Yeah, frankly, it’s a lot of damn work scoping out areas and finding places that do provide good results. Sometimes it takes years to really get the feel for a place.
Too much information!
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Lol I have thought about it a few times on Instagram because it’s not local but to be brutally honest I’ve just been too lazy to enter it lolFunny thing is I follow you on IG and you post some killer macro/bug work and I often wonder which lens you used. As you know I was kicking around the 100-400 for a long time because of your pics, I bought one because of you. So now you can call yourself an influencer lol.
That 100–400 is cream of the crop for insects or at least that’s been my experienceFunny thing is I follow you on IG and you post some killer macro/bug work and I often wonder which lens you used. As you know I was kicking around the 100-400 for a long time because of your pics, I bought one because of you
One other thing that makes me weary locally is a lot of times I’m alone in areas that cell phones don’t work at all. Maybe I worry to much lol
In TX we have a solution for that....we all carry guns LOL.One other thing that makes me weary locally is a lot of times I’m alone in areas that cell phones don’t work at all. Maybe I worry to much lol
Me too. I always have a Glock 19 in my waistband when I’m out.
I wonder if what's also at play is the big skew toward discussing gear versus actually the taking of photos and the resulting photos, certainly on social media (but also generally). I think of more than a few Youtubers for example who I Iused to enjoy following as they took me along for the ride on taking photos and sharing theirs, whether street photography or chasing wildlife; more than a few of that crowd now produce mostly speculative (what camera's coming next) or reviews (a majority of which the product isn't even in hand) of the gear or worse comparisons against other manufacturers or (again worse) against their own expectations. Compare that to Steve's videos where he of course discusses hardware but in terms of how to use it to actually take photos. No problem with such hardware focus of course -- we have those types of conversations on this site, as well! -- if that's what you're into (and by the comments and followers out there lots of folks are) but for me that has tended to skew photography discussion to 'what camera' vs 'let's look at the photos' or let's talk about the getting of the photos. Not new of course; have been asked 'what camera do you use' since film days (but that's just an extension of the you must have great gear to get great pictures conversation ), tho maybe it's now asked as people are focused on the hardware/software as a point of interest in and of itself (as was the case in the early days of personal computers). I've more than once in the past few years come upon fellow wildlife photographers in the middle of nowhere discussing hardware not photograph per se. Again, no judgementalism on my part, I just see the interest in the tool for the tool's sake and the producing of photographs as two different things, ultimately.
That ramble likely just underlines that I'm an old guy naive to the pure computing power (eg capabilities) of 'new' cameras -- tho again I've got top of the line gear and can't approximate the photos Steve produces, for example, with the same gear. So you know, it doesn't matter what camera (if asked for other than interest's sake) -- to finally get to your question.
PS -- as for 'what lens' that does interest me in wildlife photography as I measure my incompetence at getting closer to the subject LOL
), tho maybe it's now asked as people are focused on the hardware/software as a point of interest in and of itself (as was the case in the early days of personal computers). I've more than once in the past few years come upon fellow wildlife photographers in the middle of nowhere discussing hardware not photograph per se. Again, no judgementalism on my part, I just see the interest in the tool for the tool's sake and the producing of photographs as two different things, ultimately.That ramble likely just underlines that I'm an old guy naive to the pure computing power (eg capabilities) of 'new' cameras -- tho again I've got top of the line gear and can't approximate the photos Steve produces, for example, with the same gear. So you know, it doesn't matter what camera (if asked for other than interest's sake) -- to finally get to your question.
PS -- as for 'what lens' that does interest me in wildlife photography as I measure my incompetence at getting closer to the subject LOL
Very well saidI wonder if what's also at play is the big skew toward discussing gear versus actually the taking of photos and the resulting photos, certainly on social media (but also generally). I think of more than a few Youtubers for example who I Iused to enjoy following as they took me along for the ride on taking photos and sharing theirs, whether street photography or chasing wildlife; more than a few of that crowd now produce mostly speculative (what camera's coming next) or reviews (a majority of which the product isn't even in hand) of the gear or worse comparisons against other manufacturers or (again worse) against their own expectations. No problem with that -- we have those types of conversations on this site, as well! -- if that's what you're into (and by the comments and followers out there lots of folks are) but for me that has tended to skew photography discussion to 'what camera' vs 'let's look at the photos' or let's talk about the getting of the photos. Not new of course; have been asked 'what camera do you use' since film days (but that's just an extension of the you must have great gear to get great pictures conversation
That ramble likely just underlines that I'm an old guy naive to the pure computing power (eg capabilities) of 'new' cameras -- tho again I've got top of the line gear and can't approximate the photos Steve produces, for example, with the same gear. So you know, it doesn't matter what camera (if asked for other than interest's sake) -- to finally get to your question.
PS -- as for 'what lens' that does interest me in wildlife photography as I measure my incompetence at getting closer to the subject LOL
John Navitsky
Well-known member
One other thing that makes me weary locally is a lot of times I’m alone in areas that cell phones don’t work at all. Maybe I worry to much lol
in addition, it would be good to carry a GPS enabled PLB or satellite messenger like a Garmin Inreach.
it is just reality that in the moment, you are on your own. but it would also be good to have someone come for you and for that getting the word out and them being able to know where you are increases your chances.
