tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72942579145479380812024-03-20T05:06:39.593-10:00Chris Prestegard's Wildlife Photography and Travel Tips. Copyrighted 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDBe prepared for your next African safari or wildlife photography trip. Learn how to photograph Africa's big cats and other endangered animals like a pro. Get the latest on sharp shooting techniques, tools and field practices. Learn what to bring and how to pack for international travel. Learn simple troubleshooting techniques. And lastly, learn how to back up precious images. Chris Prestegard www.wildliferhythms.comChris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294257914547938081.post-55018610299355097372023-12-31T17:09:00.005-10:002024-01-29T17:03:35.983-10:00About Chris' Travel and Photo Tips - A Living Document<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wildlife photography has a boatload of challenges - specifically, being in the right place at the right time with relaxed subjects in the right lighting - and with few other folks around. Plus,<i> </i>one needs to be armed with the right tools, positive vibes, and best shooting techniques on auto-pilot. In my humble opinion<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">, it's </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">better to be overly prepared than mildly handicapped </span><span>because if</span> not, the mental game is compromised. And <span class="Apple-style-span">when the mental game is off, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">the fastest camera in the world can't deliver home runs.</span></span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When I prep for wildlife safaris/photo trips,<span class="Apple-style-span"> there are a zillion things that I do in order to insure success with the least amount of hassles or gotchas. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I'm a list junkie </span>and this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">started out as the typical what to bring pack list</span> on my first African safari back in 2004. As you will see, this list continued to grow because the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"whys and how" </span>are just as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">important as the "whats".</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After 45+ photo trips, I painstakingly </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">documented </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">what worked and didn't - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ranging from travel prep and logistics to clothing, shooting techniques, tools and workflow - because:</span></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Airlines are continually<span class="Apple-style-span"> cracking down on carry-on </span><span>size and weight and</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> I'm always trying to reduce weight;</span></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Reducing stress is always top of mind </span>and I want travel adventures to be efficient and comfy; especially, when traveling 40+ hours door:door and <span>when it's im</span><span>possible to run to a store</span> when something breaks, leaks, is forgotten or is taken; </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I want</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">goo</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">d value from my investments -</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> especially, since products that weigh the least - aka every ounce counts - usually cost a premium. I have no affiliation with vendors mentioned.</span></span></li></ul><p></p>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Since I often get requests for advice, I'm sharing my personal trip planning/prep bible in this living document. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Check back for updates to:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> 1) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Chris' Packing, Travel and Image Storage Tactics </span>which includes Extreme Cold Weather tips, 2) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">How to Shoot from a Safari Land Rover, Safari Prep and Image Workflow</span> and 3)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Avoiding International Air Travel Grief</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: large;">Yep, it's a ton to do and think through; but, no pain, no gain. </span><span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Note: for faster browsing:</span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">scroll down one page at a time by pressing the fn key + down arrow (Mac) or use Page Up/Down keys. To scroll super-fast, press the fn key + hold the down arrow. </span></span><br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_IbtMf_CR7V0Y1r8rD5uyqTCCQCh2Bz4MbM2MZAPf_gEUMXlHS1o5-IVlmzGWRHQ5aA24GEW7SA9-jP_JhAIEeoo5CbYn6sjXWN0TlStDkKBANju6TAhyphenhyphenwjo0Y4dOTpRUF_oaY9hIcc/s1600/Tiger5552B-Jul14,2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_IbtMf_CR7V0Y1r8rD5uyqTCCQCh2Bz4MbM2MZAPf_gEUMXlHS1o5-IVlmzGWRHQ5aA24GEW7SA9-jP_JhAIEeoo5CbYn6sjXWN0TlStDkKBANju6TAhyphenhyphenwjo0Y4dOTpRUF_oaY9hIcc/s640/Tiger5552B-Jul14,2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chris Prestegard</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/">www.wildliferhythms.com</a></span></div>
</div>Chris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294257914547938081.post-70770057964223470212023-12-30T00:26:00.000-10:002024-01-02T13:22:03.591-10:00Favorite Wildlife Sightings<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">My Feb. 2022 visit to Ndutu Safari Lodge in Tanzania did not disappoint as always. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBOOQXRVvW8rk3ldTSczsqTZP6rInpJuxMdy2RZ9UbeLv0muomQ6bJ3Jo3r-Cr5fW6Plc15Hz80sCGdJiM3IJHZIIW3d4KMMErYcgHal-xwPBsO0jmsODX0GND30z_qi1NqKcjuZGjznZ7x4aDdNmB4UHVKiCytgD_X7sdwL9TiiXjj7ydIV724YP/s1362/CheetahCub4855-022blog%20Feb4,2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1362" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBOOQXRVvW8rk3ldTSczsqTZP6rInpJuxMdy2RZ9UbeLv0muomQ6bJ3Jo3r-Cr5fW6Plc15Hz80sCGdJiM3IJHZIIW3d4KMMErYcgHal-xwPBsO0jmsODX0GND30z_qi1NqKcjuZGjznZ7x4aDdNmB4UHVKiCytgD_X7sdwL9TiiXjj7ydIV724YP/w640-h470/CheetahCub4855-022blog%20Feb4,2023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">My Feb. 2019 Tanzania trip was a home run with <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/lion-cubs/eight-rascals-at-6---8-weeks/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">8 lions cubs at 6 -7 weeks old</span></a>, <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/cheetah-cubs/precious-at-25-weeks/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">5 cheetah babies at 2.5 weeks old</span></a> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">and </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">rare moments with the </span><a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/serval-cubs/the-sweetest-serval-baby/"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Sweetest Serval Baby.</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qgiAz29xQJogywKlTe-RVl3pIZEq863EHd5BxgVXkjKPZT2t6OQZ3M9gYnyrl-GUoJUJdAaVu_1fqJmTwjflLrAtYv-xzM_HEyemF6RceeMoPHBxUNkaQXpSJbXOQ3fl51JWVFYjUOE/s1600/ChrisPrestegardServalCub2392-Apr4-2019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1380" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qgiAz29xQJogywKlTe-RVl3pIZEq863EHd5BxgVXkjKPZT2t6OQZ3M9gYnyrl-GUoJUJdAaVu_1fqJmTwjflLrAtYv-xzM_HEyemF6RceeMoPHBxUNkaQXpSJbXOQ3fl51JWVFYjUOE/s640/ChrisPrestegardServalCub2392-Apr4-2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">Nothing is more special than playful 5 week old leopard twins.</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;"> See more images at <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/leopard-cubs/blue-eyed-babies-at-5-weeks/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Blue Eyed Babies</span></a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOKO4nJI2q3cB6LlG0Dkg5t7rzRcrj3q3X-_M7H-SBgRjyDm-oTrYyFFn6hTO6LK9HPBsUzbtx1A1uMxjI7iof-x8H2xBOLd0q5VwQ7C3JAWZYz6e3tWx8QVP-DUU7GsgpxqHc13dirc/s1600/ChrisPrestegardLeopard9895-Aug7-2017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="756" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOKO4nJI2q3cB6LlG0Dkg5t7rzRcrj3q3X-_M7H-SBgRjyDm-oTrYyFFn6hTO6LK9HPBsUzbtx1A1uMxjI7iof-x8H2xBOLd0q5VwQ7C3JAWZYz6e3tWx8QVP-DUU7GsgpxqHc13dirc/s640/ChrisPrestegardLeopard9895-Aug7-2017.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A very cherished sighting includes this spunky 3 week old cheetah cub. See more images at <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/cheetah-cubs/meet-sparky-at-3-weeks/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Meet Sparky</span></a></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGhtDZ4oiLVxtQ5Jg1-CcOeorOoaskBqn_3B6hToHk7QpSqwJjdCKlEZntCXIhghRiEy7zb64iFnVp2kyFZh6VN8e6cygExdZjxVr-Q9WfBPqxSDvCrSYsKagfSF7vvYe-ffs0e16jV8/s1600/Cheetahs6927B_Feb27-2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGhtDZ4oiLVxtQ5Jg1-CcOeorOoaskBqn_3B6hToHk7QpSqwJjdCKlEZntCXIhghRiEy7zb64iFnVp2kyFZh6VN8e6cygExdZjxVr-Q9WfBPqxSDvCrSYsKagfSF7vvYe-ffs0e16jV8/s1600/Cheetahs6927B_Feb27-2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These 6 week old old cheetah cubs were animated and beyond precious - see <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/cheetah-cubs/adorable-triplets-at-6-weeks/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Adorable Triplets</span></a> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJBZFOjE5s5c5z6VotH29YiYTXDJJ9qTaoz4AJ-OWeAo4-bP9BJ1I1lRP05Wf8ArZirPNpxVlZB3LzvQlrSowu3IeqD5ziSlhGIsXg7S7RIi6jcATzcTFS_ql4DHk1zuYLSpEptVVDts/s1600/ChrisPrestegardcheetah2136B+Apr22,2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJBZFOjE5s5c5z6VotH29YiYTXDJJ9qTaoz4AJ-OWeAo4-bP9BJ1I1lRP05Wf8ArZirPNpxVlZB3LzvQlrSowu3IeqD5ziSlhGIsXg7S7RIi6jcATzcTFS_ql4DHk1zuYLSpEptVVDts/s1600/ChrisPrestegardcheetah2136B+Apr22,2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Finding healthy cheetah quadruplets during a very tough drought year made this sighting extra special - see <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/cheetah-cubs/four-furballs-at-2-months/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Four Furballs</span></a> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW76B-LZFTG8OZ8n1EVeIS6TU8yeYPZSV-oADRJNYtA1QBT3OkiHAi0gSQYTW_V5rkqJQveR9b5RLsL2R1yQLsMftU3DqH2gXm2OqEmV2XWKNTLTvnygSRRlbgB1GZ1_m7_mPmpAUsTA/s1600/ChrisPrestegard-Cheetah2861Blog-Jan14%252C2016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW76B-LZFTG8OZ8n1EVeIS6TU8yeYPZSV-oADRJNYtA1QBT3OkiHAi0gSQYTW_V5rkqJQveR9b5RLsL2R1yQLsMftU3DqH2gXm2OqEmV2XWKNTLTvnygSRRlbgB1GZ1_m7_mPmpAUsTA/s640/ChrisPrestegard-Cheetah2861Blog-Jan14%252C2016.jpg" width="505" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's rare to find a leopard mom with 2 week old cubs and sometimes prayers get answered - see <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/leopard-cubs/precious-twins-at-2-weeks/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Precious Twins</span></a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq7JCL88cS7byN1fyJEwe1g3gaGuo9GX6NTFpQn7Zu9NfAdgHvmY8cGb2J4WjghXb5YmPVR7C4GxvwgJbD_f6R5mOVcBcrI80jfGYSgaMZz7V2sHRSk-5mHJs8rqGq4LG0vDrAwkAiSY/s1600/LeopMomCub8788-B2+Mar1,2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq7JCL88cS7byN1fyJEwe1g3gaGuo9GX6NTFpQn7Zu9NfAdgHvmY8cGb2J4WjghXb5YmPVR7C4GxvwgJbD_f6R5mOVcBcrI80jfGYSgaMZz7V2sHRSk-5mHJs8rqGq4LG0vDrAwkAiSY/s1600/LeopMomCub8788-B2+Mar1,2014.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My other love is photographing 2 month old polar bear cubs emerging from their den which I did for 7 years in a row. 2013 was my favorite year because we watched the most animated polar bear family on the planet - see <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/polar-bear-cubs/romp-and-roll-twins/PBTwins6848__Apr20_2013/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Polar Bear Cubs: Romp and Roll Twins</span></a> and stay tuned for more galleries. </span><br />
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<br />Chris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.com74RHRWJ9C+66-38.0818835 156.6205625-66.392117336178842 121.4643125 -9.7716496638211581 -168.2231875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294257914547938081.post-43107089562578918512023-12-15T09:06:00.001-10:002024-03-19T18:17:12.965-10:00How to See Cute Polar Bear Cubs in the Wild <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">From the comfort of your warm, cozy chair </span>if you're practical. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">But, if you can handle the craziness of minus 50 temps with Arctic wind blowing in your face</span>, wearing 22 lbs. of expedition clothing/boots/gloves/mitts, driving for hours on extremely bumpy tundra, staring at tiny den openings from 100 yards away, and praying for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">happy faces to pop out and smile at your camera, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">then trek on up to Manitoba near the Arctic Circle. </span>Although freezing your fingers off isn't fun, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">the experience is truly magical. </span></span></li></ul>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I love watching polar bear babies playing with each other and interacting with their moms; and, I posted several of my fav photo galleries on my website at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">www.wildliferhythms.com</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">only place to see dens/families is at Wapusk National Park</span> in Manitoba, Canada (south of Churchill near Hudson Bay); and, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">only lodge/operator is </span><a href="http://watchee.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wat'chee Lodge</span></a>. Wat'chee means high spot in Cree; and, the lodge sits on a ridge dotted with spruce trees, often with Northern lights dancing in the sky at this time of year.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the past, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wat'chee Lodge was a closely guarded secret among pro and serious photographers.</span> But, now that the cat is out of the bag, it's safe to open up the kimono without getting slammed by fellow shooters. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">rustic lodge is open from approx. mid-February to mid-March </span>and there are only 25 co-ed bunk beds available (2 - 4 to a room). With this very short season and limited number of beds, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">be aware that the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">wait list is several years long. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">A good way to get in before your name reaches the top of the waitlist is to let Wat'chee know that you're available for last minute cancellations via their website (and then follow up frequently) and/or to sign up with a group that has reserved slots. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Now is not the time to skimp on proper clothing as it could put you at risk. </span>In order to stay warm, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">initial investment </span>for a Canada Goose Snow Mantra expedition parka, Canada Goose Rocky Mountain bibs and Cabela's Trans-Alaskan III Pac boots is obscene (in other words, a multi-year commitment) not to mention investments in adequate wool/polypropylene base/mid layers, hats, gloves/mitts and a heavy tripod/gimbal. When available, you can rent Canada Goose parkas from the lodge.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">here's no guarantee that you will see anything for days on end</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> as mama bear/baby activity can be earlier or later than your given lodge nights.</span> The train to the lodge to/from Churchill runs 3 times a week, you should request at least 6 shooting days to increase your chances of seeing polar bear babies, the owners do their very best to accommodate your requested number of nights, and repeat guests get bookings priority. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Wat'chee operation is a labor of love and running the lodge for only a month a year </span>in these extreme weather conditions requires a herculean hands-on effort and investment <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">- more than you can ever imagine. Mike and Morris Spence - brothers who own and built out the lodge - truly want to share this special experience of seeing polar bear families in/near the dens, while preserving the natural habitat as they remember it from their youth. </span></span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Mike and Morris have the most hands-on knowledge on the planet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">and share knowledge with various polar bear organizations and researchers. Mike runs guest operations; and, Morris plus good friend Amak, are the best and heartiest polar bear baby trackers in the universe. The rest of the year, Mike, Morris and the small staff go back to their regular jobs; i.e., Mike has been the mayor of Churchill for over 20 years. </span></span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The denning area, which became part of Wapusk National Park in 1996,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> is where the Spence brothers - Mike, Morris, James and Frankie -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> fished and hunted using traditional traplines with their parents when they were kids, </span>with added knowledge handed down from their grandparents. The property is a refurbished World War II Navy communications base (originally used for Arctic survival training) and is located 40 minutes south of Churchill. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">All essential supplies </span>- food, water, wood, gas, building and auto parts, etc. - have to be brought in by train and driven to/from the remote drop off point on snow mobiles. During <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">the height of the denning season</span>, guests are driven in vans modified to operate on the harsh (aka hard/bumpy) tundra. Running this operation for such a short window is a herculean logistic challenge given that once the snow melts, the surrounding area becomes a huge marsh with no access except by helicopter.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Every resource is precious and the operation is extremely well run.</span> Keeping Wat'chee vehicles running (and warm) in these harsh conditions is a feat in itself, the food is hearty/good, and the lodge is kept remarkably warm with only 2 wood burning stoves for heat. Because <i>there is no running water </i>and the hauled in water is in limited supply, guests should bring their own packets of no rinse bathing wipes and all toiletries for personal hygiene. Most guests bring dry shampoo and you can use a small pan of water to wash your hair every 3rd day or so.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">There is no best week</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> to visit Wat'chee Lodge</span> as the season could start early (when families leave earth dens and head to the Bay so that moms can feed on seals) - or late. After emerging from earth dens, families hang around for a few days (out in the open or next to snow banks referred to as day dens) before starting the 40 mile trek to the Bay. Since there are over 200 re-usable earth dens in the area, success means being in the right place at the right time. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Researchers say that Hudson Bay's late freezing/early thawing has had consequences on the number of bears in the area. Less ice and fewer seal meals equates to fewer females strong enough to go into heat. Even though there have been fewer families per season than a decade ago, it's still worth going to Wat'chee <i>before it's totally too late.</i></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I always<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> approach Wat'chee with the expectation that one good sighting per trip would be a win;</span> and, that 3 days of good shooting out of 10 days is a home run. But with wildlife photography, we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">don't always win on every trip</span>. So, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I'm always braced for goose eggs because it <i>does happen.</i></span> If you're not ready for these odds, perhaps Wat'chee is not meant to be because standing outdoors in minus 40 - 50 degree temps will already test your sanity. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Seeing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">triplets may be brass ring;</span> but, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">all<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> playful cubs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> in nice lighting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> is awesome.</span> </span> I was blessed with triplets/twins on my first 3 visits, animated twins on my next 2 visits, and single cubs on my last 2 visits. Wat'chee had 3 sets of twins during the 2019 season.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wat'chee attracts <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">experienced, diehard photographers </span>with great attitudes (no whiners); and it's a great place for exchanging travel knowledge, making new International friends, and seeing Northern lights. It's estimated that only <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">500 or so folks in the world have had the opportunity to see moms with newborn cubs in the wild, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">so finding/watching them is pretty incredible. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I</span> want to stress that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">building a polar bear portfolio is a multi-year commitment </span>as the right expedition clothing (base/mid layers, parka/bibbs, Pac boots, gloves/mitts, etc.) is expensive aka >$2,000, you need a sturdy tripod/gimbal, the learning curve is steep, there are up/down bear activity seasons, you can miss shooting days due to snow flurries/heat shimmers; and, worse case, access to/from the lodge may be delayed due to severe storms. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The ability to get sharp images continues to be a huge challenge, especially when winds are blowing 30 - 60 knots </span>(35 - 70 miles per hour). Lenses shake, viewfinders and LCDs frost up, batteries drop 50% in minutes, cheeks/fingers hurt, autofocus gets sluggish, tripod/gimbal joints get loose, and rigs blow over when you're not looking; not to mention that it's difficult to operate camera buttons and latches. Even without the wind, it's a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">challenge to get low contrast subjects in flat lighting tack sharp; </span>especially, when there are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">snow flurries and atmospheric shimmers between you and your target </span>100 yards away. Being blessed with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">nice lighting can make all the difference in the world; </span>and, it helps to stay calm when LCDs start to look like snow cones. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">It goes without saying that it's critical to be fit and healthy;</span> and, you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>must monitor and listen to your body</i></span> to avoid frostbite and other serious injuries. It's <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">not the time to man up or prove a thing</span></i> as there's no access to nearby medical facilities; i.e., the train back to Churchill only runs 3 times a week when it's working. Bring all necessary meds, including OTC sinus/cold emergency supplies, and stay hydrated.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">takes a high level of commitment, patience and good karma to make this trip a success</span>. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Being bear-wise is important too.</span> It's very easy to be engrossed in your viewfinder and not hear the Wat'chee staff telling folks to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">stick together, be still, not to slam doors, be quiet or to pull back</span>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">When Mike says to pull back, you back up quickly - period! </span>It's for the safety of the entire group as a polar bear can cover 100 yards in 9 seconds flat. Also, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">never run toward the bears, never walk in front of other shooters in position, </span>and/or set up your tripod too closely 'cause an elbow could knock down someone's rig in a blink of an eye. </span><div style="text-align: center;">
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you're still serious about wanting to see these endearing, endangered babies in the wild, then <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">get on the Wat'chee wait list or find a tour group</span> (Greg Harvey at HW Photos & Safaris). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ou also need to get a Wapusk Park Photography Permit</span> before your visit which the the lodge will provide.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is a seasonal business and the very <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">small team works miracles in these harsh conditions (while giving up their normal jobs</span> for this labor or love), so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">tips</span> in the range of $40 - $50/day are appreciated. </span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Getting to Wat'chee:</span> take the morning Calm Air flight from Winnipeg to Churchill (or best case the day before to avoid luggage delays). When taking the AM flight, I typically rent a day room at the Seaport Hotel to re-organize my gear and rest up. Wat'chee staff will take you to the train station* and put you on the 7P train. After 2 hours, you'll be instructed to de-board <i>in the middle of no where</i> where staff will be waiting for you in modified tundra vans. Driving on hard tundra is a slow, bumpy process (10mph) and it takes an hour to get to the lodge. Bad weather can delay the train schedule and assigned roommates are often asleep upon your arrival. That's why I always re-organize my gear/clothing back in Churchill so that I'm quiet <i>and</i> ready to shoot the next morning. Each morning, two experienced trackers search for bear tracks and call it in, then the vans depart 8:30A - 9:30A and return around 7P - 9P. While waiting for the bear sighting report, photographers anxiously wait in the lobby all ready to go in anticipation of a quick departure. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before visiting, be sure to review my</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Baby, It's Cold Outside section below </span>as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> there's lots of prep work involved; especially, if you want to stay warm and comfortable. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Hopefully, I've taken at lot of the guesswork out of clothing and shooting tactics. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> If I can do it, so can you! </span></span></li>
