The Case for Prime Lenses

 

Art Model, Alba ©2021 Terrell Neasley 
Shot on Sony a6500, 55mm, 1/30th, f/1.8, ISO 640

It may not be a well-known fact about me, but I like to shoot with prime lenses more than I do zoom lenses. Yep, it's the truth! And this is a preference for me that has developed from years of experience with both types of lenses. Over time, my palate has been refined to a different taste and zooms lenses have become baloney to my "prime" steaks.

I began photography shooting zooms. Before I even understood zooms, I figured a small number that goes to a big number was the shit. So a 55mm that zoomed to 250mm was big stuff. Then I came to realize my ignorance and switched to the trifecta of lenses, the 16-35mm, 24-70mm, and the 70-200mm... all f/2.8! I ran with this for a long time and eventually added my first prime, the 85mm 1.2! That's correct. My first prime was a $2500 lens and not the $100 nifty-fifty 1.8. 

Art Model, Alba ©2021 Terrell Neasley 
Shot on Sony a6500, 24mm, 1/10th, f/5.6, ISO 3200

The 85 1.2 is where it started and where I first learned real speed in a lens. F/2.8 USED to be fast glass. F/1.2?? Now that's speed! But what good was this speed? How often would I need this speed? Yes, I like fast glass, but honestly, it's a bit over-rated. I shoot in the dark a lot, so it comes in handy, but rarely do I find myself needing 1.2 shallowness as a travel photographer. Two-Eight is still really good and so is One-Eight. That being said... don't kid yourself. F 1.4 is the standard. 

But the more true reason I'm all primes now is the quality of my work and that's all that should matter. And I'm not talking just sharpness, but that's high on the list of considerations when you're shooting a high-resolution camera system. What I DON'T get from a Prime lens is also important. I don't get chromatic aberrations. I don't get a lot of vignette. Distortion is also minimized. And when I do get a little barreling when shooting my Sony 24 1.4 G-Master, it's pretty much auto-corrected when I begin editing using lens profiles. I also don't get any gravitational lensing in my work. Shit... sorry. Mixing astrophysics into my photography. I do that sometimes.

Art Model, Alba ©2021 Terrell Neasley 
Shot on Sony a6500, 24mm, 1/50th, f/2.8, ISO 100

Anytime you consider the pros and advantages of something, it's fair to do cons and disadvantages. However here's the thing... with prime lens, the Number 1 disadvantage is a PRO for me!

Yep, I said that right and that's what you read. Ask anyone. The biggest disadvantage for primes is the fixed focal length. It only has one. It's such an disadvantage that they made it the name of the alternative to prime lenses... Zoom Lenses. Having a fixed or singular focal length means you CANNOT zoom to a greater or lesser focal length.

What's a focal length? That's the first number you use to describe a lens. You refer to it in millimeters, such as a 24mm lens. A 200 millimeter lens. Twenty-Four to Seventy Millimeter lens. Like that... see?

Art Model, Alba ©2021 Terrell Neasley 
Shot on Sony a7r2, 24mm Macro, 1/80th, f/2.8, ISO 400

If there is one number, it's a prime. Prime, meaning one. If there are two numbers, it's a zoom. You can zoom from one focal length to another. Sometimes that zoom range will be short and sometimes long. A 16-35mm lens is short focal range, but typical for a wide-angle lens. A 28-300mm lens is considered to be an all-in-one lens with a long zoom range. 

A point of fact to understand is that focal length has nothing to do with the Angle of View for a lens. Wide-angle vs Telephoto isn't defined by millimeters. It's defined by degrees. Focal length is an actual distance defined by the distance between the point of convergence and the sensor (or film plane). Click on the highlighted text for illustrations of this. 

Art Model, Alba ©2021 Terrell Neasley 
Shot on Sony a7r2, 55mm, 1/40th, f/1.8, ISO 640

So back to my point. How is the main disadvantage of a prime lens a PRO for me? In a nutshell, it helps me develop as a photographer. A prime lens makes turns ME into the Zoom function. If I need a closer perspective (Zoom in) I move my feet! If I need to zoom out, I move my feet! In either case, I am choosing my composition and interacting with my subject. It makes me more involved to make these choices and since it is not something as unconscious as spinning a zoom ring on a lens, I become more purposeful and more focused on what my selections are. I think about my composition more. I do not do it as an afterthought while operating the camera. I become more resolved and the reasons for making those specific choices are much more conscious and deliberate. I am better for it, because I took the control away from my tool and did it myself. 

Light has to travel through more glass and air inside the barrel of a zoom lens. This makes it more prone to light loss and diffraction as it bounces around the inside of the lens. It's manipulated through more glass of various concave and convex shapes on its way to the point of convergence before it hits your sensor. This can vary the degree of sharpness from one photo to the next as well as introduce chromatic aberrations and vignettes.

