Jan 12, 2015 | Field Reports
Tripods are an essential tool, simply put! Tripods are expensive, at least the ones I use and I understand that. The tripods I do use like primarily the Gitzo 5561SGT, I’ve had for a long time so that initial investment has paid for itself. But not everyone needs that commitment from their tripod, they don’t use them daily so making this investment doesn’t always make sense. So last fall I went looking for the best carbon fiber tripod for the money for budget minded. What I got and have been using now for three months is the Oben CT-2491 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs and I really like!
What features make this a winner to me? It’s physically small and very light yet extends to the height to just under my chin. It’s carbon fiber which I think is essential! Its legs do open up but with the center column, cannot go flat on to the ground (the ying and yang). I really like how the spiked legs are always present, just have to screw in the rubber pads. This not only extends the spikes but provides the rubber foot as a ground stop (smart). And the best part, it’s less that HALF price of the tripod I normally use for general photography. As you can see, I’ve put a little bit of wear on them and have no fear of using these in any weather. I can fully and with no reservation recommend this tripod to you. I’m now field testing their biggest, baddest tripod. Will report when I’m satisfied with it.
Jan 12, 2015 | Field Reports, Random Thoughts
“Where are these rules written down?” The squinty eyed, glass wearing accountant asks the sage weathered, wise cowboy sitting astride his horse. He answers, “Damn it man, they aren’t written down, they’re lived!”
This quote from Monte Welsh strikes me every time I hear it. It makes me think back on the email questions that have arrived in my InBox of late, what I’ve seen on the web, and at times I scratch my head. I am amazed how often I put out something I use in my photography that I have found works for me and then I see it next put out as a rule and then the inevitable web debate begins.
While it is true there are some aspects of photography that appear to be craved in stone, no sooner you think this then you see someone, for good or bad, go and do the contrary and produce results. And while we need to have some of these “rules” they should be considered as a starting point, a fall back position when things go to hell in a hen basket. Rules can give comfort but they leave little room for passion.
While there are lots of photographers providing lots of insight into their photography, run these insights through your own photography, your own heart and apply only that which applies to your storytelling. Do your photography the favor and don’t make them rules. “Damn it man, they aren’t written down, they’re lived!”
Jan 6, 2015 | Field Reports
It would seem a whole bunch of DSLR were given, bought, received over the holidays. How exciting! I’ve received a boat load of emails asking about accessories for these D810, D750, D610 video. I complied what I think are musts for DSLR video and here they are in the order I think you should acquire them:
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*MS-77 Mini Shotgun Microphone
*Acrylic Dry Erase Clapboard with Color Sticks (7×7.25″)
*Polsen Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
*Elvid RigVision CM-7L 7″ Field Monitor with Shutter Release
*Polsen 16-Channel Camera-Mountable UHF Wireless System with PL-4 Lavalier Microphone
*Pocket Wizard (check CS#g4 on your body making these work)
I have these all and find that they really make the difference in shooting video. You can search the website here for more details on this equipment. But if you ask me what accessories to get next for your video DSLR, this is what I recommend.
Jan 6, 2015 | Field Reports
Ya Hoooo, it’s here! The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens. Now what does all that good stuff mean, do I have one yet, do I have answers? I do not but I’ve already ordered mine from B&H and can’t wait. Nikon has posted this about the lens. I have the 300f4AFS, had it for over a decade and still use it. But no more, it’s getting replaced!
Jan 5, 2015 | Field Reports
Something YOU should be aware of and watch, new law proposed to Congress this year!
Dec 31, 2014 | Field Reports
Those who know me know I love history and none better than my family. Under the tree this year were many new books, one was Kiska: The Japanese Occupation of an Alaska Island. I know it was a busy year for me, I only got 19 books read (last year was normal with 28) but this last one, Kiska was great! Written by a biologist working with birds, he went looking for our history as well as birds. The Aleutian Battle during WWII fascinates me to no end because as many have called it, it was the forgotten war. The island of Kiska especially, because of its long history with men, wildlife and then, war. I have always wanted to spend time on Kiska with my camera and now after reading the book, more than ever. What has that got to do with a New Year’s resolution?
As photographers, and don’t be mistaken we are VERY fortunate to be photographers, we have a certain responsibility to keep the craft moving forward while preserving visually stories. All too often though, we get wrapped up in f/stops and shutter speeds rather than looking for the next story to tell. That is why I like to read so much, because it plants in the imagination a written story that challenges our visual storytelling. The island of Kiska is 2000 miles west of Anchorage. You have a two hour flight west from Anchorage and then a 38 hour boat ride to get to the island and that’s after you’ve earned the money and got the permits to do so. Then staying on the island is no picnic, hell, just landing on the island can be treacherous. But by reading the book, I feel the gauntlet has been thrown down for my photography and the desire to explore this wildlife and historic treasure left to us greater than ever. And that all comes from reading a book. The New Year’s resolution then that I want to put forth to you is this, simply read more books and set your imagination loose and let your heart fill your photographs! A pretty simple one but with big implications!
Happy New Year, and thank you ALL for all the blessings YOU have shared with us!
