f-stop blues

Lean & Mean – Case Logic SLR Sling

newcomerphoto — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:17:13 +0000

Spending the majority of the last decade with some sort of camera bag strapped to my body gives me great insight into what makes a quality pack. I own a multitude of camera bags since no one pack is perfect for all subjects and shooting locations. Having the right pack for a shoot not only enhances the enjoyment of your work it can elevate the quality of your images. Being comfortable and having quick access to your equipment can make or break getting “the shot,” especially during sports and wedding photography when the speed of the action cannot be dictated.

The Case Logic SLR Sling was designed for speed and accessibility. It fits comfortably and operates like a form-fitting bicycle messenger bag. Camera gear is only a short flip-over-the-shoulder away from being accessible, similar to the accessibility of a fanny pack. However, I found the SLR Sling to be much more comfortable than a fanny pack as it distributes the weight of your gear more evenly over your back and with less movement to the pack and camera equipment.

The sleek and slim design of the SLR Sling is great for a variety of users. Amateurs may find this is to be the only bag they’ll need while semi-professionals will find it ideal for lightweight outings where minimal gear is required. I took the SLR Sling on a short hike in Poudre Canyon where I wanted to carry as little weight as possible. The pack’s main compartment holds a camera body and lens. My Canon 5D and 24 -70mm f/2.8L lens fit snuggly inside the main compartment with or without using the hammock suspension system. The hammock system cradles the camera body and lens well, but does not function with a lens hood. Also, the main compartment does not accommodate a camera body with a battery grip attached, which was ok for this lightweight shoot. The packs next largest compartment easily fits a flash or my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L with a lens hood attached, which is a perfect and versatile size. The remaining compartments easily accommodate the necessary accessories, including batteries, memory cards, and the necessary Power Bar.

The form, function, and durability make the Case Logic SLR Sling a great value especially when you can pick it up at B&H for only $45.99.

Happy Shooting.

Face Shots

newcomerphoto — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:30:26 +0000

All this snow in the Colorado high country has me day dreaming of endless face shots and that indescribable feeling of floating through two feet of fresh powder. While skiing/snowboarding isn’t my favorite sport to photograph(I’d rather be making my own turns), it offers some great opportunities to capture some amazing images. Some of the biggest challenges are keeping your gear dry, watching your highlights, and photographing athletes that are both talented and photogenic. This image is from Silverton Mountain on one epic day.

White Weddings

newcomerphoto — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:28:10 +0000

I’ve always pondered why there aren’t more winter weddings in Colorado. A state that so very much embraces the white stuff. The most obvious draw back I suppose, is it limits most people to an indoor venue. While this is true, incorporating a small portion of a wedding ceremony or reception or even just a portrait session to the wintery outdoors makes for a unique wedding both in experience and photographically. I thankfully get more winter weddings than most and am always psyched when I do.

Mile High

newcomerphoto — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:59:36 +0000

On the University of Denver campus to review a wedding venue. What a cool spot!

Back To School

newcomerphoto — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:20:20 +0000

Is summer really almost over??? Amazing how time flies. Senior portrait work is ramping up. Congrats to Conrad on his upcoming senior year.

Let It Rain…or hail

newcomerphoto — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:46:10 +0000

As a photographer there is little I haven’t seen during the course of a wedding. However, last night was a new first for me. Over three inches of rain and hail poored down on my bride and groom in LaPorte. The hail was so thick that the venue had to plow their parking lot and grounds. It was so loud that at one point the band stopped playing because no one could hear. And through it all, my bride and groom and their guests were great and embraced the uniqueness of their day. I love my clients!

The calm before the storm

Engagement Photos In The Great Outdoors

newcomerphoto — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Fort Collins and Northern Colorado offer so many places to hike, bike and play in the outdoors. Frequent rides on my mountain bike or quick hikes with my wife and daughter give me plenty of opportunities to scout great portrait locations. Its so great to be able to work outdoors.

Family Vacation

newcomerphoto — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:45:42 +0000

Getting settled back in after a little R&R with the family on a float trip down the Colorado River near Fruita. It was my daughter’s first raft trip and she did great.

Stop The Presses

newcomerphoto — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:11:21 +0000

Its such a bummer to see what is happening to the newspaper industry. Having worked as a photojournalist for years its sad to see it’s decline. Photojournalism as an art form will be missed.

Wet and Windy!

newcomerphoto — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:18:45 +0000

New “Day In The Life” is now up. Images from a chilly day at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins filled with kites of all shapes and sizes. Check it out…