Art Model, Alba ©2021 Terrell Neasley 
Shot on Sony a7r2, 55mm, 1/60th, f/3.5, ISO 100

I enjoy shooting with prime lenses, even when I am forced to change lenses from my 24mm to my 55mm lens. I shoot wide to standard. Rarely do I shoot telephoto anymore. It's not my genre and hardly ever has it been so. I noticed this 10 years ago while doing a lens profile on my photos and less than 10% of my images where shot on anything longer than 90 or 100 millimeters. 

I don't say I'll never use zooms. I'm even thinking about the Tamron 35-150. I'm a travel photographer but not all my work needs to be artistic. Sometimes I just want to see further out and get that shot. And I don't knock zooms either. The 24-70 served me well! But as I said, I refined my tastes and prime lenses suit me better. They might even be more expensive in some cases. But I get my speed. They are often smaller and lighter weight. And as I've stated, the quality is unmatched. The 24 to 70 is badass. But I prefer a 24mm lens and a 55mm lens. And soon to have... a 105mm Macro!

Art Model, Alba ©2021 Terrell Neasley 
Shot on Sony a7r2, 55mm, 1/60th, f/1.8, ISO 100

Less is More... Stop Shooting So Damn Much!

 "Art is the elimination of the unnecessary."

 –Pablo Picasso

Absolutely nothing fast about 12 shots per roll, Hasselblad 501c film camera with prism viewfinder

There is this one scene in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" between actors Sean Penn and Ben Stiller that epitomizes a concept that I think is often forgotten among photographers as well as people just taking pics. Not every memory needs to be captured by a camera. Not every moment needs to be immortalized on a "memory" stick. There are some instances when the camera does more harm than good. To paraphrase Sean Penn's character in the embedded video, "The camera can be a distraction." And that's what I want to talk about a little bit here.

I've had a few moments like this when I chose not to bring my camera on a trip. I actually got vilified mainly because, "I was wasting opportunities..." and "I may never get to return to this place..." and so forth. That's not the way I looked at it. There have been more than one occasion of these instances, but in this particular situation, I wanted to enjoy my time with a friend who wasn't a photographer and I didn't want to spend all my time "needing to get the shot". Otherwise, I would have ended up neglecting the companionship for which I traveled there for in the first place.

Simplicity, Copyright 2010 Terrell Neasley

Here's another reason you don't need to take a picture of everything. Petapixel.com once did a post on their popular blog an article by the British Psychological Society that they titled, "Simply Snapping a Photo Harms Your Memories of Things, Study Finds". Now their study requires a bit more research, I'm sure. They use a base their finding, per the article, based on a sample size of 50 undergraduate students. 5000 students would have been more convincing, but the findings are nonetheless comparable to my own experiences, albeit not as measurable scientifically.

Put the damn camera down! I've talked about this before. Look around yourself and just enjoy the moment for what it is. At the very least, slow down. Get a few shots and stop. Blasting on rapid fire mode trying to capture everything tends to make you lose the gift of the memory and here are three reasons why this makes sense:

One... Repetitively speaking, your mind won't feel the need to remember something you know is already recorded when you establish this as a habit. It takes the work away from the brain. No need to commit a visual to long term memory when you think you've captured every aspect of it with 312 shots of one scene.

TWO... Odds are, you're never gonna go back and look at those pics. They'll stay on your SD card or computer hard drive. And there's a stronger propensity that nobody else is going to want to look at those pics even if you did pull them out. Think about it. NOBODY CARES! Who wants to sit and mull through all 1,538 of your vacation photos. After a while, even you'll get tired of the 11th image of the same scene and start fast forwarding through to find the good ones. And if you look like you're bored, why should anybody else sit through them.

And Three... You create so much extra work for yourself. When you download all those filled-to-capacity SD cards, or whatever storage media you are using, a few things take place. You realize you have to go through all those photos! AND now you have clogged up your hard drive with a bunch of nonsense. A few months down the road, you'll be at your max capacity on your hard drive and then going through folders to see what shots you can eliminate. Save your brain the stress and your hard drive the unnecessary wear. 

Copyright 2012 Terrell Neasley

"It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential."

 –Bruce Lee

Here is one more reason why you won't remember so well and why the camera can be a distraction. When the camera comes between you and a memory, think about why you actually see versus what the camera sees. When you take in a moment without the camera, you have almost a 180 hemisphere of sight in front of you. Not only that, but ALL of your senses can become engaged in that moment. You remember the aroma of the honeysuckle that has completely engulfed the fence that your kids are playing next to in a mud puddle. You can hear the low hum of all the bees and wonder if you should have the kids play elsewhere, but rationalize that you are being over-protective until the youngest one grabs a bee and is stung.

Copyright 2012 Terrell Neasley

All that makes for a story and engraves that memory in your brain. You are totally engrossed in that moment and are capturing information using all your senses. Now try to think of that same scene but now, close off all your senses except for your sight, because that's the only one you are paying attention to. Then take an empty paper towel roll and view that same scene looking through it. Can you visualize that? How much information is actually being recorded to your brain? Not much! You've limited yourself to tunnel vision and sounds and smells have no relevancy any more.

