Second Light - A Community Gear Exchange
/As promised, I will be starting each post with the coming events and other announcements, but, I strongly recommend you take a look at the body of this post as it concerns a brand new program that I think you will want to know about!
First an important announcement… I am absolutely delighted, and honored, to welcome none other than Claus Giloi as my Guest Judge for this month’s macro competition, with the theme. “Winter”. I have been wanting to have Claus as my guest for a long time, and this is your chance to have your winter-themed entries critiqued by one of our most gifted photographers. In addition to his vision and raw talent, Claus is one of the nicest individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting through this crazy job. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your submission selected by a true master of macro!
Tomorrow’s livestream is split between a book review and an announcement. The book being discussed is “Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging” by Douglas B. Murphy and Michael W. Davidson. This is a book that I have been looking for several years and it holds some of the most accessible material on really challenging concepts in optics that you are likely to find. It also contains some pretty impenetrable discussion of advanced imaging equipment and techniques , which I will get into tomorrow. The announcement will be related to the content presented in this blog and will be a chance for you to ask any questions about the exciting new project I am introducing. Here is a link to the Tuesday Macro Talk livestream… https://youtube.com/live/MWV8kMCYNks?feature=share
Thursday in Macro Talk Too we will also be talking about the Second Light project, but only after I get caught up answering this month’s accumulated viewer questions. You are welcome to bring any questions you have to the stream and I will do my best to get to all of them. I will be showing some new photographs that I have been working on, some of which I am pretty pleased with! The stream can be joined using this link - https://youtube.com/live/qV0KOW3Hhb4?feature=share
On Saturday we will be having our first Tangent in its new time slot of 10AM - 11:30Am Central Time on the second “non-zoom” Saturday of the month. Since cutting AfterStack to once a month, this 10AM time has become available and I think it is far preferable to following the Pzoom meeting on the weekend before this. Those 4-hour livestream marathons were pretty exhausting, even for a glutton for punishment like me! If you would care to join Larry and I for a discussion about 3D modeling and printing for the macro photography DIY enthusiast, you are more than welcome. It costs you nothing and your invitation is here -
Allan Walls is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Tangent with Larry Strunk
Time: Jan 24, 2026 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6916802815?pwd=TS9tZi9ZL1NXeVUvOUF4eTg5YjdlZz09&omn=82126424581
Meeting ID: 691 680 2815
Passcode: 678122
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82126424581/invitations?signature=r1kKIftMRp476DmGhOZzLa_8ib1R2chVi8H7skQnkOU
That is it for coming week and I hope to see you at one, or more, of these macro activities!
*****
Introducing Second Light from Allan Walls Photography!
I am really thrilled to introduce an entirely new project, something I have wanted to do since starting this channel more than 7 years ago, and an initiative that could realistically turn into a WIN-WIN-WIN program for all concerned. But let me start with an explanation of the Second Light program.
Second Light: A Community Gear Exchange
Why This Exists
I want to start with complete transparency.
Running this channel costs real money: equipment, software, hosting, storage, insurance, and an unreasonable number of small, unglamorous expenses that add up quickly. Like many educational channels in niche areas, YouTube revenue alone does not come close to covering those costs.
Several viewers have told me they would like to support the channel, but are uncomfortable with recurring subscriptions, direct donations, or monthly commitments. This project grew out of those conversations.
Second Light is an experiment — a practical, voluntary way for people to support the channel while also helping good photography gear stay in use.
There is absolutely no obligation to participate.
The Basic Idea
Many photographers have perfectly good equipment sitting unused in drawers, closets, or cabinets. At the same time, other photographers are looking for affordable, trustworthy used gear but dislike the uncertainty of online marketplaces.
Second Light connects those two realities.
Viewers may choose to donate gently used photography equipment they no longer use.
I inspect, clean, and evaluate the items.
Selected items are listed for sale on a dedicated page of this website.
All proceeds are used as operating income to support the channel.
In short: unused gear gets a second life, another photographer benefits, and the channel becomes a little more sustainable.
What This Is — and What It Is Not
This is:
Voluntary
Transparent
Community‑supported
Practical rather than emotional
This is not:
A plea for charity
A requirement to support the channel
A substitute for Patreon (which remains optional)
A promise that every item will be featured or sold
Participation is entirely at your discretion.
