Daily Archives: December 3, 2013

10 years, 11 months ago 5

Sorry about that, couldn’t help myself!  I get questions very often, via email, and phone calls and I thought it might be fun to share them with all of you!  You never know, others may have the same questions.

 

Question:  I thought you retired, you don’t seem to have slowed down your schedule very much!?

 

Answer:   When I was a much younger man I knew a postal letter carrier that walked about 10 miles a day with a heavy leather bag of letters to deliver.  When he got to retirement age he was still very fit, and active.  He retired, sat down on his front porch and watched the traffic go by, within a year he had died.  His body just stopped, I’d rather be in the traffic than watch it go by!   I am home more, but I want to remain active, and do the things I love, like teach workshops, speak to photo groups, play with the grandchildren, and enjoy more time with Sherelene, I’m still busy, but I’m also taking more time to catch my breath!!

 

 

 

Question: After part of a year of shooting the Fuji X System what do you miss about your Nikons?


Answer:   I spent the better part of my life holding a Nikon camera, and shooting Nikkor glass, and at first it just seemed strange to be using anything else.  I didn’t have a choice though on carrying heavy full frame bodies, and lenses, so I had to get use to the new gear.  I guess the biggest thing is the psychological change.  I don'[t miss the weight, and I love the image quality and retro design of the Fuji X System.  It seems odd, but having to slow down and work like I did in the early days I think has improved my photography.  I’m sure that’s why Nikon came out with the new Df retro camera body!  If it was lighter, and the lenses were lighter it would be very attractive to me, but this new way of shooting is working out very well.  It’s not the camera, but the photographer that makes the difference, I’m just trying to be a better photographer!!

 

 

Question: I notice you are offering a trip to Ireland this coming year, are more international locations coming?

 

Answer:   Yes, I’m looking at some other locations for the future, Tuscany is one, and maybe some other European locations too,  like Switzerland, still working on the ideas!  A Holy Land tour is also something I want to do for sure.

Question: Do you mind reviewing what is in your biggest camera bag and why?
Answer:   Happy to, I do now have one large bag for travel to keep it all in.  I am currently, (I say currently, because as you guys know, I’m a life long member of the bag of the month club!)  This one though is a keeper, the Guru Gear 18L  I have my full Fuji system in it;
Fuji X-Pro 1
Fuji X-E2
Fuji X100s
8mm fisheye  f 2.8
14mm f 2.8
18-55 zoom f 2.8-f4
23mm f 1.4
35mm f 1.4
60mm Micro f 2.4
55-200 f 3.5-f4.6
Lots of extra batteries and chargers
Electronic cable release
polarizers for every lens (except the Fisheye)
Close Up diopters
Extra SD Cards
cleaning supplies
Now all that comes to about 17 pounds, so I transport my gear in that, then move what I need either into a Domke vest, or a Think Tank belt system, or sometimes a Think Tank Retrospective 5 or 7 bag.  My in the field carry gear is seldom over 7 or 8 pounds, usually much less.  I also have several lighter, but still very sturdy tripods too.
Question: You mentioned some time ago about doing some eBooks, when can we expect to see them?
Very soon!  I am devoting December and January to producing ebooks!  I hope to have a number done in the next couple of months I have a list over 20 titles I want to do so far!!!!!  This was one of my big goals for retirement!!

 

 

Question:  This may seem like a silly question but what are your five favorite things to do?
Answer:  Wow that is a tough one,  I’d have to say (1) spend time with Sherelene and the family,
(2) share Christian fellowship with dear brothers and sisters,  (3) be in a beautiful locations, with great light, and conditions, photographing a wonderful subject, in the company of good friends!  (4) Enjoy a killer cheeseburger, once again with, good company!   (5)  …….and get in a nice afternoon nap!
Blessings,
the pilgrim