https://www.bretneuman.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-06-09 https://www.bretneuman.com/blog/uncommon-knowledge-podcast monthly 0.5 2025-06-09 https://www.bretneuman.com/blog/my-top-5-mac-productivity-apps monthly 0.5 2024-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1603761730898-DF0GSTN2Z66LX2NVPOZ4/drafts_icon.png Blog - 5 Mac Productivity Apps I Use to Get Sh*t Done - 3) Drafts Price: FREE with limited features, $19.99/year for Drafts Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1603765923787-8GELQUUU3OD200JDO18O/bettertouch_icon.jpg Blog - 5 Mac Productivity Apps I Use to Get Sh*t Done - 2) BetterTouchTool Price: $8.50 for a 2-year license, $20.50 for a lifetime license https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1603761634368-ODA5Z4TPQWJGR8HJBTXS/trello_icon+copy.png Blog - 5 Mac Productivity Apps I Use to Get Sh*t Done - 4) Trello Price: FREE with limited features, $9.99/month for a business class license to unlock additional features https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1603758883489-L5DG5V2WOM7LFRWKODRQ/macapps.jpg Blog - 5 Mac Productivity Apps I Use to Get Sh*t Done https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1603766064558-F43HS4MPGJFMD6YY8ZW9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 5 Mac Productivity Apps I Use to Get Sh*t Done - 1) Alfred Price: FREE with optional Powerpack license for £29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1603771476233-14VXRB5KX7I9Q4VJIDVZ/fantastical_icon.jpg Blog - 5 Mac Productivity Apps I Use to Get Sh*t Done - 5) Fantastical Price: FREE with limited features, $3.33/month for a individual license to unlock additional features https://www.bretneuman.com/blog/video-call-setups-for-every-price-point monthly 0.5 2024-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600109158460-0669YV2KXB37HH76HTON/AE7I0388-Edit.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600455788406-RDURV5X5PH1KGHXGUXWG/manfrotto.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Manfrotto Alu Master Air-Cushioned Stand Price: $110.36 This Manfrotto stand is sturdy enough to handle the Aputure light but also collapses down to a surprisingly small package for maximum portability. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600475705421-CQABDA7L51CKQPSOBC0A/acadapter.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - AC Power Supply Adapter Charger DC Coupler Kit for LP-E17 Battery Price: $26.99 One of the downsides of the Canon EOS RP is that it takes the smaller LP-E17 batteries, which don’t last very long, especially while using it for video applications. This AC power supply kit replaces the battery and allows you to plug the camera into wall power eliminating the need to constantly change batteries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600476047539-OZI8AFZ8C0AM2E460FWL/deskstand.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Inkeltech Desk Mounting Stand Price: $25.95 Again, we’re using the inexpensive desk stand to mount our mirrorless camera for this setup. If you have some additional budget, I’d also suggest adding a ball head to give you even more flexibility positioning the camera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600474655906-OSQP6I1YWR08WF0KVWQM/rp.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Canon EOS RP Price: $999.00 The Canon EOS RP is one of the latest mirrorless offerings from Canon and at around $1,000, it’s one of the cheapest full-frame cameras you can get at that price point. A full frame sensor will give you better low-light performance and shallower depth of field at the same focal length as a camera with a smaller ASP-C or micro four thirds sensor and Canon’s dual pixel autofocus is great for maintaining focus, either through the RP’s fantastic face detect or eye tracking systems. Canon has also recently released a new utility that will allow you to connect their latest cameras as a webcam without the need for an HDMI to USB capture card. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600123282051-I3WMU7TAYTA55CE5ZXIV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone Price: $399.00 A favorite of podcasters, voice-over artists, broadcast personalities and music producers alike, the Shure SM7B is a dynamic mic based on the classic SM7 that has been a staple for recording vocals since the 1970’s. The SM7B especially shines for spoken word and is one of the more beloved microphones for good reason. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600291073614-0N6XM3A6YBD2BXKWEO3Z/keylight.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Elgato Key Light Price: $199.99 The Elgato Key Light is a favorite among streamers and content creators. Like the Godox light, it also offers a high CRI and dimmable soft bi-color light. But where the Key Light surpasses the cheaper Godox light is in its all metal construction, included desk stand, and increased light output. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600465743395-Y51487HCX14HIRKUNH6P/c922.