Copyright: Should You Ever Give It Away?

NO!

Wow! That is the shortest blog post I ever wrote! I know I am being a bit flippant but seriously - do not give away your copyright.

You may be asking, "Why would you even suggest the possibility?" Good question. If you are a regular reader of my "general interest" blog - From the Mind of Joe Valencia - you will know that I enjoy working as a volunteer photographer for a variety of organizations. This year I am booked for four (4) events for four (4) different organizations. In the past I have worked for others and there are some I would like to have worked for but, when I read their agreement, decided I could not. One such case happened to me just this week. Those are the organizations that prompted me to write this post.

I am not going to "name names" because they may, at some point, change their policies and that isn't the point of this post. The point is - do not give up the rights to your images without sufficient compensation. This particular organization considers this to be a "work for hire" situation, however, I don't think that would hold up if it were contested. Disclaimer: I am NOT a lawyer and have no formal legal training - the following is an OPINION based upon research I have done. A "contract" must provide benefit for all parties signing it. You do something for them, in return you get something from them. In the case of surrendering your copyright while getting nothing in return does not satisfy that equation. The paragraph below is extracted from a "Service Agreement" I was recently asked to sign.

Property of ABC_XYZ CORP. All drawings, models, designs, formulas, methods, documents, creative works (including photographs, audio-visual and other multi-media materials), tangible and intangible items and work product (collectively, the “Work Product”) prepared for and/or submitted to ABC_XYZ CORP by Vendor in connection with the Services shall belong exclusively to ABC_XYZ CORP and shall be deemed to be works made for hire. Any Work Product or deliverable of the Services is the property of ABC_XYZ CORP and will not be made available by Vendor to any third party. Promptly upon the expiration or termination of the Terms, or upon the request of ABC_XYZ CORP at any time, Vendor shall deliver to ABC_XYZ CORP, in a form specified by ABC_XYZ CORP, all Work Product, documents and tangible items, including samples, provided to Vendor or created by Vendor for use in connection with Services, including, without limitation, all Confidential Information, together with all copies and abstracts thereof.

As you can see, they get all of your work - free of charge - and in return you get a pat on the back. I rejected this agreement and asked them to reconsider - their counter was that I "can post an image they took on social as long as they say it was for ABC_XYZ CORP and we own the rights." Hardly an equitable solution. I was even told by the person I spoke with that I could "show up and shoot, unbeknownst to the organization and then 'gift' all of the images to them." Strictly "unofficially", of course. So, I could help them except no one was allowed to know. Yea. Right! I still wanted to make this work so I offered to sign over all rights, including the ability to use on my social media, in exchange for $1,500.00 per event. This is a reasonable amount considering I was going to be working the event for 6 or more hours, plus the time editing - not to mention giving up my rights. They refused and so I have two weekends available to do other work. Now, before you accuse me of being unreasonable and taking away valuable funds from the program, consider this - according to Charity Navigator, the President/CEO received compensation of nearly $500,000 in 2015 and the Executive Vice President/COO received compensation of more then $2.7 million!

So, in closing, should you give up your copyright? That is something you have to decide but I would caution against it. You've worked very hard to get to where you are in your photographic journey and you need to demand the respect for your work that it deserves. You don't want to allow others to put their name on your work, especially if they don't pay you for it. I don't know how many photographers agree to these terms, maybe I'm the only one, but I cannot imagine there are many.

What do you think? Would you sign the agreement and forfeit your copyright? Would you do it for money? How much? I would love to hear your comments and stories - please post in the comments below.

Until next time - get out and shoot!

Sunset and a Peek-a-Boo Moon

Sunset

After a particularly rough day at the office I decided to shoot a sunset on the way home. The conditions were okay but I knew I wasn't going to get an incredibly spectacular sky. This shoot wasn't necessarily about getting a great image but rather unwinding and getting rid of a bad day.

When I got to MacLearie Park in Belmar I had about 30 minutes or so until sunset so I took my time finding a composition. I have shot here before but always at the westernmost point so that I can get a sailboat and small tree in the shot. I wanted something different this time so I walked along the water towards the east until I found the tree that is in the first image. I now had a subject but that is a long way from having a composition that I was happy with. I finally settled on the somewhat wide, landscape shot and waited for some color on the horizon.

