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The more I learn, the more I’m humbled
by how little I know
The real Voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands – But in seeing with new eyes ~ Marcel Proust
The traveler sees
what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.
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Our Camera's and Digital Photo Gear "In terms of locating subject matter and "working" it in the field, my best advice is to learn as much as you can about the natural world. I've said it before, but it still holds true: To be a better nature photographer, you must first become a better naturalist" - John Shaw Most of this adventure is based on nature photography and documenting it with high quality photos. Sure we might do a few hikes or paddle some remote rivers without photography being the main subject, but we've found that without taking many pictures, we tend to forget all too quickly. No we don't claim to be professional photographers, but photography in general has been a way of life in our family for generations. As a child, I was always surrounded by photos. My Grandfather owned a photo studio in Detroit which he had taken over from his father. Bonish Studio was know all around the Detroit area and I was always in heaven being in this large studio as a small child. From my early years, I always had a camera with me where ever I went. I regret not taking classes at an earlier age or tapping into my Grand Fathers wealth of knowledge before the studio was shut down.
This was all done with 35mm cameras and before Digital was invented. I can remember taking dozens of pictures only to find out my settings were off, or the lighting was wrong. Learning to become a photographer in those days was a costly experience. I used to whine to Cindy saying "If I could only see what the image was going to look like right now to know if I have the settings correct, I would save so much film!" Digital was just emerging on the market, and the costs were outrageous for a 1 mega pixel camera. The critics used to say that Digital would never catch up to Film, and this type of photography would never become mainstream. When we worked at our restaurant and only took a few trips a year, it was very easy to draw back on the beautiful scenes we surrounded ourselves in and bring them back to mind. Cindy and I would go on a few vacations and come back with 10 to15 rolls of film. After spending a small fortune on developing costs, only a handful would make their way into albums, or enlargements and most would be stored under a bed in a shoe box.
With the advent of digital capture, this has all been simplified, to some extent. We still need to be in good light, and know how to take the photos properly, but there is no time lag between snapping the photo, and being able to see if it is close to what you were trying to achieve. Once back in the Camper, I can instantly download the images onto one of our computers and email them to friends and family or print them off if I want a hard copy. In the past 5 years alone, we have gone through 8 digital cameras. It seems that every few years, new models come out that surpass the old and make them almost obsolete. Sure they still work, but why would you use multiple cameras to achieve one task, when you might be able to use one that has so many functions rolled into one unit? We have a few professional D-SLR bodies that we carry which are our main cameras. We also have a few digital Point & Shoots that might fill in when the larger framed models just wont work. For instance, why carry a heavy pro framed model while kayaking, when I can carry a small Point & Shoot in an underwater housing and not worry about dropping it or getting it wet. The image quality cant compare, but the smaller images aren't noticed on a website anyways. Camera Models and Our Decision to Go Digital
When we realized we needed to make the switch to Digital was when we returned from a two week vacation with 15 rolls of film. Digital cameras were on the market at the time, but we kept saying we couldn't afford one. After that vacation, we did some simple math and came up with this logic.
15 rolls of 36 exposure film @
$8.95 per roll
= $134.25 Now this might not seem like a lot of money; but when you think of those 540 pictures we took, only a hundred went into an album, and only a few were quality enough to get enlarged. This was also only one vacation and we tried to take at least two vacations per year. So this cost added up quick and the switch to digital would end up saving us money. We could buy a Canon Digital Rebel and keep all our same lenses we had for our 35mm bodies. We made the leap and I think when we sold our 35mm bodies a year later, they still had a roll of film in them that we had forgotten about. It was the best decision we made and really made both of us better photographers. With the ease of seeing our images instantly, we now don't waste so much film bracketing our shots, and when we think we have the shot we're looking for, we can move on. We have since gotten rid of that Digital Rebel and have upgraded our Digital Bodies a few different times as the technology improves. One thing that we found out the hard way was as you upgrade your cameras, you need to do the same with your computers. Between computers, card readers, compact flash cards and editing programs, the switch from digital isn't as easy as we thought it was going to be, but we're still not complaining. This camera is old, but it has never let us down!! We had bought this camera used, and never had to upgrade till I dumped it in the ocean when I tipped over in my Kayak. This monster is a workhorse when it comes to taking pictures. If I could ever recommend a great camera to anyone looking to step into the pro field, this would be the one. It will do everything and anything you want, and with the ability of shooting 8 frames a second, it will keep up with any sport you want to try shooting. For the abuse we gave this camera, it should go in the record books as a survivor. We bought this camera as a back up and for the constant arguing over who got to carry the 1D when hiking. This camera is a step up from the base model Canon Rebel and has a larger grip and a more comfortable feel since we were so used to the 1D. We chose the 30D over the Rebel because of it's larger frame and stronger shutter lifecycle. We haven't had any problems with it and it's a joy to use. With the 5 frames per second (fps) shooting capabilities, it's not as fast as the 1D, but it is much faster than the 5D. This body also has a 1.6 crop factor on the image sensor, so any lens you put on it, you can extend it by 1.6 and not lose any f/stops. Now we're arguing over who gets to use this body anytime we're trying to shoot wildlife because it reaches out farther. After the 1D went for a swim in Baja, we had to replace it with something new, and wanted to try the Full Frame option to see what it was like. I can honestly say I don't think I'll ever be able to be without a full frame body in the camera bag. It makes the wide angle lenses so much more wider, and adds so much depth to the longer zooms with its humongous sensor. There are a few things I dislike about this model, but I think it's more because I'm usually trying to push the limits on what the camera can handle. It will only shoot 3fps which is gruelingly slow. There have been many times where I'm shooting away at a concert or performance and the write buffer freezes up the camera. Like I said, I know I'm pushing the camera, but it drives me nuts. I guess I'm still used to the speed of the 1D and have to remind myself that this is more for Landscape and studio work. It produces some amazing work though.