And show some respect, like my friend Marci in a museum. Do you really need to take pics of someone else's art? Put the camera down. Use your eyes. Record it to your brain. Its not your responsibility to have something to show the next guy. Let them come to the museum on their own and experience it in person. Your job isn't to record and share with the world for sake of posterity. If anything, come back with a story! Tell that! Motivate others to visit that museum!

Shoot less. Otherwise you cheat yourself.

Switching Gear? Nope...

 

Art Model, Melissa ©2009 Terrell Neasley

I've been asked if I'm considering switching camera gear to Nikon again. Nikon has made some SERIOUS advancements into mirrorless tech. I can't lie... they've made a tremendous turn-around. A few years ago, there was no certainty they'd even still be in business. Now, they have some badass mirrorless camera prospects and the Nikon Z9 is expected to become a hit.

I bought my first camera while taking photo classes in college. It was the Minolta 70 Maxxum... a film camera, back in 2005. After less than a year, I decided to go all in on photography and purchased the Canon EOS 7NE... also a film camera. Next was my first digital camera in 2007 the Canon 40D, 7D, and then the 5DMarkII. The 5DII was the first breakthrough camera I'd owned. It spawned a whole new industry in aftermarket products for video.

In 2012, I made a drastic change. I was well-invested in Canon at that time. Between cameras, lenses, and accessory gear, I was in about $20K deep. Nikon introduced the D800/800e and after a buddy let me try out his, I made the jump to Nikon. I sold ALL my Canon gear in less than a couple months. I think I got about $12K on everything. Nikon had revolutionized high-resolution photography and it was just what I was looking for when I began my first stint in travel photography. I spent 6 weeks in Central America with this revolutionary system and was more than satisfied.

Art Model, Melissa ©2008 Terrell Neasley

I had to learn to shoot the Nikon system. I missed focus a lot until another Nikon shooter convinced me to switch to back-button AF. I never missed a thing again. I purchased a few lenses like the standard 24-70 and got a wide prime. I did not get a 70-200. As much as I enjoyed that focal length with Canon, I realized I barely used it. 

The problem was the weight. Not just the camera but also the lenses. I needed lighter gear to travel with! My needs changed again when Sony introduced their mirrorless Alpha line. I did not switch right away. I waited until they came out with exactly what I needed. The A7S was my first camera and then the A7II. But eventually, I picked up the A7RII and it has been the best camera I've ever owned. 

I will not be switching back to Nikon, or Canon for that matter. I'm right where I want to be with Sony. I do need to upgrade, but I'm waiting to see what they do with the Sony A7R V. There is no telling when that thing will be released with the semiconductor shortage affecting manufacturer's ability to produce sensors as of a result of global covid shutdowns. If it came down to it, I could be fine with the A7R Mark IV and be done with it, but I'm trying to be patient. 

The only camera manufacture that still catches my eye a little bit is  Fujifilm. I've owned Fujifilm before and was more than impressed. All I hear are good things about the Fujifilm GFX-100S! But goodness, it would be quite costly to jump into that so fast. The camera is $6k and then I'd need 2 or 3 lenses. I'd be anywhere from $12 to $15K to get into that system! Love to do it, but I have other priorities I have to manage.

So, no... I will remain Sony. My needs have not changed so much that Sony doesn't address them. I switched to Nikon from Canon because my needs changed and Canon did not address them. I did the same from Nikon to Sony. Get the gear that suits what you are doing right now. If and when that changes, again... get the tools you need to address said changes. 

I will do more posts like this where I address questions people present to me and other opinions. 

Art Model, Melissa ©2008 Terrell Neasley

Jenny in Peru: New Photo Book Coming Soon

Art Model, @JennyPoses4U_2 ©2019 Terrell Neasley

Indeed... a new Jenny book is coming out soon. I'll get to more on that in a second. However, "Jenny in Peru" is already available! TWO HUNDRED THIRTY PAGES in a large 14 x 11-inch hardback book, using high quality long-lasting archival paper. This is definitely an art book suited for the coffee table or living room center-piece.

JENNY IN PERU

By Terrell Neasley

The book illustrates three weeks of adventure in which I detailed much of this in the recent blog post, "Travel Nudes, Jenny in Peru". Do yourselves a favor and go back to visit that post one more time. I think I've got about 10 images from our trip to accompany that post, which is the most I think I've done on any blog post. You can read about the details of our travels from Lima to Northern Peru, back to Lima, then to two locations in Southern Peru, and finally back to Lima again.

Art Model, @JennyPoses4U_2 ©2019 Terrell Neasley

Now, about the NEW book...

Jenny in Peru will be the start of a series of art photobooks that I will re-create that will be a tad bit more "economical". It will be a value art book, less pages, paperback, HOWEVER... the book profits above cost will go exclusively to the model being showcased.  

