Monday, February 13, 2012

Yosemite - Horsetail Falls Baby!

I’m happy to report that I just made reservations for lodging in the Yosemite area. The purpose of my trip will be to photograph Horsetail Falls during the time of the year where the light hitting the waterfall is magical. I hope this trip nets me some print worthy photos. I want to scratch this one off of my bucket list. Hope hope, pray pray, wish wish. Done.

I’m also excited to put to the test one of my photography inspired purchases. I know that sounds a bit redundant, considering most of frivolous purchases these days are primarily for photographic purposes. Renowned for having pockets galore, I’m looking to field test my barely worn Scottevest Revolution Plus Jacket. This thing has more pockets that the Levi’s factory in some remote factory in China. I only hope, along with substantive under layer, that this bad boy will be warm enough for me as I sit there and wait for the sun to do it’s magic. I will also compliment my attire with gloves, a hat, and warm socks. (Is reminded of how close it was the first time I shot Zion in 17 degrees weather - burrrrr.)

The Scottevest jacket was purchased here. This photo was borrowed from the Scottvest website. The exact link to the jacket is here. Thank you Scottevest for making what seems to be an exceptional product.

I’m also looking to field test an even more significant purchase; my new heavy duty tripod and ballhead. I have the fortunate life to be able to own a Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod and a BH-55 ballhead. Given my current lifestyle, this was definitely a splurge purchase but as I have learned, buy it right the first time and I won’t have to revisit the need to buying it again for a second, third, or fourth time. Granted, (don’t tell anyone) this is my 5th tripod - eck. However, each tripod served a very specific need and I like to think I got my money’s worth with each successive tripod. I’m especially proud of the aluminum Induro tripod I bought for $50 bucks and served me so dutifully for the Zion Narrows hike. The Induro tripod was subjected a fair amount of water to net me some awesome photos and priceless experiences. Uber score there.


The Really Right Stuff tripod and ballhead where purchased here. This photo was borrowed from the Really Right Stuff website.


Anyhow, this leg and head combo is rated to handle at least 40 pounds of gear. I look forward to having a rock solid experience and my HDR photos taking skills will be further enhanced with this gear. I know I suffer from gear lust. Photography, for me is both an experience in gear and in creativity (wait, did I just mess up the sequencing in words there?).

I recall, during my most recent photography trip to Bishop/Inyo Valley, that a professional looking gent yanked out his meaty tripod and head combo and proudly showcased his Nikon D3(s/x) and 14-24 f/2.8 lens. *Wipes drool from face. Things have been very kind to me and I went out and bought myself a meaty tripod to showcase my Canon 5D2 with a 16-35 m1 f/2.8 lens. Note to me, have Curt photo me with this combo in hand. I would love a new profile photo for facebook.




Mood: Excited
Music: Zuco 103 - Outro Lado/ Putumayo Presents: Brasilian Groove
Location: Panera Bread - Pasadena