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Chris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294257914547938081.post-16526164393382654612023-12-01T22:26:00.062-10:002024-03-19T19:56:35.623-10:00How to Shoot From a Safari Land Rover, Safari Prep and Image Workflow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Friends are always asking me how I keep my camera and long lens steady when shooting from open land rovers and jeeps. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As my friends and family know, a simple answer just isn't in my DNA. And since I can't handhold super-telephoto lenses as a petite barely over 5' female, my response typically goes like this: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Cameras, Lenses, and Support Techniques</b></span></span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">tweak my packing tactics</span> depending on airline hassles, the shooting terrain, type of vehicles, ability to drive off road, distance to subjects and the amount of walking. </span></span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Airlines are getting unbearably strict with carry-on weight and trying to figure out <i>what not to bring is the most stressful aspect </i>of <i>safari packin</i>g. As a result, I <span style="color: #3d85c6;">always define priorities before selecting what gear to bring</span> because there are <span style="color: #3d85c6;">always trade-offs</span> aka focus on getting the home runs, the bucket list or grabbing a wider array of memory shots. <span> If priorities are rock solid, then missed shots from not having additional focal lengths are less important in the overall scheme of things; and, </span>I limit myself to 2 lenses, 3 max. It also means having to leave a lot of stuff behind; i.e., flash, remote cables and monopods, etc.</span></span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since my subject priority is young cheetah, leopard and lion/puma cubs; </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I use the Canon R3 with a EF 500mm f/4 IS II, EF 1.4x III and RF adapter (700mm to giving families a comfortable distance); and the R5 with a RF 100-300/2.8 or RF 100-500. Every ounce counts and I reduce the 500mm's weight by using a Zemlin short hood and low profile replacement feet. For air travel, I use neoprene covers/travel coats in lieu of cam bag dividers and remove camera straps when necessary as well. If I need something wider, I tuck in the RF 35/1.8 or opt for the RF 70-200 instead.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I pack RF extenders but have yet to use them.</span></li>
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<li style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">IMHO, fast white primes - i.e. 300/2.8 - 800/5.6 have always giving the best image quality in terms of bokeh, tonality and pop. Modern zooms are a better value and sharper than before; but, just aren't the same.</span></span></li></ul><ul>
<li><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My current travel bags are the ThinkTank Advantage XL roller @ 7.4 lb. and the Arcteryx Mantis 26L backpack @1 lb. 14 oz. Before that was GuraGear's Bataflae 26L or the Kiboko 30L when I had the 800/5.6. </span></span></li></ul><ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tanzania, I drive to/from camp </span>from the Kilimanjaro Airport even though it kills an entire day. But, this avoids the stress of bush plane weight constraints.</span></li></ul><ul><li style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Botswana/South Africa, I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> book an extra bush plane seat </span>because of strict weight and safety limits. This enables me to carry gear inside the cabin and mitigates the risk of my checked bags getting bumped onto a later flight. This does happen and when it does, it could take days/weeks for luggage to catch up. </span></li></ul>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span>When shooting from a window, my</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> "no brainer" </span><span>camera support</span> is the Naturescape's <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/544674-REG/Naturescapes_SKM_II_SKM_II_Skimmer_Ground_Pod.html?gad_source=1"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Skimmer Ground Pod II</span></a> with a <a href="http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/MH-01-Monopod-Head?quantity=1&custcol60=4"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">RRS Monopod Head MH-01</span></a> on top of a Naturescape's <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=skimmersack%20ii&sts=ma"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">SkimmerSack II</span></a> molar beanbag. I like the tilt function of mono heads because I can fine-tune my lens angle while keeping my camera/beanbag flat and balanced. When I need more height for reducing neck/shoulder strain, I stack a flat beanbag on top, a <span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://store.naturescapes.net/riser-block-rb-100-for-skimmer-ground-pod-ii/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">riser</span></a> </span><span>or a Promediagear <a href="https://promediagear.com/collections/gimbal-heads"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tomahawk GT2 gimbal</span></a>. A</span></span>lso, I prefer Land Rover because they're less apt to get stuck in the mud and have easy to adjust row down windows. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I also pack several other beanbags - both sizes of</span> <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1081622-REG/kinesis_r427_h_safarisack_4_2_beanbag_camera.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Kinesis Safarisacks</span></a> which I also use to cushion cameras from banging against each other/the doors when driving around on bumpy roads, for bracing gear against seats to avoid excess vibration, and/or as knee/back cushions. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I pack beanbags empty and <span>fill them with seed, rice or bean</span> which I request from camps during booking or I purchase locally after my arrival; i.e., in Karatu near the Crater in Tanzania. This valuable staple is always returned to camp or gifted at the end of my visit. As reference, 20kg of beans will fill one large molar, a small beanbag and a SafariSack. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Also beans can stress the SkimmerSack's seams and I reinforce them with Tenacious Tape.</span><i> </i></li></ul>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In open <span style="color: #3d85c6;">vehicles with slippery </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">roll bars</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span>- i.e., </span><span>Botswana/South Africa </span>- my </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"get it sharp”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>me</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">thod is to use a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">collapsed monopod. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The monopod foot is positioned on my seat between my legs, my camera is leaned against the molar beanbag, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and I press one knee into the front seat with one foot planted in front of the other. I also drape an elbow over the roll bar or against it. As</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> needed, I do the same in reverse using the back seat as the anchor point. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This <span class="Apple-style-span">beanbag-monopod system </span>gives me the <span class="Apple-style-span">most speed and flexibility </span><span class="Apple-style-span">for shifting side: side, forward:back</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span">pointing upwards</span> for subjects in trees or rocks. And I can <span>sit/wait/watch as long as needed </span>with my body relaxed. Before the vehicle stops, I'm already in position to get the cleanest shot shooting through thick foliage, i.e., when photographing tiny 5 week old leopard cubs peeking out of their den. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Being able to adjust my camera position freely helps to wrap the light</span> more effectively as well. And <span>if obstacles<span class="Apple-style-span"> or someone is blocking my view</span>, </span>I can lean back and <span>work with the</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> monopod from the floor. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">To keep it steady, I wrap my left foot around the lower leg </span>and the mid-section is pressed against my outer thigh/inside calf. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMidXTdamAcAiPvcjicrAAGGkSTOaQAovrDSE_7VoOUrLAe_uUiLj_aJ4diLLHuqobF0RMbG75aBTuTuQvGgWyQhY4SjT3-l3XPdsDNyL_Hv-HS3prZvzdIbwOk_RCZPM2S32K2-ztUA/s1600/LeopardCub1536B-Jul14%252C2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMidXTdamAcAiPvcjicrAAGGkSTOaQAovrDSE_7VoOUrLAe_uUiLj_aJ4diLLHuqobF0RMbG75aBTuTuQvGgWyQhY4SjT3-l3XPdsDNyL_Hv-HS3prZvzdIbwOk_RCZPM2S32K2-ztUA/s640/LeopardCub1536B-Jul14,2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"></span></div>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> monopod</span>, I use the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">compact/<span class="Apple-style-span">travel friendly</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/replacement_for/582860-REG/Gitzo_GM5561T_GM5561T_Traveler_6x_Carbon.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Gitzo GM5561T</span></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> along with a <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/193843-REG/Gitzo_G1220_130B_G1220_130_All_Terrain_Shoe.html">Gitzo Big Foot All Terrain shoe</a> </span>secured with blue Loctite and egrips on the bottom of the foot. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Attached is a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> .9 lb. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1301068-REG/really_right_stuff_mh_02_lr_monopod_head_with_indexing.html">Really Right Stuff. Monopod Head w/Lever Clamp</a> </span>(MH01) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">and sometimes a 1</span>2 oz. RRS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://reallyrightstuff.com/universal-versa-series-2-leveling-base/">Universal leveling base</a></span></span></span></span>. I also had years of success using the </span></span>1.8 lb. <a href="https://birdsasart-shop.com/mongoose-action-head/">4th Generaton Designs Mongoose 3.6 Action Head</a> with their 5 oz.<a href="https://store.naturescapes.net/4th-generation-designs-ilm-integrated-low-mount-arm/"> </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://store.naturescapes.net/4th-generation-designs-ilm-integrated-low-mount-arm/">Integrated Low Mount Arm</a>. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The newer 3.6.1 version is lighter at 1.4 lb. and in 2024, I invested in the .95 lb. <a href="https://promediagear.com/products/gt2-red-tomahawk-add-on-gimbal-attachment-for-ball-heads-1?_pos=3&_sid=27ed0b9d5&_ss=r"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Promediagear Tomahawk GT2 gimbal</span></a> to use on their 1.2 lb. <a href="https://promediagear.com/collections/carbon-fiber-monopods/products/tr34m-carbon-fiber-monopod-63-inches-height"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">TR34M monopod</span></a> in order to save weight and reduce the risk of crushed knuckles while on on hiking trips. </span></li></ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Beanbag + Monopod 101:</span> It's important to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> lock down solid</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - monopod, face, elbows, knees and feet; and, to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">relax the upper body. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whatever set up you use, <i style="color: #3d85c6;">always keep a hand on your gear </i>to avoid long lenses from bopping someone's head, or whizzing out the window. If you're changing batteries, cards or a teleconverter - or talking/snacking - have a camera strap wrapped around your wrist for good measure. In addition, I highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-1301012-Adaptor/dp/B0010HE2CY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1548714815&sr=8-2&keywords=optech" style="color: #3d85c6;">Optech Uni Adapter connectors </a>for peace of mind (to attach your</span><span style="font-size: large;"> long lens to the camera as another safety measure). Note: my primary safari straps are the lightweight UP straps but when using BlackRapid QD straps on walking trips, I also connect lens feet/plates to camera straps as well with Foto&Tech tethers. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Before the vehicle stops</span> at the next shooting location, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">have your monopod legs set up at the right length and your beanbag positioned </span>where you'll need it on the roll bar. It's also important to communicate with the ranger/driver so that he knows where you want to be positioned and at what angle for the best background and lighting - for every subject that you approach. <span class="Apple-style-span">W</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">hen folding up and collapsing</span> your rig, <span class="Apple-style-span">be careful not to pinch your fingers or knuckles</span> unless you want a major ouch. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When shooting, my left </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">hand is pressed against the monohead and not on top of the lens barrel </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">which reduces stress on the lens and camera mounts. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If not, lens mount screws can crack (been there) and one wouldn't know it until the camera starts having errors. </span></li>
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<ul><ul></ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Noise and fast motion are your worse enemies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">, </span>especially if you want to relax subjects; such as, young cubs, birds or skittish elephant and impala. </span>Remove all jackets, dry sacks and rain covers </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">before reaching subjects </span>(i.e. 50 - 100 yards away) as noise from fabrics can disturb animals, especially non-relaxed cats and very young cubs. Also, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">finish unzipping/zipping up bags as well and refrain from sliding around on the vinyl seats. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Note: Wax your bag/jacket zippers before trips for smoother/faster operation. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you can</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> turn off the shutter sound </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on your camera body, do that as well. Note: on walking trips like for pumas in Patagonia, it's even more important to replace noisy Goretex pants with less noisy fabrics; i.e., Arcteryx Gamma HW shells if the goal is to approach moms with cubs. </span></span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Important: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Talking should be minimized</span>, so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">use hand signals with your driver/ranger for clarity and speed</span>. It always amazes me how much people talk in the bush given that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">sound carries such a great distance</span>, even to the human ear. Cats are notorious for going off road and hiding in the bush until noisy vehicles pass on by. Also, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">find your own subjects</span> to avoid being in the presence of other vehicles filled with noisy passengers; i.e., moms and babies will be more relaxed when you're alone. I also <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">believe that cats evade negative vibes as well</span>, so be positive and leave restless talkative buddies at home.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To keep my 2nd rig stable on vehicle seats, I attach <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.tripodhead.com/products/flash-bracket-other-apps.cfm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wimberley M-1's</span></a> </span>to the lens plate. They also prevent neoprene covers from getting caught on beanbags when panning. </span></span></li>
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<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"shooting directly off the floor" </span><span class="Apple-style-span">- i.e. from open vehicles in Botswana/South Africa - </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the SkimmerSack beanbag works great as a lens/elbow rest and a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wildflower-Seed-Tool-Company-234-gr/dp/B00VDJ777G"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">kneelon</span></a> comforts the knee. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For leopard safaris where subjects are often sitting in trees, I liked using the 4th Generation Designs Monopod Companion with Clamp Post (super light, reduced neck strain, only</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 15 oz. and packed in a small ziplock baggie) but have since downsized my travel kit.</span></span></span></li></ul>
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To assess potential shots while keeping a firm hand on expensive rigs, I use a lightweight monocular - the <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/660475-REG/Leica_40390_Monovid_8x20_Monocular.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Leica 8 x 20 Monovid</span></a> @ 4 oz. with Ultravid glass or .56 lb. Leica 8x20 Trinovid binoculars. Worse case, I pack a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/119355-USA/Zeiss_52_20_52_8x20_T_Design_Selection.html?ap=y&c3api=1876%2C91442437562%2C%2C&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq6zegrvb2gIVAtNkCh0hcg_OEAQYASABEgK-MPD_BwE"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Zeiss 8x20 T</span></a> </span></span></span>@ only 2.7 oz. </span></span></li>
</span></ul>
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Tripod Air Travel Mantra:</span> pack the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">lightest legs appropriate for the longest lens, <i>discounted by the amount of anticipated usage</i> </span>and the amount/difficulty of walking; i.e., I switch between Gitzo 2, 3 and 5 legs (for non-Africa trips such as pumas in Patagonia or Alaskan bears). When shooting with the 800mm/1.4x III - i.e., in windy Hudson Bay - I use a GT5541 + Wimberley WH-200 combo. For the 500mm II, I use a GT3540 (w/Markins TH-300 hub to save .4 lb) + FlexShooter Pro ballhead/lever and will sometimes use the lighter GT2540 in a pinch. Note: for safety precautions, I connect lenses to cameras using Op/TECH Uni Adapter Loops. Regarding IS settings, I normally use IS II or III. </span></li>
</span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Positioning the Vehicle, Be Ready to Shoot in < 5 Seconds</b></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The faster you can stop, the quicker you can shoot. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span>If your driver needs to back up, fiddle with positioning the vehicle or hesitates in turning off the motor, your subjects have either skittered away or relaxed their curious body posture - <i>and, </i><i>you've just lost direct, wide open eye contact.</i> </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">And, if you're not ready to rock and roll, you just missed the shot as well.</span> A minute before the vehicle stops, remove noisy dry bags and have your monopod/bean bags adjusted to the right height and position. Temporarily cover/protect your camera/lens from dust with a throw over instead. Also, re-check/decide on your metering. Be prepared to shoot in 5 seconds or less without swinging your big lens up in a way that startles subjects. Also have your short lens ready for action. A male leopard fight lasts 25 seconds or less. If the driver is fiddling to move you to the perfect position, you just lost some great shots. So, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">agree on the best case car position/nose direction in advance</span> - even if you could get closer - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and, commit so that you can start shooting ASAP </span>with the motor turned off. It goes without saying that you need to <span style="color: #3d85c6;">pick your roommates wisely</span> and that you are on the same page in terms of priorities and readiness. Note: looking back, I've concluded that my best baby shoots were when I was the only shooter in the vehicle.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">never a perfect position </span>when subjects are moving among shrubs or playing erratically,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> so think strategically and look for clear openings up ahead. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Then, have your driver get 30 - 50 yards ahead </span>in order to photograph subjects coming towards you. If not, you'll only have seconds to shoot before it's time to move the vehicle again (bad for you and stressful for subjects). Also h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ave a mental plan on how you're going to shoot in multiple directions without having to move the vehicle; i.e., move your body and/or have beanbags set up on both sides of the vehicle.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> If subjects are nestled inside shrubs/bushes, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">look for potential clear openings </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">before the driver stops</span><i> </i>the vehicle w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hich </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>saves precious shooting time</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. A bit of grass in the way? Just shoot and use it for framing. Then, try other positions after you're gotten some worse case shots; i.e., it's better to crop than not get the shot at all. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Preferably, I like to shoot to the left,</span> with the vehicle angled 30 degrees to the left (10P position) when shooting off of roll bars. This is more comfortable on the neck/shoulders, great for left eye dominant shooters, and it avoids hitting the driver in the head with long lenses. </span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">With skittish subjects </span>- like mothers with babies and zebras - I always start further away and slowly move closer as appropriate. </span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">With shy subjects</span> - like near distance birds and certain antelope (kudu, nyala, klipspringer and steemboks) - I ask for the vehicle to be stopped immediately and angled 20 degrees to the left or right </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(since there's no time to fiddle with re-positioning the vehicle or turning it around). </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">With subjects high up in trees </span>- leopards, birds and monkey/baboons - shooting straight ahead (at 12 o'clock) is fine because shooters can shoot over one another; and, it's more comfortable on the back.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Scouts/drivers can't read your mind or predict your real-time shooting objective. </span>So, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">communicate clearly and politely <i>before</i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> you reach</span></i> your subject/s. Hand signals - i.e., cut the motor - are more effective when there's a noisy motor or loud wind. Be a </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">teammate - aka don't act like a boss - as </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">genuine resp</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ect goes a long way</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. In addition, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">drivers respond much faster when you learn key phrases in their local language.</span></span></span></span></li>
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<ul></ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>It's not a shot unless it's sharp. And, it's not sharp unless you can print it large. </i></span> So, if it takes longer than you'd like to get set up and locked down solid, stick with the basic beanbag (the easiest) and practice with the more complex monopod combo when appropriate; i.e., while waiting around for sleeping lions to liven up. Know that you'll get more efficient the more you practice. You don't want to be fiddling around when others are ready and trying to shoot; or, risk missing that critical magic moment.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Work just as hard in spotting subjects as you have a broader and higher 300 degree line of sight; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">whereas, scouts/drivers are concentrating on avoiding elephant/anteater pot holes, hidden rocks/logs and thorny trees branches in addition to driving smoothly on bumpy roads while trying to spot for subjects. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Take turns with your buddy on scouting to the right or to the left </span>to increase overall results. Develop a rhythm for checking near:far and high:low. Don't get complacent and <i>try to be the first vehicle at a sighting.</i> Train your eyes to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">spot subjects in trees and behind bushes as you whiz on down the road </span>(aka easy for drivers to miss). </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Key to Success</span></b></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Commit to specific priorities and book the camps or lodges that have the highest probability of success; </span>and most importantly, at the right time of the year. Personally, I like green grass in my background with foliage short and lush rather than long and dry. As it is difficult to predict the perfect timing for a trip (after some rain but before the heaviest rainfall when it becomes too muddy to drive and/or when the icky spiders come out), I'm happy if a trip yields at least 2 stellar days out of the total days booked.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since I have very specific goals - i.e., cat and bear cubs - I like to stay 11 - 14 shooting days in one location in order to learn the lay of the land, the behavior/personality of targeted subjects, to give subjects a chance to relax in our presence, and to factor in weather constraints. Typically, I concentrate on one country/subject/locale at a time for several consecutive years. This helps to hone tracking knowledge and individual/group behavior traits. Also, I only visit places where we can drive off road, even if it means bumpier rides or smaller concessions. If you want young subjects, it's important to learn if the mother is relaxed with vehicles or not. The mother of this cub was very skittish but we got lucky because she got use to our scent, sound and vehicle after a week of visiting. It was a lot of hours of sitting around, but worth it for me.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">ideal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> subject/s </span>but no activity or eye contact,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">force yourself not to drive away</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">, </span>especially if you're blessed with good lighting.</i></span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">A bird in the hand is worth its weight in gold.</span> Instead,<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> wait and pray for distractions behind your vehicle</span> - i.e., elephants, baboons, giraffes and impala <span style="background-color: white;">- for more awesome photo ops. </span>Without these distractions, aka props, you'll end up with more run of the mill images.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRGob67UdwNhdmR-w-pmGH0yph3O4zjrAjjncBu1XVAz3iPY9d-O4QAqa10ATGUZBqndGv-WU1NRqNwMBADFRAMJqI1oEFHr9Pe-r6Kp5F17rfwoKSfWUG7__PPXF25cfGw5j0G0BsX4/s1600/ChrisPrestegardCheetahCub7024Blog+Apr21%252C2019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1000" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRGob67UdwNhdmR-w-pmGH0yph3O4zjrAjjncBu1XVAz3iPY9d-O4QAqa10ATGUZBqndGv-WU1NRqNwMBADFRAMJqI1oEFHr9Pe-r6Kp5F17rfwoKSfWUG7__PPXF25cfGw5j0G0BsX4/s640/ChrisPrestegardCheetahCub7024Blog+Apr21%252C2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's important to <span style="color: #3d85c6;">remain totally quiet so that subjects become totally relaxed</span>, can comfortably communicate with each other, and can listen easily for their prey or predators. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If it's necessary to drive away from a primo sighting or potential cub den, return several times a day and <span style="color: #3d85c6;">sit quietly for a while</span> so that subjects can get use to your scent and voice. The younger the family, the longer the time investment before you are rewarded with a relaxed mama and decent sightings of her cubs; i.e., 8 - 10 days isn't unusual. Because my voice is naturally soft, I like to talk soothingly to moms with teats (even when they're hidden or before we've found the den) so that they know that my driver and I are not threats. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Keep a safe distance, use a long telephoto lens</span> (i.e. I normally shoot @ 700mm plus) and watch for telltale signs of stress. If mama's eyes are half closed when turning your way - i.e., similar to a very mellow domestic cat - then its normally fine. If another vehicle or more drives up and corners her exit path, then it's best for everyone to pull back as cats - especially my very spoiled feral cat - do not like feeling boxed in.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If there are <span style="color: #3d85c6;">other cars around prior to your arrival, drive away until everyone is gone</span>. Mamas seem to be more relaxed with only one vehicle around along with familiar scents and positive vibes. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If subjects are hungry - aka listening/smelling for prey and waiting patiently - <span style="color: #3d85c6;">never/ever block their line of sight and smell.</span> Ditto if there are predators around. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Never spook subjects by getting too close or driving too fast; </span>especially, if they're hunting because it could result in the lost of a meal - and, every catch is extremely important. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">G</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">ive your subjects time to rest</span></span> and allow them some privacy on a regular basis.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Be prepared to wait as long as it takes - i.e., hours and days -</span> to capture unique images.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198); color: #3d85c6;">Lastly, don't forget to look up as well as behind you. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198);">For instance, this leopard cub was up in a tree behind us - for hours - before I finally noticed it after driving around. That because we were all focused on the mom trapped up another tree by a female lioness and a nearby male. The coolest thing was that this cub never made a peep, even though it had to be hungry. </span></span></li>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Camera Settings - Canon R3/R5 </b></span></span><br /><br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I try to keep things simple and always review manuals/AF Setting Guidebooks </span><span style="font-size: large;">at the start of each year as a refresher.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My default settings are:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Raw, Electronic shutter, AV, Daylight WB, evaluative metering, One Shot Focus Priority, Single-Point AF, High fps, EV +2/3 and Eye Detection on. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> In addition, Viewfinder auto LCD is off and exposure simulation are on. Display performance is set to smooth and Preview AF is disabled. </span></span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I prefer <span style="color: #3d85c6;">pumping in One Shot with the * button </span>because it's a tad faster in acquiring exactly where I want (green box in focus indicator). Note: my Case 1 <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tracking Sensitivity is always on +1.</span> I <span style="color: #3d85c6;">switch to AI Servo with the AF-On button </span>if the the subject is moving (blue box indicator) and turn <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Subject tracking on/off with the Mfn 1 button</span> (on the R3 only, double white line indicator) when I want the camera to do more of the heavy lifting. For me, this eliminates focus hunting distractions and is faster/more accurate. I really wish that that the R5 had the Tracking On/Off custom button capability as well. </span></span></li>