Yeah, I thought has crossed my mind a few times because God forbid you get out and get snake bit or hurt really bad. Some of the places I go you would be screwed.
Photography discussion sites like this one post camera info because photographers will want to know. I think this makes perfect sense. But on sites intended for the general public, who cares what camera was used? On my website I certainly do not make any mention of camera gear, not even brand. On my Facebook business page I generally do not, but occasionally I will tag Nikon or NikonZ8 just in hopes it will show up on additional feeds.
John Navitsky
Well-known member
seems likely that's a factor too
I've asked for a Garmin InReach min 2 for Christmas
That is something I need to check into. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever heard of one or even know exactly what it does.I've asked for a Garmin InReach min 2 for Christmas
Sattelite communicator -- can send texts, but I want for the SOS button it holds. There's a few options other than the Garmin, which itself has a few like devices depending on how and where you're likely to use them. The number of times even when near to the city I realize the time of day and the weather and that there isn't another human for miles and I'm out of cell range and I've just slipped on some rocks and thinking, thank gawd I didn't break my ankle.... I think I need one of the devices
That sounds great and I will check into one of thoseSattelite communicator -- can send texts, but I want for the SOS button it holds. There's a few options other than the Garmin, which itself has a few like devices depending on how and where you're likely to use them. The number of times even when near to the city I realize the time of day and the weather and that there isn't another human for miles and I'm out of cell range and I've just slipped on some rocks and thinking, thank gawd I didn't break my ankle.... I think I need one of the devices
You know as weird as it sounds there’s another reason I don’t like broadcasting camera gear information on sites such as Facebook. whenever I was younger there were times there would’ve been no way I could’ve afforded the camera gear I have now . I’m a very humble and thankful person For what my wife and I do have I think in some situations it makes folks feel bad knowing your shooting with equipment they can’t possibly purchase or afford so that’s honestly one of the biggest reasons I don’t like being forthright with that information anymore than necessary. My wife and I have done well for ourselves financially and try to be responsible over the years but there were times in my life I couldn’t of afforded a 50 mm prime but I’m certainly thankful that I can buy the things I have now and don’t want to make others feel bad.
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John Navitsky
Well-known member
inreach is two-way text communication to whoever you want and there is an SOS feature that goes to a garmin call center. inreach requires a monthly subscription. they do have a basic "emergency only" plan but it's non trivial. BUT much cheaper than sat phone.
the plb uses the same technology but is one-way to a govt run call center (noaa? you register it with noaa at least). there is no monthly subscription. just buy it, register it and carry it.
personally i have both. we got a very small plb, it just goes and lives in the bag. the we use inreach integrated into our gps.
the plb uses the same technology but is one-way to a govt run call center (noaa? you register it with noaa at least). there is no monthly subscription. just buy it, register it and carry it.
personally i have both. we got a very small plb, it just goes and lives in the bag. the we use inreach integrated into our gps.
Spot on, sir!
Very interesting I will check that out. Certainly pays to be safe when in remote locations.
John Navitsky
Well-known member
the gotcha is for certain types of photography, there are real barriers without certain equipment.
with wildlife (i imagine) it can be hard to have a subject large enough in frame without a long enough lens.
with the dog sport shooting i do, it can be VERY problematic to shoot without an adequate, sports oriented, body.
i run a group on dog sport photography over on FB and we often get folks wanting hardware advice with very small budgets.
we do try to help everyone find options based on their present circumstances, but the reality is, it's very difficult to doing that kind of photography below a certain budget
and tbh, i think this is where a lot of the gear talk has come in because you get beginners wanting to do "that" and wanting to know what it's going to cost them to get gear that can do "that".
Flyboy
Active member
The photeaux do indeed speak for themselves, but, as a learning tool, I am interested to see how the photo was taken. The Camera, not so much, because most cameras from the D 50 to the present are excellent. But I am interested in the technical data...why did he/she use a really high/low ISO and/or shutter speed, and was there an obvious usable alternative? Which lens, and if any, what accessories were used? ( Teleconverter, Extension tubes, close-up lens, etc.) If the photo was taken with the latest Whiz-bang equipment, but without basic info, I find myself asking "How did they do that"? and how could I approach the same situation with my rather mundane collection of equipment? A lot of people understandably have to impress with their equipment, and you can generally tell who those are.
Yeah I try and tread carefully in those situations because I don’t want to make people feel bad or discourage someone from trying to get the maximum potential out of their gear
oh that is actually so ironic - here I thought it's only in South Africa people are supposed to worry about crime
Interesting thoughts from all - thank you for starting the thread.
Cameron T
Well-known member
Well, I do too, but it's not just crime. Sometimes wildlife can get real interested in you if you're unlucky.oh that is actually so ironic - here I thought it's only in South Africa people are supposed to worry about crime
Interesting thoughts from all - thank you for starting the thread.