Interview with Photographer Kelly Czupkiewicz

This week I get to interview another wonderful, and very talented, New Jersey photographer, Kelly Czupkiewicz. I was introduced to Kelly, virtually, by a mutual friend, Dave. You may remember Dave from earlier posts, he is a singer-songwriter friend. One day Dave was telling me about a friend who was working on his social media presence and mentioned that Kelly was also a photographer. Well.... As soon as he told me that I wanted to check out her work and asked for a website. I was blown away by the images I saw and immediately get ahold of Kelly via Facebook DM and asked to interview her. She was kind enough to agree - I should have known she would, she shoots with Canon and we're the best! ;-)

I think the best way to characterize Kelly's style is to use some of her own words - whimsical, honest, candid. Once you take a look at her body of work I think you will agree. You can tell that photography isn't just a job and her subjects, not just clients. She clearly loves her work and nothing is more important than delivering masterful images to her clients. Don't take my word for it, go to her Facebook page (see link below) and read the testimonials yourself. Her studio is in the wide open spaces offering unlimited possibilities and challenges.

I could go on about how impressed I am with her work and commitment to her craft but I think it is still to get out of the way and let Kelly speak for herself. Please keep Kelly in mind when you are looking for a wedding or portrait photographer.

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I have so many!! Very difficult to pick. This might be cheating just a little bit, since it's a series of memories and not a specific one, but I was brought up in and around boats, and we always went to this place called Tice's Shoal by boat. I still go there today as much as I can in the summertime, and I've inherited the boat, so I keep the tradition alive as much as possible. It's changed significantly, but those days when there were only a couple people anchored there and it was still kind of a secret are really fond memories for me.

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

• Cheese. I am such a cheese freak. I eat it every day. All kinds.
• Dark chocolate.
• Turkey and cranberry - I'm pretty sure I know every 'Thanksgiving sandwich' that every restaurant offers in the county.
• Sushi.
• Meatball pizza.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

I love reading, and I feel like one of my favorite quotes is also really sound advice. So, from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail."

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

Boating! I hope to be a licensed captain by this February!
(Joe: I'm with you there - I love being out on the water, though it has been years. I hope you get your license!)

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Freddie Mercury, no contest.
(Joe: I didn't see this one coming! Very interesting choice.)

Professional questions

Why photography?

I have always loved taking photos, for as long as I can remember. I had a film camera, and I used to love shooting film and then having the photos developed and seeing what I'd gotten. When digital camera became more affordable I couldn't wait to get one, and I took it everywhere with me. I have always loved reliving moments through photos, so I love being able to do that for other people. I honestly never thought that I would be able to own a photography business, because taking photos has always been my 'reward' for myself. So to be able to do this, and make a living doing it, is amazing for me - I'm not sure I'll ever get over that.
(Joe: Kelly, I hope you never get over it! I find the same with my photography - just being out and shooting is enough; having others enjoy the images is icing on the cake.)

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

Light, bright, airy, whimsical, authentic, honest, romantic, candid, organic, and consistent! Phew.
(Joe: Looking at your work, I couldn't agree more!)

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Honestly any time I deliver a gallery I think it's my greatest achievement! This is such a competitive industry to be in, so I consider it an honor any time I get to document a time in someone's life, be it a wedding or a portrait session. I consider myself an artist, but I also know that ultimately I am in this for my clients, and being able to deliver the best possible product to them is the most important thing to me. That being said, I have a photo that will be in the spring print issue of The Knot New Jersey magazine - so I am pretty stoked about that! Getting published is definitely super exciting. I've also been featured in Contemporary Weddings Magazine, Brides & Weddings, and several others.

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

Jose Villa is definitely a favorite photographer of mine and I am super inspired by his work!

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I love authentic, real moments. I like to take the seemingly ordinary and find the beauty in it. I did bridal portraits in a Walgreen's parking lot once, and they were amazing! I've enclosed two. I love that I never need what most would consider a beautiful location to make something gorgeous! I love having to think on my feet, and being able to see and take photos of the dynamics of relationships.

What is your favorite location to shoot?

There is this place called Sayen Gardens in Hamilton. In the springtime, there is just nothing better! I am a sucker for blooming flowers.

But, one of the best and coolest things about wedding photography is that I am constantly at new places and I get to see new things and shoot in new places all the time. There are so many spots that I have visited for the first time and just loved.

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

Current obsession is my 1dx Mark II, but my steady always seems to be my 50 1.2L. Such a versatile lens!
(Joe: I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a 1DX Mark II, myself. The 50mm f/1.2L sounds intriguing, I love my old 85mm f/1.2L.)

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

I knew absolutely nothing about photography and taught myself absolutely everything. It was not easy, and it is not for everyone - but I am proof that it's possible!

I have built my business over the course of 6 or 7 years now, and I am still amazed every day. I had literally put an ad on Craigslist around 6 years ago for family portraits, after only ever having done landscape photography. This family ended up responding, and I remember being SHOCKED and also terrified! All I really had going for me was this crazy idea that I was going to have a business, and I was going to take photos of people, and it was going to work out. They ended up being the coolest family ever, and I still do their photos once a year! Honestly I credit so much of my journey to them, because I lucked out with getting amazing people who believed in me from the beginning, and that gave me so much confidence to continue. All of my early clients really took a chance on me - and there are still so many of them that I get to do sessions with regularly to this day. I seriously credit my business to them!