</ul><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">* button</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span>is set to to</span><span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Start AF/metering in One Shot </span><span>and High fps</span>; and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> the<span> </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">AF-On button</span> is set <span>to</span><span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Start AF/metering in AI Servo<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i> </i></span></span><i>with no AF characteristics aka a Case # </i>and High fps. Important: <i>be wary of assigning a Case # in this sub-menu because it will override a Case that you set manually and think that you're on</i>. </span></li></ul></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span>I always stay on<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">AI Servo</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Case #1</span><span> </span><span>and my</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> default is </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">1, 0, 0 for slow moving subjects. <span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Note: </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">faster acquisition also means faster to lose focus, </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">so it </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">requires m</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">ore refocusing aka pumping. </span> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When blessed with</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">playful cheetah cubs,</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I switch to 1, 0, 1 or </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">1, 1, 1 </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">and 4 pt. surround </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">as long as there's no </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">foreground grass. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>For running cheetahs, leopards/cheetahs jumping up/down trees, or subjects that spook easily, I switch to 1, 2, 1 or 1, 2, 2. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I use <span style="color: #3d85c6;">My Menu as a shortcut for making these adjustments.</span> For me, it's faster than using the Q button to switch menus, and then moving between Case #s (which my brain has to </span>translate from sports themes), and it avoids overriding accidents when things are narrowly defined under Registered sets. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span>I've always used </span><span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Single point AF, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">switch to Spot AF point when shooting through grass, and only use 4 pts. when needed; i.e., for romping cubs. That's because on the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">1D bodies, there was precise </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">focus control</span>; i.e., I knew where to align the focus box crosshairs and was aware the the imaginary vertical/horizontal lines could grab something with more contrast outside of the box aka in front/behind. For me, the R3/R5 are a little iffy because the sensors only use the imaginary vertical line within the AF box; and, I'm having to learn/trust the cameras more over my eye/brain. Also, the R5 tends to hunt more when eye/subject tracking are on which for me is very distracting. Speaking of the R5, I hate that the back buttons are so tiny compared to the 1D bodies that I've always shot with prior to mirrorless (especially when wearing gl<span style="font-family: inherit;">o</span>ves).</span></span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the old days, I had to set the Depth of Field button to switch quickly to a Registered AF point. But with the R3, it's easier/faster to drag the smart controller aka this feature rocks. This capability is sorely missed on the R5. </span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">My Menu Items:</span></span> I set </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Tracking Sensitivity, AF point switching and Acceleration/Deceleration Tracking </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> 3 of my 6 </span>items</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> so that I can change behavior on the fly for the currently selected Case without having to drill down under the AF-Magenta menu. It's my faster way to select what subject to track as well. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Other menu items are: Format card, Custom Controls, Record Functions (to verify Slot 1) and Date/Time. </span></li></ul><div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Multi-Controller</span> is set for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">AF point direction</span> (a press also gets us back to center), the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Set button</span> is still set to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">change ISO. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">limit my options to speed up on the fly changes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">;</span> i.e., shooting modes. And, I always swap batteries when they go below 50% to maintain maximum fps. </span></li></ul></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>AF Points</b></span><ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When I see <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">more than one square light up </span>when I'm in Single point, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">that's a clue for me to re-acquire focus</span>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also know that if I focus on something with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">little to no contrast </span>- i.e., polar bear babies with branches in the foreground - there's a high risk of the sensor focusing on the foreground even when I'm in Single point. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>
Metering and White Balance</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I use EV + 1/3 to +1 </span> (or +1.5 to +2 in the Arctic) so that I exp<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">ose all the way to the right. That's because one stop of underexposure - i.e., </span>the right column in your histogram - is equivalent to throwing away 1/2 of the available pixels for editing. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I then fix my exposure, tonality and mood in post processing which results in cleaner files. This way, my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">subjects are less muddy, especially when they're in shade</span>. This is with Auto Light Optimizer set to off. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If <span class="Apple-style-span">shooting subjects in trees with the sun behind</span> them (aka <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">in shade</span>), I ignore highlight blinkies that come from areas that will be cropped out of the final image. I also add a gentle touch of fill flash with a bounce card whenever possible. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I use Daylight </span><span>white balance because it gives me more consistency for easier post processing.</span></span></li></ul><div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>ISO/Noise and Preserving Tonality</b></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm <span class="Apple-style-span">happiest with files when shot @ ISO 400 or below. </span> Even though I shoot to the right to eliminate as much noise in the shadows as possible, my brain/eyes can still see noise in the files. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since I normally have to shoot @ ISO 1600 - 3200, minimizing noise <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">takes some finesse in post-processing.</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Even if I can barely see my subject in very low light, I've learned to push my ISO because sometimes I'm rewarded with images like this Indian leopard - or these <a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/cheetah-cubs/precious-at-25-weeks/CheetahCubs5837-May11-2019/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">precious cheetah babies at 2.5 weeks old</span></a> - even though it's a ton of work in post-processing to address color correction issues. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHne_LisiC8NckwxHCeG7kEuztvtY8JE3k80iaNJ9Hu6lHeUMpRHGMC-IwXU6JkFf7O4MEOLVT1BJs5WFJBdZYeW1U2vSw378a2yMvNXC4mf6bpbhLJquDCluyH63_6GomF3zBLU228ho/s1600/LeopardPench2579B-Jul14,2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHne_LisiC8NckwxHCeG7kEuztvtY8JE3k80iaNJ9Hu6lHeUMpRHGMC-IwXU6JkFf7O4MEOLVT1BJs5WFJBdZYeW1U2vSw378a2yMvNXC4mf6bpbhLJquDCluyH63_6GomF3zBLU228ho/s640/LeopardPench2579B-Jul14,2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">High ISO noise beef</span>: When I shoot with a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">shallow depth of field, foliage gets mushy </span>or painterly aka distracting. If I shoot with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">more depth of field, dry grasses get crunchy when sharpened </span><span class="Apple-style-span">- i.e. halos. </span>Plus, files look more muddy (green color cast from foliage) and using Clarity gets risky.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>As a result, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">never sharpen in Lightroom, </span>do a small luminous noise adjustment and leave color adjustment on default unless I shot at ISO 3200 or higher. After I import into Photoshop CC, I use a gentle dose of NoiseWare and then do import sharpening on the green channel. Then comes the tedious part: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I never sharpen grass, foliage, the background or sky </span>aka I mask them out hair by hair. Note: sharpening foliage makes reflections hotter (brighter) which distracts in my opinion. I also remove remaining color noise around the face/chest with a Hue/Sat adjustment layer as needed. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">When buying a new camera,</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> I always test it and learn it thoroughly before going out on safari</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">as every model has it's nuances;</span> i.e., 1) some perform better at 1/3 stops vs whole stops, 2) AF cross hairs vary, and 3) custom functions are different, etc. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nothing is worse than leaving awesome photo ops on the table because settings weren't optimized</span>, or having a camera that is plagued with error 99/80 or focus issues. </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>To/From the Land Rover or Jeep:</b></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I carry my camera rigs in large dry sacks (size </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">55L because it's faster to whip cameras in/out, to fold them over several times in the rain, and to protect my day bag in rain when needed. The 55L also fits the 800mm/body/1.4x combo with the hood reversed. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">For basic dust protection</span>, I use <a href="https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/ultralight-dry-sack-55l-242823?search_result=1"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Outdoor Research's Ultralight Dry Sacks</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">because they come in a neutral gray (doesn't spook animals) and only weigh 2.5-2.9 oz. I also bring </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">a 3 oz. REI backpack cover</span><span style="font-size: large;"> for faster cover ups when vehicles whiz by kicking up dust; and for clothing layers, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I use a 2 oz. Outdoor Research <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/catalogsearch/result/?q=dry+bag"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">15L graphic sack</span></a>. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">After each trip</span>, I fill all sacks/covers with water in the tub to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">check for water/moisture seepage </span>and replace them as needed.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">For rain protection</span> in open vehicles, I use Outdoor Research's Durable Dry Sacks </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">because they <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">last the longest</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> in terms of water/moisture seepage prevention;</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> and, t</span>hey </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">have webbing on the side so that it's easy to anchor them to roll bars/seats with belt straps. They do, however, weigh 7 oz. each and take longer to dry in heavier rain (waterlogged albeit moisture doesn't get inside). As needed, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I save weight with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Outdoor Research's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Ultralight DryPack Liners</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>@ </span>3.0-3.6 oz.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">For my day bag,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> I use ThinkTank's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/glass-taxi.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Glass Taxi</span></a> </span>which has an amazing capacity for a small, 2.5 lb. footprint. With a Test Drive bag attached, it can hold my 2nd rig, batteries, a short lens, sunglasses, monocular, iPhone, HoodLoupe, sun hat/bandana, remote cables, map/compass, StormJacket rain covers, Zing neoprene pouches/straps, rocket blower/dust brush, Q tips, Fenix PD25/35 flashlight, Princeton headlamp, microfiber towel, fix-it tools, snacks, sunscreen, eyeglass/Deet wipes, tissue/Wet Ones, first aid, ginger chews,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>eye drops and gloves/hat/neck gator in winter months. I tried using cheapo lightweight backpacks but found that the Glass Taxi w/1 divider and organizer meshes is faster to organize and find things. The Glass Taxi also hides/protects gear - i.e., chargers, monohead, monocular, loupes, flashlights, flashes and spare CF readers, etc. - when checked in a soft sided duffel.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> When travel weight is more of an issue, I can get by with a<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 12 oz</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/863349/rei-convertible-stuff-tote-bag"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">REI Convertible Stuff Tote</span></a> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">as</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> necessary</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span> But since there's less protection from damage/theft in checked duffels, I stow chargers/valuable items in Eagle Creek padded/Rimowa cubes and layer dry bags, the REI tote and straps around them to keep sticky fingers at bay. This way, my travel camera bag - the ThinkTank Advantage XL roller or 26L GuraGear Bataflae w/straps cut off for weight savings - remains clean for travel plus my day bag is pre-loaded. For Patagonia, my daybag is an old PacSafe Venture Safe 25L and an Osprey Ultralight 3.oz stuff sack with straps. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Note:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> If sunscreen or deet are getting on LCDs/camera grips </span>from your nose or fingers,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> clean up often </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">throughout the day with a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">microfiber towel </span>to prevent damage.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Straps, straps and more straps: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">camera and lenses are tucked inside dry sacks or pack covers, and then anchored to the roll bar on the back of my seat with buckle straps. The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">straps</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>keep gear from crashing to the ground during sudden stops and/or bumping against each other</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">. </span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prior to anchoring down my gear, I struggled with holding cameras/lenses on my lap (without dinging them) and also had much more </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">shoulders/neck strain. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I buy mine at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><a href="http://www.strapworks.com/default.asp"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">strapworks</span></a></u><span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span> To <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">buffer vibrations</span>, I use a small beanbag under lenses and camp blankets under the cameras. Also, I use </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Op/Tech</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010HE2CY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Adaptor Loop connectors</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>to connect lenses to bodies.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Triple rain protection: </span>Having <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">dry sacks</span> <i>and</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">backpack covers</span> on hand provide double protection when sitting in light rain or driving around in mud. For heavier downpours, I also use <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.naturescapes.net/store/pro-storm-jacket-waterproof-telephoto-cover.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Pro Storm Jacket Telephoto covers</span></a></span>.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">My comfy little strap secret</span>: Typically, one holds onto to the roll bar for stability when drivers are speeding around like race car drivers. For height constrained folks, this means that your shoulders are hunched slightly forward and are not braced against the back of the seat. Instead, I prefer to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">hold onto a strap anchored to the roll bar/seat behind me. </span>This way, my body and shoulders are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">planted to the seat and there's much less jarring when hitting potholes.</span> And, when I loop my arm completely through the strap (modified with a 2nd short strap), I can lean forward and do 180 degree turns for more effective game spotting. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also strap a couple of pouches to the roll bar (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=zing+pouch&N=0&InitialSearch=yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Zing neoprene pouches</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>for fast access to a monocular or Hoodman Loupe)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>and a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ThinkTank Lens Drop In pouch </span>(for glasses) in lieu of wearing overstuffed vests. In Tanzania when there's a seat in front, I sometimes use a 4 oz. <a href="http://www.wired.com/2010/02/timbuk2-hidden-messenger-bag/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Timbuk2 Hidden Messenger</span></a> bag as a quasi seat pocket.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Back on the home front:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> after returning home, everything is ceremoniously </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">washed down in the bathtub </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- the Glass Taxi, dry sacks, pouches, beanbags, straps and Eagle Creek cubes et. al - as they are filthy with dust/dirt and potential hitchhikers, etc. My worst fear is bringing home a batch of giant orb spider eggs (or ticks).</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Evening Routine on Auto-Pilot </b></span></span><br /><br />
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Download Prograde Colbalt/Delkin Black CF Express cards to</span> a MacBook Air M2. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify that folder sizes (bytes) match up 100%</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">before copying to portable drives.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">For drives, </span><span class="Apple-style-span">I had been using</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Samsung 2TB T5 SSDs for ions but switched over to 4TB T7 Shield SSDs paired with Apple TB3 or OWC/Anker TB4 cables. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Note: </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Cable speed makes a huge difference</span> to me as every minute saved from downloading/backing up is more time for analyzing images and prepping for the next shoot.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Do a quick image audit.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Top off batteries </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to avoid having to charge from empty and having potential conflicts with generator/travel schedules.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">