Art Model, @JennyPoses4U_2 ©2019 Terrell Neasley

Are we on the back end of this pandemic? I don't know the answer to that question. But after two years, we can all agree that it's been tough on a lot of people. I try to come up with numerous ideas to help and have done what I could over these last few years. The most recent idea has been restructuring these photo books to bring you the images and the story, but hey... maybe not with the top of the line, archival quality paper stock. Maybe not exclusively with full page spreads. Do I really need it to be 11x14 or will a smaller size do? Can I get the price down to half... a quarter... even less? Well, we'll see. I'm working on that. 

Art Model, @JennyPoses4U_2 ©2019 Terrell Neasley

So stay tuned and keep a look out when I announce my latest Projects for the Models where I restructure some of my current photo books to a smaller more economical size. 100% of everything over cost will go to those models. 

See you soon.

You can visit MY BLURB to see all my currently available photo books.

Art Model, @JennyPoses4U_2 ©2019 Terrell Neasley

Four Years of Traveling... What's Next?

 “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world” 

– Mary Anne Radmacher

Kayci.Lee Jan 2018 with me in Leon, Nicaragua. It's weird seeing her with clothes on, I know. Bear with me on this. I'll fix it on the next one.

Honestly, who knows? I mean... dang! Covid has wrecked so many plans for so many people, who can say what they'll be doing in 3 months, much less the next year. 

BUT... I can tell you I will remain optimistic and plan as smartly and as practically as I can. I remain in Vietnam and aim to stay here for a while longer. The country as started to open up again and the immigration rules are returning to pre-Covid regulations... slowly. 

This month marks 4 years since I set out traveling around the world. How many of you thought I'd be gone this long? I left in January 7th, 2018 accompanied for one month by Kayci.Lee. She and I traveled through 3 countries until she left early February. I spent 9 months in Central America, 9 months in South America, and then I came to Vietnam in Feb 2020 and a global pandemic hit as soon as I got here. 

I have lots to get done here and I have not finished with my photographic goals. Last year was too restrictive to travel around to get the scenic landscape spots I wished for. I respected the government's recommendations to not travel unless absolutely necessary and I adhered to the lockdown regulations while they were in effect. 

Things are opening back up now, so I want to begin getting outside Hanoi (for a start). I have an apartment here. If the surrounding countries also become easy to move around in, I'd like to use Hanoi as a base and hopscotch around SE Asia. I will wait for things to normalize some more, so that I don't leave and then for some reason have a problem getting back into Vietnam, while I have an apartment full of my belongings. If all goes well, I'll jump over to Thailand for a month or so, get some great shots, and then return! And then do the same thing visiting Cambodia.

Kayci.Lee Jan 2018 with me on Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Probably the thing I'm interested in most is getting back to shooting film. I don't have all the answers to doing that just yet, because I am so accustomed to not letting anyone else into my artistic process. I don't have a darkroom or a scanner. That means I have to let someone else develop and scan my negatives and possible even print them. This is particularly true if I shoot color film. I can process B&W provided I have the facilities. I can't say the same with color film.

Also, I want to shoot medium format 6x7 this year. Mamiya RZ67 (with the 110mm 2.8 and prism viewfinder) or the Pentax 67 (3rd Gen, 1990 version and 105mm 2.4) to be exact. Neither of those cameras are available here (as far as I can currently tell) and they are as expensive as the rumored Sony a7RV ($3500) that has yet to be announced. Don't let me get my hands on a Fuji GX617! Man, for only 4 shots a roll, I'll take one with the 105mm lens. I don't think I can handle the 90mm. You need that center-weighted ND filter and if you lose it, finding another is damn near impossible. This is another hard to find and $3000+ camera! Lord a-mercy!

Kayci.Lee Jan 2018 with me in Leon, Nicaragua

And truth be told, another reason I want to do medium format film is because the Mark V may be delayed until NEXT Christmas, from what I hear. That's what sent my mind to film originally. Another challenge is that... I can't see traveling with either of those film cameras. They are HUGE! It's one thing that I'm sitting in one spot right now in Vietnam. It's another ordeal entirely when I'm traveling continuously again. Can I make that sort of investment and then give them up after a year or two of shooting? Maybe I can donate it to an upcoming aspiring film shooter. I'd still have to get the Sony when it becomes available. Maybe I just want too much! As the Sony article states, this could be a year to upgrade skills rather than cameras. 

Traveling Abroad Part 2- It's Not Real Until You Book it!

 

Tikal, Guatemala

While you wait for your passport, get back to planning!

1. Where do you want to go? 
2. What sort of budget do you need? 
3. What is the weather like? 
4. What travel restrictions do you need to consider?

I look at Google Maps (or Earth) and start dreaming! What do you want to see? They pyramids? Waterfalls? What do you want to do? Backpack mountains? Go sledding down a volcano? What type of environments interest you most? Beaches? Jungles? Think about all those places you dreamed about but thought it was unrealistic. Where did that crazy aunt tell you she had her craziest adventures? Where did your grandfather deploy in service to his country?

