The Magic Lens

Many photographers want perfection.

Perfect exposure, spot-on color, exquisite detail - and some want these attributes under all conditions, at all times, and with equipment that weighs very little.

The problem isn't their desire to defy the laws of physics. Science is science, and there will always be tradeoffs in photography. 

The issue is striving for perfection instead of emotion. Great photographs make you feel something. At the moment you're lost in an image, you don't care about resolution, aperture, or ISO. (On the other hand, you can look at an picture with perfect edge-to-edge sharpness and not give a damn.)

You can't buy the magic lens that renders perfect images. You already have it. It is your vision connected to your heart.

What I desire in cameras are tools that make me want to take photographs. I want to carry them with me, pull them out of my bag, and hold them in my hands. At that point, I'm already feeling something.

Then all I have to do is raise my eyes to the world.

And find a subject that touches me.

-Derrick

The Long Drive

I think it's crazy that I can drive 450 miles in roughly the same amount of time I can fly there.

But it's true.

Air travel being what it is these days, I have to drive 90 minutes to the big city airport because my local landing strip doesn't service my destination. Then I have to be at the airport 90 minutes early to deal with shuttles, security, and standing in line.

I'm at the 3 hour mark, and I haven't even boarded the plane yet.

Once I'm on the plane, there's no guarantee that it's actually going to take off. Seems like the smaller aircraft have more challenges in this area. I usually factor in another hour.

The flight itself is only 90 minutes. We land. I'm now at the 5.5 hour mark.

Next the rental car. There goes another 30-60 minutes. And finally, the 1 hour drive to my final destination.

If everything goes relatively OK, I can be there in 7-7.5 hours.

In my car, I can make the drive to Southern CA in 7-7.5 hours.

I can put as much gear as I want in the trunk. I don't have anyone telling me what to do. I can take pictures along the way. I can eat real food. And I don't have to sit next to someone with a contagious disease.

Yes, it's a long drive.

It's worth it.

-Derrick

Table for One

There's this great scene in the Steve Martin movie, "The Lonely Guy" where he walks in to a restaurant alone with a spotlight on him and everyone is staring.

It's not quite that bad for me when I travel. But eating alone is definitely part of the gig.

I just posted a piece on The Digital Story titled, Take Your Camera to Dinner. It's not instead of an eating companion - because it looks weird  playing with your mirrorless in a restaurant. Rather, the article addresses the photo opportunities before and after the meal.

When we dine with others, we're appropriately focused on interacting with them. But when when alone, I see things around me that I might miss otherwise. And in fact, a table for one can be good for my artistry.

Generally, I prefer the company of others. But I'm also comfortable flying solo.

It's not like there's a spotlight on me.

Just a camera by my side.

-Derrick

Life is a Camera Bag

When working with Lowepro customers, the most common request I get is for the perfect camera bag.

If I ask for more detail, it goes something like this:

"I want it big enough to hold all of my gear, but it can't be too heavy. It needs to accommodate my DSLR kit, 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom, 15" laptop, flashes, tripod, and personal items, but it has to fit under the seat on the plane. I want to use it on the trail, in the city, and on the water. The bag needs to be comfortable, but I don't like a lot of straps. And if it could cost less than $100, that would be great."

"Hang on," I say, "I'll get back to you on that."

Camera bags are like life. You give up one thing to get another. You make priorities, and try for as many of them as reasonable. And in the end, you hope that a seam doesn't bust causing the whole thing to fall apart.

I've learned a lot through photography. I know how to travel. I'm better with people. And most importantly, I understand the necessity of compromise.

In fact, I'm glad there isn't a sublime camera bag. And I'm relieved that life isn't perfect either. Because if it were, there'd be nothing else to do.

And even worse, no new bags to try.

-Derrick

The Holiday Inn

They remodeled the Holiday Inn where I lodge while working in Carpinteria.

Marble counter tops, simulated wood flooring, fresh carpet - it's not homey, but I like it.

I'm one of those people who enjoys hotels (until I begin to miss my family). When I'm on the road, I'm focused on the task at hand, whether it's work or vacation. No chores, cooking, dishwashing, laundry, bed making, or answering the door, that is, unless its dinner being served.

On an average business trip, I work about 14 hours a day. Six hours for sleep and the rest is dining or exercise. When I return home from one of these adventures, I usually feel a huge sense of accomplishment.

This afterglow quickly fades once I tackle the pile of bills and the loads of laundry waiting for me. But I do love seeing my family and the cat.

Maybe next time I should bring them to the Holiday Inn with me,

and stay longer.

-Derrick