</span>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Format cards and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">re-set camera settings</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">To learn more about field back up tactics</span> and archival strategy, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">under </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Backing Up in the Trenches - My Workflow</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> towards the bottom of this blog.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Note: be aware that<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> electrical currents from shared camp generators or overloaded lodge circuits</span> may not be as strong as when testing laptops/devices at home; meaning that: a) it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">may take longer to charge your batteries and laptops,</span> b) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">too many devices can blow out circuits</span>, and c) you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">may not be able to complete your nightly back-ups as quickly as planned.</span> So, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">set priorities especially when two shooters are sharing a room</span>. For example, I make sure that everything is backed up before doing any importing in Lightroom; and, I always top off camera batteries nightly as opposed to waiting until they're drained. Also, I always unplug everything as soon as I'm done; including, the surge protector. And, when there's an on/off switch, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">remove Canon batteries from the charger</span> before shutting off. That's because<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> AC interruptions will</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> trigger the calibration lights </span>which is a royal pain in the neck.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Remove dust </span>from camera and lenses with a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=giotto+blower&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search="><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Giotto Q Ball Air blower</span></a>, </span>a small <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">generic paint brush,</span> and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-CL1310-Retractable-2-Position-Brush/dp/B000CHK7OA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Giotto Retractable Goat brush</span></a> plus gray cloth for the lens front. Then, w<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">ipe everything down with a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">damp towel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">. </span> Note: In India and at some U.S. airports, Giotto's Large Rocket Air blower could get confiscated when going through checked bag security because of it's shape. Smaller rocket blowers don't work in dusty environments, so the Q ball is a good option. My current tactic is to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">place the Q ball in a mesh bag (tip bent over) and put it right on top</span> inside a checked duffel. Inside the bag is a friendly<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> note</span> that says: "This is just an air blower to clean the front of my lenses and inside my cameras on African safaris where there's a ton of dust. Please allow and thanks in advance". I started this tactic in 2011 and since then, TSA stopped opening my checked bags.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In dusty environments, I never change lenses unless moving between camps and carry the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/760556-REG/Visible_Dust_7421891_Mini_Quasar_Sensor_Loupe.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Visible Dust Mini Quasar 7x sensor loupe</span></a> for sensor inspections when needed. Note: I never travel with the loupe's original case (quite large) and use a small Hakuba CF card case instead. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify that all straps and screws/bolts are still on <i>tight</i>. Do minor repairs as needed. </span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If there's moisture or rain, store cameras with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Zorb-It packs in a baggie</span> (or use rice in a pinch). Note: Canon eyecups are prone to tearing, so I always carry a back-up. Also, Hoodman loupes tend to break from the lanyard. As a result, I reinforce with a small plastic tie and threaded dental floss. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Replenish supplies</span> - AA batteries and sunscreen/bug/handy wipes, etc. - and make adjustments to what's carried out to the vehicles; i.e., rain covers, straps, clothing - or not. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I keep a simple checklist visible so that I don't forget important items; and, to help document my workflow for the next trip. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Force myself</span> to get into bed early as 11 - 12 hour days in the field can be draining. Also, promise myself to drink more water the next day.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">last eve, all the gear is wiped down with a damp towel and dry sacks are rinsed</span> so that items are relatively clean upon return home. Empty bean bags, dirty straps, dust covers and pouches are consolidated into one dry sack. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Quick Audit of Images:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">My priority is to analyze what's working or not in terms of my technique</span>; i.e., camera support tactics and sharpness, metering, depth of field decisions and camera settings. I emphasize the word <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"quick" because if not, 2 -3 hours will blow on by; </span>and, it'd be way past a decent bedtime for getting up at 5:30 - 6A in the morning.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I use</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Photo Mechanic 6 as my front end to Lightroom because Contact sheet (same as LR's Grid) and Previews (same as LR's Loupe) </span>is wicked fast. The preview zooming size can be pre-set and then increased/decreased by simply hitting "z" and/or changed in increments with "option or z" plus the "+/-" keys. A double/single click gets you back:forth between Previews and the Contact sheet. And, it's easy to learn assuming that you understand a bit about Lightroom file behavior. H</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ere's a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://lightroomkillertips.com/2012/video-using-photo-mechanic-with-lightroom/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">intro tutorial</span></a></span> and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">more</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO07PIIiRHM"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">in depth tutorial</span></a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">albeit there are many more now on the web.</span></span> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I use Photo Mechanic strictly for quick reviews before importing to Lightroom. The <span>more integrated method </span>is to re-named raw folders during Photo Mechanic's import step (known as Ingest) which are then dragged into Lightroom (on the dock) for importing. In Photo Mechanic, any captions, copyright info, keyboards or number/color ratings, if done, can be saved to .xmp files which are then stored in the raw folder. Sport shooters and journalists love PM because the input window is much larger and easier to access/see than in LR. If you set up colors and descriptions for numbers 6, 7 and 8 in PM to match LR, the <span class="Apple-style-span">color info will carry over during the LR import. Ditto for 1 - 5 ratings</span> (in PM, you need to press "fn" plus the number). In Catalog, press "fn plus the up/down" arrows to scroll through pages. And unlike LR, <span class="Apple-style-span">Photo Mechanic will play your video files. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you <span class="Apple-style-span">make keyword corrections to files in LR </span>(and your catalog setting is √'d to automatically write changes into .xmp), these<span class="Apple-style-span"> changes - i.e., key words - will show up in PM as well </span>(learn how to via the Dan Cox tutorial linked above). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I don't cull images with Photo Mechanic or Lightroom in the field </span>because I can't really analyze critical focus points/ sharpness; or, assess the sharpness of hairs in areas that are most important on a 13" laptop. Unless it's an obvious user error, I wait until I'm cozy with a large monitor before making culling decisions. If I tossed every unsharp image, I'd never know if it's a user error or a camera calibration problem that needs to be fixed.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Plus, an eyeball is not an eyeball until it's viewed on a large monitor. </span>The normal <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">rule of thumb is that the 2nd or 3rd image in a burst will be the sharpest</span> because releasing the shutter sometimes causes camera vibration. However, this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">doesn't always coincide with the best gesture or when a subject's eyes are the most open</span> or when the pupils are pointing in the most ideal direction. And i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">n my scoreb<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">ook, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">it's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">all about the eyes.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYiHMkRSBEX9r5_d7W5aY1altG_Ir8qRfDv6y5mkKS2dwQ2lWhHyEosU0khcjSeJsrhBs_lTOn9CWRISiA_PMRvX9ZYCSJ-9jm_GPyXWR-Waxlr_mnDEDFqKPcnIJnGvKCMcjn-R476E/s1600/Leopard5002B-Jul14,2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYiHMkRSBEX9r5_d7W5aY1altG_Ir8qRfDv6y5mkKS2dwQ2lWhHyEosU0khcjSeJsrhBs_lTOn9CWRISiA_PMRvX9ZYCSJ-9jm_GPyXWR-Waxlr_mnDEDFqKPcnIJnGvKCMcjn-R476E/s640/Leopard5002B-Jul14,2012.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Packing List: All But Clothing & Custom Tailored by Trip</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Dust/Rain/Snow/Salt Water/Bug Protection:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> Outdoor Research Ultralight dry sacks, Optec/LensCoat neoprene lens/body covers, Zing neoprene pouches, buckle straps, Storm Jackets for camera/lenses 1-2 sizes larger than recommended, ThinkTank/GuraGear/REI rain covers. SeaSummit/OR bug head nets and InsectShield clothing, and <i>always a flyswatter</i></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Gear Cleaning:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">microfiber towels (various sizes), Q tips, Giotto retractable goat brush, a small paint brush, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-CL2810-Q-Ball-Rocket-Blaster/dp/B000L9N2VO"><span style="color: black;">Giotto Q Ball Air blower</span></a>*, Visible Dust mirror brush, RayVu/Formula MC Lens Cleaner, gray microfiber clothes, alcohol packets, iKlear packets, Visible Dust 7x Mini Loupe, 30x jewelers' LED loupe and glass cleaning cloths. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Note: The Q Ball replaced my larger Rocket blower after I was stopped by security in India. It's less intimidating when the nozzle is bent over and I place it on top of my duffel attached to an explanation note for TSA staff. Since I started this tactic, TSA hasn't opened my checked luggage.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Travel Protection<span class="Apple-style-span">:</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> ThinkTank Glass Taxi/Limo, SunCloud and clear plastic eyeglass cases, LensCoat neoprene Travel Coats, Giotto microfiber lens pouches, ThinkTank pouches (Flash, Test Drive and Lens Drop-in), Rimowa amenities cases (Canon R3/R5 chargers, cables, SSD drives, readers), medium/large Zing neoprene pouches (protects RRS monopod head/leveler and Gitzo monopod for travel) and Fragile labels. If using a REI Stuff Travel Daypack instead of the Glass Taxi, then I protect chargers, etc. in an Eagle Creek padded cube.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Shooting Tools:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Canon hand straps, straps (UP or BlackRapid w/QD or LockStar, SunwayFoto/Desmond clamps/plate), Op/Tech Uni connectors and Foto&Tech tethers, camera/lense plates (RRS/4th Gen), spare batteries, CFx cards (Prograde Cobalt/Delkin Black), </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">remote switches, spare eye cups, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">LensCoat covers, monocular (Leica Monovid/Zeiss 8 x 20) or bins (Leica 8x20 Compact Trinovids) and bean bags (SkimmerSack, custom 8 x 10" and Kinesis SafariSacks). <u>So. Africa/Botswana</u> = Gitzo GM-5561T monopod with All Terrain Foot, RRS monopod head, RRS leveling base, 600EX II flash, Demb reflector/diffuser or FlashBender II, CPE-2/4En battery pack w/Eneloop Pro AA batteries/charger. <u>Tanzania</u> = Skimmer Pod w/risers, RRS monohead/leveling base, Wimberly M-1s. <u>Other tools</u>: OR dry sacks, Hoodman loupe, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">map, pocket compass, long/short buckle straps, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">shoe strings and carabiners. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><u>Non safaris</u></span></span> = tripod GT5541LS/GT3540/GT2540, Wimberly WH-200, Mongoose 3.6 w/L plate or Flexshooter Pro/Uniqball 45XC plus OpTech Uni loop connecters/Kinesis tripod strap. Patagonia = Promediagear monopod, Tomahawk GT2 gimbal and Black Diamond walking sticks. <u>Spares</u>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Gitzo foot,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> Gitzo screw cover, lens/body caps, flash shoe covers. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><u>Optional</u>: Cotton Carrier, WalkStool, Wimberley M-4 macro arm (quasi panning lever) and Leica 14100 or Bogen tabletop tripod w/Giotto MH1302 ballhead/clamp (shoulder brace hack for the 300mm/2.8). </span></span></span></li></ul><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Image Back-up Tools:</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">MacBookAir M2 w/MagSafe spare cable, 3-4 CFx readers (ProGrade/Delkin)</span> SSD drives (4 4TB Samsung Shield/2 2TB Samsung T5) and TB3/TB4/Fast USB C cables.</span></li></ul></div></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Packing Aids:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> Packing/organizing cubes (Eagle Creek Specter cubes/sacs and eBags Ultralight) labeled with yellow electrical tape, colored see-through mesh zip pouches, Kokuyo pencil cases, reusable folding shopping bags and old dry sacks (in lieu of plastic ziplocks/trash bags) and semi-rigid Crystal Light canisters (protects SPF/toothpaste, etc).</span></span></li></ul><ul>
<ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Fix it Tools:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fenix PD25s and E05 flashlights, 2 headlamps (Black Diamond/Fenix spot), pointed tweezers, Squirt S4 Leatherman w/scissors, Sears Craftman 4 way keyring screwdriver, white eraser, small channel pliers, Canon 2.0mm and 2.5mm screwdrivers (<i>Japanese blades</i>), the correct L wrenches, a General multi screwdriver pen, spare RRS/4th Gen/Gitzo screws and bolts, ties/rubber bands, zipper wax, single use loctite/gum drop semi-permanent glue, single use crazy glue, rubber jar remover, alcohol packets, egrips, and pre-cut reflective Kelty cord. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Godsend Tape:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: times;"> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">mini roll of yellow electrical, pre-cut duct/gaffers/electrical tape strips spread out in various bags, mini scotch tape, Nathan's neon tape, cloth tape for finger scrapes and Tenacious tape patches (to repair beanbag seams).</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Electrical Tools:</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> EuroSurge 1,200 joule surge protector, Monster Outlets to Go 3/4 plug power strip and 3 sets of Int'l plug adapters.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Charging Tools:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Anker 727/615 GanPrime charging hubs, 747/735 GanPrime charging bricks, and fast </span></span><span>cables</span> (Thunderbolt 3/4, C:C gen 2, Apple Watch Fast, etc. plus <span>spares</span>. iPad Pro; iPhone 15 Pro Max, iKlear packets, microfiber cloths, AM Mist Screen Cleaning block, Ravpower/Belkin <span>portable batteries,</span> Ultimate Ear SuperFi 10 buds (w/Filo cable, Comfy tips, angled jack), and 2 euro headset jacks. </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Note: <span class="Apple-style-span">all things new or altered</span> - i.e., every cable, cord, hub, portable drive, flash drive, screws, caps/covers, adapters, batteries, chargers, memory cards, readers and plates, etc. - <span class="Apple-style-span">are tested in advance</span> (used and connected as if in the field) to avoid Murphy's Law.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b>Misc. Batteries:</b> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">AA (Canon flash/power packs) plus tester, AAA (clock), CR2025 (Canon/Visible Dust), CR2032 (head lamps), CR123 (Fenix flashlight) and LR41 (keychain lights).</span> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Security and Speed Aids:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">2 PacSafe TSA luggage straps, TSA luggage locks (plus 2 spares), Nite Ize dual carabiners (size #1/MicroLock), generic carabiners, REI calf wallets, luggage tags plus spares, walkabout travel retractable TSA extender lock, large/small luggage ties, zipper pulls (Eagle Creek, zipquix, Nite Ize), Streamlight nano/egear Pico keychain lights on lanyards and wrist straps, RFID passport sleeves, plastic organizer sleeves in various sizes, mesh pouches in various sizes, and dry bags to hide valuables in checked luggage. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Personal:</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Vaccine card in holders/masks/tests/thermometer/entry forms, </span>Safari watch (tritium), Apple Watch, Biobands (motion sickness), travel clock, mini temperature gauge, nail clippers, keychain flashlights (in every bag, on lanyards), scissors to cut ties/tags and keychain thermometer; <span class="Apple-style-span">eyeglass cases</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>(plastic/Chum's cases, screwdriver), ThinkTank Lens Drop/neoprene pouch for roll bars, cleaning packets and microfiber cloths); <span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198);">folding tote/bags</span>;<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> writing/tips: </span>small moleskin notebooks, colored index cards, mini sticky pad, tip planners and envelops, mini metric and money charts, Sharpies, silver labeling pen and name/address labels, rubber bands and paper clips; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">cleaning: </span>woolite soap packets, Dryall spot pen, Shout singles, mini sewing kit, velcro, rubber drain stopper and Mephisto shoe brush; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">bug/germ fighters: </span>sanitizer gel/packets, Ben's deet spray/packets, BugBand towelettes, non-deet spray, SeaSummit head net, Original Bug Shirt/net pants, fly swatter, shower flip flops, StingStop, emergency OTC and prescription meds, alcohol packets, peroxide, slant/pointed tweezers, topical staph antibiotic, Nalgene cups, rubber gloves, mini pill cases; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">snacks: </span>Starbucks coffee singles/KleanKanteen, BlenderBottle with protein/matcha/8 Greens singles, nuts and ginger chews; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">dust/grime/harsh water fighters: </span>extra shampoo/conditioner, facial cleansing towels, toners, extra eye drops, nail brush, microfiber hair towel/travel hair dryer; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">sun damage prevention:</span> sunscreens with zinc/titanium oxide (Elta MD/Chanel and SunForgettable), wide sun hats, sun gloves and bandanas. <span class="Apple-style-span">Lastly:</span> disposable toothbrushes, single packet floss, Afrin/Sudafed and ShowerPills for air travel days; and, kleenex packs, daily meds, eyeglasses/wipes, vitamins, sundries and cosmetics. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">N<span style="font-size: medium;">ote: all </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">packets are tested </span><span style="font-size: medium;">to insure that they're not dried out; and, all meds and personal products are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">replaced before expiration dates</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b>Sub-Zero Temps:</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> rubber bumpers for shutter buttons, Q tips and lens brush to remove snow, D rings sewn onto parkas and carabiners for hanging mitts, a generic tool to open battery/card compartments, hand warmer pouch sewed into a fleece cap to keep camera batteries warm, spare neoprene lens/camera covers (in case something drops in snow or blows away in gale winds), boxes of Super Hot Hand warmers plus insoles, extra fleece hoodies to double up as needed, a carabiner watch, and a dry sack tucked inside a L611 Kinesis Long Lens case. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">TBD: a squeegee for removing frost/ice from viewfinders (something better than Q-tips).</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Other Shooting Tools as needed:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">wide/macro lenses, lighting reflectors, 4th Generation Safari Companion, B+W XS-Pro Clear with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating 007M filters (repels dust/water spots), polarizer/Lee filters, Kneelons, OR rain/crocodile gaiters, Neos River Trekker hip waders or Adventure Overshoes, YakTrax Pro, Original Bug Shirt/bug pants, kneelons, walking stool and Black Diamond carbon FLZ trekking poles.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Tips for working on an Apple laptop:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Make friends with <b>Apple keyboard shortcuts</b></span>; especially, the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> fn + up/down arrow keys for scrolling pages (see <a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/handy-keyboard-shortcuts-for-os-x-yosemite.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">more here</span></a>).</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">To zoom</span> your screen in and out: 1) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">press Option/Command + 8</span>, 2) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Option/Command + =/-</span> keys (as set up in System Preferences/Accessibility), 3) or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pinch the trackpad </span>out/in using<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> 2 fingers. </span> Note: if you're using a Mighty Mouse, then go to systems preferences and set up Smart zoom which allows you to double-tap on the mouse with one finger. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Command + up/down arrows </span>moves up or down <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">one visible section at a time; </span>whereas, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">fn + right/left arrows</span> takes you to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Home </span>(top of the page) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">or the bottom </span>of a page. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A nice <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Facebook shortcut</span></b> is to use the J and K keys to scroll up or down quickly. You can also use spacebar and shift/spacebar, or Fn plus the up/down arrows on Macs. With desktops, I prefer using Page Up/Down on an extended keyboard.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Handy<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Lightoom keyboard shortcuts</span> </b>include: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">shift-tab </span>to hide all panels versus f5, f6 and f7 one at a time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">, the f key </span>to get to full screen, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">the l key</span> for lights out, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">option/command + 1</span> takes you to Library mode, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">d key </span>takes you to develop mode, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">g key </span>gets you to grid mode, and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">e key </span>gets you back to loupe view, etc. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Lightroom/Photoshop Stuck Window Tip:</b> If you accidentally drag the menu bar too far to the top-left</span>, it disappears and the window gets stuck. To get it back, go to System preferences/Displays, √ the Scaled box and temporarily change the resolution (i.e., 1280 x 800) so that you can drag the menu bar again. If this happens to a 2nd monitor back and the tip doesn't work, then use Displays/Arrangement to move the window.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Safari</b>, to go back or forward a page,</span> use <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">command </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">+</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> [ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">] </span>keys (or command + right/left arrows); and, the spacebar for scrolling down and shift/spacebar for scrolling up. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Photo Mechanic</b></span>, hide the Toolbar via <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">View > Hide toolbar</span>. Also <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">remember to purge your Disk and Memory cache</span> under Preferences. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Toggle from the Contact Sheet (same as Grid in LR) to Preview Mode (same as Loupe in LR) by clicking the trackpad.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Hide/regain panels with the f </span>key and if needed, press <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">r to get panels back</span>. Press <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">z to see your pre-set zoom size </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">increase/decrease </span>the size with z (or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">option) + =/- keys</span>. Or, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">zoom within a thumbnail on the contact sheet</span> by setting View > Cursor Mode > Loupe and then <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">hitting the spacebar (or clicking)</span> while on a thumbnail. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Command + k </span>opens the keyword window. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Tag</span> and remove tags on previews <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">with t</span> (or command plus +/- keys) and select all tags with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">command + t</span>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Command + m </span>renames a file, and the rest is similar to Apple's shortcut (command + a equals select all, command+ i equals info, etc.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Note: never laptop batteries drain below 20% when not plugged in as it might have trouble waking up.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: large;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198); color: #3d85c6;">The Count Down (6 Months Before):</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Insure that I have <span style="color: #3d85c6;">enough blank pages in my passport </span>(and the required number of years remaining).</span></li></ul></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>The Count Down (1-2 Months Before):</b></span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Recheck COVID entry and testing rules </span>by location and download forms. <span>Stock up on masks/supplies</span> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198);">and insure that COVID boosters are less than 2 months old. </span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198); color: #3d85c6;">Make a shortlist trip folder </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198);">with easy access to air/hotel reservations, visas, and trip insurance policy #s and terms, relevant reference info and local contact numbers. </span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Obtain relevant visas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> - Euro and specific countries</span></span></li></ul><div></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Update my Master Pack and Prep Lists and Gear/SN list. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Make sure that camera bodies and lenses have been serviced as needed. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If cameras are serviced, <i>re-check all settings </i>as they're often changed.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Research <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">firmware updates before installing.</span> </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify flights/connections</span> and that airlines have my TSA Pre-√ number on my reservations.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify that immune shots are current</span>; i.e., flu, RSV, tetanus, pneumonia and typhoid. Note: always complete at least 2 weeks before travel to avoid adverse reactions. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Purchase any sundries, medications or photo tools that need replenishing. </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Check all expiration dates</span> as now is not the time that I want OTC meds, antibiotics, sanitizers, sunblock, bandaids and eyeglass wipes, etc. to perform at sub-par levels. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">G</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">et rested and eat extra healthier to </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">build up </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">the immune system. R</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">amp up aerobics and weight routines.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Look for more ways to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">downsize weight ounce by ounce,</span> more <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ways to increase workflow efficiency/speed</span> while minimizing gotchas, and more ways to reduce using plastics. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Start setting aside crisp/unmarked $1's, $5's and $10's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> tips in countries where U.S. currency is accepted.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Start cleaning up desktop/laptop computers </span>to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">make space for new image folders and trip edits. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Clear browser caches and delete all unwanted cookies </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">aka</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 95% of them. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If browsers are running slow, reset them as well. </span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Order fresh batteries, portable drives or CFast/Express cards </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as needed.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Update all software and verify </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">that</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> preferences and settings are correct. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Run Disk Utility's First Aid </span>and do repairs as needed. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Maximize laptop space by </span>clearing all images and LR libraries </span>not related to the upcoming trip. Worse case, <span class="Apple-style-span">delete 1:1 previews.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Update a dedicated flash drive with my Documents, Music and desktop folders </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">in case I need to free up space on my laptop.</span> Also include</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> photo/diagnostics software </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">along with</span> manuals, troubleshooting notes and serial numbers. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">To troubleshoot a Mac</span>, disconnect all peripherals, check systems preferences, repair permissions, verify the disk, toss out suspect preferences and zap the pram. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Wo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">rst case, </span>un-install and reinstall suspect applications. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Finalize all decisions </span>on hardware/software upgrades and photography gear. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Test every new purchase</span> for reliability and compatibility; and, add name labels. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Make the time </span>to read manuals and thoroughly learn new cameras and software, etc.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: black; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Creative Goals and Depth of Field:</b></span></span></div>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Make clear, specific goals <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">for every trip aka be on a mission. </span>Define and prioritize who and what </span>you want to photograph. This <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">helps in making difficult lens choices; </span>i.e., the high priorities vs. the nice to have (seen a zillion times). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Review </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ep</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">th of fiel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">d charts </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>by camera, focal length, f-stop and shooting distance - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and do a mental dry run. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My belief is that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">everyone needs to build their own DOF cheat sheet </span>because <i>style is very personal </i>and the process <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">helps you to memorize tradeoffs </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">i.e., </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">stopping down might only gain a few inches. And, the same lens on a cropped body gives you less depth of field than on a full frame at the same distance. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can calculate depth of field for your gear at<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">DOFMaster calculator</span></a> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">and/or iPhone apps.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">This prep step warms up the thinking cap </span>- getting one to think about what worked and didn't work on previous trips. It makes me go back and analyze exposure settings on favorite images and what went wrong on sub-par images aka <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">learn from my mistakes.</span> This helps me to define what I want to do differently on the next trip. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Which body on which lens </span>can make a difference in end results, so yet another thing to think though. As someone who doesn't like to switch lenses on game drives because of dust, I try to plan out my strategy beforehand. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Stop down - or not?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Many newbies are told to stop way down when using a super-telephoto lens at near minimum distance. But in my view, the depth of field gain is minimal while the shutter speed can be risky. </span><span style="font-size: large;">For example, on a 1.3x body and 500mm at 10 yards, the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">gain per stop is only one inch</span><span style="font-size: large;">. For me, a narrow depth of field makes the eyes pop and allows for a faster shutter speed without having to crank up the ISO. Also, bokeh can get more distracting when you stop down. Since no two scenarios are ever the same, I try to shoot at different f-stops whenever possible.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M34FmuVvgIhBLMYpcHDLh2BSFINqeluF5uIar_AzMO63rxBq08rUQOZbqFur2m8GDq3Lv8uswE_sKvaTLV2CGy2KAz-nJ_ijWoQRzRzfC8mOHJHcBSgmJFOPpAj7dF0o5Ute2ejwHQg/s1600/ChrisPrestegardTiger5562Blog+Apr21,2014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M34FmuVvgIhBLMYpcHDLh2BSFINqeluF5uIar_AzMO63rxBq08rUQOZbqFur2m8GDq3Lv8uswE_sKvaTLV2CGy2KAz-nJ_ijWoQRzRzfC8mOHJHcBSgmJFOPpAj7dF0o5Ute2ejwHQg/s1600/ChrisPrestegardTiger5562Blog+Apr21,2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Group shots:</span> It's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">difficult to capture a grouping of large adult subjects when using super-telephoto lenses<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>as the physics of getting all heads sharp is not in our favor unless subjects are all on the same plane. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> So, focus on isolations or just enjoy the moment. With smaller subjects like lion/cheetah cubs, F/13 is a safe bet as long as your camera can handle the higher ISO.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Timing, timing, timing: </span>When watching wildlife documentaries, movies or videos, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">mentally p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ractice shutter release </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">timing and adjusting camera settings so that everything is on auto-pilot. </span>In fact, you can learn a lot from most any movie that you watch in terms of lighting, framing, focal points, depth of field, color, tonality, style and mood. Even going back through your point and shoot videos can help in setting up your SLR; i.e., watching the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">erratic movements of my</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxKjwqk99c8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">babies leopards here.</span></a> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A cheetah will reach top speeds - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">65 mph - in only 3 seconds.</span> If you're after that shot, make sure that you've <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">memorized your "best case" camera settings and are ready for timing the shot at the right moment </span>without hitting the buffer. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>The Full-Court Press (5 Days Before Departure):</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Re-check all camera custom function settings. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Check for last minute firmware and software updates.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Top off camera batteries</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and/or calibrate as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> indicated.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Format all CFx cards (deep format if using CFast)</span></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Format SSD drives.</span></li></ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Clean lenses, drop down filters</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and camera sensors (1D bodies only).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Identify the number of AA, AAA and miscellaneous batteries needed</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and use a battery charge tester before packing. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Test screws and pack all fix-it tools. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Note: review<i> </i>my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Check Your Screws and Words of Wisdoms post </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">because I'm <i>always seeing </i>folks with loose lens feet or tripod/gimbal screws which is a sure way to wreck your gear/images.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Test prongs and pack 2-3 sets of international plug adapters </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(one set in carry on and one in checked luggage).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Top off batteries</span> (iPhone/iPad/laptop/portable batteries) and never leave in chargers for over 24 hours). </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Download<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span>Kindle books and Amazon Prime/Netflix movies/TV </span>to the iPhone 15 Pro Max/iPad Pro 12.9" for watching offline.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Figure out tips and cash requirements<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> and </span>get crisp/unmarked bills<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> in the denominations needed from the bank. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Separate tips from emergency travel cash </span>and pack in color coded mesh pouches. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Figure out how much to convert to foreign currency </span>upon arrival and in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">what bill denominations. </span> Note: hotels have minimal bill denominations on weekends and it's worse if arriving on a Sunday. Pack<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> more than one ATM card</span> to avoid gotchas when networks don't work or when a card doesn't participate on the ATM's network. Also print wallet size currency converter charts. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Review airport layouts for lounges and ATM locations; i.e., in </span>Johannesburg, ATMs are only located in the Domestic terminal B, lower level.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Update my CJ Lists folder which includes all travel references; </span>such as, hardware and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">software serial numbers, equipment replacement value, Canon custom functions settings, Canon lenses depth of field charts, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">shooting cheat sheet,</span> equipment manuals, my Apple/Photo gear troubleshooting cheat sheet, keyboard shortcuts, purchase receipts, medications and prescriptions #'s, medical history, credit card customer service #'s (plus </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bank</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> customer service #'s for countries visited), air/hotel reservations #'s, travel insurance, travel notes and local contact #'s, gear/clothing inventory, etc.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify</span> that my Documents folder, Music, apps, Contacts, bookmarks and travel related desktop <span style="color: #3d85c6;">folders are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">all up to d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">ate before copying </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">from my desktop </span>to the iPhone/iPad/SSD drive/laptop.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Since I use iTunes Match, I </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">download any newly purchased music from my iCloud Music Library </span><span style="font-size: large;">t</span><span style="font-size: large;">o the iPhone/iPad. But if I tweaked/re-ordered playlists on the computer, I turn off/turn on iCloud Music on each device to supersede the outdated library. Then I go through each playlist and download new songs (select all > right click to download). Note: if you're an Apple Music user, here's a good <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.imore.com/apple-music-vs-itunes-match-whats-difference"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">article</span></a> </span>to keep you from getting tripped up (aka losing your music).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Copy relevant lists, air/hotel reservations and travel insurance info to my Contacts and GoodReader</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> so that info is accessible from my iPhone, iPad and laptop. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Note: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Apple's Contacts is a very powerful tool</span> and I use it to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">store any/all information into a central repository -</span> i.e., I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">"cut" useful info</span> from hardware/software technical help and support forums, my emails, airline/hotel references, travel insurance policy, personal word/pdf docs, photo/computer troubleshooting tips, and keyboard shortcuts, etc. -<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> and "paste" into a new or existing contact</span>. Then, I summarize paragraphs into bullet points to make it easier to scroll and read on an iPhone/iPad. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> When there's a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">lot of info on an important subject, I break it down into multiple contacts</span>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Net:net: any information that I might need for travel or troubleshooting is at my disposal on my iPhone/iPad/laptop without having to access the internet. </span> I learned my lesson the hard way when my Macbook Pro displayed the kiss of death (LCD went black) after a major power surge tripped it at a safari camp. I tried all of the normal fix-it steps from memory but forgot to do the infamous PRAM because my Apple troubleshooting notes were sitting on the computer. Even if I did have access to the internet, it would've taken me longer to research answers then to browse my own troubleshooting list. In the field, it's important to be self sufficient because travel buddies typically have their own issues to deal with and may not be helpful as expected. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">An easy way to start building your own troubleshooting cheat sheet - by product/software - </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">is to cut/paste </span>from forum suggestions, vendor FAQ's, how to articles/blogs and vendor databases/emails <span style="color: #3d85c6;">to Contacts every time you read something useful.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Copy travel docs, personal word/excel docs, .pdf files and new gear manuals</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">into the GoodReader</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> iPhone/iPad app </span><span class="Apple-style-span">via Apple's USB File Sharing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. <span class="Apple-style-span">A scanned copy of my</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> passport and travel insurance and vaccine cards </span>are also transferred over (and saved in Apple's Notes app). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ake hard copies of my passport/VISA, medical prescriptions </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and travel/credit cards </span>(with <i>DOB and expiration dates blackened out)</i>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Note: if you haven't done so already and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">travel abroad more than once a year</span>, register with the <a href="http://www.globalentry.gov/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">U.S. Customs Global Entry program </span></a>which allows you to skip the long customs lines at your port of entry. All you have to do is scan your passport and fingers on a lightning fast, self servicing kiosk. The program costs $100 (good for 5 years) and renewing is simple. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Global Entry members can get a Nexus card for $15 </span>which allows you to go through Nexus lines (aka faster) at major airports in Canada/Mexico. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">At most major airports, Global Entry members automatically quality for the TSA Pre-√ program, so add your Trusted Travelers # to airline profiles and verify that this number has been added to your reservations as well. I also use <span style="color: #3d85c6;">CLEAR </span>at major US airports.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Update</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">with your</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> trip itinerary </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">(so that </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">embassies can contact you or your emergency contact in case of an emergency abroad).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Limit the number credit cards and provide respective companies with travel dates and the countries to be visited. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I use separate credit cards for travel/overseas (only those w/o transaction fees). Note: <span style="color: #3d85c6;">make charges in the local currency</span> or else the merchant might charge an extra transaction fee.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify that debit cards work in the countries to be visited, and that pin numbers are valid.</span> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWU33hHMcdcsnkd55awp7LQvRhjVagZ7kmwGmHKBteejugmHtsUhCgDVS1_Ce5GtztYokeHohwuEADWddeMazhkZkfKyHfKnUk_byGIMFr0rxSmyTzS_LUMkdgJwXSbqgoC8roWZrtJE0/s1600/LionCub1754B-Jul14,2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWU33hHMcdcsnkd55awp7LQvRhjVagZ7kmwGmHKBteejugmHtsUhCgDVS1_Ce5GtztYokeHohwuEADWddeMazhkZkfKyHfKnUk_byGIMFr0rxSmyTzS_LUMkdgJwXSbqgoC8roWZrtJE0/s640/LionCub1754B-Jul14,2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Order T Mobile Int'l data plan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>As before, you still need to <span style="color: #3d85c6;">check for <a href="http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/international/global-countries.html#fbid=5IDtRywpYg9" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;">countries that qualify</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span>and whether you'll have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">cell service reception</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Note: Reset data usage </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">on your iPhone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>as soon as you land abroad in order to track usage. In <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">non-participating countries when not on free Wi-FI, only open essential email</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>as a 5 meg photo attachment can cost $40 a pop. While on topic, only view non-sensitive email/web pages when on public wireless networks.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify that Yahoo Mail is working via cellular</span>. Since IOS 11, IOS Yahoo Mail tends to break more often, especially after IOS updates. Some fixes, like resetting the network and/or removing/re-installing Yahoo Mail works most of the time, as well as using the Yahoo app. This site has <a href="https://toolbox.iskysoft.com/fix-iphone/yahoo-mail-not-working-iphone.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">another nice solution </span></a>as well and they walk you through the steps. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Pack clothes, sundries, medications, vitamins, travel folder, personal items, photo/computer gear, snacks, and spares of anything critical to travel comfort and shooting success. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">See more specifics under Chris's Packing, etc. Tips below; and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">replace batteries on travel watches</span> if due for an update.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Spray clothes/shoes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">with permithrin </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">(good for 30 days)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">waterproof </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">as needed. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Verify that every item has a label or ID.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Pre-pack field supplies for my day kit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and make a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"grab list" to make getting ready for the first game drive quick and efficient. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's because w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hen items are spread between bags and hidden in pouches, it's easy to forget things (out of sight, out of mind) especially when jet-lagged or sleep deprived.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If checking a small 2nd duffel, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">distribute clothes and camera </span>support items in case one bag is late or missing in action. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Review/update my Master pack list and weigh all bags. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Then, the real fun (aka serious stress) begins</span>; i.e., </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">deciding what's a must have and pulling out the nice to haves - i.e., snacks, emergency supplies and new tools to try out, etc. - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>aka the never ending struggle to reduce weight - ounce by ounce.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-size: medium;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Start a new trip notebook</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - includes reservation #'s, passport info, emergency contacts, important actions items and a mini currency conversion chart - which I keep handy in a cargo pocket for jotting down trip notes.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Review international airport arrival and departure terminals/gates</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>so that it's easy to assess the amount of time needed to get from point A to point B; i.e., at Frankfurt, it can take 45 minutes to get from Terminal B to C (and vice versa) with security checks after de-boarding and pre-boarding. My goal is to be </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">at the gate at least 30 minutes before check-in</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">; and, longer in places like Bangkok where they do security checks at the gate as well. I try to have at least a 3 hour layover when heading to a destination.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After all last minute items are packed, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">tuck itineraries into every bag, lock them </span>with TSA locks/plastic ties, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">snap photos </span>on an iPhone.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>The Evening Before (or Morning of Departure):</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Print boarding passes if possible. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Synch the iPhone/iPad, close all open apps,</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">turn off notifications, location services, Wi-Fi and bluetooth </span><span class="Apple-style-span">(improves </span>battery life and security). For devices, I always</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> supercede Contacts from my main computer using the Apple Finder window/Info and a USB cable (always check the Replace Contacts box). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">This avoids ending up with duplicate contacts/groups which can take hours to clean up. It also means that I collect new contact info on a notes app when away from home, and then add/update contact info onto the main computer after I return. Also, I verify that</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> all Apple apps are updated </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> that any updated travel list (word/excel), travel docs (.pdf) or new gear manuals (pdf) have been added to my Goodreader app. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Copy Contacts/bookmarks to the laptop</span>: I never use iCloud to synch Contact/bookmarks from my desktop to the laptop because I have a ton of Contact groups and bookmark folders and they get messed up. This means that although I'm signed into iCloud for iTunes Match, all apps in System Preferences/iCloud are left un-√d. Instead, I <span style="color: #3d85c6;">copy my Address Book and bookmarks from my desktop home library</span> (press the option key + Go in the Finder Menu to get to the Library/Applications Support folder where the Address Book folder and Safari folder reside) <span style="color: #3d85c6;">to the laptop's desktop in Target mode or via a flash drive</span>. Then I move the Address Book/bookmarks to the laptop's home library (press Replace, not Merge in the pop-up window) which minimizes group/folder duplicates when names are changed. Similarly, iCloud apps on my Apple devices are <span style="color: #3d85c6;">turned off </span>to prevent getting hacked and to avoid duplicate contacts/group fiascos. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Before packing the laptop: turn off Airport wireless/bluetooth </span>to save battery life and increase security. Also, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">verify that file sharing is off </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> that NordVPN and Apple firewall are on </span>(under Systems Preferences) because they have a mysterious way of flipping on/off.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Finally, it's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> game over and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">time to rock and roll. </span></i></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Upon arrival at the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">first international destination</span> (i.e., a layover),<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><i style="color: #3d85c6;">turn off data roaming. </i>Also,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">reset usage </span>which starts the clock for AT&T's 30 Day Passport Plan<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <i>and </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>turn on Airplane mode</i> </span>to stop cellular towers from pinging the phone which drains batteries.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>
