Number 1 Question

I've spent a lot of time in the Rocky Nook booth here at Photoshop World in Las Vegas. Even though I'm there to help people learn about books and magazines, I end up spending much of my time talking shop. 

The Number 1 question I'm asked centers around camera purchases, specifically mirrorless and compact models. A lot of these folks say that they're shopping for their wives, but I'm guessing that they'll do the bulk of the shooting. 

"You're the Nimble Photographer. Maybe you could help me with a question." 

"Sure, what' on your mind?" 

"My wife would like a camera that she can carry around easily, yet it should capture in RAW and have high ISO performance." 

"Hmmm, your wife sounds like a pretty good photographer." 

"Not really." 

"Oh, I see. Well, I do have a few ideas for you..." 

We usually compare the virtues of Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, and Panasonic. But I feel like my comrades often had their minds made up before these conversations began. Maybe it's conformation they're after.

I enjoy these chats, however, and I do hope my thoughts lead to useful gear purchases... 

for whomever ends up with the new camera. 

-Derrick

Vegas, Baby!

"You kinda like Las Vegas, don't you?" Leah asked.

"Yeah, I do."

By most accounts, however, my Las Vegas experience is boring. I haven't placed a bet in 20 years. I breeze through the casinos moving from point A to point B without even a thought of stopping at the blackjack table. I do like the people watching, however.

I can't remember the last time I was drunk there. OK, that probably came out wrong. What I mean is that I don't drink much either. Cocktails are either too watered down if they're free, or too expensive if I have to pay. I'll have a Makers Mark Manhattan after work. I like the bar overlooking the NYNY Casino. But that's about it.

I don't go to shows either. I think I've been to one. I remember is that they brought me 3 beers before the curtain went up and placed them neatly on the little table in front of me. All I could think about through the opening act was that two of the bottles were getting warm.

So why do I even bother to get on the plane? Well, I have work there. This week, for example, I'll be attending Photoshop World. It's a good event. I'm looking forward to it.

I remember one reader commented in the past that Las Vegas doesn't like conference goers. "They're cheap," he said. So I'm wondering... then why do they keep having events there? Why not Portland, for example?

Anyway, I don't really care what they think. I have my favorite places to eat - they're good and reasonable. Then I'll go out for a couple hours of night shooting. Once the memory card starts to fill up, I'll treat myself to a Starbucks coffee and head back to the room to publish the day's work.

I think it's fun. Oh yeah, Vegas baby!

-Derrick

The Best Camera Is Not...

... the one you have with you. That's ridiculous. 

It's like saying the best woman is the one sitting next to you on the bus. Really? What would your wife think about that?

I mean, yes, I get the point of the cliche; I just don't agree with it. When a photo opp presents itself, I will capture it with what's available at the moment: my iPhone, OM-D, X-20, whatever I can get my hands on. And hopefully I'll get a good shot. But that's triage.

The best camera is the one that I've bonded with. It's the tool that I don't even think about operating. We've become one. I can solely concentrate on the subject before me without having to leave the creative side of my brain.

There's something to be said for really learning how to use your favorite device, regardless of what it is. If you're an iPhone shooter, then find an app that feels natural for image capture. Learn every aspect of it. Know that software and your smartphone inside and out.

In my case, it's the OM-D. I have a default mode for my settings, so all I have to do is turn it on and take the picture. No fussing. Just photos. If I need a bit more reach, I press the Fn2 button next to the shutter to double the magnification. If I need exposure compensation, I rotate the knurled collar next to it to lighten or darken the image. I don't have to pull away from the viewfinder to do this. It just happens. I'm in the moment.

The best things in life are those we invest in. I put energy into learning my craft. I know my camera, the software I rely on to process the images, and the audience to whom I present the final product. I know this sounds odd, but I even have a feeling for who you are and what matters in your life. 

I'm not settling for the woman on the bus. I'll wait a bit longer to see my family. I know who they are. I like them. And they make me better.

-Derrick

A Fresh Breath of (Olympus) Air

A new piece of equipment presents both excitement and a challenge.

The excitement is obvious. New gear! In this case, it's the Olympus Air - a 16 Megapixel Micro Four Thirds attachment for my iPhone that provides great image quality in a very compact package. I can use any of my MFT lenses with it, although I will probably attach the Olympus 14-42mm EZ zoom or Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 for starters.

I'll be able to field test it in Las Vegas for the upcoming Photoshop World. That's going to be fun on all counts. And I plan on it becoming a permanent resident in my camera bag.

Which leads me to the challenge. Where to put it? Something must go.

Sounds funny, doesn't it? Something so compact as the Olympus Air won't fit in my existing camera bag. Yes, it's packed that tightly. Remember, camera bag packing is an art form for me.

Reminds me of the time my aunt gave me a light box for my 25th birthday. I needed one to view slides. I was tired of holding them up to the desk lamp for viewing.

Problem was, I had a tiny studio apartment that was also used as my office. Everything had its place, and there wasn't an inch to spare. So my effort to work the light box into the configuration resulted in my tearing up the entire room.

One thing led to another, and two days later the place was still a mess. It took me a week to restore sanity to my abode. And yes, the light box survived the upheaval. I used it happily for years.

When I look at my camera bag, I like every item in there. I honestly don't know what I'm going to remove to make room for the Air. I have a few days to contemplate this.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

-Derrick

Beyond the Glass

It seems like I've know the phrase "There's more to life than meets the eye" forever. I can't remember not knowing it. And like a lot of truisms, it doesn't really mean anything without further thought.

I look a my garden often. I can see it through the back window at the studio. Mainly, it's a exercise in procrastination. I tell myself I'm thinking about things. But I'm really looking at the pretty flowers, birds in the bath, and how it all fits together so nicely. Hmmm, maybe there is more going on there than I realize.

My approach to gardening is what I call controlled chaos. I spread seeds now and then, but I pretty much let the plants decide where they want to grow. And it's fascinating. They organize themselves so beautifully. All I have to do is water occasionally and enjoy.

When the cat goes outside, she has a completely different experience than me. I watch her sniff the air. I never think to do that. She knows the hummingbird is perched in the tall bush on the east side of the fence. She patiently waits for it to call. And she seems to find it all very entertaining.

More often than I care to admit, I photograph this garden - but only after spending a few minutes experiencing it. And months later, those pictures remind me of how much I enjoy summer mornings at the studio. It's like hearing a song from your high school days and remembering that girl who made you blush.

I know people who are struggling with life right now. And instead of a garden, everything looks like a wall. They can't figure out how to break through it to make something happen.

I want to help. Even though I'm not the preaching type, I want to tell them that there's more to life than a canvas of obstacles. There's some sort of organizing power behind it. And if you gently push your finger against the surface, you might be able to feel the pulse. Then new ideas appear. It's a kind of magic, really.

This is what happens when I put the camera down for a moment. I have a better sense of what's going on behind the canvas. Then I bring it back up to my eye and take a picture. Now I have a bookmark for the moment.

I love photography. Because my pictures not only show me where I've been, they remind me of how I felt. There's magic behind those images. And when people say there's more to life than meets the eye, that's what I think they're talking about.

-Derrick