Canon A80 Point & Shoot Digital Camera
This little point and shoot is ideal for carrying around when a big professional camera is too large. It has a great zoom and has settings to go from fully automatic to fully manual. The main reason we keep this camera if for the underwater housing we have for it. This camera has taken many images over the past few years and we only have one problem with it. The case tends to loosen and has to be sent back to Canon to be fixed. They have no problem fixing it, but it gets maddening after multiple times. Actually right now the camera is broken again, now for the 3rd time, so I'm guessing I wouldn't feel right recommending this to anyone. Waterproof Case WP-DC900 for Powershot A80 If you've ever priced out an underwater case for a full sized digital D-SLR, you could buy multiple point and shoots and multiple underwater housing before you would pay one off. These are fantastic and we've used them for years without ever having a problem with one of the cameras we used them on. Take Nothing But Pictures Leave Nothing But Footprints
Lenses and Other
Useful Accessories
Of all the things I learned while working with a professional photographer, the most important one was the difference between consumer lenses and the pro models. If you're shooting with a Canon set up, you've probably seen the big, white "L" Lenses. There is a reason they are so expensive. These lenses are night and day over the standard lenses you see at most photo shops. Good bags and quality straps are also a must if you're doing a lot of traveling. Our cameras take a ton of abuse, and if there is one thing we've learned, it pays to buy things that are comfortable. If you have a bag or strap that makes the camera more comfortable to carry, chances are you're more likely to carry it. This was our first big lens we purchased, and it changed the way we thought about photography. Now I dont consider it too big, but I do consider it a staple and it's the lens usually on my camera. The fast shutter speed and Image Stabilization allow us to get great shots hand held in very low light. Something that was not accomplishable with our cheaper lenses we had prior to this purchase. We use this lens most when shooting concert footage or anywhere we need low light capabilities. If you're into photography and wanting to up your image quality, this is the lens to buy. It is well worth the cost. Canon 28-300 f/3.5-5.5L IS USM For traveling, this is one of those lenses we seem to use the most. From it's wide angle capabilities on one end, to being able to zoom out with the flick of a wrist, this is a 'Do It All" lens. We tend to use this lens the most and argue over who gets to keep it on their camera body. It's not nearly as fast as the 70-200 f/2.8, so it's usually just used for outdoor photography in good lighting. If Canon made this lens in a f/2.8 model, we would probably own two of them and not need anything else. I feel the need to tell you that this lens is quite heavy and can become uncomfortable while carrying on a long hike. If you get this, make sure to have a comfortable heavy duty foam strap on your camera to save your shoulder and back. Canon 400 f/2.8 IS USM - The Grand Daddy of Sports & Wildlife Lenses I still pinch myself every time I see this lens in the camera bag. This baby was a dream of ours for so long, that I never thought we'd actually own it. But around Christmas time, someone was selling it off for a price I couldn't refuse, and we became the proud owner of one of the most coveted lenses in the Canon line up. It's as tack sharp as they come, it is faster than anything out there and about as heavy as a full camera backpack (11.8 lbs!) I've yet to really see what this baby can do, as we've only had it for a few months so I'll have to come back after a few full months of shooting with it to give an in-depth review. But for anyone who is looking to reach out and get close to your subject, especially in low light or with fast action, this is the lens to do it with. Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM This is a great lens when you're hiking or want to travel light. It has plenty of wide angle capabilities and enough zoom to get you onto your subject for anything but those real long range objects. It's not the best for low light, but it does its job when trying to go light weight. I've found it's a great lens to keep as a back up, or when you don't want to draw any attention to yourself which usually happens when you have any of the big white Professional lenses attached. This isn't a lens we use all that often, but its good to keep as a back-up, so there is no use to get rid of it. Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG Macro We'd love to be able to afford the Canon version of this lens because its known as one of Canon's most sharpest lenses they make, but the Sigma has performed fantastically for us for years now. This is our Wide to Semi-Telephoto lens we use for all indoor work. It is great in low light and Macro work and has taken a beating over the past few years. It did stop focusing for us for no reason? We sent it back to Sigma and a week later had it back working flawlessly at no cost to us with no questions asked. Thanks Sigma! Sigma 17-35 f/2.8-4 DG HSM This is a great lens and allows you to get everything in the frame, but doesn't give you the distortion that the 15mm Fisheye does. Since I bought this lens a few months ago, I've found that it's been the replacement for my 24-70 since it's been in the shop. This lens on the 5D with its full frame is a real stunner when it comes to getting everything in the frame.