Once I settle on a region of the world to visit, I think about what is might cost. That also helps determine how long you'll be there. $2,000 in Central America can mean 2 months or it can mean a week in Europe. It will also help you determine WHEN you can go. Do you need to save up a little more money? What are you going to do when you get there? Are you doing Tours or are you just relaxing? 

El Remate, Guatemala

The seasons and weather can help you determine WHEN you want to go. That'll help you know how to pack and give you an indication on things you can do. Rainy seasons can be cheap times to go, but can you deal with that? Keep in mind... seasons flipflop south of the equator. Summer in the US is winter down there. 

Covid-19 has definitely forced some changes to travel. You'll have to check with the State Department to see what Covid-related travel restrictions and Travel Advisories are for each country of the world. Aside from that, they'll also tell you what entry/exit requirements are necessary. That usually tells you what sort of visa you need. Keep in mind. The US has everywhere listed as, DO NOT GO, or RECONSIDER GOING recommendations right now, due to Covid. And do consider enrolling in the STEP program to get email updates on changes in your area when you are abroad. If you are not vaccinated... well, your scope of travel might be SEVERELY limited.

Las Siete Cascadas, Juayua, El Salvador

I started with Central America for 4 reasons. One, I was invited. Two, it's cheap. Three, it's close (to the US), but it feels like you are on the other side of the world. And Four, it was something I promised myself I'd do when I was in the Army after I was deployed to Panama the first time (mid-90's). I fully, completely, and whole-heartedly recommend starting in Central America! Mainly because of the first three reasons I mentioned, but it's also much safer than what you might believe AND you (Americans) get a 90-day visa. 

It's not uncommon to begin travels to Europe. If you have that sort of bank, go get'em. European English speaking countries might make you more comfortable, but they are going to be costly as well. It's up to you, but I invite you to leave your comfort zone at Baggage Check and come on out and have some fun.

Esteli, Nicaragua

From there, after I knew the region I wanted to travel to, I jumped on Amazon and bought the latest Lonely Planet book on Central America. I could have just as easily got one from the Library, but I knew I'd take this book with me and I needed to make notes in it. I learned so much from this series of books. You'll learn about the usual BEATEN PATHS that most tourist take, but you'll also get info on the OFF THE TRAIL spots you can check out, too. The best information from this book series is on requirements to get into the country, places to stay, and things to be wary of. The latest versions are usually up to date with the latest information and details.

Having said that, I haven't used those books in years! After a while, you can sort of graduate from them and learn on your own by researching the internet. I'll usually begin with Wikitravel.org and start make book hostels/hotels on Booking.com or AirBnB.com. I might get some more details from Wikipedia.org or a Google search, but next I'm booking my flight, once I have a passport in hand!

Flores, Guatemala

You can use anything you want to book flights. GoogleFlights, Cheap-O Air, Kayak.com... anything. If you have an airline preference, great. Got points, use'em. Otherwise, book your flights based on your budget preference. Most airlines have pros and cons and people will have opinions about their services.

Once you have that passport in hand... Book it! It's not real until you book that flight and hotel. Once you do that, start shopping! You may not already have a backpack. I love me some REI. I think on one of my trips, I laid out my clothes and everything that I was taking with me and all of it, aside from electronics was from REI. It's a great company and they've earned my loyalty... like proactively, so. 

I usually select cargo pants that convert into shorts, dry fast, and are lightweight, but durable. I have the same criteria for my boots. I may get into more details in another post on packing and what to bring. Pack for your durations, the season, your comfort, and your convenience. 

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Ten Additional Tips:

Make sure you automatic payments for bills while you are gone.

Let your bank know you are abroad, so they don't block your cards!

Arrange to suspend mail with the post office.

Make sure you have ample supply of your prescription medication.

Bring an extra pair of glasses in a hard case.

Download books, music, and movies before you go! 

Keep the camera gear simple. DO NOT bring all your lenses. You won't use them.

Pack some Pepto Bismol and or Alka-Selzer tablets with you.

Drink water from unopened bottles ONLY!

Get an app that converts the local currency.

Traveling Abroad Part 1- It All Starts with a Passport

 

Art Model, Faerie

The new year is about to begin in just a few days. 100% of you will make some resolutions that only 99.3% of you will keep. 2021 has proven to be a travel restricted year, so I'm going to guess many of you will make New Years Resolutions that involve traveling abroad. Well, let's see if I can give you some pointers. I have been continuously traveling since January 8th, 2018. But I've been backpacking abroad purposes for 10 years, (not including military service.)

If you desire to see the places you read about or learn about from TV, then as the title says, It all Starts with a Passport! That's where you begin. There will be special cases for some people, but most everyone can simply call ahead to make an appointment with their local post office and tell them you want to apply for a passport.

I wish I had her original files with me.
I'd be fun to play with some new edits on them.

Give yourself PLENTY of time! This is not a quick process! Start your application at least 3 months before you think you will need it. Better still, start it now, even if you are not considering traveling in the next year. That way you have it on hand when the travel bug bites!