I do as much mentoring as I can to beginner photographers, because I know what it's like to just be starting out and have no clue what to do! The advice that I always give anyone who is just getting started, is that you get what you give to your business. You can absolutely not sit still and think you're going to be successful. You have to work at it every day.
(Joe: Great advice! I love the fact that you also mentor those coming up, I think it is so important to pass along our knowledge and expertise to others.)

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• Toys in the Attic - Aerosmith
• Let it Bleed - The Rolling Stones
• Prolonging the Magic - Cake
• Philadelphonic - G Love & Special Sauce
• The Game - Queen

Links

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyseaimages
Instagram: @kellyseaimages
Website: www.kellyseaimages.com

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Engagement and Wedding images are (c) Kelly Sea Images 2016.
Images of Kelly are © Bryan Romeo Photography

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Reflecting on 2017 and Looking Forward

Reflecting on 2017

As the year winds down I am taking some time to reflect upon this past year and think about what the new year may bring. 2017 has been quite an interesting year in many ways - some good, some bad. Though I have been blogging since 2011, it was in March of 2017 that I started writing "Exploring Photography with Joe Valencia" here, on Blogger. I have tried to bring a variety of content to this blog and share my experiences along the way.

The Good

One of the highlights of the year would be the interviews that I have conducted. These have proven to be quite popular with you, my readers, and I am hoping to bring more in the upcoming year. If you haven't been following along, you can search for the "interview" tag, I think you will finde each one to be quite informative and entertaining. I learned something from each interviewee and am always pleasantly surprised by some of the answers I receive. If you have any questions you would like me to ask in upcoming interviews, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

I am also pleased with the "Improve Your Photography" series with lots more to cover in the coming year. This was the original idea behind my start in blogging, I wanted to share my years of experience with others - I have gotten a lot of help along the way and it is time to "pay it forward" thru my writing. If you have a topic you would like me to cover, please feel free to comment below and I will put it on my list.

2017 also saw me get active on Instagram, @valencia32photo, where I have built a modest but loyal following. It has been an interesting journey and I have discovered many wonderfully talented photographers and artisans along the way. Instagram has actually opened up a whole new world of photography for me - the smartphone. I have always used the camera on my phone but only for "throw-away" and snapshots - never truly thinking of it as a serious tool. I have learned to think differently and now use my phone often, using Lightroom and Photoshop for editing - even creating panoramas! I will list my favorite apps below.

The biggest news for 2017 would have to be the launching of my YouTube channel - Joe Valencia Photography. This is something I had been wanting to do for quite some time but never had the courage to take the leap. I finally jumped in and have found it to be rather fun. I have done some "cross-posting" - writing about something here and also creating a video - but each is somewhat different so I would encourage you to follow both.

The Not-So-Good

As I mentioned, 2017 has had it's ups-and-downs. The "downs" have, in some way, been at the expense of the "ups" that I wrote about above. My writing and YouTube channel take up a lot of time which takes away from my shooting. That's somewhat of a "catch-22" because I need to shoot in order to support the writing and videos but they take away from the time I have to shoot. I also find that my get up and go tends to diminish during the summer months. I have been making up for lost time since autumn arrived and usually remain rather active right up thru spring. I don't know what it is about the summer - you would think living on the Jersey Shore would mean I would love summer but.... I also lost use of my video camera a month or so ago, I don't know what happened but it just stopped working. I have had to use my DSLR and smartphone for my last half-dozen videos.

The biggest "bad" thing to happen this year came in October during a visit to Gambrill State Park in Frederick, Maryland. It was my first day of vacation and I was at the park with my wife, my daughter and her boyfriend. We arrived at the park at about 1:00 PM and I decided to take a hike while the other three (3) had lunch. I have been on a diet since May and, at that time, was only eating breakfast and dinner. It was a warm day, about 75°, and I didn't take water with me. I had hiked for about 40 minutes, stopping along the way for some shooting, and covered just under 1.5 miles. When I got back to the car I drank some water, walked over to where the overlook was to take a couple pictures with my wife and headed back to the car. I wasn't feeling well so I suggested we sit on a picnic bench for a few minutes - the next thing I know I wake up to find my daughter on the phone with 911, I had passed out. I had become quite dehydrated and ended up spending the night in the hospital. I did get a couple nice shots, including the self-portrait and image of my wife & I shown here.

Looking forward

I am excited to think about what the future holds. I have "met" a lot of people over the past year, mostly thru social media, and hope to get together with some to do a bit of collaborating. I've always been somewhat of a loner when it comes to my photography and very seldom shoot with others. My wife sometimes accompanies me on an outing but not often. I have tried to get together with others a couple times in 2017 but schedules didn't allow. I also don't really plan trips in advance, I typically look out the window and decide if, and where, I am going to shoot. That isn't exactly a good formula for collaboration. I am going to work on that.