It is the best for wide Panoramas, and with its low light capabilities, it can be used almost anywhere. One thing you have to remember is how much it can distort the picture. This can be a fun lens with the kids or when trying to get a different look out of a boring picture. This is a picture taken with the Fisheye lens held out the sunroof of the truck with it on the Canon 1D body. This lens on the full frame 5D is almost too wide, but its fun and is a staple in the camera bag Bogen/Manfrotto 190XB Tripod This is a new tripod we bought after our older one, which we had for years, wouldn't hold up our heavier lenses. The problem with the older one was it had an attached head that wasn't made for large cameras. It was fine for the lighter camera bodies and smaller lenses, but with a pro body and large "L" Lens, it just wasn't working. With this new Manfrotto, we can add any size ball head we want, so if we upgrade to a larger camera or bigger zooms, we don't have to keep upgrading tripods. When I went in to purchase this tripod, I originally wanted the model with the Carbon Fiber legs thinking it would save so much in weight. That was till I held each tripod side by side and could barely notice the 3lb difference. The Magfiber model was over $100 more and when every penny counts for our tight budget, we chose the heavier model. We love how easy this tripod is to set up and lock into place due to its leg locks and quick release buckles Bogen/Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead Once we got the new tripod, we chose this Grip Action Ballhead so we could use its fast action maneuverability to follow the scene we're trying to capture. We like this ballhead very much as it allows for one handed operation and allows for the other hand to still be on the camera yet track a moving subject with relative ease. Bogen/Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod This has to be the easiest monopod to use. Once you get the hang of this one handed operation, you wonder why anyone would use anything else. The Manfrotto 685 monopod is also helpful for many places that don't allow you to use tripods. Many museums, galleries and concert halls don't allow photographers to use tripods, but you can walk right in with a monopod. We've found that this monopod is also great for long hikes as it can double as a walking stick while hiking, and used as a camera support when needed. It's not as light as some of the carbon fiber models, but about the same weight as the comparable aluminum competitors.
ThinkTank Streetwalker HardDrive Backpack Once we bought the Canon 400mm lens, we needed a bag big enough to be able to carry it around with us. The lens comes with its own aluminum case, but carrying that into the field is just not going to happen. The ThinkTank Streetwalker HardDrive backpack is big enough to hold the lens with a pro-sized body attached and still have enough room for a few other lenses or accessories. It also has a slot for a laptop in the back and will come in very handy when we need to travel with this lens while flying because the entire setup is carry-on sized. After getting this bag and testing its durability, I'm a firm believer that ThinkTank products are some of the best stuff on the market. Stay tuned because we're saving up to get one of their belt systems and I'll make sure to post a full review of it. To read an extended review of the ThinkTank Streetwalker HardDrive and see it loaded with various camera gear, Click Here. Canon Gadget Bag We've had this camera bag for about 10 years now and it's seen more abuse then most would think possible. We joke that we should test backpacks and gear bags for a living, but of all the bags we've bought and tried, we seem to keep coming back to this one for everyday use. It's deep enough to hold the pro body of the 1D and a few extra accessories and still has a few pockets left for granola bars and those side items we bring along. It's not waterproof, but has been through many rain storms and kept the gear relatively dry and safe. Tamrac 5258 CyberPack Photo Backpack We bought this backpack for it's ability to hold all our gear in one case, and still be comfortable enough to hike with. The one cool thing about this backpack, is it has a slot against the back that holds our lap top if we need to bring it along and use the pack as a Carry On. I'll be totally honest, that when it's fully loaded, it aint all that comfortable if you have the Lap Top in that slot against your back, it takes away from the contour of your natural arch. Without the Lap Top, it's very comfortable and can be worn for long periods of time without too much discomfort. But for those times we need to carry everything, it helps to have one bag that will carry it all. When just carrying a few of the lenses and both bodies, this is the best and most comfortable way to bring it all. The large capacity has movable slots and can be situated for just about any set-up you want to carry. Tamrac did come out with more comfortable straps on the newer models, but they're more geared for the serious hiker and those bags are a bit more heavy duty. Lowepro Topload Zoom AW Holster Bag This is the ideal bag when you're carrying the camera and you just need a light bag to keep the accessories in. The bag is large enough to have the camera in, but it would only hold the body with one lens. When we are out, we usually keep the camera in our hands and this bag holds back up batteries and the Fisheye lens and other accessories. We love this bag for it's ease of carrying. It's comfortable while hiking and can be clipped to a normal backpacks shoulder straps to become a chest pack. This is an ideal set-up for riding the motorcycle and keeping the camera protected, yet still right at the ready. Tamrac N-27 Boomerang Camera Straps I cant imagine carrying the cameras with the stock straps they come with. For the minimal cost of these straps, they make all the difference when carrying the cameras for long periods of time. Tamrac N-11 Backpack to Camera Straps If you do any hiking or biking and try to carry a camera with you, these are the straps to have. They allow you to attach the camera to the much more comfortable shoulder straps of the backpack you're wearing. It keeps the camera right on your chest and within easy reach, and also is great for quick shots while biking.