Back in the Saddle Again:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">First things first - catch up on zzzz's.</span><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>The more I sleep on Day One (aka my lights out marathon, a minimum of 14 hours), the faster it is to adjust to the 10 - 12 hour time zone difference.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Next up - back up all images 2x or more. </span> See "Backing Up for the Long Haul - My Workflow and Storage Devices" below for more info. The ugly truth is that protecting images for the long term takes time and effort. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Document travel related notes </span><i>while they are still top of mind</i> - what worked and what didn't, etc.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Inventory travel tools/sundries, clean gear and re-order/replenish must haves. If not, action items tend to get dragged out.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Catch up with family and friends - aka <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">show appreciation to those who tolerate and support our photography obsession.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Send cameras in</span> to Canon CPS repair for cleaning and AF points calibration. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Store external drives/gear off site in secure, climate controlled facilities.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, the creative mind is clear to focus on images. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Lightroom Library:</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Several friends asked me how I manage libraries</span> - one per trip or one per year? </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I prefer to create a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">new Lightroom library for each trip and keep it together with the raw folders </span>initially on my laptop, then the desktop while editing images, and then when they're moved with the raw files to external back-up drives. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After editing out the losers, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">make a collection of my "best ofs" from the trip. </span>This best of collection could be 200 - 500 strong, and I work off of standard or 1:1 previews. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">much as I like to get things done and move on, <i>I </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>never rush this process.</i> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I'll look at images on the flight/s home to get a sense of my favorites by doing a quick & dirty collection. But, the real ranking and decision making is after everything is unpacked and put away, after I'm caught up on emails and other tasks, and I'm in a rested state. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before I begin, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">make sure that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">monitors are properly calibrated</span>. I had been using Spyder pucks with ColorEyes software for ions but switched to X-rite's <a href="http://www.xrite.com/categories/calibration-profiling/i1display-pro"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">i1 Display Pro</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> .</span> It took several tries to get the profile to my liking, but I settled on D65, luminance @120, V2/matrix, native contrast, flare/ADC on. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I use</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Razer gaming mice</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">(</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.razerzone.com/gaming-mice/razer-diamondback"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Diamondbacks</span></a> and DeathAdders) because they're lightning fast for editing along with a Medium <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wacom Intuos Pro </span>and <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Apple </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Magic Mouse</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 2</span> (for fast/accelerated scrolling using my left hand). To help me maintain good posture, I use a <a href="https://www.ergopro.com/Webble-Active-Footrest-p/fr-webble.htm"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Webble Active footrest</span></a>.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">addition to tagging the Best of's, I develop the story that I want to tell</span> which helps me to get to the short list. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">goal is to develop the best portfolio out there</span> on my favorite subjects, and to have a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">consistent style that is unique to me. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Next, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">start making sub-collections.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">At this stage,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> I work off of 1:1 previews </span>to increase the speed of analyzing images. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I also crop and address white balance </span>to insure that grouped images hang together properly. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">routinely select all </span>(Command + A on the Mac) and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">save metadata </span>(Command +S) to the files along the way even though I already set my preferences to do so. And, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">back up my LR catalog each night.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">With sub-collections, I can easily duplicate a WIP gallery</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">change the order of images to see which body of work is stronger.</span> If I need to fill in a storyboard, I just grab the appropriate image out of the master "best of" collection. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">For me, having one huge library takes too much time to keep all of the links valid, i.e., they break as soon as you move raw folders from laptop to desktop to back-up drives, etc.</span> Also, I feel that there's <span class="Apple-style-span">less risk of corruption when smaller libraries are upgraded to newer versions of LR and future operating systems. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Lightroom Adjustments:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unlike most, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">use Lightroom to prep images for editing in Photoshop</span> as opposed to using Lightroom for eliminating work in Photoshop. That's because I still feel that Photoshop does a better job with tonal correction; i.e., it allows me to be more precise when using channels/masking (important for preserving tonal gradation and wrap around light). And, using layers saves a lot of time when images need to be tweaked. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I start by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">purify colors</span> using the white balance dropper and then <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">warm things up just a tad.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Next, I adjust<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> exposure, highlights, shadow and white sliders.</span> My preference is to use tonality to separate subjects from the background as opposed to color balance aka it's more natural. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">do a gentle dose of clarity</span> (< 10) to add mid-tone contrast and dehaze, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">followed by a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">gentle tone curve</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (+5 lights -5 darks as a starting point) and a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">contrast adjustment </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> needed.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Then, I fine-tune </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">black, white and shadow sliders. </span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Note: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">clarity darkens the shadows in addition to mid-tones. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">s a result, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">images</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> tend to be more muddy and require more attention than before.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If I still have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">problems with hot spots,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> adjust the highlight slider </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in curves.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't mess with colors except for a little <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">vibrance</span> ('tween 7-10) and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">saturation </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(-/+ 5).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>stand down and evaluate.</i> </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before I export into Photoshop, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">turn off </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sharpening</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">bump up luminous noise </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">2 - 6 </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> for images shot between ISO 400 and 6,400. That's because I prefer doing selective input sharpening in Photoshop after doing a NoiseWare layer (more precise using masks). </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Once I have the look that I want, I insure that all images in a given gallery have similar treatment for consistency.</span></span></li></ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Photoshop CC Approach:</b></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My <span style="color: #3d85c6;">editing technique is old school - using Channels in Photoshop - to preserve as much 3 dimensional tonality from nice glass and the original file</span> as possible. That's because whenever I evaluate 3rd party plugins/filters, edited files may look sharp/vibrant at first glance; but, they often have a 2 dimensional look - aka flat or cookie cutter-like - IMHO. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Basically, I use the creative seeing approach that Katrin Eismann taught us many moons ago and it's how my brain sees, analyzes and fixes <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">only what's important</span>. This means <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">optimizing the main focus</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">de-optimizing un-important areas along with other distractions. </span> I aim for a clean, natural, 3 dimensional and consistent look. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">90% of my time goes to making a precise input sharpening mask (green channel) </span>which I modify/re-use for output sharpening as well. I also re-use the mask for curves and color adjustment layers when needed, again on a given channel. Masking out unimportant areas using channel on a curve layer takes time too; but, the end results make a difference in my belief.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The only plug-in that I use is Noiseware. I bought all of the Nik filters but never embraced them. With highly touted plug-ins like MacPhun and Topaz, I always test them to make sure that I'm not leaving something on the table. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Editing for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">large prints take a lot more time</span> because every little distraction shows up big time. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before I get too far along on a project, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">always evaluate images on different monitors and laptops - including, some that aren't calibrated aka the real world </span>- which saves time in the long run. You'd be surprised with monitor variances with regards to warmth, color casts, white points and shadows (can look muddy). In addition, I try not over-sharpening because to me, it's distracting.</span></li></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Focus on the So-What's:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Editing tools evolve and change</span> <span class="Apple-style-span">but </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">your vision and execution is what really matters. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's important to <span style="color: #3d85c6;">think through</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> what you are trying to communicate</span> and how you're going to grab the viewer's attention and heart <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">before touching any sliders or palettes. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Before starting to edit, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">articulate what needs to be done and why? </span> This is the Katrin mantra that was drilled into my head when I first started. For example, not every image needs to be sharpened (especially globally); and, it's important to watch for sharpening artifacts along dark/light edges, whiskers and leaves, etc. I strive to avoid that crunchy look that you normally get with plug-ins and off the shelf actions. Note: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">if you want to emphasize something, consider de-emphasizing the inverse;</span> i.e., desaturating, toning down or blurring the background. Also, I avoid over-saturating or doing color balance adjustments on just the subject/s which looks unnatural to me. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What rules for me is<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> maximizing tonality. </span>That's what maintains that three dimensional look and <span style="color: #3d85c6;">why I use </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">channels </span><span class="Apple-style-span">to accomplish this goal</span>. <i>Using plug-ins/filters may be faster, but masking areas with a hard/soft brush - @10 - 100% opacity - doesn't preserve the way <span class="Apple-style-span">light wraps/falls off a subject.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> Just saying.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Studying black and white classics helps with developing tonality seeing abilities; i.e., I always refer to my Arnold Newman books because his compositions always tell a mesmerizing story. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">many ways to tackle objectives</span> - the 30 second, 3 minute, 30 minute or 3 hour approach (again ala Katrin) - and <span class="Apple-style-span">each approach has it's plus and minuses. So, pick your battles </span>and invest your time where it really counts. For me, my effort is focused on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> making a good sharpening mask and getting rid of color cast/noise</span> without ruining the mood of the lighting or flattening out wrap around light that I worked so hard to achieve while shooting. I also tone down distracting specular highlights (because the eye is drawn to light tones). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">If you learn things the hard way first, you'll be able to judge the effectiveness of easier methods</span> (i.e., advancements in raw converters and plugs-in); and, you'll <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">end up with more consistency in your work</span>. That's why, I like to understand what's underneath the engine - exactly what the Photoshop tools and Lightroom sliders are doing (the so-what's) - so that I can <span class="Apple-style-span">minimize overlapping, conflicting and negating effects. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Sharpening: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">only sharpen what's important. Also, make sure that your <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">eyeglasses, if needed, are dead-on accurate. </span>I can't comment on sharpening plug-ins because I never use them.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I find it invaluable to take my time when working with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">new versions of Lightroom and Photoshop </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">as often, the slider algorithms can change dramatically. </span></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The following folks are excellent at explaining </span>what's important and how to tackle different objectives: </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> If you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">want to learn/understand </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">what's happening underneath the engine while performing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Lightroom/Photoshop </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">tasks</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> - </span>while avoiding the pitfalls like crunchy edges, halos and garish colors - then Tim Grey at <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.timgreyphoto.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">timgreyphoto</span></a> </span>is the go-to guy. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you want to better understand <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">retouching, masking, channels and creative seeing</span>, pick up some<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://www.misicka.com/websites/photoshop%20diva/resume.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Katrin Eismann</span></a></span> books.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you want to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">improve tonality skills -</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">seeing, optimizing and printing fine art ala Ansel Adams </span>- then sign up for a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.charlescramer.com/index20.php?Category=all"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Charlie Cramer</span></a> </span>workshop. Charlie studied under Ansel and teaches at the Ansel Gallery workshop in Yosemite. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can also learn all about lighting from <a href="https://brucedorn.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Bruce Dorn</span></a>, a Canon Explorer of Light. Everything he does has timeless beauty and he helps you to think outside of the box. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Note: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">none of these skills are learned overnight, or even in a year.</span> Mastering these skills is a multi-year commitment and is no different than achieving excellence in your professional field or with other hobbies. </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Don't Rush but Don't Get Backlogged</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Don't blast through selecting and editing images, only to conclude "what was I thinking?" down the road. You'll find yourself re-doing edits over and over because your brain knows when something is amiss. </span><span>OTOH don't get backlogged and leave images sitting trip after trip. That's because some of the emotion and reasons that you took the images in the first place get lost over time. In addition, it'll feel more like work as opposed to fun the longer you procrastinate. Been there, done that. </span></span></li></ul></div><div><ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chris</span><br />
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Chris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294257914547938081.post-52870821347123732142023-11-30T07:43:00.000-10:002024-01-03T15:25:57.813-10:00Avoiding International Air Travel Grief <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Traveling internationally with a ton of gear is a hassle and stressful. It takes a lot of thought and preparation as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">every airline and airport has it's own rules and nuances</span>. Here are some of my lessons learned. Also, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">learn more under</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Chris' Packing, Travel and Image Storage Tactics</span> by scrolling to the bottom of this document.</span><br /><br /><ul>
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<b style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees</span></b><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span><i style="color: #3d85c6;">Charge in the local currency, not USD,</i><span> to avoid added merchant fees independent of credit cards without Int'l fees.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">U.S. Global Entry, TSA Preê or Mobile Passport App:</span></b><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pply for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-pre%E2%9C%93%E2%84%A2"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">TSA Pre√</span></a> </span>and verify that your Trusted Traverlers' number is added to your airline profile <i>and actual reservation</i>. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Get </span><a href="http://www.globalentry.gov/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">U.S. Global Entry</span></a></span> for $100 and good for 5years. Chase and Delta credit cards will offset some of the cost. In Oct. 2017, the GOES log-in system was superseded by the new <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP)</span></a> </span>log-in system and you need to set-up a new password for your PASSID #. There's also an option to bypass kiosks lines with the <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mobile Passport Control app</span></a> .</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Note: scanners are sensitive to lotions and dry skin make it harder for scanners to read fingerprints. So, agents suggest that you rub fingers on your forehead/neck to lubricate with natural oil.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">R</span>egister for <a href="https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">This replaces the U.S. embassy registration process which<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> helps for emergencies.</span></span></span></li>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Checking In and Packing Lighter with Less Plastic/Ziplocks:</span></b><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Avoid lost luggage issues by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">double checking</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">your luggage tag's final destination </span><i>before </i>agents take your bag.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Once your bag disappears on the belt, it's tough to get tags corrected with certainty. Also, b</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">ar codes on </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">boarding passes can be scanned</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">, so keep them secure and and shred them after returning home.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Delta Gold SkyMiles and United Platinum cards help to get you in the first boarding groups.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">See-through mesh zippered pouches</span> are great for keeping things organized and reducing weight. Plus, they<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> make it easier for security agents </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">to see what you're carrying without messing up your packing system</span></span>. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.walkerbags.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Walker Bags</span></a> </span>have the best quality/sizes but amazon has less pricey knock offs.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">reducing travel weight is essential,</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I use Eagle Creek's 1 oz.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.eaglecreek.com/shop/SearchDisplay?sType=SimpleSearch&catalogId=20001&searchSource=Q&beginIndex=0&storeId=7901&langId=-1&searchTerm=specter"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Specter cubes and sacs</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span></span></span>and eBags'<span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/ultralight-packing-cubes-super-packer-5pc-set/309406?productid=10408193&cartItemId=4"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ultralight cubes</span></a></span><span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">. </span><span style="color: black;">W</span><span style="color: black;">hen I can't take plastic bags/ziplocks into a country (i.e., Tanzania), I use</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GFBSHZQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" style="color: #3d85c6;">light reusable folding shopping bags</a> </span><span>to protect bottles from leaking.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I also double up eyeglasses</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">in a </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/846255/suncloud-trekker-sunglass-case"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Sun Cloud Trekker</span></a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">case using cloth sleeves as protectors and use plastic see-through cases.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Protect your overhead space/gear:</span> early boarding is great for getting overhead space by your seat; but, watch for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">rude folks who try to jam heavy items on top of your camera bag</span> and/or move them without your knowledge.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Smaller Aisles and Rows Mean More Liquid Hazards</b></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">If electronics are splashed</span>, they <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">can die days after</span> the occurrence from moisture slowly seeping inside. If this happens, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">turn electronics off immediately</span> and try to draw any moisture out with desiccants/rice after landing. </span></li>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hack Pickpockets and Gear Snatchers</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;">Pickpockets and gear snatching has going worse. It happens in the blink of an eye, especially when nicely dressed thieves work in teams; i.e., see Will Smith's 2015 movie called Focus. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;">So always look and stay alert, dress indiscreet and </span><span style="color: #222222;"><i>never fumble with wallets. </i>That's why I use a quick/easy decoy wallet (a RFID</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.thinking.fi/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Thin King</span></a></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> card holder for a driver's licenses/2 cards).</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"> Other cards/cash are stashed in a slim RFID </span><a href="https://www.ridgewallet.com/collections/aluminum/products/aluminum-rose-gold"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ridge wallet</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"> or mesh pouch which are hidden</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">in a</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"> cargo pocket or calf wallet. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"> I also add Nite Ize </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-S-Biner-Polycarbonate-Stainless/dp/B00BKVPTVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471662951&sr=8-1&keywords=nite+ize+S+biner+microlocks" style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">MicroLock carabiners </span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;">to secure purse zippers.