Gear | Russ Bishop Photography

August 4, 2023August 4, 2023

The Art of Seeing

The Art of Seeing. The digital age has opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities for the landscape photographer. From HDR (High Dynamic Range) and stitched panoramas to focus stacking and exposure blending a myriad of options exist. And filters have always been invaluable in controlling and shaping the light just as much in the digital realm as in the days of film.

Yet with all of the tools available it’s easy to lose creative focus in an attempt to include a popular technique or push a filter to its limits. As with the constant temptation to buy the latest camera or software it’s important to remember that the gear or the technique isn’t what makes an image shine, but the vision. That’s the essence of creative photography and yet so often misplaced amid the vast array of today’s technical possibilities.

No matter what the future may bring our most important tool as outdoor photographers will always be our mind’s eye. The equipment in our bag or on our desktop is just a means of helping the viewer connect with what we felt emotionally when we preserved that moment in time.

May 20, 2015October 30, 2015

Don’t Leave Home Without It

Dusy Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, California

When planning a photo shoot many items are obvious and not likely to be left behind such camera bodies, tripods, or a favorite bag. But there’s a reason surgeons and pilots use a checklist before every flight or operation. Even though they have performed these tasks a hundred times, the possibility of forgetting one important item is not acceptable.

Granted photography is not quite as extreme, but we can still benefit from this time-worn ritual. A checklist will alleviate much of the anxiety both when you’re packing, and when you’re far from home and realize you’re missing an important piece of gear. Every trip is unique. Duration, location and expectations will determine whether specialized gear or extra food and clothing is required, but even the short trips close to home can benefit from good preparation.

Here’s a simple list of action items that should be included on any photo trip:

Do your homework – create a visual idea file of images to develop a sense of place for where you are traveling and images you hope to make. Google Earth can be a huge help in determining landforms and cityscapes alike, and with the Photographer’s Ephemeris you’ll know exactly when the sun will set and where the moon will rise.

Gear List – Make a list of personal gear and camera gear you feel you’ll need for your destination. For extended trips, start these lists at least a month prior to your travel to allow time to modify. Check the online forums for recommendations from those who have been to the location. Often less is more when trying to travel light.

Rentals – If you’re planning to rent a piece of gear, be sure to reserve it well in advance to allow plenty of time for availability and shipping.

Location List – Create a checklist of locations you plan to visit and subjects you’d like to photograph. You won’t make it to all of them, but having options will allow flexibility when the weather or other obstacles alter your plans.

Batteries & Memory – Make sure you have batteries, chargers and memory cards for the specific camera bodies you’ll be taking. Portable solar panels are great for extended backcountry trips, and 12 volt inverters are perfect when working from a car.

Card Reader – Memory card readers for the cards you’re taking are much quicker than downloading directly from the camera. Especially on longer trips when evening social time and sleep are often at a premium!

Software – Make sure your laptop or tablet has the software or apps you plan to use and that they are up to date.

Camera Manuals – Download the PDF instruction manuals for your camera bodies to your phone or tablet. No one likes to read manuals, but knowing what the error code is when you’re miles from home can be a real asset.

Camera Cleaning – Clean all lens elements and filters prior to leaving, and pack a sensor cleaning kit. Dust is the bane of digital photography and it will find its way onto your sensor every time you change lenses.

Repairs – Pack a small photo repair kit, including jeweler’s screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, and super glue.

Quick Release – QR plates and L-brackets are a real time-saver in the field, but are specific for each camera body. Make sure to bring the correct ones.

Weather Report – Check the weather for the location of your destination both for comfort and alerts. Services like Weather Underground have great apps for phone and tablet with highly detailed forecasts.

Clothing – Pack clothing items such as gloves, a jacket and shoes or boots that are appropriate for the destination. The layering system including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof shell has been the standard for mountain travellers for years, but it will serve you well anywhere.

Nutrition and Hydration – Take a water bottle and energy bars (even if you only plan to be out for the afternoon). A water filter is a great option to save on weight if you’ll be near a water source.

First Aid – Always carry a small emergency first aid kit.

Obviously this list will vary depending on the location and duration of your trip, but it’s a good starting point for any photographic outing. There will always be surprises and setbacks, but as the saying goes, “Luck favors the prepared!”.

The confidence of knowing that you’ll be comfortable, and that your gear will be up to the task, will enable you to focus your energy on creativity and the photographic opportunities that present themselves.

September 16, 2011November 5, 2015

Get The Insurance, Shots

Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

Wildlife photography is not my specialty, but I never pass up the opportunity to add a dynamic element to my landscapes when the local fauna is easily accessible. On a recent trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park I had heard that the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep were frequenting the canyons, so I made a point of seeking out these magnificent animals. Still after three days in the park and many miles on the trail I had plenty of great images of blooming succulents and lush oasis, but not a single animal.

Then shortly before leaving the park I decided to make one last trip up Borrego Palm Canyon where, just a half mile up the trail, this handsome creature appeared on the ridge above me. Assuming I might only get a glimpse before he darted up the canyon wall, I took my obligatory insurance shots then waited to see his reaction. Much to my surprise he wasn’t in a hurry, so I left the trail (in a wide arc giving him plenty of room) to get a better angle. At first he was attentive to my movement but not agitated as I crossed the ridge and moved closer, then he seemed to accept my presence and for the next hour provided me with an amazing one-on-one photo session that I won’t soon forget.

Now I would have loved to have ended the day on that note, but unfortunately as the title of this post suggests, my luck had run its course. Not twenty minutes after heading down the trail, I somehow managed to slip on a rock (something I haven’t done in 35 years of traipsing through the wilderness), fell hard on my right side, and watched in horror as my Nikon body and 70-200mm lens lay in five pieces not far from my head. Fortunately I wasn’t injured and my equipment was insured. In fact, the great people at Rand Insurance (who underwrite my Nanpa policy) were so efficient that I was able to replace the equipment within ten days – just in time for an upcoming trip to Europe.

So if there is a moral to this story, it’s to keep taking those insurance shots when opportunity presents itself (and with a little luck you’ll come away with much more). And above all, make sure your equipment policy is up to date!