First, get certified copy of your birth certificate or proof of citizenship. For the certified copy, you can order it online or go to your state/county Vital Records Department. Bring this and some form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license to the post office. AND your Social Security Card. Have that with you. They'll have you fill out a form DS-11 for an application for a NEW passport. If you like, you can >>click here<< to download a printout of the DS-11 form and then print it your self. If you need to renew an old one, it's a form DS-82. 

Art Model, Faerie during one of my drawing sessions

Many post offices have services for passport photos for $15. If they don't offer this service, you can get that done anywhere. You'll just have to google possible locations. As of 27 December, prices have gone up recently by $20. Don't trip about this. A new passport is now $165. Renewals are now $130. Just pay it and look forward to enjoying your trip.

This process can take up to 14 weeks! So don't go booking your ticket for next month and then get stressed hoping your passport comes in on time. Don't book a thing until you have a valid passport in your hands! Keep in mind, there are several factors that can keep you from being eligible to have a passport. If you're behind on child payments, don't expect a passport approval. Some criminal records, especially felony or even misdemeanor drug charges will stop you cold. Federal loan defaults can do this too. Check out your particular situation and see if you are affected. 

Stay tuned for Part II where I get into planning your trip!

Everybody loves a happy Faerie!

One More Time with Regards to Beginners

Art Model, Dana

In November of 2005, I photographed my first nude model. This month makes 16 years since I began my favorite genre of photography. So with respect to my beginnings, I'm going to address an idea for beginners! However, if you aren't interested in getting better at photo or at least learning more creative and fun techniques, don't worry about this blog post. Then again, read it anyway and see if your curiosity is piqued.

FILM PHOTOGRAPHY!!!

That's right. I am talking about stepping away from the digital world and falling back to the stone age before a camera even needed a battery. Yes, cameras existed even then and if you take a look around, you'll witness the re-emergence of the film genre. BTW, all the images in this post are my early work shooting film. 

Look for an old camera that your mama used to use, or one that's been passed down through your father's lineage. Ask them! They just might take you up to the attic and pull out an old box full of pics, old film cannisters, and maybe even a dusty old camera.

Art Model, Dana

OR, go to a thrift store. They almost always have something. If you see a camera and it has the letters, L-E-I-C-A on it, in that exact sequence... or a big red dot, GET IT! Buy it for whatever they want. If not, just look for something that seems like it works. If there is a local camera shop nearby, take it to them and let them have a look at it and clean it up. 

OR, take a look at Amazon, Ebay, or any online used gear retailer and type Canon AE-1 Program in the search bar. If you are afraid of Canon, check out the Nikon F2, unless you want to get away from the BIG2... then bless yourself with a Pentax K1000. Go this route if you want an easy entry into the 35mm film genre as there are still plenty of camera choices, lens alternatives, and film formats readily available and you can always find someone to develop the film.

If by chance you are feeling froggy and you have nerves of steel with the heart of a champion, say no more and orient your quest toward either a Hasselblad 500 C/M, the Pentax 67, or a Mamiya RZ67. Lens choices can get steep with these but you can find some deals. You are really taking your coffee no sugar if you find a twin lens reflex system like a Rolleiflex, the Yashica MAT-124G, or a Mamiya C330. You don't need an additional lens budget for these cameras because they come with fixed lenses anyway. These cameras use medium format film. Much larger resolution than 35mm film, but might be more difficult getting it processed. You can easily do this yourself, though with a few lessons. Developing your own film just takes a commitment and for some, it's the least fun part of photography. I loved it!

Art Model, Kate in a Tribute to Jerry Ulesmann

FOUR ADVANTAGES OF FILM PHOTOGRAPHY

I'm not going to get into the technical aspects of digital vs film. This post isn't about the analytical, technical, logical, and certainly not mathematical. Instead, I want to focus on the imaginative, artistic, and intuitive elements.

Film helps you See

Particularly in Black and White photography, color can be a distraction that deviates your mind away from the composition. When it's all B&W, composition plays a greater factor. When you look through the viewfinder, yes... you are still seeing color. But when you get that roll developed in B&W you see what you were pointing your camera at and how it turned out. You begin to see in B&W. Even though color elements are the input into your eye sockets, your brain will soon interpret those signals into B&W. THEN you begin to better see lines, patterns, geometric shapes... like circles, triangles, and rectangles. You'll see vanishing points, repetition, and anchoring elements. Balance will become important and you will develop your style much quicker.

Film helps you be Patient

Back in the military, I trained soldiers to slow down. Survey the landscape. Find your target. Aim. Breathe. Take your shot. The mechanics of shooting a weapon are the same as shooting a camera. Survey the landscape. Find your composition. Aim. Breathe. Take your shot. In both cases, you press the shutter/trigger with slow deliberation. Trigger squeeze and breathing control are two elements of marksmanship and it's the same with a camera. 