I have a long list of images and videos to shoot, some related to my writing and vlogging, and some that are just personal projects I have been wanting to get to. I am determined that 2018 will be the year that has me shooting from atop Mt. Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap. I have attempted this feat twice and both times had to turn back due to sickness of a companion or an injury to myself.

I am going to work harder at putting aside time to write and get back to posting on a more regular basis, as well as refining my skills as a photographer. If the past several years have taught me anything it would be that there is always something to learn or improve upon.

One of my biggest goals for the upcoming year is a financial one. I have created a Patreon account and am seeking support from my community. Patreon allows the public to support someone in their endeavors, in this case my photography, and in return they are offered "rewards." I am hoping to raise money to fund some photography trips, equipment rentals/purchases, and possibly creating books and calendars. Please check out my page and consider becoming a Patron. It isn't easy for me to do something like this but I look upon it as a part-time job with my patrons as my employer. Some of the benefits of becoming a patron are the ability to email questions for one-on-one help, patron-only content, advance access for some content and discounts on any future publications.

In Summary

Overall 2017 has been a terrific year and I am energized by the possibilities that exist for 2018! I owe a lot to my followers for encouraging me to continue on this photographic quest I am on; your kind words and praise have gotten me through some rather difficult times and I am forever grateful. I have formed some relationships that I hope to grow and know there will be more coming. I am always looking for new ideas and new techniques, the beauty of this wonderful craft is it is always evolving. Landscape photography has taught me that you can go to the same location many times and see it differently each time. How can that NOT be exciting?

I am also hoping to secure some sponsorships for my YouTube channel and Instagram work. I am making myself available hire and assignment work, as-well-as making my images available for sale. Who knows, maybe 2018 will even see my work in a gallery somewhere?

I mentioned collaborations - if you would like to propose a project or shoot, please leave a comment or send me an email at valencia32photo@gmail.com. I would love to get together. I am also looking for photographers and other creatives to interview for 2018 - I am open to suggestions and volunteers.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your continuing support - without you there is no blog. Most of all, I would like to thank my wife and family for supporting this crazy idea and putting up with all the time I spend shooting, writing and editing. We are often in the same place yet light years apart....

Apps, Equipment and Software

Here is a list of apps that I have used throughout the year, as well as my equipment and software.

• Bimostitch (app) - for stitching panoramas shot with my phone
• Photoshop Express (app)
• Lightroom for Mobile (app)
• Open Camera (app)
• Exsate Golden Hour (app)
• SunCalc.org (app)
• MapMyHike (app)
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod (green)
• Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack
• Canon EOS Rebel T3i (T7i)
• Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
• Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
• Canon RS-60 E3 remote switch
• Formatt-Hitech 85mm filter system

Allaire State Park - November 2017 (YouTube)

I am starting a new series of videos on YouTube - State Parks of New Jersey. Check out my first installment covering Allaire State Park in Wall Township.

Foliage Along the Henry Hudson Trail (YouTube)

Check out my latest YouTube video - Foliage Along the Henry Hudson Trail.

I stopped for a walk along the trail last week on my way to the office - a gorgeous two mile trek.

UPDATED: Product Review - Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack

Overview

It has been more than two (2) months since I wrote my original review - Product Review: Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack and published my YouTube review Equipment Review: Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack. I have been using the pack on short hikes at different times of the day, different weather conditions and different terrain. While I still stand by my assertion that the pack is well-made, my overall opinion of the pack has changed and my recommendation is conditional.

In The Field Review

1. I have found that using the pack, fully loaded, can become uncomfortable after a while - especially if there is something in the "laptop" compartment.
2. While it is clever to have the camera compartment removable, I found that having to open two (2) zippers to get to my gear became inconvenient, tiresome and time-consuming.
3. The lack of "D"-rings proved to be a greater problem than I suspected.
4. The lack of mesh pockets or other method of carrying a water bottle is a problem.

1. Comfort

When fully loaded and a flat "composition book" in the laptop section of the backpack I experienced discomfort in my back. Removing the notebook eliminated much of the discomfort but that defeats the purpose of having the compartment. I have also experienced some discomfort in my shoulders but not always. The shoulder problem seems to be more pronounced when I carry the pack higher on my back or do not use the chest strap. If I loosen the straps a bit I can virtually eliminate the discomfort but the chest strap then moves up to about my collar bone; using the pack without buckling the chest strap is not recommended.

2. Removable Camera Compartment

I really liked this feature when I first examined the bag. This 2-in-1 approach is nice because you can attach the shoulder strap and have a small shoulder bag. In practice, it became somewhat of a nuisance. As I mentioned in the bullet point above, the pack has a zippered flap opening to the inside of the pack; once this is open you need to unzip the flap to the camera compartment. If you do this once when you arrive and then once when you leave somewhere it isn't necessarily troublesome but if you need to access different equipment it gets in the way. You could just leave the outside flap unzipped but that could lead to problems.

There is also a problem if you have some bulkier/heavier equipment in the top zipper section. There is no divider or structure separating the removable camera compartment from the top part of the pack. I have been carrying my old (1980's era) Sigma 400mm f/5.6 in the top section and it has been pushing down on the camera compartment. What this ultimately does is cause the removable bag to spread out a bit on all sides putting a strain on the outer flap zippers and making it more difficult to open/close.