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Logitech C922 Price: $99.99 The C922 offers a few small upgrades over the previous version C920. If you want to ensure you can stream at 1080p on all platforms or require the ability to do 60FPS at 720p, then go for the C922. If those options are not a requirement, you can save $20 by purchasing the C920. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600291105142-M7L4GUKSTY3ZXOTWIDII/keylightair.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Elgato Key Light Air Price: $129.99 If you have the budget, I’d recommend considering a second fill light so you can better control the look of your lighting setup. If you want to save some money, Elgato also offers a slightly cheaper Key Light Air that might fit the bill. The Key Light Air includes a stand that is made to sit directly on your desk, which depending on your setup may be a better option than the Key Light’s desk top clamping system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600459198966-J8K5YXKWLZC3MB9SC3EG/epocam.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - EpocCam (iOS) and DroidCam (Android) Price: $8.99 for EpocCam and $4.99 for DroidCam These apps let you download a client for your computer that connects to your phone either wirelessly or through USB and turns your phone’s camera into a webcam that can be selected in any of the popular video conferencing programs. Connections can be finnicky at times (especially over wifi) but the quality you get is easily worth the low cost and amount of tinkering it takes to get them up and running. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600135948461-2VDLSPRXDFTLWFZBS98J/ringlight.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - 10" Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand & Phone Holder Price: $33.99 If you’re just looking to bring up the exposure of your face and you’re not too worried about the softness of the light, this 10” ring light might be a good option for you. The unit is dimmable and can be adjusted from warm light (like what you might get from a lamp) to a cooler temperature (like what you might get from the daylight coming through a window). As a bonus, it also comes with a stand and phone holder that may come in handy for one of our budget camera setups coming up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600667198791-PFR03AWTY3W70JDPP9SL/blueyeti.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Blue Yeti USB Microphone Price: $129.99 While I personally prefer the sound of the competing Rode NT USB mic, it’s hard to argue with the feature set of the incredibly popular Blue Yeti. This microphone sounds great at its price point, allows you to choose multiple polar patterns depending on your recording scenario, and also has an on-board gain knob and mute switch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600125312458-SCVY7CNS0K78E2UAJMIW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Heil Sound PL2T Overhead Studio and Broadcast Boom Mount Price: $109.00 Coming in just a hair more pricey than the Rode PSA1, the Heil is also a premium boom arm that is leaps and bounds better than the other budget run-of-the-mill options. While similar in build quality and function to the PSA1, the Heil offers internal cable routing so you can keep your setup ultra clean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600123058853-XVPI7JQDW67NS73Y3A2M/rodepsa1.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm Price: $99.00 If you’re upgrading your mic, you might as well upgrade your boom arm as well. The Rode PSA1 will give you internal (and much less squeaky) springs, additional mounting options, and a more premium user experience. But all of that comes with a price considerably higher than the standard inexpensive boom arm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600288605303-CM2PU8KL30FG6ABYAN0H/godoxlight.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Godox LEDP260C Ultra-Thin Dimmable Bi-Color 3300K-5600K LED Video Light Panel Price: $108.00 This cost effective dimmable bi-color light produces relatively soft light with accurate colors (CRI 95+). The light can be powered by a wall plug or with the two included NP-F style batteries, which gives you the flexibility to use the light when there isn’t a power outlet nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600455093345-VVSUZLH0V9A1M37LSBUE/lightdome.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Aputure Light Dome II Price: $219.00 At 34.8” in diameter, the Aputure Light Dome will reflect and diffuse the light through multiple layers of material to provide a large soft light source that wraps around the subject. If the larger Light Dome is a little too big for your space, Aputure also offers the Light Dome Mini that comes in at slightly smaller 21.5” in diameter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600124133366-4SJRBR5GCSD3X3HWKVMW/scarlett2i2.