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;">Don't dress like a photographer and </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">keep an eye on </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">overhead bags</span><span style="color: #222222;"> (I keep mine locked and carabiner a small pouch to the outside for cables/sundries</span><span style="color: #222222;">) </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;">as </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://petapixel.com/2017/05/12/photographer-loses-20000-gear-airplane-carry-taken/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">gear does get ripped off</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222;">With stricter carry-on limits, photo accessories go into checked luggage and it's always stressful because friends have had items stolen; i.e., see this </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rrKOI2I1P4" style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">CNN video</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">of baggage handlers riffling through bags</span><span style="color: #222222;">; including, inside luggage bays on airplanes. </span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">For expensive and critical items - i.e., monopod heads, gimbals, chargers and flashes - I lock them inside my daypack (ThinkTank Glass Taxi/Limo) and then cover the bag with an ultra light dry sack secured with straps with hope that lazy security agents or baggage thieves won't bother. </span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Avoid Gate/Valet Checking </b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">After seeing employees drop/toss bags down chutes many times <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://petapixel.com/2014/04/19/video-air-canada-baggage-handlers-will-make-think-twice-gate-checking-gear/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">like this</span></a> </span>and hearing first hand report of bags roughly stuffed into cargo holds, I never valet check my camera bag. Videos <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://petapixel.com/2015/04/15/this-is-why-you-shouldnt-check-your-camera-gear-in-when-flying/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">like this</span></a> </span><span>might change your mind as well.</span> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Airline, Airport and Bush Plane Tidbits</b></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Re-v</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">erify carry-on/baggage weight rules for every airline segment being flown before departing. </span>And always have a worst case back-up plan in case your airline reduces the # of allowed carry-on bags on the day of departure. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If flying <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">KLM to Amsterdam</span>,<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> you go through security upon arrival and departure; and, some days, they require </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">all cameras/lenses out.</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span> When I fly from SFO to Arusha in TZ via AMS, I have a long layover, 20 hrs, so I stay overnight at the Sheraton Hotel (a 2 minute walk off the Arrivals lobby). Departing is a little convoluted, so I return to the Arrival lobby 3.25 hours beforehand and go up one level to the departure check-in kiosks (escalators/elevators are to the right). That's because there's often a long line to use the self-check-in kiosks followed by another long line to self-weigh bags. If you're instructed to see <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;">an agent after the weigh in, go directly to the service desk as opposed to waiting in line again. </span></span>Next, go to bag drop off and then to security and Customs (another level up) before going back down again to your gate (typically E/F). Starting early beats the crowd aka waiting lines and allows time for Starbucks and/or shopping. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Note: getting a Gold Delta SkyMiles/AMEX card gives you priority boarding. And, if you buy air tickets from Delta, you can only reserve Comfort Plus seats for the legs that Delta doesn't fly 30 days in advance which is why I buy my tickets directly from KLM. Also,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> when booking on KLM, you need to call to have your TSA Pre-√ # added to the reservation. </span><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a </span><a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/campaigns/dal/brand?currency=USD&sourcecode=PXUSAENBRANDS&gclid=CPz124bRxdMCFRJqfgodbv0NEg#"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Priority Pass </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">card, there are lounges in Terminal 1 and 3. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Carry-on Bag Hassles: </span> Some United Star Alliance Partners are <span class="Apple-style-span">ridiculously callous regarding carry-on; </span><span class="Apple-style-span">i.e., allowing only</span><span> one personal item on some days and/or being painfully strict on weight; i.e., </span>Asiana/Lufthansa. KLM can be strict/ruthless as well and I've seen Calm Air even weigh jackets. The success of photographer boarding tactics gets worse each year, so<i> it's</i> <i>best to <span style="color: #3d85c6;">streamline to the max - ounce by ounce</span>. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Boarding Area/Carry-on Tactics Rule #1: Look compact, nibble, lightweight and groomed. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is easier said than done if you're height challenged like me. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a result, w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hen selecting backpacks for my personal item, I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> look for bags that are narrower than my 5'1" 115 lb frame </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so that agents don't notice my load; i.e., for photo trips I use a 1.5 lb. Arc'teryx Sebring 18L or 26L Mantis vs. my normal Tumi Colina tote. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My lightest camera bag is the GuraGear Bataflae 26L (sans straps/on a cart) but my fav is the ThinkTank Advantage XL in gray which is discreet. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also dress monochromatic and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">never wear a photo vest.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Lastly, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">avoid</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> standing next to folks with oversized bags or tons of stuff </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">because that calls attention to gate agents as well. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">All of my bags are listed in the section below </span>"Putting Travel Bags on a Diet - Ounce by Ounce."</span></li>
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</ul>
<ul></ul>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Boarding: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Star Alliance Gold/Platinum card</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">, </span>keep it handy to get into the better airport lounges and/or to board with the first group. The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Delta SkyMiles Gold AMEX</span> card gives you early boarding as well.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Connecting Flights </span>(Especially When Small Planes are Involved - Int'l or domestic): </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">always plan <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">extra travel days in case of bad weather flight cancellations or for luggage delays.</span> That's because Alaskan/African/Indian commuter flights and tundra trains aren't always scheduled on a daily basis. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Germany: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">llow for extra time</span> getting through large airport terminals and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">multiple security/passport lines </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>upon arrival and departure</i> </span><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">even when connecting</span></i>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> In Frankfurt, it takes about 45 minutes to get from Terminal 1, pier B lounges to pier A/Z gates. If you arrive in a pier A gate and depart in a pier Z gate (same area, different levels), you still have to walk to the center of the spoke and go through passport control before going upstairs and then walking back out to the gates (>45 min. depending on where you are in the passport line queue. Note: to board a Z gate plane, you need to walk down a set of stairs. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">If you want to go to the main restaurant/shopping arcade</span> (pier B), you need to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">allow time to go through two securities; </span>i.e., to enter pier B and again when re-entering pier A/Z. And sometimes, the airport makes you go through a <i>bogus </i>A to Z route so that they can hustle pier A to B/C passengers (a longer distance) through passport/security more quickly. And if you are flying SAA, passengers line up at the gate 30 minutes or more <i>before</i> boarding time. In the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Frankfurt Lufthansa Senator lounge,</span> many of the floor plugs by the comfy leather chairs are broken, so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">carry an extender</span> in case you need to share with other passengers. Also, if you're flying coach and thinking about boarding from a 2nd level Senator lounge, don't do it as you'll be entering from the back of the aircraft aka against the flow of traffic. Lastly, some of </span><span style="font-size: large;">Lufthansa's gates in Frankfurt have self-scanners, so boarding has been reduced to </span><span style="font-size: large;">30 - 40 minutes prior to departure (good news if you have a short layover). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">South Africa: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Arriving in Johannesburg:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Airport/hotel porters and van drivers are happy with dollar bills; and many bush camps accept U.S dollars/credit cards. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">o, check before leaving home. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> If you only need a small amount of rand (i.e., 60 rand per checked bag for shrink wrapping when you leave the country, refreshments and server tips), the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ATM's are located in the Domestic terminal on the left hand side </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(on the opposite side of the main lobby). If you need more rand, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the currency exchange kiosks are located in the baggage area and to the left before you enter the main lobby. The minimum exchange fee was $25 the last I checked which is why I use the Bank of Barclay ATM. Note: I've always tipped game drive rangers in U.S. dollars using a mix of $50/20/10/5 new'ish bills. Avoid carrying $100 bills to 3rd world countries because they're more concerned with counterfeit issues; especially at hotels. If you need sundry items/adapters, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">stores are located in the Domestic terminal </span>(a short walking distance). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>A <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">nice and reasonably priced hotel </span>near the airport is the Protea Hotel. The Sun Inter-Continental is excellent and right across the street; but, the rates are 3x more. Catch the Protea shuttle across the street from Terminal A which is where International flights arrive. Walk down the pathway between the the parking garage and the Sun Inter-Continental Hotel and head towards the back. Shuttles leave every half hour. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Vat refunds l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">eaving Johannesburg on international flights:</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can only get a VAT refund if you show an official your purchases on the first level of the airport. This means that you need to get a form stamped before you get your luggage shrink-wrapped and before you check-in your luggage with your airlines. After going through security on the 2nd level, you then have to process the refund voucher. Next, you go to a nearby bank kiosk to get your cash. Note that refunds are in rand. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Flying on South African Airlines</span>: check in for flights is in Terminal B. Then, take the elevator one level up to get through security (laptops out, not liquids). At the gates, there are no orderly coach/business class lines or any orderly process at the boarding gate. Once it's time to board, it's a no holds bar stampede. So, be ready. Pay attention to flight announcements so that you hear them, especially the one that says to cover your face/nose before flight attendants walk down the isle and spray the cabin with bug spray. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Flying on smaller bush planes </span>(i.e., Federal Air) means dealing with extremely strict weight limits of 44 lbs. for total bag weight. So, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">bite the bullet and purchase a 2nd seat to avoid travel grief. </span> Note: With the extra seat, you <i>still need to get permission</i> in advance to carry your gear into the cabin. The Federal Air kiosk is located between the parking garage structure and the Sun Intercontinental Hotel, in the back (across from Terminal A). Arrive an hour before departure as flight times change on a dime's notice. If you are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">departing on Lufthansa or United, </span>the check-in counter is #101 and all the way to the left side of the cavernous multi-airlines check in counters. Of course, they always drop you off at counter #1. Once through security, Lufthansa/United co-share lounges with South African Airlines and the Senator lounge is very nice. Note for the ladies: there are only 3 stalls for the entire large Senator lounge which means that the queue can get long right before boarding times. So if you need more timing for changing clothes, etc., don't wait to the last minute. In addition, Lufthansa lets you check-in several hours before departure (i.e., 5 hours plus) as opposed to South African Airlines. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Reduce lost luggage risks by allowing at least 3 hours or more for connections.</span> </span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If your luggage isn't with you at the start of a safari, it might not show up for days, if at all.</span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Botswana: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've learned (the hard way) to check-in early when leaving Johannesburg for Maun on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Air Botswana.</span> That's because <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">luggage doesn't always get on board</span>. And, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">because camp:camp bush planes aren't daily, you may have to charter a plane to deliver your bags before you leave for another camp aka expensive.</span> If not, there's a real risk that your luggage won't catch up with you until the end of a safari. Also, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pay attention to the muffled flight announcements</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">cover your face/nose</span> before the flight attendants walk down the aisles spraying <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">nasty pesticides!</span></span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">African bush planes: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">some planes are only 4 seaters, which means that the cargo hold is proportionately small. If you don't heed by the rules of using soft duffels, your luggage or long lens case </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">may not fit in the cargo bay</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. Since weight limits are very lean/strict at 20kg or 44 lbs. - and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">everything is weighed for safety purposes - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">now is the time to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> radically pare down</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">; i.e., see my Putting Gear on a Diet - Ounce by Ounce below. Don't make the assumption that because you're petite that you can get away with more luggage. That's because <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">weight is averaged out (and the "planning average" is less than the "actual average" of most Americans)</span>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Plus, planes are typically loaded with bush supplies and/or luggage catching up from earlier flights. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Don't take the risk of missed luggage </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">because it's a headache. As mentioned, I always buy an extra seat, use my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">lightest duffel - Kinesis </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">@ 2.2 lbs. or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Eagle Creek No Matter What rolling duffel</span> @ 3.4 lbs. (no telescope handle/wobbly wheels) even though my fav is the No Matter What Flatbed duffel @8.7 lbs. Plus, I take a pared down photo backpack @ 3.7 lbs, and a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">no frills tote/brief/backpack </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to and from the Int'l airport and in between camps. </span></li>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Canada: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Flying on Calm Air from Winnipeg to Churchill can be a risk for checked bag #2, unless you're willing to pay an extra fee for guaranteed freight, or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">fly in on an earlier flight.</span> If you want to reduce major stress, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">read the <a href="http://www.calmair.com/carry_on.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">carry on rules and luggage weight limits carefully</span>.</a></span> Some agents follow these rules to a tee and some are more lenient with Canadians. Wear a jacket with large pockets to hide some of your weight; but, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">don't look overstuffed </span>or else agents will weigh your jacket as well. Personally, I only put small, dense items in my jacket, like batteries and portable drives along with eyeglasses and other flat items. On this flight, I p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">are down to the absolute minimum as described in more details under </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Small Plane Tactics </span>under the Putting Photo Gear on a Diet section below. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Depending on your total weight (carry-on plus checked luggage), overweight fees can range from $25 - $300, and hundreds more if checked as guaranteed freight. </span></li></ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Airport lounges: check online airport maps</span> before departing to identify the most convenient lounges as airport personnel don't always give you the right advice. And since floor outlets near comfy lounge chairs don't always work or are occupied, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">carry a plug extender</span> in case you need to share with other passengers.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Be Ready for the Next, Next Leg and 3rd World Tactics</b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Going on international photo trips </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">means lots of adjustments and tweaking</span>; i.e., for airlines with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> different carry-on rules,</span> planes with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> different storage space</span>, airports with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">different security measures</span>, lodges/camps with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">different amenities</span>; and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> vehicles</span> (bush planes, buses, trains and jeeps) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">with different configurations. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The goal is to be</span><span style="font-size: large;"> as<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> efficient as possible without gotchas </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">along the way.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's takes an effort to pack organizers/bags in a manner that's easy to shift gears - in route and between hotels/camps - so that <span style="color: #3d85c6;">things are in the right place at the right time </span>without have to rummage around. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My tactic is to work with a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Packing and Workflow list that's tailored by trip</span>. I mentally walk through how I'm going to carry things on the next travel leg, identify where things need to go, and make reminders for important action items (i.e., getting local cash, checking luggage status, and swapping out adapters, etc.). That's because <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">sleeping aids, lack of rest and jet lag can easily fog the brain. </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Important sundry items/adapters are redundant</span> so that there's no need to move items between bags (carry on, day bags and toileties)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">. </span> I also <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pre-pack items in separate mesh pouches</span> so that I can utilize a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pick & pack approach; </span>i.e., the travel home outfit, rain kit and game drive kit, etc. And, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">all important travel docs/references are </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">stored in my laptop/iPhone/iPad - plus, a notebook. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since travel <span style="color: #3d85c6;">connections can be tight</span> if flights are delayed, it's important to<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i> be organized and r</i></span><i style="color: #3d85c6;">eady for the next, next leg; </i>especially, when switching from an international to domestic flight or to a small airplane.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">traveling to 3rd world countries,</span> there's a much higher risk of travel interruptions and it's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">easier to address problems if you're prepared</span>; i.e., having <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">all local telephone #'s handy (airlines, hotels, credit cards/banks and embassies) for each country </span>that you're visiting. Since cell service may not be available and/or wireless is often slow, have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">important travel resources bookmarked and copied</span> into an Emergency Contacts file (i.e., how to get a hold of AMEX Global Assist). You'd be surprised as to how hard it is to hunt for customer service numbers when you need it. When important telephone/policy numbers are<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> written down</span>, you're more efficient when using public computers or asking for assistance. And since companies are always enhancing security measures, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">know your answers to security questions.</span> Researching hotel options and airline lounge hours in case of emergencies before departure is also valuable. Lastly,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I always <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pack a few tees/undies, a shower kit and a mini sundry/</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">cosmetic/first aid kit <i>in carry on</i> </span>in case of major luggage delays or longer than expected airport layovers. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Tips for First Timers to India:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you're<span class="Apple-style-span"> traveling out of the Delhi International </span>Airport or flying domestically within India, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">radically p<span class="Apple-style-span">rune your carry-on bags down to the bare minimum</span> before entering the security line. </span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If not, security will examine every inch of the bag with a fine tooth comb and it could take 30 minutes or more for every pocket and pouch to be opened and/or emptied out. Make certain that every tool, including simple L wrenches, and non critical items are banned to checked luggage. Even though I follow my mantra, I've still <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">had to remove camera and lenses </span></i>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>put them in a flimsy plastic bin for re-X-raying</i></span>. Good grief! And, make sure that everyone in the group is on the same page because one delay is a delay for all. </span></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Re-think what you pack</i>.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> At domestic airports, they also do a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">pre-screening X-rays scan on checked luggage, like Hawaii, except you have to take everything out if they have concerns.</span> On my last visit, my Gitzo monopod was scrutinized because of the rubber grip and my<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=259157&Q=&is=REG&A=details"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> dust air</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> blower</span></a> really gave them grief. </span>So, only pack your must-haves.</li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i>Re-think how you pack</i>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Unfortunately, the dust blower was packed inside a day bag buried at the bottom of my duffel (a pain to remove with foot traffic all around).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span> So now, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">always put the blower inside a baggie at the top of my duffel</span> with a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> friendly note/photo explaining it's purpose. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Don't use rolling camera bags for carry-on</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;">unless you're willing to risk your bag getting snatched away as checked luggage. Also, be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">careful when selecting airlines if your carry-on is overweight </span>as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> foreign <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">airlines can be very rigid.</span> On my last visit, I used a small ThinkTank Acceleration backpack with a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">removable</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Samsonite luggage cart (same carry on as the previous year, same airline, same route). I never had trouble with Asiana before. But on this trip, I got serious grief departing and returning - in Biz Class! A supervisor physically yanked the camera bag out of my hands and placed it onto the conveyor belt as I gasped in disbelief. The fact that my gear was fragile and cost a small fortune did not faze him. I managed to keep my bag by a quarter of a thread; but, my travel buddies did not fare as well. So, be warned.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Make a pack with buddies to watch over each other's gear before/ after the security X-ray machine. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With everyone having their own security hurtles and hassles, it's easy for things to fall between the cracks. Unlike the U.S./Canada, you are<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> not allowed to hang back and watch your valuables disappear into the X-ray machine. </span>To add insult to injury, females are segregated and moved to another line - up to 3 lanes away - in order to get patted down in a closed curtain booth. In the meantime, more folks are cutting into your original X-ray line. So by the time you get back to your belongings, items are separated and/or buried under a pile of other travelers' stuff. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> So, plan accordingly and be on top of your mental game. </span></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Remove all tools and extra stuff including lipsticks:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A friend who just returned from another wildlife trip inadvertently left a small pair of personal scissors in a pouch. Even though they were readily found, every other pouch had to be opened up and examined as well. Ditto for a guy friend with a small L wrench and searches can take up to 30 minutes per person! </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Think twice before checking expensive lenses in baggage:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span> If you're a risk taker and check your lenses internationally, be warned that you might not be able to get your long telephoto lenses into the country. A buddy had his 400/2.8 lens detained by Indian customs. His only saving grace was that the lens was registered with the U.S. Customs Dept. and he had his original U.S. Customs stamped paperwork on his possession (plus it required some ransom/bribery cash). It</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> took over 4 hours of multiple meetings and tons of paperwork to get the lens released. </span></li>
