Of course, I’m rather biased, but I just think she’s the best woman wildlife photographer around (noticed, I said woman). My dearest friend Laurie Excell launched her new blog today and I think it’s one you should put on your feed. I know there will be lots there you can learn as time goes on. In fact, you should head there NOW!
What am I using to carry all my gear (seems a little obvious to me)? I received a lot of emails during and after my Homer trip asking me this. I use a black, MP-1, True, while the photos on Moose’s Camera Bag weren’t updated when I recently updated the gear list, but not much as really changed. I do understand folk’s concern and worry about traveling by air. Stories are out there of photographers having real issues when boarding. I witnessed one myself recently and personally, I felt the photographers dug their own grave (and made it harder for the next photographer). Common sense still rules the day. Here’s what’s packed in my MP-1 for the TX shoot:
Long Lens Compartment: D2Xs, 600f4 AFS II, MC-30, ski cap, spare eyecup & eyepiece, spare LCD cover
Top Short Lens Compartment: 70-180macro, 10.5, TC-17e, 12-24DX, 17-55AFS, SB-800, 2-Nikon polarizers, SD-8a & 10 spare AA batteries
Bottom Short Lens Compartment: D2Hs, 105VR, 100GB Fortress, SC-28
I’ve NEVER had ONE problem getting my MP-1 (or MP-3) with all this gear on a plane or in an overhead. Yes, I have had some gate agents ask if it will fit while boarding but with a smile, I tell them the same thing. “I’ve never had a problem getting it in an overhead” and away I go. Now if they asked to weigh the MP-1, well, I’d than be in a world of hurt!
Many ask about tripods and other gear. I take either the Gitzo 5540 or 3540 when I’m flying, the longest lens I’m going to be using the determining factor. Which tripod I take is packed in the checked luggage along with corresponding head, in an Eagle Creek rolling duffel. I also travel with a Tamrac Jumbo Rolling Strongbox. In this I have misc camera gear like chargers, cords, books, notebook charger, bins, extra SB-800s, etc.
The notebook(s), yes, I often have 2 with me, along with other “computer” stuff are carried on in a Swiss Army rolling briefcase. And with this, I’m good to go. I hope this answers all the questions and gives you some ideas how to travel easily and safely. Please don’t let the stories scare you from getting out and exploring whatever corner of the world your camera points you!
Is it spring? We should have 20′ of snow in our front yard and yet, there’s only dirt. We have birds everywhere, everywhere, with many being spring migrants. The Red-shafted Flickers are all over the neighborhood rapidly tapping on the metal chimneys which sounds like machine gun fire. The males do this in their attempts to attract a mate. What gives?
Few, the year isn’t flying by as fast as I feared. The White-headed Woodpeckers (a female pictured here) and Hairy Woodpeckers still have white heads. What does that mean? They aren’t drilling in the firs yet, creating nesting cavaties. When they do that, their beautiful white heads turn rasberry colored, stained with the sap.
I’ve been hard at work all week making sure my programs for Photoshop World (only the GREATEST show on earth!) are all polished and ready to go. While it’s almost two weeks away, I’m out of here tomorrow, off to shoot in TX for a week. While I might be stuck at my desk, I still keep shooting. This photo was taken from my desk, shooting out the open window. Wait, it’s March, it should be freezing with the window open. May be it is spring?
Photo captured by D2Xs, 600f4 AFS II on Lexar digital film
One of my FAVORITE programs just got better. PhotoRescue has brought out their 3.0 version, a little faster, more powerful, flexible and simply a must for all digital shooters. I don’t care where you buy it (it’s only $29), just buy it! I don’t know how many shooter’s butts I’ve saved using this program, but it will, at some point, save your ass. Or rather, your photos. You can download a free trial and/or buy your Mac or Win version right here.
OK…user update. I’ve been using the new Gitzo 3540XLS and Gitzo 5540LS for a couple of months is all sorts of nasty environments and this is what I’ve found. They rock (as in they are great)!
The main things I love are all based around their new G Lock technology. The ease of use is outstanding! Juggling the height of the old 1548 with the 600f4 on board got real old, always having to take your eye off the subject to mess with the leg locks. No more, with the 5540LS, I can adjust without looking at which leg lock while I’m grabbing or giggling the leg to get longer. An important side benefit of the G Lock technology is the extra stability while working with a lighter tripod. I’m sold.
Moose’s Camera Bag has been updated with these an other small additions I’ve made so far in 2007. I hope the information helps you make the most of your wildlife photography budget!