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface (3rd Generation) Price: $159.99 While the Scarlett 2i2 is certainly not the most expensive or premium audio interface on the market, it provides a good value proposition in terms of features vs. price. And with two XLR-1/4" combo inputs, you have the versatility of running two channels at the same time that will accept a standard XLR mic input or a 1/4” instrument cable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600049459378-WWEC7FHGUYB5GKNTEWC7/boomarm.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - InnoGear Microphone Arm Price: $13.50 Even though the Samson mic includes a desktop stand, you’ll still want to pair it with a boom arm in order to have the flexibility to adjust the mic closer to the audio source. This one isn’t winning any awards for it’s design or construction, but it’s cheap and will get the job done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600123447073-MJ34B5H22VQ6Q0FUUSV0/cloudlifter.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator Price: $149.00 One thing you need to keep in mind if you’re using the SM7B is that it has a relatively low output and needs a lot of gain compared to other mics. The Cloudlifter takes the phantom power from your interface and converts it to an additional +25db of clean gain. This means you don’t have to crank up the levels on your audio interface which can introduce unwanted noise depending on the quality of the pre-amps in your unit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600466380035-CSNTIRRDPN868TCVDU9C/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Micro HDMI to HDMI Price: $8.99 In order to connect to your camera, you’ll need an HDMI cable of some type. Make sure to check which connector your camera uses or purchase an HDMI adapter if you already have a spare HDMI to HDMI cable laying around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600475109670-UU38QG5CC9CLPRJKC7RX/35mm.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Price: $449.00 At just under $450, the 35mm RF lens is the least expensive of Canon’s newest mirrorless RF mount lenses. And with a 35mm focal length and wide 1.8 aperture, this lens will provide good low-light performance and plenty of background blur. As a bonus, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 6.7” so you can get right up on it if you’re trying to make a point during a particularly contentious meeting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600289855012-6BFFWWFTKM3RVX6TI02Z/deskstand.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Inkeltech Desk Mounting Stand Price: $25.95 The Godox light does not include a stand, so you’ll need something to secure the light. This option mounts directly to your desk and allows you to adjust the height of your light without taking up a ton of room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600460958202-ZNQP4LIGZML9RDTTX0OA/deskmountphone.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Flexible Long Arm Phone Mount for Desk Price: $16.79 This mount is super goofy looking but should allow you to clip in your phone and adjust it to the sweet spot for your video call. As a bonus, you could also attach this bad boy to your headboard for some handsfree Netflix binging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600454469404-2LCJOPO247RSN440WPY9/120d.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Aputure Light Storm LS C120D II Price: $745.00 If you have the budget and space, it’s hard to beat the look you can achieve with a COB light and large softbox. The smaller LED panel lights can’t compete when it comes to output and the quality of light this setup can produce. But remember that aside from the increased cost, you must also manage a much bulkier setup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600464379902-B2EUIJSI9XA00ESODPK0/hdmicard.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - BlueAVS Audio Video Capture Card Price: $19.99 At a fraction of the cost of the popular Elgato Cam Link, this HDMI to USB capture card offers similar functionality. To use this card, you just need an HDMI cable (or micro/mini to HDMI depending on your camera) and you can connect a camera you already have to use as a webcam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600048422091-KJBV69YB6C0IAGA80F5R/samson.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Price: $59.99 At this price, you’re not going to find a more versatile option than the Q2U. This mic features both XLR and USB outputs and even includes near-zero-latency headphone monitoring and an onboard level control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1600460259566-VIAYCIMWJCPPIVGXQ4F7/reincubate.jpg Blog - Improve the Quality of Your Video Calls at Any Price Point</strong> - Reincubate Camo Price: $39.99/year Reincubate Camo offers similar functionality as the previously mentioned apps, but offers additional features at a more premium cost. Camo will connect your phone as a webcam but also gives you the ability to manually dial in your settings, whether that be choosing which of your phone’s cameras you’re using or tweaking the settings like white balance, exposure, hue, etc. https://www.bretneuman.com/home daily 1.0 