Why I Switched to Vanguard: The Gear That Transformed My Filming & Tattoo Work

Why I Switched to Vanguard: The Gear That Transformed My Filming & Tattoo Work

Hey everyone, Chris here! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a tattoo artist based in South Wales, and when I’m not creating tattoos, I’m busy filming content for my YouTube channel and doing product reviews on my show, tattoo review which you can find on THAT TATTO SHOW. I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that’s really made a difference in my work: Vanguard products.

Let me give you a bit of background. I first came across Vanguard gear at the Wales and West Show, thanks to Stu from Camera Center UK. I was introduced to their range of tripods, and even though there were plenty of other options on display, something about Vanguard caught my eye. The design, the build quality, and the versatility really stood out to me. I knew these would be perfect for what I do.

As someone who films solo, I'm always looking for ways to streamline my process and reduce the amount of gear I need to carry. Vanguard’s products have been a huge help in that department. One of the most essential pieces in my setup is the VEO3T+264CB tripod (which, by the way, I had to Google because their names are pretty long, right?). This versatile carbon fiber tripod has been a game-changer for me. It’s incredibly sturdy, but lightweight enough to take on the go. What I love about it is how flexible it is—I can easily set up multiple cameras for podcast filming, get some overhead shots while tattooing, or capture product shots without needing multiple tripods.

Being a solo filmmaker and content creator, efficiency is key. The VO3T Plus tripod, with a few add-ons, allows me to set up a three-camera system on a single tripod for my podcast shoots. Whether I’m filming my tattoos or showcasing products, this tripod allows me to get into any angle or position I need—especially for those overhead shots, which are crucial for tattoo filming.

Another standout feature of Vanguard gear? Their bags. I had a chat with the awesome team at Vanguard about my gear-carrying needs, and they hooked me up with a massive backpack that fits all my cameras (FX6, a7c, a7S3), lenses, and accessories. As a creator who’s always on the move, I don’t want to lug around multiple bags—this one holds everything, and I only need to carry one. Perfect for travel or when I’m heading out to shoot in different locations.

But beyond the gear, what really makes Vanguard stand out is the people behind the brand. As someone working primarily in the tattoo industry but expanding into video and photography, I can honestly say that Vanguard has been one of the most down-to-earth and easygoing companies I’ve worked with. No egos, no arrogance—just friendly, approachable people who genuinely care about what they do. In fact, they’re the type of folks I’d happily grab a pint with after a shoot!

To wrap it up, if you're looking for high-quality tripods, bags, or any camera accessories that will help you work smarter, not harder, Vanguard has got you covered. I’ve been more than impressed with their products, and I’m stoked to continue using them in my own projects. Whether you’re a solo creator, a tattoo artist, or just someone who needs reliable gear, I’d definitely recommend giving Vanguard a try.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this little rundown helpful! Maybe I’ll catch you in the next video—who knows? Until then, take it easy!

Ive reached out to vanguard and they have provided a discount code for anyone wanting to buy their gear.

https://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/?ref=mxhediso or use the code CH-10 at checkout for 10% off your order

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