While waiting, I took out my phone and wandered around - I turned towards the west and got this image of the sky. You can see the edges of the clouds just beginning to get some red and magenta along the edges. I shot this with the camera in Lightroom for Mobile, did some on-location editing and used this as my "I am here, where are you?" social media shot for the night.

I was happy with the first composition but wanted to see if I could isolate the tree a little more so I moved a bit to my left, went from wide angle to a moderate telephoto focal length and shot. I cropped it to a square in post-production and really like the way it came out. This is definitely a tree that is going to get more exposure in the coming weeks and months.

Peek-a-Boo Moon

Don’t pack up your camera until you’ve left the location. – Joe McNally

When the sun was down and I had gotten what I came for I picked up the tripod and headed back to the car. It was a chilly evening but nice so I took the long way. I had not gone far when I decided to take a look at "my" tree from the opposite side - maybe it would be a nice subject for a sunrise one of these days. I turned around and was confronted by the scene shown in the last image. The moon was peaking thru the cloud, I had the lights of the marina and bridge in the distance. I quickly set down the tripod, composed the image and grabbed a few shots before the cloud ate the moon for good.

The quote above is one that I found a while ago and I pull it out every once in a while. I used to pack up my gear when I was done shooting and then head back to my car - it was easier to carry and I could just get in the car and leave. I did this even after I saw this quote! I don't do it any more.... I had an instance where I packed up and an unbelievable composition with near perfect light jumped out at me - I grabbed by bag, set up the camera, pointed it and then muttered a few words that I won't use in polite company. The moment was gone.... I have not packed up before reaching the car ever since.

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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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Sutfin House - panorama

The Sutfin House

It might be fair to say that I am somewhat fascinated by this house. I have shot it from every possible side, under many different conditions and many angles. I have sweeping panoramas, such as the lead image, and intimate details of the deteriorating siding. I even participated in a paranormal investigation a few years ago. The house has become quite run down and the front is now mostly covered in plywood, while a chain link fence has been erected to keep people out. It's a shame that they can't restore it, at least partially, like the Craig House not too far away. If you are interested in learning more about the house, check out a post I wrote last year - Hiking Through History: Monmouth Battlefield - Part IV; The Sutfin House. I also wrote Monmouth Battlefield and the Sutfin House, published on the anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth.

The Sutfin House - light sepia tone, 3 image panorama

When the plywood and fencing went up, I was very disappointed because I thought I had forever lost one of my favorite subjects. Recently I began hiking along the other side of the battlefield and discovered all new compositions that didn't show the plywood or fence. These are the images I am presenting today.

I am a big fan of black & white but haven't done a whole lot since my film days - I find the house to be the perfect subject for monochrome, especially when treated with some sepia or other toning. I'm not going to write too much about these images, most of what I have to say has already been said - I just want to share the images and, hopefully, inspire you to visit the house for yourself or find somewhere that inspires you and explore it to it's fullest.

The Sutfin House - black & white

This last image shows the local fire department beginning a "controlled burn" of the brush in the field. As I was hiking along the trail, I noticed the flashing lights on top of the trucks, then saw the men walking around close to the house. My heart sank - my first thought was that they were going to burn down the house. Happily, that was not the case but I did make sure to do some shooting - just in case.

The Start of a Controlled Burn

I hope you enjoyed these new images as much as I enjoyed shooting and sharing them. I'm sure this won't be the last post containing images of the house as I have many compositions still to explore. In the meantime, thank you for stopping by and please leave comments letting me know of your experiences at Monmouth Battlefield or where your "Sutfin House" is. I would love to hear from you.

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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, or order prints of anything you see here, you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Winter is here! Snow makes everything beautiful!

I enjoy the winter months and the snow.

Yes, you read that right - I enjoy the cold and snow. Don't get me wrong, I don't like having to drive along snow-packed, icy streets but otherwise love the snow. There is a beauty in the freshly fallen snow that calls out to me, like a siren song. I can spend hours hiking thru the woods during, and after, a snowfall.