Shooting rapid fire shots don't let you hit a damn thing. Limit yourself to 36 shots and you WILL learn to compose better. You will think about each shot and be more deliberate with your shot selection. It's inevitable. If you want to slow it down even more, shoot from a tripod and really see your shot. I follow this guy on Facebook. He's the father of a friend/client of mine who I worked with doing desert shots near Las Vegas. His dad is always out somewhere knee-deep in a stream or barely visible in the bushes somewhere. The man is enjoying himself and making money selling his art. But he puts in the time! He's not shooting film, but he does shoot from a tripod and I'd imagine it isn't just because his gear is heavy. His name is Sam Pathi and he's a bad ass landscape photographer. You want a role model? Inspire to be like this guy. You can see his son, Eric on IG @ericpwiseguys. 

Art Model, Jacinda

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams

Film will help you Make Photos

Ansel Adams is arguably the most famous photographer all-time. That was one of his quotes that suggested that a photograph wasn't something that already existed and you simply needed to grab it. Instead, it was something you create. You make it. You don't simply take it. Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO are the elements you use to create the exposure you desire for any given scene. A shot does not exist without these three elements in some mix. Each one regulates and manages how light is used to make a photograph. Don't just use full auto. Learn this and practice.

You also make a photo by learning to focus manually. It takes an added second or two to turn that focus ring (at any given aperture, focusing at any given range). You decide how much of a scene you want in focus and then manipulate the lens to make that photo. Learn those techniques and practice.

Film will help you Save Money

This isn't as intuitive as the previous listed advantages, but it still goes on this list. You are definitely going to save some cash with film. You're looking at maybe a $250 initial investment maybe if you're going 35mm film. Expect to spend a grand for the camera, batteries, storage cards, lenses, etc. if you start out digital. Chances are, you'll likely find a deal on a digital camera that comes with a bad, tripod, and more. 

This might not be the case if you get really interested in photography and you need to make a more significant investment. It will happen. The more you know, the more you grow. The more you grow, the more you go broke. Kidding.  I should have said. the more you grow the more you need dough. But if you are getting better AND got the budget, mosey on up to the medium format systems and challenge yourself. Instead of 36 exposures a roll, you get 10 to 15 shots depending on the camera. That Pentax 67 will give you TEN shots! Talk about shot planning! It uses 120 roll film. And medium format utilizes a variety of sizes which explains the different range of shots. 

* * *

Film is not dead. It declined for a while, but it's back. The Lomography phenomenon (and company) along with Kodak, Fujifilm, and others have fed the resurgence of love for film. But I say it's mainly because of people like Dave Rudin who refuse to give it up and continue to do professional and artistic work with film. It's huge here in Vietnam. There are good functioning cameras all over the place and in the hands of the young and eager. I love it.

So do yourself a favor, Rookie. Reread the blog. Do some more research. Get yourself in a good camera system that you feel comfortable with. Go buy some film and go shoot. Kodak TMAX 400 was my all-time favorite film to utilize. What is yours?

Art Model, Laura

Art Model, Laura

What Camera to Buy Right Now for Beginners? Yeah, See Here's the Thing...

Art Model, Viki Vegas

“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart, and head.”  

-Henri Cartier-Bresson

Let me start of with this, there is no such thing as a Camera for Beginners. There is only ever the Camera that you NEED. That's what you go on. But for the sake of this topic, I'll buy-in to the notion of a beginner level camera. That being said, I'll concede the concept of Entry-Level Cameras. I know... am I quibbling over semantics: beginner vs. entry? Well, hell yeah. Entry level describes the camera, not the consumer. It is usually a base-model thrown in to get attention for the people who just want a decent picture. Okay, maybe that is what a beginner needs. 

Nah, screw that! I do not concede and here's why:

You may be new to photography, that's okay. And it doesn't mean Entry-Level is for you! I've been teaching photo for years. The number one question I get is, "What kind of camera should I buy?" My answer is always the same. You get the camera that you need! Buy what fits the reason you want to take pics and also fits within the constraints of your budget. There has not been a single time in all these years that I have recommended an Entry-Level camera to someone. NOT ONE TIME! I do need to qualify that a bit in that I've been asked to recommend one Entry-Level system over another when those were the only options. That's the only time.

Here's the deal. If money is not an obstacle and you are not concerned with practicality, there's a good chance Leica will come up in the conversation. Leica cameras are the opposite of Entry-Level. But you can start with them if you can swing that price point. I've sold them to first-time users who wanted to have a camera that not only took pics, but also made a statement. However, being more reasonable, if you ask me what you should get, the first thing I'm going to ask in reply is, "What do you want to take pictures of?" And that is where it begins. 

Art Model, Viki Vegas

In all likelihood, it's going to start with lens choices. Say for instance you tell me you love bird watching and it just so happens that you are traveling to Costa Rica. Does camera come into play? Not at first. You have a lens requirement. You likely need super telephoto capabilities. The camera might come into consideration because of WHERE you are going. Entry-Level cameras aren't traditionally made to be durable. The are generally plastic with no weather sealing. If you are traveling to Costa Rica, you may want to pay attention to the humidity and the probability of heavy rains. The lens won't mean a thing if you can't keep moisture out of your camera. You need something that can keep the electronics inside dry. 

