Author Archives: bobshank

“R” is for R-Strap

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Do you ever carry two cameras on a shoot? If you do then you know the trouble that comes with this territory. Two cameras on their original camera straps are prone to clank into each other and weigh your neck down. It is uncomfortable to say the least, is not good for your camera bodies or lenses, and just is not an efficient way to work.

I shoot a lot of baseball games and like to have two camera bodies on me. My main camera, the Nikon D300, sports the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and is mounted on a monopod. The second camera is my older Nikon D-70 with the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I really like this combination but carrying the second camera on its regular strap was becoming nothing short of a pain in the neck!

I heard about the R-Strap and decided to give it a try since I also had a wedding coming up. I tried it and I love it!

You can read my review of the R-Strap that I posted on my website. If  you ever carry two camera bodies you really should consider using the R-Strap.

Go Ahead, Print Some Photos

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Digital photography is great. No more waiting for turn around time with developers or messy chemicals to play with. And you can see what you shot right away on your LCD screen. Shoot away–the only limitation is how many gigabytes of memory available. Another positive difference is that you no longer have to go through shoebox after shoebox to find the photo you are looking for. Yep, digital photography rocks!

And yet, there is still something about a print. No matter its size, a print is something special, something tangible, something unique. When you hold a print in your hands you hold a memory, a moment frozen in time forever. There it is right in front of your eyes. You see it but you still can hardly believe it. Precious time frozen in beauty. Touch it, hold it, stare at it. And if you are the photographer who created this photo that’s even better!

Sadly, far too many prints are in laptops, computers, external hard drives, and Drobos never able to see the light of day. They are stored digitally and even viewed digitally. It is like they are doomed to a digital existence for all of eternity.

No! Even digital photos deserve to be printed. So go ahead, print some of your photos. Hold them in your hands, touch them, stare at them. And then you will realize that there is something mighty precious about a photograph!

Worldwide Photo Walk a Huge Success in East Stroudsburg!

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We had a great time on the Photo Walk in East Stroudsburg on Saturday evening!

Yes, it was hot and very humid, but being in the company of fellow photographers left us enjoying the experience rather than the hot weather. It was a great time to take some neat photos, be creative, and discuss photography with each other. I learned a little more about spot metering and really enjoyed being with others who have a passion for photography. It is so cool to hear and see what others are doing. We walked the same route but we did not see the exact same things!

You can view some of our photographs on Flickr.

I knew that spot metering was helpful when a subject is against a light or dark background. But on the Photo Walk I also learned that it can come in very handy as the sun is going down, too. A lot of detail gets washed away because of the contrasting light. Spot metering on the subject, in my case a statue, was just the ticket to retain the detail I was looking for in my subject.

We also discussed doing another photo walk this fall in Jim Thorpe. You can email me for more information about this additional photo walk.

I hope you enjoy seeing the photos from our Photo Walk and I hope you can join us next time!

Worldwide Photo Walk Tonight in East Stroudsburg

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There is still room for tonight’s Worldwide Photo Walk so feel free to bring a friend and join in the fun. We will meet at Dansbury Park, near the Pavilion. We will photograph some of the scenes in the park and down by the water then walk through part of East Stroudsburg to East Stroudsburg University. We meet just before 6pm and the walk will be two hours in length. Afterward, you will have the option of meeting at Tony’s Pizzeria in East Stroudsburg where we can compare photos on our LCD screens and talk about our experience.

Come join in the fun!

What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer

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I just posted an article on my website that attempts to answer this question. Many details have to be worked out prior to your wedding day and choosing a photographer is one of these important details that cannot be left to chance. Knowing what you are looking for and asking the right questions can make this selection easier.

In the article I address critical issues that you should know before selecting a wedding photographer. This is way more important than many people realize and paying attention to these details will go a long way in your satisfaction of your wedding photographs.

Read the article, share with your friends who may be looking for a wedding photographer, and let me know what you think.

Flickr is Easy in Lightroom 3

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If you use Lightroom and have a Flickr account, things could not be easier!

Publishing photos to your Flickr page from Lightroom is so easy. I was able to set up the account and post photos within mere minutes. The steps are quick and easy.

First, go to the Library Module in Lightroom. Scroll all the way down on the left panel until you see “Publish Services” and “Flickr.” Now, go press the “Set Up” link and follow the directions to direct Lightroom to your Flickr account.

Then, once the setup is completed, create a photoset by right clicking on the Flickr bar and “Create Photoset.” Now make this your target collection by right clicking on this Photoset bar and selecting “Set as Target Collection.” Go to the photos you want to publish on Flickr and dump them into this new target collection by right clicking and selecting “Add to Target Collection.”

Once your collection is complete, go back down to “Publish Services,” right click on the bar of your new collection, and select “Publish Now.”

Sit back and watch Lightroom do its thing. It’s a snap!

Give it a try and let me know what you think of this new feature! Now, if only they can add the same great feature to add photos to Facebook…

Check out my Flickr page by clicking here.

Busy, Busy, Busy

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I like to keep busy photographically speaking. There is nothing more exciting than to be out with my camera trying to make exciting photographs!

This past weekend I was privileged to photograph a wedding. It was an all-day event comprising the pre-ceremony, ceremony, portraits, outdoor, and reception. I took well over 1,000 photographs as I tried to document the day for the couple.