Our First Snow

Shark River Park - 1 January 2018

The image of Shark River Park is the first image of 2018 and shot with my smartphone on New Year's Day. I spent about 90 miles covering 2 1/2 miles hiking the woods that day - the temperature was a balmy 16°F and windchill of 0°F. That hike was more about being outdoors than photography and I never took the camera out of the bag. It has only snowed a couple of times since then but I haven't been back to the park - I like the image I got but have other compositions that I want to explore.

Snow and the Beech Tree

Beech tree - Manalapan

I recently discovered a shortcut to Monmouth Battlefield State Park, I can walk thru the office parking lot into a gated community. There is a paved path leading to a wooden footbridge, which ultimately puts you into the woods bordering the park. It was at the far end of the footbridge that I found this beech tree. I had actually passed it, unnoticed, on my way to the park but when I was returning it jumped out at me and I couldn't resist shooting. You would never know this scene is just about 40 or 50 yards from a residential neighborhood. If you look in the gap between the tree and bridge, you will see a stream that runs for quite some distance and, I believe, meets up with the water source Molly Pitcher used during the Battle of Monmouth.

Snow at the Lake

We have only had three (3) significant snowfalls this winter, the last being a couple weeks ago. This one had me the most excited because it also brought the most snow. I think I have mentioned in an earlier post that I leave quite early every morning - almost 90 minutes before I need to - so that I can take "detours" whenever the need arises. This morning I was thankful because I couldn't help but stop and shoot. I targeted Durand Park because of the lake and the one tree that leans over it. I, truly, came away with more than I was expecting to. I thought there would be ice but I wasn't expecting the part that was melted and mirror smooth. I knew these images were going to be monochrome and I was quite happy with the resulting images. That was until my son mentioned the "Winter Reflection" might look nice in a sepia tone. WHAT?! He said he had seen other black & whites images where I used the sepia and mentioned this would be a good place for it. I wasn't so sure but decided to give it a try. Well.... I think with a little bit of "tweaking" it might be a far better image in sepia. What do you think? I think I may have to consult with him a bit more often.

No session at the lake is complete without shooting this group of Aspens leaning out over the water. I have shot them in all seasons and weather conditions. There is just something about the composition that draws me in and keeps me coming back.

Winter Reflection - Durand Park, Freehold

Winter Reflection (sepia) - Durand Park, Freehold

Weeping Aspen Trees - Durand Park, Freehold

Don’t pack up your camera until you’ve left the location. – Joe McNally

Beech Tree - Durand Park, Freehold

The Joe McNally quote is one that I try to live by and is responsible for this last image. This beech tree was shot after I had finished shooting the lake and trees above. It was very cold and I was ready to get into the car and warm up. As I was walking back to the car, I noticed this tree standing alone not too far off the parking lot. The camera was already out and mounted on the tripod so it was just a matter of finding my composition and shooting. If I had been packed up I probably wouldn't have been looking for more compositions, it is also unlikely that I would taken the time to unpack and set up if I had. It's not that I am lazy but when you have been out in the elements for more than 30 minutes and are not properly dressed, you tend to want to get back inside.

So, as you can tell - I love snow! The weatherman is predicting 1 to 3 inches of wet snow Saturday night with temperatures getting into the 40's on Sunday. I am hoping to wake up on Sunday to a beautiful, snow-covered scene - I have been wanting to get back to the scene of the first image for a while but haven't had the opportunity. If we get a decent snowfall, I will post the new images here next week.

Do you like getting out in the snow? I would love to hear from you - leave a comment below and let me know your favorite snow activities or subjects to shoot.

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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 Am a Formatt-Hitech Ambassador!

UPDATED 17 JULY 2018

I am updating this original post to say that as-of 17 July 2018, I am no longer a Formatt-Hitech Ambassador. The discounts mentioned in this post are no longer valid.

Announcement

In July 2017 I was offered a position as an "Ambassador" for Formatt-Hitech filters. I was, to say the least, quite honored to have been chosen as a representative. I have held off announcing this until now in order to give Formatt-Hitech a chance to put up the webpage - click here. The page contains the names, locations, brief bio, photo and link to ambassadors around the world. The list is in alphabetical order by last name so you have to scroll a bit to get to my listing. I am one of three currently representing the United States.