How Donated Gear Is Handled
All donated items go through a basic but honest process:
Initial inspection – condition, completeness, and relevance
Cleaning and basic testing – where appropriate
Categorization – items are grouped based on age, interest, and condition
Some items may be discussed briefly in videos or livestreams if they are particularly interesting or educational. Many will simply be listed.
I reserve the right not to list items that are damaged, impractical to sell, or unsuitable for the project.
How Items Are Sold
Items are clearly labeled as used equipment
Descriptions are honest and conservative
Pricing is fair and intended to move gear, not maximize profit
Items are sold as‑is, based on the description provided
This is not a commercial storefront — it is a curated exchange.
Why Donate Instead of Selling It Yourself?
People donate for different reasons:
They don’t want the hassle of selling individual items
The resale value is modest, but the gear is still useful
They like the idea of helping another photographer
They want to support the channel without a cash commitment
If none of those apply to you, that’s perfectly fine.
About Recognition and Privacy
Donations may be acknowledged privately, or not at all — your choice.
No public recognition is required, expected, or requested.
Shipping and Practical Details
Donors are responsible for shipping items to me
Donations are final and non‑returnable
I cannot guarantee that every item will be listed or sold
Full intake guidelines are provided on the donation page.
A Final Word
Second Light is simply one small experiment among several aimed at keeping this channel healthy and independent.
If it’s useful to you — as a donor, a buyer, or neither — that’s enough.
Thank you for watching, learning, and being part of this community in whatever way feels right to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to donate gear to support the channel?
No. There is absolutely no requirement or expectation that anyone participate. Watching the videos, sharing them, or simply being part of the community is already meaningful support.
Is this meant to replace Patreon or other forms of support?
No. Patreon and other support options remain unchanged and entirely optional. This is simply an additional way for people to help who prefer not to make recurring or direct cash contributions.
What kinds of gear are you interested in?
In general, photography-related equipment that is functional, complete, and in reasonably good condition. This can include cameras, lenses, lighting, accessories, macro-related tools, and specialty items. Very old, damaged, incomplete, or non-functional gear is less likely to be suitable.
Specific intake guidelines are provided on the donation page.
Will my donated gear definitely be listed for sale?
Not necessarily. I reserve the right to decline items that are impractical to sell, unsuitable for the project, or not in a condition I’m comfortable passing on to someone else. Donated items are final and non-returnable.
Will my gear be reviewed or featured in a video?
Only occasionally. Some items may be discussed briefly if they are particularly interesting or educational, but most items will simply be cleaned, described, and listed for sale without any on-camera coverage.
How are prices determined?
Pricing is intentionally fair and conservative. The goal is to move useful gear to new owners while generating modest operating income — not to maximize profit or compete with commercial resellers.
Who pays for shipping?
Donors are responsible for shipping items to me. Buyers pay shipping from me to them at the time of purchase.
Are items tested or guaranteed?
Items are inspected and described honestly, and basic testing is done where appropriate. However, all items are sold as used equipment, as-is, based on the description provided. I cannot offer warranties or long-term guarantees.
Will my name be mentioned publicly if I donate gear?
Only if you specifically want it to be. Donations can be acknowledged privately, publicly, or not at all — entirely your choice. Public recognition is never expected or required.
What happens if an item doesn’t sell?
If an item does not sell after a reasonable period, I may relist it, discount it, bundle it with other items, or remove it from the storefront entirely.
Can businesses or manufacturers donate items?
At this time, the project is focused on individual viewers and community members. I am not currently soliciting manufacturer or promotional donations.
Where does the money go?
All proceeds are used as operating income to support the ongoing costs of running the channel.
Is this a permanent program?
At this stage, Second Light is an experiment. If it proves useful, manageable, and sustainable, it may continue. If it doesn’t, I’ll say so openly and adjust accordingly.
The Second Light Program should be ready to launch within the week and Second Light webpage will have everything you need to participate as well as a place to ask questions or make suggestions. I hope you are as excited as I am about this project and will want to keep your surplus photographic gear where it is meant to be - in the hands of a photographer!
Thank you!
Allan