3. "D"-rings

I really didn't think the lack of "D"-rings would be a big deal but I truly miss having them. I like to clip small things to the outside of the pack to make them easier to access; items such as a compass or a hat that I may have to take off for some shooting. There is a strap at the top of the bag which is fine if you aren't carrying it but things clipped to this loop tend to find their way between you and the pack while you walk.

4. Mesh pockets

This turns out to be the biggest issue that I have with the pack design. I pointed out the lack of mesh pockets in my original review but figured it was a day pack that wasn't really meant for hard-core hiking and I could probably get away with a small bottle in the upper compartment. Well, I tried a bottle in the upper compartment but the bottles tend to "sweat" and get the inside of the pack wet, not to mention I had to leave my first aid kit in the car to make room for the water. I could carry a bottle but this makes it awkward when I come across something to shoot - I have to find somewhere to put the water, put it down and then grab the camera. This is not so bad shooting landscapes but try doing that when you have a 10-point buck in the trail ahead! Going back to #3, if there were "D"-rings I could get an insulated bottle with a carabiner to clip it to the pack; not a great solution but better than having nothing at all.

So, the bottom-line is - this is a well-made bag that can hold a reasonable amount of equipment for the day hiker but some of the "flaws" are hard to overlook. I recently took a hike at Gambrill State Park in Frederick, Maryland. It was a warm afternoon and I decided to take a hike through the woods. I had the Hoodoo 20 packed with my regular gear, along with my Sigma 400mm in the upper compartment. I also had my tripod in it's carry bag clipped to the loop at the top of the backpack. I hiked about 1.5 miles and shortly after I got back to the car I passed out - I was overheated and dehydrated. I did not carry water with me because I didn't have the ability to easily carry it - I couldn't put it in my pants pocket, didn't want it leaking inside my bag and I needed my hands free while hiking over some difficult terrain. I ended up spending the night in the hospital. Now, I don't blame the backpack (that would be foolish) but had there been the ability to carry water with me I may not have gotten sick.

I will give a "conditional" recommendation with the caveat that you should find a way to carry water with you. I am going to try to come up with some convenient methods and will report back if I find something that works well. I would also love to hear from you, if you have any ideas.

I hope you found this updated review helpful and would like to hear of your experiences with the Hoodoo 20. Until next time - get out and shoot!

Landscape Photography: Tools of the Trade

I have been asked a lot of questions over the years but the #1 question is, "What camera do you have?" I'm sure that I am not alone. The rest of the time I am asked about gear recommendations and how to shoot certain subjects. I've decided to address these questions in a series of posts beginning with my suggestions for someone interested in landscape photography.

The best camera is the one that’s with you. – Chase Jarvis

You may have heard someone recite this quote or something similar and there is good reason - seldom are truer words spoken. I almost always use my smartphone when I am out shooting - it isn't my primary camera but I like to post on social media and using the camera makes it easy to do on-the-fly. I cannot always carry my DSLR with me but I (almost) always have my phone. The quality of the latest generation of smartphones are incredible and there are some, such as Kalebra Kelby, who shoot nothing but smartphones. I'm not suggesting that the phone is as good as a DSLR but it is better than saying, "You should have seen the sunset! I wish I had a camera...."

I have also published a video on this topic on my YouTube channel - Landscape Photography: Tools of the Trade

The Essentials

The obvious answer is - a camera and a lens. That's all you really need to get started in landscape photography and when I started out many years ago I had a fixed lens rangefinder.

Camera

My current camera is a Canon EOS Rebel T3i which is a crop-sensor. My go-to landscape lens is the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. The camera has a crop factor of 1.6 making this lens a 29-216mm zoom. While I would prefer to have something wider, this has suited me well. If I truly need something wider, I will shoot a panorama to be stitched in Lightroom.

Tripod

You absolutely must have a good tripod. I started to put this in the "near essential" category but changed my mind. You can get away without a tripod but you are going to severely limit yourself and will come away disappointed a lot. Landscape photography is about many things and depth of field is one; we want our images sharp from foreground to background and for that we need to stop down the lens. I will typically shoot between f/8 and f/16. This can require shutter speeds that are below our ability to handhold. There are other advantages to using a tripod, such as being able to find your composition, setting the shot up and then waiting for the light. It also allows you to shoot long exposures (with the help of ND filters, if-necessary) adding drama to moving clouds or smoothing out running water.

Circular Polarizer Filter

I firmly believe that the last essential piece of equipment is a circular polarizer filter. You can buy them as the screw-in filter for the front of your lens or as part of a "filter system". They range in price from about $10 to more than $300. The polarizer is an invaluable addition to your bag and serves multiple purposes. It can be used to add drama to your sky - if you have a nice, blue sky with clouds the polarizer will darken (saturate) the blue making the clouds pop. The caveat is that the greatest effect is when the sun is at 90° to you in the sky. If you are shooting panoramas, you have to be careful. The other use for a polarizer is to reduce, or eliminate, reflections. This is particularly helpful when you are shooting water. I use it a lot when I have a stream with rocks in and around it; there are often harsh reflections coming off the water and rocks, the polarizer will remove this giving you a much more pleasing image.