2024-07-28 https://www.bretneuman.com/about daily 0.75 2024-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/f0c1c443-0682-4f7d-9bd5-e8d0586bef4d/EOSR3367.jpeg About - An experienced creative brand marketer and content strategy leader, Bret has produced in-house creative marketing campaigns and memorable experiences for companies such as Arrived, Rover, Cheezburger, Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, SXSW, and King of the Web. Bret specializes in leading marketing teams for fast-growth startups with a proven track record of developing innovative programs from the ground up, building engaged global audiences, and creating impactful content. He’s partnered with brands such as Starbucks, Disney, Nature’s Recipe, Uber, Kong, Amazon, and his work has been featured in Mashable, E! Online, ABC News, Fast Company, Digiday, CNBC, LA Times, Parade, Entertainment Tonight, People.com, Yahoo! News, PopSugar, Geekwire, and more. https://www.bretneuman.com/portfolio daily 0.75 2024-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597876940021-ZK59QWHRR7LT5LNSQ0SX/tormund_profile.jpg Sample Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597017185238-APBS4YMEY2H2NFVU8GFE/AE7I3128.jpg Sample Work Lady Gaga at the Met Gala https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/82bcd3b3-c505-4a45-a37f-edf07cb480d6/ByersHouse_ChristmasLightWall.gif Sample Work Interactive Christmas light wall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597017215944-8D3ZOF3SF3KASN4B915U/AE7I3225-Edit.jpg Sample Work Billy Ray Cyrus with Lil Nas X https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/c81aa098-348d-4a9d-9df7-78aa87548821/Stranger+Things+Arrived_Hi+Res-73+2.jpg Sample Work Upside Down-themed game room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597017203795-3YNYF68RQL3N6MRQ1IQ9/AE7I3093.jpg Sample Work Elton John from Rocketman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/b7d9f5cd-37cc-4ae9-b582-4ba67ca02440/Stranger+Things+Arrived_Hi+Res-206+Large.jpeg Sample Work Byers House featured in Stranger Things https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597017131842-Y7ZZ1RTTJCF9YLK3VGVA/AE7I3306.jpg Sample Work Robin and Steve from Stranger Things https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/b83d3b64-a5a9-49e1-81a8-b513886d7aeb/Stranger+Things+Arrived_Hi+Res-113.jpg Sample Work Byers house kitchen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/6013396e-f3f4-44c8-bcff-c67098f35abd/Stranger+Things+Arrived_Hi+Res-41.jpg Sample Work Will's bedroom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1ce53682-6a3d-45b6-8da6-0d2f37f1a61f/Stranger+Things+Arrived_Hi+Res-56.jpg Sample Work Jonathan's bedroom https://www.bretneuman.com/press daily 0.75 2025-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1736111012343-RNLC8IC41AAVOPZN7GD3/GeekWire-Logo.jpg Press Inside the ‘Stranger Things’ house that a Seattle real estate startup bought and turned into an Airbnb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597036123020-HIEMSBUIQXJ1Y9PZL31B/e-online-logo.png Press Slay! These Adorable Pups Recreate the Most Iconic Oscars Looks of All Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597036308761-0S3PU57LDU9XSN075C7K/38977597_2699624693605327_1135987593_n.png Press It's Take Your Human to Work Day for These Pups https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/a0d4a0fa-23b0-437f-955c-04145c43dcd4/msn.jpg Press Byers’ house from ‘Stranger Things’ now available as Airbnb in Fayetteville https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597038762188-NOBYUWDIS9VGN7TCN6HP/mashable.jpg Press Dogs give their biting reactions to 'Game of Thrones' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597036599541-BGE2J2NDCOMP8G7SYP2D/digiday.jpg Press You Can (Probably Not) Has Uber Kitten https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/ed189794-b01c-4be5-a12b-b82a78b31c75/tmz.jpg Press 'Stranger Things' Real-Life Byers Home on Airbnb... After Upside Down Remodel!!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597037105034-451QPLLPP3WWKLEM0FA8/unnamed.jpg Press The Most Legendarily Bad Oscar Looks, Recreated By Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597036956432-EFM1DRC7YYPLF4JDCRPN/PopSugar-Logo.jpg Press Pop Culture Halloween Costume Inspo For Your Pup! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1597036546043-UMWWTU4VUO9PICHRCR9N/70505820_10158581740026037_4567327454460379136_o.png Press Dogs Are Getting Upset About ‘Game of Thrones’ Just Like You https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/4e9ae095-c2ac-4909-a6ba-04006ca7a9a7/realtor.jpg Press The Byers’ Home From ‘Stranger Things’ Is Turned Into a Terrifying Airbnb—and a Thrilling Investment Opportunity for Savvy Fans https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f2c8db5f3723635e54d205d/1736111812973-X035SX7Y76DJ6EZ1K2XS/The-Hollywood-Reporter-Logo-Vector.jpg Press ‘Stranger Things’ Superfans Can Own a Piece of the Iconic Byers House — And Earn Money From It, Too https://www.bretneuman.com/donate daily 0.75 2025-05-06