We wore alligator loafers to our first wedding gig and got mistaken for the cousin from Jersey. We’ve never even been to Jersey.

Clothes alone won't make you a respected photographer, but having the proper equipment certainly helps. (Heard the phrase 'Dress for the job you want, not the job you have'?)

The Expedition Tripod is the three-piece of the photo world.

Crafted in Germany and built to last a generation, it's been made the same way for over 100 years by dedicated craftsmen.

Materials matter. The ash wood finish handles the Sahara as competently as the Arctic. Precision fittings keep your camera boulder-steady, while solid wood legs absorb vibration naturally. (A trade secret, wood absorbs vibration better than steel, carbon, or aluminum.)

The interlocking design extends from 2 to 6 feet, but an aluminum core keeps it light. Its thick-gauge spiked retractable feet refuse to shift or wobble, no matter the terrain. No wonder it's been the #1 pick of adventurous photographers for a century.

So be it the Hyatt Ballroom or the Mojave Desert, you'll look like a pro standing behind the Expedition Tripod. Just tell 'em you caught the alligator before making the shoes.