The Near Essentials

What is a near essential? I consider them to be things you need but can get away without. This list would include:

• Neutral density filters (solid and split)
• Telephoto zoom lens
• Remote shutter release

These are all great to have but I have gotten great results over the years without them.

Neutral Density (ND) filters

Neutral density filters come in a variety of configurations and densities. They are, essentially, sunglasses for the lens and range from 1 to 16 stops in light reduction. They come in solid, soft-edge split and hard-edge split. The "split" filters have the darkened portion covering only half of the filter while the other half is clear. They are used when the sky and land require dramatically different exposures, such as sunrise and sunset. You can buy the filters as screw-in for the front of your lens or as part of a filter system. Personally, I like having the filter system because I don't need a set of filters for each lens. The filter system also allows you to adjust the location of the "split" whereas a screw-in filter will always have it in the middle of the frame.

Common scenarios for using ND filters include sunrise/sunset, shooting moving water and when you want shallow depth of field.

Telephoto Zoom Lens

A telephoto lens may seem to be counter-intuitive for landscape photography but it does have its place. Most of us associate landscape photography with wide, sweeping views but there are also the intimate views or for isolating distant subjects. The telephoto also lends a different perspective to the landscape by compressing the foreground and background. The next time you are out, break out the telephoto and see how it transform what you see.

Remote Shutter Release

This accessory could easily be included in the "Essentials" list for there are times when you absolutely, positively, must have one. If you are using shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds, you must have a remote release that locks. The reason for using the remote release is that it minimizes the need to touch the camera, thereby removing one opportunity to introduce camera shake. You can use a 2-second timer but that removes the spontaneity and there are times when you just don't have that much warning. They are one of the most inexpensive things you can add to your bag and you will get a whole lot of use from it.

The Nice-To-Haves

This is a pretty broad category and I include it just to give you some ideas on what is available. This equipment is by no means necessary, in fact, I don't have some of the things on this list and I have done quite well.

Nodal Point Tripod Head

Many of you may not know what this is, I know I didn't until about a year or so ago. This is a special tripod head that is used to shoot panoramas. What makes is special is that it mounts the camera so that the "nodal point" is over the center column of the tripod. By doing this you reduce or remove the parallax inherent with other methods. I know this is a whole lot of mumbo jumbo but I wanted to let you know this exists. They tend to be quite expensive and something that I consider a luxury.

Smartphone Apps

While technically not equipment, I want to mention apps. I use a few when I am planning a photo excursion - mainly ones that tell me where the sun and moon will be at any given time and location. I also have an app giving me the times for "Golden Hour", "Blue Hour", "Twilight", etc.... I use these, along with a website called Suncalc, to plan my sunrise and sunset trips, in particular.

Rope / Gaffers Tape

I almost always have cordage of some type with me; I currently have 150 feet of paracord in my daypack. You never know when you will need to secure something or make a "battlefield" repair. I used some cord to tie a small tripod to a tree when shooting one of my YouTube videos. The tape can be used to help secure a tripod leg if the locking mechanism fails. As a Boy Scout I was told to "be prepared" and so I carry these things with me.

Miscellaneous

As I mentioned, being a Boy Scout means I like to be prepared and that means carrying stuff "just in case." If you watched my video review of the Tamrac Hoodoo 20 daypack you have seen a lot of what I carry but here is a list, along with some other suggested items.

• Swiss Army Knife^®
• Multi-purpose tool
• Eyeglass screwdriver
• Small First Aid kit
• Notebook and pen
• Emergency whistle
• Magnifying glass
• Map & Compass
• Flashlight / Headlamp
• Handheld GPS

This is the standard list of what I always carry when I venture out. I have been fortunate enough to not need many of these items while out but I would rather have something that I don't need than need something I don't have. If you are heading out alone I would add the "emergency whistle" to your "Must Have" list, especially if you are going to be in an area that isn't heavily trafficked. I have started wearing a Tactical Survival Braceletcomposed of paracord, compass, fire starter, emergency whistle and emergency knife but I still have the others in my pack.

In conclusion

I hope this post has answered any questions you may have about equipment for landscape photography and that I have inspired you to get out and shoot. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the comments section below. If you feel I have left something out, let me know. What is your essential list?

Thanks for stopping by.

DISCLAIMER: The list below is for informational purposes only. I do not have personal experience with all of the products and do not vouch for their quality - use at your own risk.

Suggested Equipment w/ Amazon links

• Canon DSLRs
• Canon lenses
• MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod
• Tamrac Hoodoo Camera Daypack
• Swiss Army Knife
• Tactical Survival Bracelet
• Circular Polarizers
• Filter Systems
• Remote Shutter Release
• Multi-Purpose Tool
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Whistle
• Headlamp
• Compass
• Handheld GPS

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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I'm on YouTube!

I have been wanting to launch a YouTube channel for a while and I am happy to say it went live yesterday! I published a 5 minute introductory video featuring some of my images - many of which have appeared in this blog.

