Category : The Learning Center

For every problem there is a solution and in photography I’ve found a number of solutions from Kirk Enterprises!  At the most recent Photo Plus I got a chance to visit their booth and catchup with old friends, I also saw some products I didn’t know I needed, but now own!!!  First, I’ve gotten a ton of emails asking about the Low Pod I used in the Close-Up Classes on Kelby Training, well here it is below:

 

 

This is the latest version of the Low Pod made by Kirk Enterprises.  It is  great stable platform for doing close-up work in the field or in the studio.  It runs around $150. and then you add the ball head of your choice.

 

 

 

Another item that really works for me is the Super Grip, that allows an affordable package for doing video work hand held with DSLRs.  This one is show with my D7000, 85 Micro lens, and Nikon’s Me-1 Microphone.   Another 1/4″ 20 thread adapter is available to add a out board video monitor.  This rig makes it easier to do video with a DSLR and move it steadily.   Many other manufacturers make rigs costing up to $3,000. and above, for my money this unit with all the attachments comes in under $200.!  Quite a deal!

 

 

When doing video with a small compact camera, I love the Nikon Coolpix P7100 for hand held video work the Quick Release Grip from Kirk works great.  At $80. it’s a steal for much improved video.

 

 

 

I love to work with small cameras but always want to have a good solid support and for cameras like my Coolpix P7100 and my Nikon D7000 the Table Top Tripod legs from Kirk and the BH-30 Compact Ball Head from Really Right Stuff make a dynamite combination.  I love this system for working low and for supporting cameras when you can use a full sized tripod.  This unit can be held against a wall for extra steady support when shooting from standing height!  The Table Top Tripod legs run $119. and the ball head from RRS goes for $275.  It may sound like a lot of money but both are made so well they are life-time investments.

 

 

 

 

I use a number of different Coolpix cameras and having the right Arca Swiss type plate for each one has becoming madenning, until now, the little PZ-130 fits my P7100, my Nikon J1 and my Nikon P300, it’s a great way to have any of my small cameras ready to hook-up with any Arca Swiss device.  $30. from Kirk.

 

 

 

 

Another field problem is how to carry long lenses?  If you use your cameras neck strap to support your camera and a long lens you will very likely end up with a bent lens mount on the camera or lens, and expensive repair.  If you insist on using a strap be sure it is one attached to the long lens, NOT the camera.  Kirk has a device that makes hand carrying a long lens and body a snap, it’s called Action Grip and I love how it  works and then balances the lens for hand held shooting.  It runs $125. and fits any Arca Swiss design plate.

 

 

 

 

For many years Mike Kirk, founder of Kirk Enterprises, was a good friend and his son Jeff and his gang including Kevin Crist have continued on his great work.  I really love their products and am always excited when they come with new solutions to photographers problems.  I have also loved working with Joe and Joan of RRS, they too have made us some great products!

 

Links:

 

http://www.kirkphoto.com

 

http://reallyrightstuff.com

 

the pilgrim

Thought you might like to see what a big event deployment looks like!  The consignment for the Breeder’s Cup is on of the larger we do with the exception of Olympics and Pan Am games.  Just to give you an idea, this consignment comes in 11 cases, and 6 big pelican cases.   Above the long glass; 6 -400 f2.8’s, 6-500 f4’s, 6-600 f4’s.  Not pictured; 12-200-400’s, 6- 300 f2.8’s.

Below bodies;  42 D3 bodies, 18 D3s bodies, 14-D700’s, 15-D300s.

 

 

 

Smaller lenses?  You bet; 14-24-70’s, a dozen 14-24’s, a dozen assorted teleconverters and 30 other various lenses.

 

 

Not to mention, flashes (12), chargers etc.

 

Now we have to loan it all out and clean a ton of sensors!!!!!

 

*Photo Note:  D7000, 12-24 AFS lens.  ISO 3200

 

the pilgrim

I try not to show too many things you must buy!  Hey I’ve got the same problem!   I find way too many things I think I can’t live without, only later to try and figure out how to live with the fact that I bought it!!!  Accessories are just a part of life in photography, but I’ve got one thing you must have, “if” you travel and shoot around the National Parks or other scenic lands in America.  You can waste a lot of time, money, and still not get the great shots, but I have a suggestion that will help you immensely!

 

My dear friend, Bob Hitchman, produces, in fact has for many years, a newsletter that guides you to the best places to shoot across America.   You can check out his newsletter on his website;  http://www.photographamerica.com/    To date he has written over 120 great scouting reports that have maps, directions, the best spots, lodging and eating suggestions and as always some of his great images.  You can buy all 120 as a pdf file on a DVD for just $135.   If that sounds like a lot, think of going to Acadia National Park and spending three days trying to find that great beach shot you saw in a magazine!!  When I ran the GAPW and now when I go to any new location, or one I haven’t visited for along time, I can get a full plan together by reading and marking maps based on Bob’s great research.

 

After 22 years of scouting locations, I know of no one I trust more to help me make the most of my time in the field!   Thanks Bob for a great resource!

 

the pilgrim

 

*Coming Soon!  Some great new products from Kirk Enterprises!

I don’t often recommend books, I have hundreds and while I’ve enjoyed them all, I find that over time they seldom add a great deal to my approach to the art!  Today I purchased one though (for my iPad), that I can give a resounding recommendation to.  Bruce Barnbaum has been one of my favorite Black & White photographers for many years, his work is right up there with Ansel Adams, and John Sexton.  His new book;  The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression is a foundational work in learning to see and interpret your world.  In Bruce’s book he reveals some of the most important concepts to help you and I grasp what we see, why we enterpret the way we do, and how to convery it to others in the final image or print.   The wonderful Black & White examples alone are worth the price of the book.  Here is a link to order the book and explore Bruce’s work!  The Photoshop processing tips are also well worth the price.  This book has been reprinted many times, and for good reason……..

 

http://www.barnbaum.com/barnbaum/Art_of_Photography.html

 

Just for the record I love all of Tony Sweet’s books as well, and one that has been long discontinued but can be found on Amazon:  Developing the Creative Edge in Photography by Bert Eifer.

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Tony+Sweet&x=12&y=15