Photographically 2011 was an amazing year for me. Lots of new opportunities came my way, 3 magazine publications, some product shoots, and a few personal projects. While everyone was out last night celebrating the end of 2011 and welcoming in 2012 I was going through Lightroom looking at the various projects I had worked on in 2011. For me I celebrated 2011 by walking down memory lane, thinking about what had been done and looking towards 2012 and the plans I have.
Last year a bold, made for the web TV series came out. One that told the story of 5 athletes in various sports reaching for a goal within a single season. Snowboarding, downhill mountain biking, kayaking, bouldering, and climbing. Each had obstacles to overcome, some physical, some mental, but all inspirational. Running for 21 episodes and completely free online these stories moved you, inspired you to chase your passions. Created and told by a master at story telling Fitz Cahall, author of the popular podcast the Dirtbag Diaries.
Fitz and his crew have returned with a sequel. The Season 2 just began its run. The included video is Episode 1 from the series. You can find all newly released episodes on Arcteryx’s web site. They will also be made available via iTunes and on the official web site for The Season.
Take 5 or 15 minutes out of your day, watch the story as it unfolds and be inspired to pursue your passion, your folly.
~ Will
Camera Gear
I was packing my gear last night and it struck me that for Adventure Races the Teams participating have a mandatory gear list. Items they’ll need to keep them safe on the course or help them to navigate through the many obstacles they’ll face. Photographers have some mandatory gear as well, although not required by the race organizers but it would be tough to shoot a race without it.
In the images above I tossed out on the counter top some examples of the mandatory gear needed by photographers to successfully navigate shooting, will anything. Sure maybe this is all rather obvious to some but after making a list the other day of things I needed to remember to check and or stock up on I thought it would be worthy to share. Probably one of the more critical items to have, and something I had to run out and stock up on, are batteries. Sure I have camera batteries that I always make sure to have fully charged before a gig but what about batteries for flashes, wireless remotes, or even flashlights/headlamps. Then in this day of digital cameras there are memory cards, external hard drives to store images on, card readers, and of course my trusty MacBook Pro.
So besides thinking of the things I need to make my way around the back-country like a compass, first aid kit, proper clothing gear, or even ways to carry water. As a photographer I need to also make sure I have all my camera gear prepped and ready to go.
~ Will
Canada Route For ARTNX
2,094 miles, 1 day and 10 hours, yep that’s a drive! In about a day I’ll be making this drive to our great neighbors to the north. I’ve been brought on-board to photograph the epic Atmosphere Raid The North Extreme (ARTNX).
Route 66 Sign Tucumcari, NM
I have been spending the last few days hanging out in Tucumcari New Mexico. I’m out here working on a project that I will give deets on soon. While we have had some downtime we went exploring this historic little town that is snuggled in-between Amarillo Texas and Albuquerque New Mexico. At one time this was a major stop and way point for travelers along the famous Route 66 which runs right through the middle of town.
Prepping Gear for 2011 DINO MISSION 18-HR AR
It’s spring, the flowers are blooming, the trees are sprouting lovely green leaves and the warmth of summer is returning. It also means it is time for adventure racing to return and time for me to get busy. There have already been a few AR’s taking place around the country but the first one for me to photograph is coming up this weekend.
Okay, so I’m going to super geek out with this one. As with many out there when growing up I had read the Hobbit and the entire Lord of the Rings Trilogy; and as many out there I was super stoked when Peter Jackson dared to take what was sacred and transform them to the big screen.
From the great people over at the Born Out There – First Ascent blog here is a wonderfully done video of Jesse Coombs doing a first successful descent of Abiqua Falls in Oregon. The video was done up by talented Photography Lucas Gilman.
The results are amazing and Lucas threw in a little behind the scenes of how they shot it and what gear they used. As a teaser some of the gear they used were Nikon D7000′s!
~ William
Under the bridge in downtown Indy by Roberts Camera Store
If the new Red Epic is the high end of the filmmaking world then the iPhone would be on the opposite end of the spectrum. As I and others will tell you it’s not about the camera or gear it’s about you, your vision, your creativity. Last year South Korean directory Park Chan-wook announced his project of filming a 30 minute thriller titled Paranmanjang or as it’s being billed “Night Fishing”. The interesting side to this story is the entire movie, to include behind the scenes and interviews were shot with an iPhone 4.
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