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
Gear Talk
Black Rapids Camera Strap
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
Nikon 500mm 5.6 PF in stock!
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
Macro with Nikon Z; extension tubes
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
The Plamp
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
The results are in: best mitten system for photographers.
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
Warmest glove system ever?
The older I get, the colder my hands get. I miss the days of ice climbing in Alaska at twenty below and having toasty hands. Now it seems just standing around photographing bison in the snow and my hands get cold really fast. I’ve been on a mission to find the best way to keep Read More
2020 CES Impressions
I just returned from speaking for Nikon in Las Vegas at the 2020 Consumer and Electronics Tradeshow. This is the biggest trade show in the country, 175,000 come to the event. If you are a photographer, it is like a giant candy store. While you could get distracted by Jumbotron sized HD televisions (did someone Read More
Nikon Z 24mm 1.8 S
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
Holiday Gift Guide 2019
It’s that time of the year, let the holiday shopping begin! I’ve found some gift ideas for the photographer on your list, from inexpensive to expensive. Many companies have great sales, so now is a good time to shop. Here goes: 1. Buy a new camera! How much fun does that sound! There are incredible Read More