All Weather Protection For Your Gear

Warning! It May Take a Few Years to Break Your Bag In

Although these bags have been around for years, they're only now getting the kind of praise and glowing reviews that they have deserved for so long. If you watch enough TV shows that feature much photography and equipment you've probably had a glance at one. They are used extensively by top notch professional photographers all over the world and come in many sizes. From a Small Digital Hadley to a 555 with end pockets (a formidable bag) which holds multiple cameras, lenses, strobes and all sorts of odds and ends. They have been see carried by the rich and famous as day bags or substitutes for traditional briefcases.

Yep, they are holding the line as the finest carry-all bags for photography. I'm talking about Billingham Bags which are constructed out of the finest materials and come in Khaki, Sage/Brown Trim, Black/Tan Trim and Black/Black Trim. They come, as mentioned, with dividers, additional dividers, laptop sleeves, end pockets that mount on either side of the bag for even more storage space. There are waist straps, luggage tally's, backpack harnesses and may more goodies to accessorize your Billingham bag. When you're in the bush, Bilingham bags are both waterproof and allow for complete protection against weather as well as protecting against bumps and bruises incurred while on the trail. Please check out the link we've provided to see the one of the truly classic high end photography bags available today!

Happy Holiday Greetings

We'd like to take a moment to wish readers a Happy Holiday season - Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year! Stay Safe!

Photo Shoot - The Rain Forest

Preparing Your Equipment

" If you decide to come to Costa Rica, a few preparations with your equipment will save you from possible problems during your trip. First, clean everything well. Second, spray your camera bags with a water sealer to repel water. (Not necessary with a Billingham camera bag.) Third, stock up on silica gel packets and place them liberally throughout your camera bags, in every pocket. Fourth, buy two cheap throwaway ponchos and pack them in an outside pocket of your camera bag so you can access them quickly to cover yourself and your equipment if you get caught in a rain shower. Fifth, pack a few ziploc bags of various sizes. You never know when they might come in handy. Sixth, bring batteries from home to avoid the high prices here in Costa Rica. Seventh, you might consider bringing a small hairdryer to dry off your equipment in the evening. Finally, carry on all photo gear (as possible with today's restrictions) to avoid any problems with your check-through luggage."

For a more comprehensive checklist of gear and preparations - see Deep Green Photography for more invaluable information!

The Truth Will Find You

Riding The Really Big Waves

Riding big waves takes a little bit of nature's help but for most big wave surfers, it's about preparation, skill, experience and attitude. It parallels the fight world a bit. Fighters must meet the above criteria of big wave surfers or the consequences are disastrous, even sometimes fatal for either sport. I have listened to interviews with and spoke personally with both types and hear the same things mentioned at times in essence, the only difference being the words. The thoughts, impressions, and comments are about two different sports or pastimes, but the message remains the same.

I've talked to two guys who have surfed Waimea with it really cranking, according to their accounts and they described other big wave spots and the techniques they favor and their idea of perfect waves etc.. One mentioned riding a 10 ft wave with a heavy barrel and how just 3 or 4 seconds in the tube was like that many hours. It was that same remark that I heard echo from a fighter I know who loves to share his experiences too. I saw him at a live, pro kick-boxing event and I motioned "that sure is a slow match in there". He shared that at the bell, time stops and there's only you and another man nothing else, very surreal and minutes pass like hours.

I mention this because the surfers of the world, from the novice to the best, are like warriors who push the envelope of skill and maybe even luck sometimes. Most average surfers I think, are satisfied with nice smooth riding but for those who want to be great big wave surfers there's a path to that next level. There's no better substitute for improvement than conditioning, practice, studying other riders, working on your weaknesses, being comfortable with your equipment and of course, watching for that set with your wave in it!

Keep Your Eyes From Straining

Some Good Sunglasses To Check Out!

I've been shopping for some cool shades to wear while boating. Like riding my bike (Harley Davidson "Wide Glide") - It has been my misfortune to get struck in the face and occasionally the eyes with some small particulate matter when not completely protected with a windshield or glasses. After snorkeling and underwater photography, power boating is one of my favorite sports. So Let's take a look at what found. These are all good products - these are also personal opinions!

There was first, the "Oakley Racing Jacket Pro Series" shades - that gave more of a sales pitch than a pair of glasses I'd consider taking out for a full day - they felt claustrophobic despite providing good vision and adequate ventilation. I thought they make one look like an insect, and not cheap either. Deleted from my list as "weird"!

Then I checked out some Tifosi Dolomite model golf sunglasses (they have a bunch of types) which were very cool looking through and I felt easy to look at the party wearing them. Interchangeable lens colors - like shooting glasses and feather light. These would be a pleasure to own - so they're on the list but not until I've tried some various other offerings than the Golf model. Just to be sure. My favorites for round 1 - hands down.
Rudy Project Syluro sunglasses were next, being very much the 2010 styles. Nothing I'd be wearing. These look like a pimp's shades or a Rap star's 250 pound, shaved head, Samoan bodyguards' sun glasses. Certainly not for an older fart like me. As they described them: "....the Syluro appears to be screaming-fast, with not a milligram of unnecessary baggage. At just over an ounce......half as much as some shades here.....beefed-up metal hinge pieces and super-strong ImpactX lenses (with material originally developed for bulletproof military windshields). Oh, I forgot, there's a bonus with the Syluro - extra ventilation! It get's hot in those black suits huh? Perfect for a bodyguard right?

Well, it looks like the Tifosi's today. This will continue a couple of more times and then I'll grab my favorites. In the meantime my trusty - 20 year old Ray-Ban Wayfarers will be on the job as always!