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