Random thoughts

Gearhead and other questions

May 13, 2009 by Younes

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The question always pops out, be it among my fellow gearheads (despite my allegations to the contrary, I am definitely one) or with the occasional passerby marveling at the size of my appendage. So here it is, in all its glory, my long list of precious gear:

Cameras: Nikon D200 and D700

Lenses:  Nikon 14-24 2.8

Nikon 28-70 2.8

Nikon 50-1.8

Nikon 105 2.8 macro

Nikon 70-300 4-5.6 VR

Nikon SB-800 Flash

Tripod:  Gitzo 1228

Ballhead: Kirk BH-3

Accessories: Nikon circular polarizer; Nikon remote release; Lee gradient neutral density filters; spare batteries; memory cards (Kingston and Sandisk).

So, what’s in your bag?

As much as I really do love my gear, I don’t want you to forget that  Gear is good, Vision is better (yeah, I stole it from David duChemin…hate reinventing the wheel).

That’s it for gear…finito, done, fini, vertig…obviously I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on my gear (or any other gear really). Notice though that I haven’t discussed bags…you know that it is a topic in and of itself, can’t be just buried in here. I’ll get to them sometime soon.

I would also like to take this opportunity to throw a couple of things out here in the open in case anyone would be interested:

  • I would love to start a photo critique section on my blog. If you have photographs that you would like to have critiqued on the blog, please send them my way.
  • In the same vein, I can do something similar with post-processing: send me your original file (raw or other), I’ll take a stab at it and post a step by step tutorial on how I got to the end product.
  • If you have questions you would like to see answered relating to photography, be them technical, philosophical or whatever, please be my guest.
  • I feel like I should have a fourth point here, but can’t think of one really…kind of late really, I should be hugging my bed at this time.

So on this note, I shall withdraw into my hole. I’ll try and reemerge on time for my next post.

 

Catch it when you can

May 7, 2009 by Younes

As brilliant as I may want to believe I am, it turns out that I apparently only learn the hard way…not really brilliant if you want my opinion. In anycase, I was reminded of this only a few days ago as a scenario I was all too familiar with came back to bite me, yet again!

The story goes a bit like this, you are gearing up for a shoot outdoors. The conditions are perfect. Gorgeous clouds are in a fantastic position, moving in the right direction. The sun comes out just enough to light up the pretty parts of the scene, wonderful chiaorscuro at play. Instead of taking advantage of the scene in front of you, you choose to drive an hour or two away, to your favorite destination. You just KNOW that “there” the scene will be perfect for this kind of  light. You are already thinking of the wonderful pictures you are going to make, your next mag cover or even article ideas popping in your head. Boy, are you excited! 

Invariably, as you make it to your “spot” the light is simply not there anymore. It has vanished, gone and all you have to show for it is some measly attempt that is nowhere near as satisfying as what you would have had if only you had taken the shots when you had a chance!

Just like every single time before, my shoot this past Sunday was disappointing and disheartening. Instead of capturing those amazing “god rays” that stood there for the good part of two hours, all I have is a less than appealing scene, with drab, gray clouds.

My words of (sort of) wisdom today are: the next time you think of delaying a photo opportunity for a better one, think about it long and hard. Make sure you catch it when you can instead of dreaming of something that never materialises in the end.  There is a saying in French that goes something along the lines of “one that you have is better than two that you might get”; I should write that at the back of my camera!

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TGIF! TGIF!

May 1, 2009 by Younes

After a false TGIF alert yesterday, the forecast turned out to be more accurate and it really is Friday…about time.

My brain is somewhat fried after staying up late last night at a brilliant concert by two local bands (Jim Bryson and The Acorn, both are a must see, totally recommend!), which means that I have no words of wisdom for you today (I like to believe I have some wisdom to offer, you don’t have to agree, but at least let me live in my delusions :D ).

Instead, I would like to send you to fellow photographer’s Gavin Gough’s blog, where along with his outstanding monthly wallpaper offering, he has an even better story to go with it: check it here.

Which brings me to the next question, would you be interested in monthly wallpapers from yours truly? Let me know if you are interested and I’ll do my best to have one ready for next month.

Just before I leave you, here are couple of blog posts I strongly recommend:

- one is by one of my favorite writers and photographers Guy Tal (check it here) on finding your own personal style. Not only is does Guy share some great insight, but he writes it in such a sensitive and inspiring way that it’s pure delight everytime.

- the second is by another equally brilliant photographer and writer, Doug Menuez, about not losing sight of what you love shooting. Check it out here.

Have a nice week-end.

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Attitude goes a long way

April 30, 2009 by Younes

During my early morning round on twitter today, I stumbled on a tweep that said something along the lines of Thank God it’s Friday. My heart jumped in excitement and joy (I don’t hate my job, but I really like my week-ends). Then came utter disappointment, well, it’s only Thursday.

Fast forward to an hour later, I decided to reply to the tweep in question. Initially, I was thinking of saying something like “why the heck did you do that to me, not cool”. Then thinking about it, my final answer was: “For an instant you made believe it was Friday. Short-lived, but intense joy :D Thanks”. You see, it just got me thinking, on how often we choose to get down on ourselves, choose to see the glass half-empty instead of half-full.

The same happens to me at times when I go out shooting. You are chasing your next amazing shot, you are looking forward to that great display of light. You wait an hour, two, a day, the light just never makes it to your spot. You are disappointed, you mutter, you pack your gear, you leave, disgruntled. When that happens, you just have to remember why are doing this in the first place. Take note of your surroundings. Remind yourself of the beauty of the nature surrounding you. Sure, the sunset may not be the epic one you were praying for, but gee…do you have to take those mountains for granted too?

Just remember that whatever situation you are confronted with you can either cry and whine about it, or try and take the positive and run with it, it’s YOUR call. If all else fails, I often turn to Bobby McFerrin’s words of wisdom: Don’t worry, be happy.

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