I have really enjoyed sharing the images of these friends with you, I love letting others see the work that has inspired me, and hope it does the same for you!  Miles Smith is one of those photographers that I keep going back to, to be inspired myself.  Miles is so much more than a great shooter, he is a great brother and friend as well!  Our friendship goes back to the days of His Light Workshop when a band of photographers all came together to share our love for the Lord and photography and we had a lot of wonderful fellowship to boot!  When I first saw the image above I knew that Miles had something special, through the years his work has just gotten better and better, enjoy!

 

 

Please celebrate Miles’ vision along with me!

 

Blessings,

 

 

the pilgrim

 

 

I recently saw a Youtube video on a new bag that seemed like a really good idea, the Think Tank Speedtop Crossbody 15.  Before I get into this bag, let me speak to the quality of Think Tank bags, rolling cases, backpacks and accessories.  As you all know I have owned a ton of camera bags and a healthy percentage have been from Think Tank.  Of all the brands I have owned I’ve found theirs to be the best built with the best materials and very well designed.  After all the company was founded by a couple of photojournalists and trust me after working with some of the world’s best photojournalists for Nikon, for 13 years, no one is harder on their gear than this group!  These bags are designed to protect your gear under the most abusive circumstances, and they do!

 

This bag has a very unique feature, the top is magnetic and it is easy and quiet to open and close, it is the perfect bag for someone that wants to carry a small but versatile system and work un-noticed, like wedding photographers or press shooters.

 

Below you can see how clean the layout is and how easy it is to remove and replace your gear.

 

 

 

Above you can see what I would carry for just about anything I might have with me to shoot on a typical field day.  My Fujifilm X-T5 with the XF16-80 mounted, the XF 70-300 for longer telephoto work and for travel and environmental portraits a fast XF 23mm f 1.4. Full frame equiv. of 24-120, 105-450 and a fast 35mm.

 

I am very impressed with the ease of use of this bag it’s small size and great shoulder strap with quick adjustments.  The pockets in the top of the lid hold some lens wipes and small accessories. It even comes with a full rain cover.  Side pockets expand to hold a water bottle or other items you may want to carry along.

 

So in closing, Think Tank has done it again, a thoughtful, well designed and easy to use shoulder bag!  Two thumbs up from the Bagman!

 

Blessings,

 

 

the pilgrim

 

One area of photography that I have never mastered is Bird Photography!  Chris Klapeke certainly has!  I think shooting birds takes patience and a great since of study and timing.  Chris has developed all of those skills and knowledge needed to bring home the images!  I really enjoy looking at the images Chris has “crafted”!  You may know Chris as the owner of Outdoor Photo Gear, I know him as dear friend, and  yes, I’m bragging!  Enjoy some of his wonderful  images!

 

 

 

 

It is a honor  to know and be friends with such talented artists, Chris is a joy to spend time with!

 

Blessings,

 

 

the pilgrim

 

 

I first met Neil Powell when he bought stock in the Great American Photography Weekends, I  soon learned he was a very good shooter and he has only gotten even better!  Neil shoots sports for Indiana University, though he is a professor in the Business School.  He’s also an accomplished wildlife photographer and generalist as well! Neil is one of our best friends, but that is not why I picked him, he’s just that good with a camera in his hands!  I’m blessed to call such great people friends and it’s a bonus that they are such wonderful artists!  Please enjoy his work!

 

 

I usually limit it to 5 images but his stuff is so good,  I wanted to share all of them!

 

Blessings,

 

 

the pilgrim