I am currently working on video reviews of the MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod and Tamrac Hoodoo backpack and they should be available soon. If you have been enjoying this blog, I would ask that you check out my YouTube channel and subscribe to that, too.

Product Review: Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack

Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack

On YouTube

I published a video review of the Tamrac Hoodoo 20 on my YouTube channel. In the video I show what I carry, how it fits and discuss it's features. You can check it out here - https://youtu.be/2VW10grRHgA

First Impression

When I opened the box and took the bag out I was struck by how nice it was. I have often seen images online or in catalogs and the item bore little resemblance in real life but this bag is exactly what is represented on the Tamrac website. The first thing I did was unzip every zipper to see how well they worked and to explore the inner workings of the bag. I have had a Tamrac 3537 shoulder back for about six (6) years and it has served me well, so I know the quality of Tamrac bags. Even so, the more I explored, the more impressed I was with how well made the Hoodoo is.

The camera compartment is well-padded and is pre-configured with six (6) spots for gear; it easily held my DSLR body, two lenses, binoculars and digital video camera with space for my 67mm polarizer (in a case) along with my Formatt-Hitech 85mm filter holder and two adapter rings. There is a zipper-pocket on the flap to hold a spare battery, lens cloth, lens brush, media cards and a few odds & ends.

Opening the top compartment gives you access to another zipper-pocket and a large, padded pocket in the back of the bag for a laptop or tablet. I used this space to put in a couple notepads that I like to carry with me. You can access the camera compartment through the top by unzipping the top of the camera bag but I'm not sure how often I would do this as it means removing whatever I am carrying in the top. Speaking of which, I have my Formatt-Hitech filters in their carrying case along with my camera raincover, a small, flexible tripod and small First Aid kit. There is an outer zipper-pocket on the top of the bag which is large enough to carry my camera owner's manual, a couple pens, business cards and a small, spiral notepad.

In The Field

I take my camera with me virtually everywhere and using the backpack makes it easy. When I go to and from the car, or other short distances, I don't wear it as a backpack but more like a shoulder bag - just on one shoulder. It is very comfortable and stays on my shoulder rather well. I have had other daypacks where it was a struggle to keep it from slipping off my shoulder but, so far, I have not experienced that with the Hoodoo.

The real test came about a week after I got the bag and I took it in the field. Well, technically it was in the woods. I went to one of my favorite hiking spots and hiked one of the "challenging" trails. The trail itself is one mile in length and can be a bit tough to navigate at times, a perfect test. I wanted to see how comfortable the pack was and how well balanced it was on my back. The Hoodoo performed like a champ. I had no trouble getting through some of the tough spots, even though the trail gets a bit narrow and it was so well balanced on my back it was like a natural extension.

I stopped along the trail a few times to take the pack off and do some shooting; it was on and off my back effortlessly and it's small footprint meant it was easy to find a place to put it down. Overall, it was quite a successful outing.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Customizable
• Comfortable, padded straps and back
• Sternum strap
• Well-built, should stand up to punishment
• Water-resistant
• Loop on top makes it easy to hang from a tripod

Cons

• Lacks external holder for water bottle
• Lacks "D"-rings or other method of attaching things
• Small upper compartment when camera bag is inside

Final Thoughts

The Hoodoo 20 comes in three (3) colors - Ocean (blue), Kiwi (green) and Pumpkin (orange). All three colors are nice and I got mine in kiwi. If you are looking for a reasonably priced (MSRP $131.95), mid-sized photography backpack, the Hoodoo 20 may be just what you are looking for. It is small enough to be used as carry-on luggage for a flight and big enough to carry whatever you may need for most of your photography day trips. It is also rugged enough to stand up to whatever you may throw at it. It is water-resistant not waterproof so you may want to carry protection if you think you may get caught in a storm.

Overall I am quite happy with the Hoodoo 20 but it does have a few shortcomings, however minor. The lack of at least one water holder and "D"-rings are two things I noticed immediately. When I am out hiking I don't want to have to carry anything in my hands but these are just minor inconveniences. The upper compartment, with camera bag in place, is not isolated from the bottom and so some things may slide down along the walls of the pack while walking. This happened while I was in the field testing, it wasn't a major problem, just an inconvenience. To combat this, I took an old cereal box and cut it to fit, making a small tray with sides that fit inside the compartment.

Manufacturers Specifications

Note: The specifications listed below were taken from the manufacturers website and are accurate as-of the writing of this review. They have not been independently verified by the reviewer

• External Dimensions - 11.5 x 16.5 x 6 in (29.5 x 43 x 15.5 cm)
• Internal Dimensions - 11 x 16.5 x 5.5 in (29 x 42.5 x 15 cm)
• Weight - 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg)
• 2x PU coating
• Optimized lightweight foams
• YKK® zippers
• Waxed canvas and ripstop fabrics
• Absolutely NO PVC

For More Information or To Buy

• Tamrac Hoodoo 20 kiwi @ Tamrac - click here
• Tamrac Hoodoo 20 kiwi @ Amazon - Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Backpack (Kiwi)

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Product Review: MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod

MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod

On YouTube

I published a video review of the MeFOTO RoadTrip on my YouTube channel. In the video I demonstrate using the tripod and discuss it's features. You can check it out here - https://youtu.be/LoCVEsTgsnc

First Impression

I recently received a MeFOTO RoadTrip Aluminum tripod - orange - and took it out in the field to try it out. My first impression when I opened the box and took it out from the carry case was very positive. The tripod folds up to a nice, compact size (15.4 in / 39.1 cm) making it easy to carry and the legs quickly fold back into place when you are ready to shoot. It weights in at 3.6 pounds (1.6 kilos) and can hold up to 17.6 pounds (8 kilos). The tripod comes with a dual action ballhead with Arca-Swiss style quick release plate. I have both the standard "black" release plate and an "orange" plate to match the tripod. The ballhead moved smoothly and stayed put when locked down. The addition of a bubble level in the head was a nice bonus. There is a spring-loaded hook at the bottom of the center column that can be used to hang some weight for added stability.

In The Field

I decided to head out to one of my favorite locations for my first tests - the Visitor Center at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. I wanted to shoot a variety of images, including low-angle, fully extended, and panorama. I shot mainly with my Canon EF-S 18-135mm but also brought my old Sigma 400mm f/5.6 to see how the tripod - especially the head - stood up to it.

I started out shooting a panorama with the camera in landscape. This is where the bubble level in the head comes in quite handy. I set the legs out to full extension and the center column most of the way up - the least stable configuration. I leveled the head, mounted the camera and took a 4-shot panorama. I had the lens at 18mm (29mm equivalent) giving me a horizontal field of view of about 60°. I mention this because I used this figure to determine how much to rotate the head for each shot. The ballhead has markings along the base representing the degrees on a compass. I wanted about a 25% overlap so I rotated the head 45° between shots. I then turned the camera 90° to shot the same panorama in portrait. I wanted to use the registration marks for this panorama but they get obscured by the camera and it is too hard to use.

From the panoramas, I turned to my 400mm - I wanted to see how well the tripod performed at full extension. I mounted the lens to the tripod and took a number of shots. A telephoto of this size (640mm equivalent) was going to show any camera shake there may be. I didn't notice any sign of shake in the final images - quite impressive. I spent some time with the tripod in a variety of positions from fully extended to compact. I put the tripod at odd angles with each leg at different extensions and angles. It performed beautifully throughout.

When I was done with most of the testing, I removed the center column and one leg and then screwed them together to form a monopod. I used the monopod with the Sigma 400mm mounted on the camera. I chose to use these this lens because it is the lens I most use with a monopod and I wanted to see how well they performed together. The monopod worked beautifully - from fully extended to compact. The monopod functioned flawlessly throughout my tests. I have owned, and used, a Bogen monopod fitted with a Cullman ballhead since the mid-1980's but that is now retired. There is no longer a need to carry a separate monopod.

The next day I took the tripod out again - this time I was shooting ground-level, with a shutter speed around 1/2 second. I found this spinning toy while driving through Old Tennent Cemetery and thought it would make a good subject. I set the tripod as low as I could go and adjusted the legs to balance the setup. The place I saw shooting was on the side of a hill and there was no flat ground. This was a good test; as a landscape photographer I don't often get a nice, flat surface to shoot from. Once again, the tripod worked as-expected and was quite solid.

Pros

• It's orange!
• Compact design
• Lightweight
• Very solid
• Easy to use
• Converts to monopod
• Hook on center column
• Center column reverses for low-angle photography

Cons

• The bubble level is on the head, not the body of the tripod. It isn't helpful if the platform is set vertically
• The level is also all white and rather small, making it difficult to see well
• Using the "spiked" feet requires removing rubber and installing spike - could be easier
• Registration marks aren't easy to use in "portrait"

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really can't say enough good things about this tripod. It does everything it is expected to do and it exceeded my expectations. I tend to be a bit leery of things that are somewhat "non-traditional", such as flashy colors. I find many times that the color, or whatever the "hook" is, turns out to be the best part of the product. That isn't the case with the MeFOTO RoadTrip - it delivers on all of it's promises and does so while giving you a little bit of flash. While I was running through my tests I got a few looks from passers-by and one even stopped to ask about the tripod. I haven't had a chance to do any extreme long exposures but have a few in mind and don't expect any trouble.

The bubble level is a nice idea but I don't think it is particularly useful in it's current configuration. It might be better if it were yellow or green and a bit larger. It truly was difficult for me to see. It might also be a good idea to move the registration marks to a collar separate from the head and have a mark on the head.

The bottom line is that I highly recommend this tripod to anyone looking for a "go-to" travel tripod. The MSRP for the RoadTrip Aluminum is $199 and the RoadTrip Carbon Fiber is $349. You can pay a whole lot more buying someone else's tripod or you can buy a MeFOTO and use the rest of the money for some filters or other accessories.