<li>Note: here's <a href="https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/368/~/registering-equipment,-computer,-camera,-laptops,-etc.-prior-to-traveling"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">where/how to get your gear registered with U.S. Customs</span></a>. As an alternative to the online form, friends keep their travel inventory on a word document and then get it stamped by a Customers officer at the airport. Yes, you must bring in your gear as well. </li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">When traveling to India, you are not allowed to take rupees in or out of the country. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I try to carry cash for small items in order to avoid credit card ID theft and because finding a working/secure ATM machine can be your worst nightmare - <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I highly recommend that you exchange your currency at the airport upon arrival</span> </i>for all service/game drive tips, laundry, drinks/water, luggage fees, spending money and emergency cash, even if you arrive in the middle of the night. That's because money exchangers in town don't stock small bills, especially if you arrive on a weekend. Also, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">save your money exchange receipt</span> because you will need it for changing your rupees back to USD when leaving the country. </span>Be prepared to lose around 8% on the dollar - the exchange cost in both directions. </li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Ask for smaller bills from the get-go: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> It's difficult to find and change larger 1,000 rupees for smaller 100 and 50 rupees which you will need for tips and miscellaneous purchases. Your <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">best bet is buy $100 packs of 100 and/or 500 rupees when exchanging your money upon arrival at the airport.</span></span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Best way to carry a wad: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">$20 U.S. dollars equals 1,000 rupees. So, a wad of 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rupees for a 3 week visit will be heavy and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">several inches thick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. It's not easy to be discreet or comfortable carrying this much cash. I found that the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">most comfortable way of carrying a wad of rupees is to use 1 - 2 lightweight nylon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> ankle/calf wallets</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>which eliminates ch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">est lumps and/or a bulging tummy. My favorite REI calf wallet has been discontinued but there are similar options on amazon.</span></li></span></span></ul>
Chris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294257914547938081.post-65972905121357648082023-10-01T17:52:00.001-10:002024-01-03T16:08:14.238-10:00Check Your Screws and Other Gotchas <div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Traveling is extremely hard on photo and computer gear. There’s vibration from airplanes, rolling camera bags and luggage carts. </span>And, i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">f you don't pack properly and/or get forced to check your camera bag, you run the risk of baggage handlers tossing your bags down luggage chutes or onto conveyor belts, and then jamming them into any free cargo hold space (aka on the side of heavy suitcases where things can shift in flight - ouch). If you're too trusting and hand your luggage over to hotel porters, you run the risk of fragile gear being placed at the bottom of a stack of duffel/suitcases; or, on top of the pile where it's sure to topple to the floor when entering elevators. Plus if you're a wildlife photographer, there's the weeks on end of driving around on unpaved bumpy roads and dried up river beds littered with potholes, not to mention the sudden stops from yee-haw maverick drivers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">As a result, screws get loose or stuck, cameras disengage from lenses - and gear becomes inoperable or cumbersome to use. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Worst case, the image that you thought was sharp is in reality a "what was I thinking shot?" when viewed on a large monitor in decent light. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwQUSy3M0sT1wlGvvsTIDgYhhVQKOvM4S66CY2YBx8B4KwdaMwRMYaENqE0hDXpE6d-ZEQ3SVY9Lkoi-qZ2Jd_ntpp8RJc11ofK_edQisff9xhjc8APDX_LOKIMLbkLIzWIArHTgTZqk/s1600/Leopard3012B-Jul14,2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwQUSy3M0sT1wlGvvsTIDgYhhVQKOvM4S66CY2YBx8B4KwdaMwRMYaENqE0hDXpE6d-ZEQ3SVY9Lkoi-qZ2Jd_ntpp8RJc11ofK_edQisff9xhjc8APDX_LOKIMLbkLIzWIArHTgTZqk/s640/Leopard3012B-Jul14,2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">A frequent problem: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">one or more screws on the camera lens mount plate gets loose (even if it doesn't appear that way to the naked eye). </span>This results in a camera connection problem (an error code) or metal shavings littering the camera mirror. This is easily fixed by tightening the four screws on the mount. I prefer to check and tighten these screws before a major trip. Why? Because, a slightly loose screw can crack underneath the plate (meaning another trip to Canon service); and, worst yet - cause frustrating error 99's while on a trip aka the camera won't function.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Important: Canon </span>screws use the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Japanese Phillips or JIS standard</i>. </span>Canon screw are not compatible with non-Japanese Phillips screwdrivers and can be stripped if the screw is on tight (has to do with blade angles). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a result, I use Japanese screwdrivers (a handle plus separate blades in size 2.0 and 2.5 made by XPT) which I purchased in 2005 from Curt Fargo at <a href="http://micro-tools.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">micro-tools.com</span></a>. XPT blades are very strong and the removable handle makes it easy to pack in a nylon business card case for lightweight travel. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">icro-tools specializes in fix-it tools - i.e., for camera repair centers including Canon, jewelers/beaders and manufacturers, etc. - so you can find other handy tools on their site as well. Curt no longer carries XPT, so <a href="http://www.micro-tools.com/content/microtools/CustomPages/contact.htm"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">contact him</span></a> to get his latest JIS brand recommendation.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Technically not a screw, but something even more important to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> monitor is the latch that connects your camera body to the lens</span>. When traveling on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">bumpy roads, the camera latch often un-does itself </span>and the camera gets separated from the lens causing various degrees of damage. I've seen everything from cracked LCDs, metal/plastic shavings inside of the mirror box (from banging around inside of lens/camera cases), cameras falling off onto vehicle floors; and cameras falling off onto stone flooring. So, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">c</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">hec</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">k it once, check it twice and check it three times.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> As added measure, I also add Op/Tech (Uni Connecters) aka tethers between the lens and camera.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, how to we mitigate this issue? I'm still looking for a solid answer but have been told that dust getting onto the pin on the latch is part of the cause and that cleaning the pin with a Q-tip could help. Or, p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">erhaps latch pins get bent or weak over time?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> In the meantime, I try to avoid the problem by strapping my gear tightly against the seat and seat back via my dry bag and strap method (see "How to Shoot From a Safari Land Rover" post). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I like the <a href="http://www.blackrapid.com/product/camera-strap/rs-7/" style="color: #3d85c6;">BlackRapid</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">camera sling strap</span> for shorter lenses when doing casual/street photography. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">However, the single mount carabiner screw <i>needs</i> to be checked frequently as it gets loose/comes apart from vibration. As a precaution, I add BlackRapid Lockstar covers to all of my straps. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(61, 133, 198);"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And when I need to be extra safe - i.e., when shooting in water - I add SunwayFoto Arca screw knob clamps. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For super-telephoto lenses, I still prefer having two points of contact and use strong but space saving <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">UP straps</span>. In 2023, I started testing QD compatible lens plates (RRS/Kirk) and QD replacement feet (ProMediaGear) with RRD/Kirk QD quick swivels added to the BlackRapid straps for a Patagonia hiking trip. I had one unsettling disconnect, so I never let go of the lens foot/plate. Plus, I have <span style="color: #3d85c6;">everything tethered together with OpTech and Foto&Tech connectors</span>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Carry spares:</b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>Tiny screws get chewed up easily; i.e., the ones inside Canon's battery chamber covering the small reset battery. Other "might need" screws include: 1) lens plate stop screws (prevents longs lenses from sliding off) and 2) the tripod/monopod bolt. Better safe than sorry. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Recycle</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>:</b></span> if you ever toss an outdated or broken piece of gear - i.e., an off camera flash cord or flash, etc. - save those precious tiny screws, rubber caps and port covers for future emergencies. And, don't forget to recycle straps, dividers, pouches, cords and toggles from retired camera and computer bags. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Just Do it:</b> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A wobbly piece of gear - even a miniscule vibration - could mean a missed home run print (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the image that looked sharp in camera - but wasn't). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, my</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">humble but serious advice</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">is to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">check and tighten every screw in your gear bag</span> -</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">eyeglasses and hard drives included - before you depart. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Preventing Gotchas: </b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Arca-swiss clamps screws get loose, gimbal heads get stuck on tripods and tripods splay to much and crack</span> - and, I witnessed all of this on one group trip. So, tighten before you go and carry your fix-it tools.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Rubber feet tend to fall off of monopods/tripods</span>, so I typically secure them with semi-permanent glue. I like using 4th Generation Designs' <a href="http://stores.4gdphoto.com/-strse-101/Gum-Drops/Detail.bok"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Gum Drops</span></a> because they're one-time use; i.e., I don't have to worry about tubes drying out. Plus, they're travel friendly.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The single bolt that secures the top plate on Gitzo tripods can get loose </span>causing bodies with long telephoto lenses to go crashing to the ground. If you're forgetful about checking the bolt often or adding loctite to the threads, then mitigate potential problems by installing a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Gitzo Safe-Lock plate. </span> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The tripod mount ring on long telephoto lenses can get sticky due to loose internal screws</span>, making it difficult or impossible to rotate the camera. Users can take the ring apart albeit it can by dicey if you don't use the right Japanese phillips tools. Send your lens in for repair when it becomes too cumbersome; or, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=208884"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">just do what this user did.</span></a> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Flashes can become erratic</span> due to hot shoe/off shoe cord screws getting loose (located underneath the plate). I've been able to fix this problem by following this guide <span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.conraderb.com/flashrepair/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">http://www.conraderb.com/flashrepair/.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>To mitigate hot shoe scratches and potential issues, I like using Nikon BS-1 hot shoe covers on my Canon bodies (only $3). This cover also fits the hot shoe on Canon/Panasonic point & shoot cameras as well.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Most bizarre experience</span>: a friend came running to me in distress with a 500mm lens in her arms with the lens mount plate dangling down. One screw had already fallen out and the other 3 screws were hanging by a thread. We were half way around the world; and, fortunately, the repair strike team got the lens back together. A one minute check/tighten could have prevented this potential trip disaster.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Lens latches, lens hood screws and teleconverters</span> are another thing to check before a trip. It's a royal pain to have a teleconverter stuck on camera throughout a trip - not to mention having a long lens fall off a body - or to have a lens hood stuck on a long telephoto when you're ready to fly home. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For emergency fixes in the field,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <i>pack the right wrenches and screwdrivers.</i> </span> This is much </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">easier said then done because:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Each manufacturer uses different screws, bolts, L-wrenches </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">and wrenches </span>(i.e., <a href="http://reallyrightstuff.com/Index.aspx?code=46&key=fr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Really Right Stuff</span></a>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_929076369"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">4</span></a>th </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://stores.4gdphoto.com/StoreFront.bok"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Generation Designs</span></a>, <a href="http://www.tripodhead.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Wimberley</span></a>, <a href="http://www.naturescapes.net/store/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">NatureScapes</span> </a>(Skimmer Ground Pod and risers), <a href="http://www.gitzo.com/category/72038.0.0.0.0/Photo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Gitzo</span></a>, Flexshooter, ProMediaGear and Uniqball, etc. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Every product series has it’s own set of screws</span> (i.e. Gitzo tripods); and</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">A given piece of gear may use different screws</span>; i.e., even if the screws look the same at first glance, they may require a different size L wrench.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Never assume</span> that someone else will have what you need aka Murphy's Law.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Adding insult to injury, </span>all of these wrenches along with spare screws/bolts start to add up in weight when every ounce is critical while flying. So, what does a prepared, weight conscious photographer do? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although it’s a pain, I’ve resorted to adding neon </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">colored gaffer’s tape</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to every L wrench and labeling it by manufacturer and model. Then, I only carry what’s needed for a given trip. It’s a 3 minute sorting process once everything is properly labeled. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Pack the tool baggie last in checked luggage -</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I often switch out gear at the last minute because I'm always overweight. And, I hate carrying unnecessary tools (extra weight) half way around the world and back. So, my tool baggies always goes into my safari day kit at the very last moment.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The beauty of colored gaffers/electrical tape -</span> In addition to labeling tools as mentioned above, it helps to get my tools returned to me when borrowed (happens on every trip). I buy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">gaffers and electrical tape </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.identi-tape.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">identi-tape</span></a> </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.tapebrothers.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">tapebrothers</span></a> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Unpacking workflow -</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> bundle tools, cables and cords back with devices and support products after returning from trips so that you won't accidently forgot a given wrench or cable on the next trip.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Cool little pliers -</span> There’s another bolt that’s always hard to tighten or un-tighten in the field; i.e., on the F-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">2 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wimberley macro arm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> or the Gitzo monopod foot, etc. This requires that I carry my own pair of pliers; especially, in 3rd world countries unless I'm willing to wait 30 minutes or more for camp staff to run around looking for the right sized tool (Leatherman multi-tool pliers aren't large enough). Fortunately, a good friend took pity after seeing my 6 -7 oz. pliers and bought me a small pair of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">channel lock pliers, the GV6 by Vise-Grip</span>. Channel pliers are adjustable and very lightweight; and, can be found at hardware stores. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Handy rubber bumpers - </span>stick them on your camera shutter buttons and remote cable buttons for cold weather shooting; i.e., easier to feel with gloves and mitts. Note: attach bumpers in room temperatures or else they fall off. Bumpers are also great attached to the bottom of portable hard drives and laptops (using velcro). This helps with air circulation and keeps drives cooler. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Okay, enough said about screws. 10 minutes spent upfront can be a trip and major stress saver. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Packing for Remote Places - Preventing Stress</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If a card is downloading image files slower than similar cards, you might want to replace it or use it last. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If your camera battery seems warm to the touch after charging </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you might want to replace it or use it last.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If your portable battery seems warmer to the touch, yada, yada.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Use a AA/AAA battery tester and make sure that all devices and clocks have fresh batteries installed. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Carry spare 2025 and 2032 batteries - or others as needed - for cameras, headlamps, loupes and flashlights, etc.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Always pack spare cables/chargers 'cause things tend to break, get lost or fried.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>How to Fix Canon Error 99 Action Steps</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: red; font-size: small;">Added 1.24.12</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Turn off and remove/replace the battery.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Turn off and remove/replace the lens.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Turn off and remove the compact flash card, then try shooting to clear.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Clean camera and lens contacts with an eraser (a very light touch).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tighten the lens mount screws.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Change settings and C.fns back to default including all micro-adjustments.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do a hard reset by removing the main battery and the small battery inside the battery compartment for at least 30 minutes. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In high humidity or moisture areas, try opening the battery door and dry out the contacts, etc. with zorb-it or rice in a plastic bag overnight.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, someone mentioned removing both batteries and hitting the shutter button while latching the battery cover. Sounds strange, but whatever. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If all else fails, send the camera in for repair.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>How to Fix a Stuck Lens Pin</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take something like a nail file or nail and press on the pin while jiggling to see if it snaps out.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>How to Remove a Stuck Filter</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Grab a rubber jar remover and use even pressure.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">How to Remove a St</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">uck Tripod Screw from a Gimbal or Ballhead</span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Add a 2nd nut and do a reverse turn with a 2nd wrench to loosen. Note: this may damage the screw, so always carry a spare.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prevention: remember to tighten the tripod end of the screw before adding a ballhead, etc. </span></li>
</ul>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">How to Prevent Getting</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> Gimbals/Ballheads Stuck on Tripods</span></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Un-screw and reattach frequently to insure that threads are tight and not damaged, especially when there are extreme temperature swings and lots of bumpy roads. </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chris </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/">www.wildliferhythms.com</a></span></div>
</div>
Chris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294257914547938081.post-29445750955239757922011-05-01T19:54:00.000-10:002017-12-31T14:30:33.545-10:00How to Dance With a Monopod and Get Sharp Images <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just do the 2 step and anchor down. Start by </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">positioning the monopod to the left of your left foot. Then, swing your left leg forward and around the monopod. Keep your weight on your left heel, bend your knees slightly and then lean your left hip towards the left as well. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Net:net:</span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">t</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he bottom section of your monopod is anchored to the inside of your left calf, </span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the middle </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">of the monopod is anchored to the outside of left hip, and, </span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">t</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he top of your monopod is braced against "the V" of your left elbow. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, relax your shoulders and let out a deep breathe. Be steady like a rock. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 26px;">You can even do a modified version of this sitting in land rovers. See How to Shoot From a Safari Land Rover for more information</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-size: large; line-height: 26px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRUDRO8V0aLRPF60fy5LR4afm-zyGHXmSg7TrIa8VmsPQ731WpcQ22CFBu4mW5Dugis7O_V4tZMkdjMYj0eJ_rmT4U8n2jwSIYAyFbutIuE_wCTP1Uy3YpDox3y__Nb0KurwguoNTGuQ/s1600/LeopardConcrete2700blog+Dec11%252C2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRUDRO8V0aLRPF60fy5LR4afm-zyGHXmSg7TrIa8VmsPQ731WpcQ22CFBu4mW5Dugis7O_V4tZMkdjMYj0eJ_rmT4U8n2jwSIYAyFbutIuE_wCTP1Uy3YpDox3y__Nb0KurwguoNTGuQ/s640/LeopardConcrete2700blog+Dec11%252C2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chris</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; line-height: 26px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wildliferhythms.com/">www.wildliferhythms.com</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Chris Prestegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12569891213786200124noreply@blogger.com3