Modeling Update
Miss ECSC Preliminary Round 1
Modeling Update
New Think Tank Photo Bags
Our friends at Think Tank Photo have just released a new rolling backpack as part of its classic StreetWalker series, as well as upgraded all three of the backpacks in that series.
Now with the StreetWalker V2.0 series, you get new features such as increased depth for modern DSLR systems, and dedicated pockets for both tablets and smartphones. The new rolling backpack’s harness system allows you to roll the bag or carry it on your back in comfort.
In addition, they’ve upgraded their popular TurnStyle sling bags. Ideal grab-and-go bag for a casual day of shooting with a DSLR or Mirrorless system and lenses, wear a body-conforming TurnStyle bag as either a sling bag or beltpack to move and shoot freely. The new Turnstyles feature a tuck-away stabilizer strap and are available in two new colors: Charcoal and Blue Indigo.
Don’t forget that because of my relationship with Think Tank when you click on these links you will receive free gear and free shipping!
Think Tank Photo
Streetwalker V2.0
TurnStyle Sling Bag
Modeling Update
Sports Update
First Beach Shoot of the Year
Just A Small Rant About Gear
Really tired of people saying they can't take good photos because "their gear isn't good enough" and/or "new/better gear is too expensive".
Yes, the latest and greatest gear on the market is expensive but there is tons of older/ used gear on the market that is absolutely fantastic at a fraction of the cost.
For example I bought my 400 f2.8 AF-S (circa 2000) and 200-400 f4 VR (circa 2004) for $2500 each and they are both absolute tanks and function flawlessly.
Sorry to the Canon shooters out there because I can't help you out. For the Nikon shooters that are looking for longer lenses, if you have a body with a built in AF motor, you can pick up an old school 300 f4D AF lens for under $500 used.
Its a fantastic piece of glass that, despite being an AF lens, does a good job keeping up tracking subjects, is tack sharp, and has great color. You can check out a video I did about it HERE.
Here's one I took the other night with my 10 year old D3 and circa 1999 300 f4D.
Impromptu Couples Shoot
I was sitting in my office the other day when it was raining and looked out the door and saw this "couple" walking around in my back yard. I grabbed my D500 and 200-400 f4 and decided to take a few photos of them. Hope you enjoy.
Holding Things Down
So for a while I've been thinking about a way to weigh down my lights when Im shooting on location (specifically on the beach) since I don’t ever bring an assistant and there's no guarantee someone is going to be coming with the model.
I thought about buying actual sand bags but didn't I like to travel light and fast (camera and lighting bag only) and didn't want to literally be weighed down by adding a whole bunch of heavy sandbags to carry around.
The solution I came up with was a 5 gallon bucket, trunk tie down, and a utility shovel.
I took apart one of my light stands and attached the trunk tie down to the light stand. When I get to the beach I carry the bucket and shovel down along with my other gear then fill the bucket with sand, attached the trunk tie down and tighten the strap.
Once the sand is added to the bucket I get about 50lbs worth of weight attached directly to the stand.
The added bonus to the trunk tie down is it has an additional metal loop that comes in pretty handy for hanging my lighting bag from the stand which keeps it out of the sand and adds about another 15lbs of weight to the stand.
Picked up everything from home depot for under $20
Keeper 1 in. x 3 ft. x 100 lbs. Trunk Tie Down - $4.57
The Home Depot 5-gal. Homer Bucket - $2.97
HDX 10.75 in. D-Handle Utility Shovel - $9.97
For extra windy days you can buy a second bucket and trunk tie down for $8 and put it on the other side of the light stand.
Here's a picture of the setup. Hope this helps someone out or gives you some ideas.
Fort Monroe Sunset
Drove up to Fort Monroe in Hampton a few days ago in the hopes of getting a time lapse of the sunset over the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Despite leaving a lot earlier than I needed to I got stuck in traffic and got there about 10 minutes before sunset. Due to this I dropped the time lapse idea and went for just getting a still photo of the sun setting. Here's what I ended up with. Hope you enjoy.
Sports Update
Had a nice break away from the hectic sports schedule due to schools being on spring break. Here are a few of the recent photos I've taken. Enjoy.
Modeling Update
Just a few of the recent modeling shoots I've done recently. Its starting to warm up so I've been trying to get outside and shoot more which has also given me the opportunity to put the Profoto B2 through its paces. Enjoy.
Back to Lacrosse
Finally been able to shoot some lacrosse lately. Unfortunately lacrosse isn't a huge sport here and its only played as an intramural sport for high school. Here are a few of the recent lacrosse games I've shot recently. Enjoy
High School Soccer
Been keeping pretty busy so far this season and wanted to share a few more photos that I've taken this week.
Spring Sports Are Here
Spring sports have officially started and its been great to be back outdoors for sports. Done a couple soccer games so far and here are some of the shots I got.
Think Tank Photo Signature Series Bags
The newly released Signature Series from Think Tank Photo is a modernized version of the classic shoulder bag. Hand sewn, advanced fabrics blend weather protection and durability with the classic feel of fine wool. Genuine leather detailing and metal hardware add character and stand up to the rigors of daily use. In addition, the zippered flap provides full closure and security to the main compartment, or tucks away when not in use. The Signature 10 fits a 10” tablet; the Signature 13 fits a 13” laptop. With our special relationship with Think Tank, by clicking here you will be able to add free gear and receive free shipping on your orders of the Signature bags and all of their other gear.
Outdoor Shoot with Joanna
One of the problems with Virginia is it can never make up its mind if its going to be warm or cold outside. For weeks now the weather has been going from 70 degrees one day to 40 degrees the next. Well this doesn't work out too well when you're trying to plan outdoor shoots.
This past weekend was supposed to be pretty warm but ended up being about 40 degrees with 10mph winds. Despite all that Joanna braved the cold to do a shoot at Mt Trashmore. Here are a few of the photos.
MEAC Basketball Tournament
I covered the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament at the Scope Arena in Norfolk last week. The games were pretty good and it was nice to shoot something at the Scope that wasn't ice hockey. One of the interesting things I learned was with the ice covered the scope arena is about 1 stop darker than with the ice out. Here are a few photos from the tournament.