Who is Formatt-Hitech

Formatt-Hitech is a filter manufacturer headquartered in the UK, with a US office in California. They have a line of screw-in filters, as well as a filter systems. I currently own the 85mm Aluminum Filter system (for more information about my system, see "My System" below.) The filter holder will accommodate three (3) filters. For a more detailed description and information about the filters, check out their Product Knowledge page - here.

Why Formatt-Hitech

Buying a quality filter system can be quite an investment and so I did a lot of homework before choosing Formatt-Hitech. One of my main concerns was color cast - I had read quite a bit about other systems having a magenta cast to them (mainly magenta, anyway) and I didn't want to have to deal with color-correctly every image I shot with the filters. The other concern was, of course, cost. The "perfect" filter system doesn't do you any good if you have to mortgage your home to buy it! The reviews I read for Formatt-Hitech had no mention of color cast and the system was within my budget so I took the plunge.

My System

I spent a lot of time debating before choosing the 85mm filter system. My initial thought was to go with the 100mm system but because I am shooting a crop-sensor and maximum wide angle of 18mm (28.8 with crop factor), I wasn't concerned about vignetting so I decided to save a few dollars and put that towards filters. I went with the 85mm Aluminum Holder, two (2) adapter rings and eight (8) filters, as shown below.

• .3 solid & soft-grad (1-stop)
• .6 solid & soft-grad (2-stop)
• .9 solid & soft-grad (3-stop)
• 1.2 solid & soft-grad (4-stop)

The .3 thru .9 filters were part of a set that came with a nice, velvet case; the 1.2 filters were purchased separately. I am planning to add a circular polarizer and a 10-stop ND this year, maybe a 13- or 16-stop.

My Experience

I have to admit, as anxious as I was to get a set of neutral density (ND) filters, I haven't used them all that much. I have been so busy shooting foliage and trying to get other things done. The few times that I have used them, I was quite happy. The two (2) images included here where taken on two separate occasions using a combination of filters. The system is easy to use and I had no problem with vignetting, despite shooting some at 18mm. I will be writing a full review, as-well-as a video review, in the coming weeks. I will also be doing a lot more work with them, shooting sunrise, sunset, waterfalls, etc.... Stay tuned!

My Offer to You

As an Abassador, I am authorized to offer to you a 10% discount on any purchase made from the Formatt-Hitech website (either International or US). All you need to do to redeem the offer is to enter the code JOE10 at checkout. That's it! You get high-quality filters and keep some money in your pocket to put towards your next photo excursion. It doesn't get any better than that, does it?

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you check out my listing on the Ambassador page - leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I also hope you consider Formatt-Hitech for your filter needs and take advantage of the discount. If you have used their filters, please leave a comment with your thoughts.

Until next time - go out and enjoy the wonders of nature!

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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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Hello, 2018!

Happy New Year!

I hope the new year finds you healthy, happy and ready for anything life throws at you! I know that I am excited about 2018 and what lies ahead.

I decided to start the year off on the right foot (it was probably the left foot but....) and went for a hike on New Year's Day. The image here is my first of 2018; it was shot and edited with my smartphone. The temperature was 16°F when I started with a wind chill of 0°F but there isn't a whole lot of wind in the woods. You can see that I wasn't the only one to have been thru this trail since the snow fell but it was a long time before I came across another soul on the trail - just the way I like it!

I took a few more shots with my phone along the way but never took my camera out of the backpack - I was just enjoying the hike. I did shoot a brief video that will be going up on YouTube this week so head over to my channel and subscribe if you haven't already. There is a link in the header of my blog or you can click here.

I have a lot planned for 2018 and look forward to sharing the ride with you! If you would like to collaborate on a project, leave a comment below or send me an email and let me know what you have in mind. While most of my work is done when I am alone, I do enjoy shooting with others from time-to-time and always find it to be a learning experience.

Best wishes for 2018!

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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 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!