Manufacturers Specifications

Note: The specifications listed below were taken from the manufacturers website and are accurate as-of the writing of this review. They have not been independently verified by the reviewer

	ALUMINUM	CARBON FIBER
Maximum Load	17.6 lb	17.6 lb
Max Height w/Column Extended	61.6"	61.6"
Max Height w/Column Retracted	53.1"	53.1"
Minimum Height	15.4"	15.4"
Folded Length	15.4"	15.4"
Max Height Converted to Monopod	64"	64"
Number of Leg Sections	5	5
Leg Lock Type	Twist Lock	Twist Lock
Center Column	Yes. Attaches to leg section to convert to full size monopod	Yes. Attaches to leg section to convert to full size monopod.
Tilt Range	-45° / +90°	-45° / +90°
Drag Control	Yes	Yes
Spiked Feet	Yes	Yes
Panning Range	360°	360°
Separate Panning Lock	Yes	Yes
Quick Release (QR) Plate	Arca-Swiss Style (PU50)	Arca-Swiss Style (PU50)
Bubble Level	Yes	Yes
Head Mount Thread Size	3/8"-16	3/8"-16
Weight	3.6 lb	3.1 lb

For More Information or to Buy

• MeFOTO website - http://www.mefoto.com/
• MeFOTO RoadTrip tripods @ Amazon - MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Roadtrip Travel Tripod/Monopod Kit - Green (A1350Q1G)

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Interview with French Photographer Serge Ramelli

Serge Ramelli is a French photographer from Paris, who also spends a lot of time in the United States. I first came across Serge while searching YouTube for Photoshop and Lightroom videos and have been an avid subscriber since Day 1. It became apparent from the very start that Serge is not only quite knowledgeable about editing but he is also a very talented photographer with a flair for the dramatic. His images are stunning and he has had a definite influence on my work.

He got his start shooting interiors for hotels. He won his first job by beating out a number of established photographers – each had been tasked to shoot the same room in the hotel, the best shot wins the contract. Serge won that contest and he has never looked back.I recently saw Serge on The Grid with Scott Kelby. Scott mentioned that Serge had photographs exhibited in, I think, 86 galleries throughout the world and there were more on the way! The impression I got was that you can’t walk into a gallery in Paris without seeing some of his work. This is on top of publishing books, leading workshops, creating videos and tutorials for his website and YouTube channel. Serge is a lecturer at Photoshop World and one of the instructors at KelbyOne. He somehow finds time to shoot and produce amazing photographs and do some acting. Yes, Serge loves to act and recently completed a movie titled, The Hollywouldn’ts. That, my friends, is incredibly impressive.

I encourage you to seek out his videos and sign up for a free membership on his website – the links follow the interview below. With that, I give to you – the one and only, Serge Ramelli!

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

The first time when I was 15 and travel the world and arrived in LA, I loved the weather and the palm tress, it was different then Paris !

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

• Croissant
• French baguette
• Apples
• A good American Burger
• Crepes

As you can see only healthy stuff ;-)
(Joe: I can't see anything on this list that isn't healthy. If you are ever in New Jersey, let me know and I will treat you to the best burger you ever ate.)

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

Don't waste your time living somebody else life. Steve Jobs
(Joe: I think this is advice everyone should heed.)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

Acting

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Jean Paul Belmondo (French actor), he is my favorite actor and I just love everything about him, I met him briefly and got a letter from him, but would have love to play in a movie with him and spend some time!

Professional questions

Why photography? Why YouTube?

Because I realised 13 years after a demonstration that a friend gave me that with a camera and photoshop you could create easily without needing a team, like movie making. It was an effective way to express yourself as an artist. Youtube, because I love to share and be in front of the camera

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

I love the drama, the idea of a scene that something extraordinary is going to happen
(Joe: This is quite obvious in Serge's work, as you can see.)

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Having taught photography to thousands of person across the world that can now do a better art or even better changed career and do what they love in life.
(Joe: On behalf of those you have taught, "Thank you!")

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

Ansel Adams, He was one of my biggest inspiration
(Joe: If not for Ansel Adams I may not be a landscape photographer. His work is incredible. Serge dedicated a series of tutorials on "On the Trail of Ansel Adams" - I strongly recommend it. There is a link below.)

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

From the light, I always wait for a great moment of light and then I look for a subject, I use to follow cloud formation in Paris in a scooter and then find the subject

What is your favorite location to shoot?

It use to be Paris, but now that I have done so much I would say the national parks in the US my favorite so far Zion and Yosemite

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

My Sony Ar2, so light and so powerful

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

I got a start via interior design. My best advise find a niche that people are willing to buy photo like real estate, hotels, wedding, product shots... Create a portfolio with very FEW photos but AMAZING ones and start prospecting you will work!
(Joe: Great advice.)

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• Queen It's a kind of Magic
• The Beatles LOVE album
• Robbie Williams Live AZT Knebworth
• The best of Charles Aznavour
• The best of Johnny Halliday

  The Links

  • YouTube - www.Youtube.com/photoserge
  • Instagram - www.Instagram.com/photoserge
  • Website - www.photoserge.com
  • "On the Trail of Ansel Adams" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z9bMyUJ-Po&list=PLJ6FIlZVNbQM5iTx1Ag7Z4AGdDnAOpdd3
  • "The Hollylwouldn'ts" trailer on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUR9h7Zzx5E

  
  
  
  

  
  copyright www.photoserge.com