It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save our environment - Ansel Adams Some Books and Useful Resources on Photography If there are any books that I would recommend for anyone who is getting into photography, it would be some of Scott Kelby's books. The Digital Photography Book - By Scott Kelby
This is a must have for anyone who is familiar with photography and wants to move up to the next level. Scott has a great way of explaining things in a straight forward matter and making you understand the more technical side of this sometimes confusing field. I think I have bought this book 5 times for friends who are getting into the field and I would recommend it to anyone. I have read it myself a few dozen times and keep it handy to flip through on a daily basis.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers Adobe Lightroom is an amazing program that will improve your photography as soon as you figure out how to use the program. It's not that magic button that can turn bad photos into cover shots, but if you can take a decent photo with the correct exposure, Adobe Lightroom will make that shot pop out and be noticed. Scott Kelby's book taught me how to use the program and understand the many different options. Like many of his other books I own, this is a must have if you really want to learn the ins and outs of the great program from Adobe. Make Sure to Check out Scott Kelby's Website for tons of info
The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers
In this age of digital photography, Photoshop is a must have program. It is well worth the money and once you learn the basics, this book is the next step to move you up to that next level where you start to learn the tricks the pros use. I know that CS3 has already come out, but I haven't used Scott's book on that program to comment on it. I still use Photoshop CS2 and this book was a great help with teaching me many new tricks. Many of the photos you see on our site have been adjusted in Photoshop to bring out some shadows or punch up the colors. You'd be amazed at how much you can do with this must have program. It's well worth the high cost if you're really into photography.
The Photoshop CS3
Book for Digital Photographers Once I moved up to CS3, I got this book right away so I could learn the new tricks of the brand new program. CS3 is light years ahead of CS2 and the program is way worth the upgrade. Once you upgrade, get this book right away! I also listed a few other books I own that have really helped with the computer workflow.
This site is the one stop shop for photo gear. Plenty of times you might find someone advertising cheaper prices, but 90% of the time, they don't have the item in stock or available. I've never been disappointed with B&H and they always have what I'm looking for. This site is just amazing. From tutorials, to instruction to just damn fine photography. Be warned that once you find and bookmark this site, you'll spend hours on it just reading and learning.....All for free. People who host sites like this need to be recognized.
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Once I graduated high school, I
thought I had found my calling and tried my hardest to learn everything
I could about developing quality photos. Cindy and I took a few
classes and I even worked at a local Ritz Camera so I could get
discounts on what was becoming a very expensive hobby. I tried to
mentor under a professional photographer while living in South Florida
and found it is one of the fastest ways to learn the trade. This
also opened my eyes as to what a professional photographer goes through
to get a name for themselves. 
Now while traveling every day,
seeing so much beauty, it's hard to remember all we've done. Thank
God for Digital Photography and it's ease of use. I cant imagine
traveling like we do and using 35mm film equipment and how it would slow
us down. The hassle of snapping the pictures, storing the film
cartridges and getting all the photos developed. It really makes
you respect the travel photographers of the past, and how hard it must
have been.
When I first started shooting,
I started with a Canon Rebel that was 35mm format. This camera had
everything that we needed, and allowed us to use manual controls or
shoot fully automatic. For years we used this camera and ended up
buying another one so we could carry Black & White film in one body, and
Color Film in the other. .JPG)