If you are a grandpa wanting to take pics of the babies eating up the living room carpet, then your needs are not that demanding. An Entry-Level system isn't too complicated and there is not a need for anything specific. Chances are, the camera will sit on a shelf for most of it's life as the cell phone proves to be more convenient. You don't really love photography for the sake of photography. You just like good pics every once in a while. You're not trying to learn something new, grow and develop lighting skills... you just want to fill the picture album like your Nana did for you as an ankle-biter. In this case, an entry-level kit, (camera and the lens it comes with) may not be a bad option.

There are a lot of used systems out there if budget is an issue. You can still get a good camera and lens if you're not sure if you'll stick with photography long enough to make it worth a brand new camera investment. Buying used gear is an excellent option. Renting is another possibility, either from your local camera shop or from online businesses like BorrowLenses.com or LensRentals.com. If you are torn about whether to drop some serious cash on a new system, rent the camera system before you buy it. See how you like it. Either way... buy new, buy used, or rent... you need to be aware of your primary considerations.

Art Model, Viki Vegas

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”

– Dorothea Lange

Think about the Lens first.

Lens choices address the needs of photography faster than most those of the camera, (unless video are the primary goal). The lens is first described by it's focal length and those usually come in these categories: wide-angle, normal, telephoto, and super telephoto. You can throw in Macro, tilt-shift, and ultra wide-angle, as well if that's that's what you need. However, the first 3 mentioned focal length perspectives are going to cover about 90% of shooter needs.

I deleted 4 paragraphs that go into describing lenses and things you need to consider. But that's making this post too long. Instead, check out my previous post detailing much more material on that matter here: => "Getting into Photo, Part II : The Lens".

Art Model, Viki Vegas

And then there are camera considerations.

First consideration that everyone looks at is megapixels. But in all honesty, it really doesn't matter! Most digital cameras now come with at least 24 megapixels. For 90% of you, it's more than adequate. But depending on what you want to do, maybe more is necessary. The more important the detail, the greater the need for a higher MP camera sensor, but 24 is damn good. Full disclosure... I am a megapixel nut. There. I said it. 

Durability is also a factor. Will your camera be subjected to rain, dust, and high/low temperatures? Can you reasonably expect it to get banged around a little bit? I'm not talking about being dropped. That sucks for any camera. No matter how careful you are, if you're going into harsh environments, the camera is going to take a beating. I'm very careful with my gear. That didn't mean squat when some rednecks in a big white Ford pick-up started doing donuts and belching exhaust as I was doing a photoshoot in a dry lake bed. I was shooting with 3 studio lights (on battery packs), softboxes, and at the time, I didn't see a need to shut my camera case with all my gear in it before those bastiches came flying in with their monster truck. And then they took off. Dusty gear and dusty models. At the end of the day, I was just glad they didn't run over anyone. The point is, your camera needs to be able to stand up to unpredictable situations, accidents, and unforeseeable circumstances. 

Size Matters! This is what I've found. The bigger the camera, the less you shoot with it. Chances are, if you're not making money doing this, you'll keep that big camera on the shelf as something nice to look at, if you start out with a large, heavy system. You'll opt to using your cell phone more times than you would think, especially if you have a really nice phone. For damn, sure look at mirrorless cameras. No need to go DSLR and lose out on all those advantages. Pretty much all camera manufacturers, except for Pentax are leaving the DSLR in the dust. It had a beautiful run, but now it's watch has ended.

Art Model, Viki Vegas

Other than cameras and lenses, consider these other accessories. Tripod! Just friggin' get one. Not a cheap flimsy one, otherwise what's the point! Get a cable release to actuate the camera without you having to push the button. Have a comfortable neck-strap. Don't get sold on anything gaudy, I mean... come on. All you're trying to do is take the pressure off your neck. Invest in a good, convenient bag. Shoulder bag, backpack, or sling bag... depending on how much gear you'll have with you. And that doesn't just mean camera stuff. Gonna be out all day? Pack a lunch. Bring water. Have some drybags in case it rains. Purchase extra batteries and storage media, probably more than you think you'll need.

Check out more from my previous post about cameras here: => "Getting into Photo, Part 1: The Camera"

So yeah... think about these things when you're ready to get a camera system. Personally, I'm still a Sony guy. And I still like Fujifilm cameras. If you can spend on a decent system, a Sony a6500 with your choice lens selection, will likely fill all your needs. A Fujifilm X-T2 or newer will likely do the same. I had a Fujifilm XE-2 and I can't speak enough how amazing that camera is. It was repeatedly submerged in the Pacific on my back, cuz I almost drowned, and the camera came back after sitting in some rice for a week. Amazing pics with that thing. 

Study up. You have no shortage of options. 

Art Model, Viki Vegas