Gear Talk

I spend a lot of time traveling with lighting gear.  Almost every assignment I get involves lighting, whether it be for portraits, action or travel.  That means more gear, which means more weight.  So anytime I find a new piece of gear that trims the weight I am carrying, I am happy.  With tripods going Read More

If you are carrying a heavy camera around all day, chances are your neck is pretty stiff at the end of the day.  Imagine walking much of the day during a visit to a foreign city.  Or standing on the sidelines of an event where you need your camera ready.  My situation has changed shooting Read More

After almost two years, the Nikon 500mm 5.6 PF is in stock.  There is a reason it has been out of stock for two years…this is one amazing lens.  For starters, this lens is really small and compact…almost the same weight as the 70-200mm 2.8…but it is a 500mm! Using phase fresnel elements to reduce Read More

We have been having a blast teaching our online macro classes, who knew virtual learning could be so much fun?  Each session we introduce new shooting techniques, discuss editing tips specific to macro, and review everyone’s photos.  A lot of discussion has come up on gear, and I wanted to post this for all the Read More

Here is an inexpensive gear tip. If you photograph flowers, macro or still life, you should order a Plamp today.  This simple clamp/arm device is very helpful during shoots, and gives you a ‘third hand’ to hold reflectors or move things out of the way. I’ve been shooting a lot of macro in my backyard Read More

I have wrapped up my testing of various mittens and gloves to keep my hands warm during very cold photography sessions.  I’ve been trying out different combinations in winter in arctic Alaska, the Colorado backcountry and winter in Japan.  Before I get to what I wear in the coldest conditions, here is what I use Read More

One lens I was very excited about trying out in Patagonia last month was the new Z 24mm 1.8 S.  We are already shooting both the F4 and F2.8 24-70mm, and the results are stunning.  But why get a prime at 24mm?  Simply put, this lens is faster by more than a stop, and that Read More