Tomorrow I hope to have a few photos from this wedding to share here on my blog. In the meantime, I have to keep editing these photographs and create an order for another customer. Life is busy, busy, busy, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Home Batteries

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Many of us photographers like using rechargeable batteries. I remembering doing a post here on my blog a while ago where I bragged about the 15-Minute AA Energizer Charger. It works great and I highly recommend it. But I have a problem. I have the Nikon MB-D10 Vertical Grip which stores 8 AA batteries and the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight which holds 4 AA batteries. So to have enough backup batteries I need a total of 24 batteries. That’s a lot of batteries!

Now 12 of these batteries, half of the total number, are housed in each accessory. But that still means I need to store 12 charged batteries for when the ones in use get low.

What is the best way to store batteries until they are ready to use? Just put a rubber band around sets of four? Put them in your pocket until it’s time to make the switch? Make your assistant hold them since they need to earn their money anyhow?

When it comes to managing a large number of rechargeable batteries, organization and proper storage are key. With accessories like the Nikon MB-D10 Vertical Grip and the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight requiring a significant number of AA batteries, it’s essential to have a systematic approach to ensure you always have enough backups on hand. One effective method is to invest in a battery storage case or organizer specifically designed to hold multiple batteries securely. These cases typically feature individual compartments for each battery, preventing them from rolling around or coming into contact with one another, which could cause damage. For added durability and a unique touch, consider using Trailer Decking to create custom storage solutions that can withstand everyday use.

Another option is to label and organize your batteries in sets, making it easy to keep track of which ones are charged and ready for use. This can be especially helpful if you frequently rotate between sets of batteries for different accessories or photography sessions. Additionally, storing your batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will help prolong their lifespan and maintain their charge.

For photographers on the go, a compact and portable battery storage solution is essential. Consider investing in a small pouch or carrying case that can be easily transported in your camera bag or pocket. This allows you to keep your batteries organized and accessible while out on a shoot, ensuring you never miss a moment due to low battery power. By implementing these storage strategies, you can streamline your workflow and ensure you always have a reliable power source for your photography equipment.

Also mold growth in a house can pose serious risks to electronics and batteries stored within. Mold thrives in damp, humid environments, and when it colonizes electronic devices or batteries, it can lead to corrosion, malfunctions, and even permanent damage. Mold can infiltrate circuitry, corrode metal contacts, and create pathways for electrical currents where they shouldn’t be, resulting in short circuits and reduced performance. Additionally, mold can compromise the integrity of batteries, causing them to leak or fail prematurely. Therefore, it’s essential to remove mold from your house to protect your electronics and batteries from the damaging effects of mold growth, ensuring their longevity and optimal performance. I had to contact a General contractor in Sacramento to help me in my house.

How do you store your batteries?

A New Sports Photography Website

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I just created a new website exclusively for my sports photography. You can view it here.

My opportunities and experience in sports photography have taken me to places I never dreamed. It is a blast to face the challenge of “recording” the game with my camera. I always say that every game tells a story and we photographers have the privilege and honor of capturing the game’s story with our camera. I am a huge sports fan and always have been my entire life. I guess I came by it innocently enough. You see, my dad played Semi-Pro Football back in the days when this level of play was the stepping stone to the pros. I’ve been watching football games probably since I was inside my mother’s womb! I still enjoy seeing a game in Philadelphia or wherever some 45 years later! I also played sports most of my life and still enjoy playing as opportunities present themselves.

I also coached sports for over nine years. I may be getting back into coach a little bit in the near future, but my years of coaching experience have paid off huge dividends when I am behind the camera. For example, when I am photographing a baseball game and a runner gets on first base, I can often predict where the action might next take place depending on the number of outs, the count on the batter, the score of the game, who is pitching, and who is at the plate. Certainly there are many variables here but my coaching experience surely helps me anticipate where I should point my camera.

My interest in sports photography began slowly some years ago when I was attending one of the baseball instructional clinics that my son was attending. Like many dads, I had my camcorder with me. But I also have training in communication with a Journalism degree from Temple University, so I took my interest to a higher level. It just so happened that I had recently received an iPod as a gift. My new goal was to use the camcorder to record the instruction and then edit it to put on my iPod. My reasoning was that players and parents could use the instruction throughout the year even after the clinic was over. I thought this might of interest to the coaches as well. That project didn’t turn out completely as I hoped, but it definitely laid the groundwork for what was about to happen in the coming months. God is so good to us if we just pay attention and follow!

Some months went by and then my son made it onto a tournament baseball team. The Lehigh Valley Baseball Academy was starting to grow and add more teams and they hired me as their sports photographer. Around the same time I also started photographing the Pleasant Valley Baseball team. These opportunities helped me gain some experience and try some new things out.

Check out my new website, look at the photos, and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your feedback. And if you know of anyone looking for a sports photographer for their team or event, please pass my website and contact information along to them.

Thanks!

-Bob

50mm f/1.4 Nikon Lens Just Arrived!

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I only had to wait two days for my new Nikon Lens to arrive from B&H Photo. I love ordering from them!

The UPS driver delivered my package late this afternoon and I immediately opened the outer box to find the familiar Nikon lens box. This lens is small and compact and I couldn’t wait to try it out. I’ve been reading David Ziser’s book, “Captured By the Light” where he talks about using this lens in detail at weddings. Inspired by his book and knowing that I have a wedding to shoot this coming Saturday, I attached the 50mm lens to my Nikon D70. I plan on using this older camera as my second camera at the wedding so I figured it made sense to try my new lens on this body first.

Well, let me tell you, I was not disappointed! This little baby is sharp and has an attractive bokeh even at f/2.0. My fast lenses had been my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 and my Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8. I was eager to try this f/1.4 lens so I started walking about the house and making some photos. Here are a few that I took for you to see. I really like this lens, but what do you think?