time getting things done. Notion also makes it easy to share everything with your team, so you can work together more efficiently. By the way, this entire website is hosted using Notion as a CMS!
Centralize Your Schedule
Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a great way to keep track of all your appointments in one place. You can easily add new events, set reminders, and view your schedule at a glance. This can be a lifesaver when you're trying to juggle multiple commitments.
A Smarter Way To Read
Readwise
Readwise helps you supercharge your ability to digest information by keeping track of what you read and remembering the key insights from each piece. By tracking your reading, you can identify patterns and areas of growth, so that you can continue to grow wiser over time. I’m using Readwise to take highlights on my Kindle and have it automatically store these highlights in my digital library. I now have all the priceless key highlights from many dozens of books at my fingertips!
Collaboration
When it comes to collaboration, inefficiencies can rear their ugly head and leave you feeling frustrated. You're not alone in your quest for more effective collaboration; tools can help. The right toolset can make a world of difference for your team's productivity. With the ability to share files, ideas, and feedback quickly and easily, you'll be on your way to collaborating more effectively in no time.
Brainstorm Better, Together.
Miro
With Miro, gone are the days of brainstorming sessions feeling like a drag. Brainstorm in real-time with your team no matter where they are in the world, and take your best ideas to the next level. With an infinite canvas and tons of features at your disposal, Miro is the only tool you need to get those creative juices flowing.
Spend Your Time Wisely.
Upwork
As a freelancer, your time is valuable. You need to be able to spend your time working on the projects that you're good at, and that you enjoy. Otherwise, you'll end up wasting your time, and not getting paid for it. Upwork gives you the ability to choose the projects that you want to work on, so that you can use your time wisely.
Focus On Your Strengths
Fiverr
For too long, we've been told to focus on our weaknesses and try to improve upon them. But what if we took a different approach? What if we focused on our strengths instead? On what we're already good at?
Schedule Smarter, Not Harder
Trafft
Trafft.com helps you take the guesswork and headache out of scheduling appointments. Its simple interface means you'll spend less time trying to schedule around your busy life, and more time actually enjoying it. The booking feature you can see on my contact-page is created using Trafft by the way.
Health
If you're like most people, you're probably struggling to get enough sleep, manage your stress levels, and eat healthy. You know that these things are important for your overall health, but you just can't seem to find the time or energy to do them consistently.
Nothing can replace healthy habits but there are tools that can help you organize your environment to make it easier. Here’s a list of my favorite resources related to health so that you can easily get started on your journey to better sleep, nutrition, exercise and wellbeing.
Sleep
Sleep is something that we all need, but unfortunately, it doesn't always come easy. Whether you're struggling with falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep, we all understand how frustrating it can be when we don't get enough. I’m currently working on a multi-part series that covers the most important aspects of sleep, but in the meantime, feel free to check out these tools that personally helped me improve my own sleep. I hope you find these resources helpful so that you can finally get the rest you need and deserve!
Catch Some Zzz's.
Blue Light Filtering Glasses
Blue light filtering glasses help you drift off to sleep by blocking out blue light. Blue light suppresses melatonin production, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Wearing glasses for a few hours before bedtime can help improve your sleep quality and duration. I’ve been using my classic night swannies for more than five years now!
Get A Good Night's Sleep.
Easynight Blackout Blinds
Easynight blackout blinds are the perfect solution for those who want to optimize their sleep. These blinds completely block out light, allowing you to sleep in complete darkness. They also help to keep your room cool and comfortable, so you can get a good night's sleep. I bought the X-Large for my own apartment, and cut it to perfectly fit my bedroom window.
Improve Your Sleep Quality
Oura Ring
If you're looking for a way to improve your sleep quality, Oura ring is a great option. This wearable device tracks your sleep and provides feedback that can help you optimize your sleeping habits. In addition, Oura ring gives you the ability to track your progress over time, so you can see how your sleep patterns are improving. I’ve been using the Gen2 for a few years and it’s been a really helpful tool to make lifestyle adjustments to optimize my sleep.
Master Your Circadian Rhythm
HumanCharger
Humans are creatures of habit and follow routines based on the natural light-dark cycle. The HumanCharger headset can help to biohack your circadian rhythm, resulting in increased energy and productivity throughout the day. Additionally, by aligning your internal clock with the sun, you can improve your mood and sleep quality at night. I’m wearing mine right now while writing this!
Sleep Better, Naturally
RGB Lightbulbs
RGB lightbulbs can enhance your sleep by providing the perfect amount of light to lull you into a deep slumber. These bulbs produce soft, calming hues that won't disturb your natural circadian rhythm, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested.
A Weight Off Your Shoulders
Weighted Blanked
Why a weighted blanket? The extra pressure from the blanket relaxes the nervous system and releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, leading to improved sleep quality. According to a study done by the National Institutes of Health, 63% of participants reported feeling less anxious after using a weighted blanket. And who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep?
Comfortable Sleep Guaranteed.
Sleep Master Sleep Mask
This mask is made of a soft, breathable material that conforms to your face, making it extremely comfortable to wear. It also has an adjustable strap that ensures a perfect fit, no matter what your head size is. The result is a mask that blocks out all light, helping you get a deep, uninterrupted night’s sleep. I actually lost my first pair while travelling in the Phillippines 😔
Meditation
As anyone who has attempted to meditate knows, it is not always easy to quiet the mind. The practice can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you are not making any progress. This is where real-time feedback can be extremely helpful.
Real-time feedback is a form of biofeedback that uses sensors to measure things like heart rate and breathing. The data is then used to provide feedback that can help you improve your meditation practice.
Muse Headband
The Muse headband is the perfect way to supercharge your meditation. This simple, comfortable headband uses advanced sensors to track your brain activity and provide feedback in real time. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced meditator, the Muse headband can help you improve your practice.
Develop your inner balance.
HeartMath Inner Balance
The Inner Balance sensor uses heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback to quickly shift your mental, emotional and physical state from stress to ease by enhancing your heart-brain coherence – the quality of your heart’s rhythms. Research has shown that when you increase your heart-brain coherence, you are better able to focus, think more clearly and react more calmly under pressure.
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