Nature is extraordinarily complex and beautiful. It is easy to forget in our modern world just how powerful its forces are. Being a nature photographer presents constant, humbling reminders of this fact! A large part of what drives me is wanting to experience every facet of nature, then create and share images of these forces at work. In doing so, I am often going into potentially dangerous situations for me and my gear. In my part of the world, wildfires are a necessity to the health of our ecosystems. But, they are, to put it bluntly, … [Read more...] about Photographing a Dangerous and Extreme Force of Nature, Wildfires!
Platypod Ultra
Get Ready to Remote, Part 2: Advanced Camera Traps
There are places that can be too difficult to stay with a camera and shoot, there are events that are too dangerous to be around when they occur, and there are animals that are too shy of humans to ever get near to photograph. This is when photographers turn to using Photo or Camera Traps, a way to capture these types of images or video from a distance by remote control. In part 1 of this series, I covered the fundamentals of creating a simple remote camera trap. Now that you have that skill in your proverbial photography toolbox, let's … [Read more...] about Get Ready to Remote, Part 2: Advanced Camera Traps
Get Ready to Remote, Part 1: Simple Camera Traps For Wildlife
Go out into the great outdoors. Find a place that animals like to hang out when people aren't around. Set up your camera to automatically take a photo of them when they do show up. Leave it there. Come back tomorrow to see if you got any shots. Repeat it all over again until you get the awesome shots you want of those shy, hard to photograph animals. Welcome to Remote Camera Traps! In previous articles, I've shared the different ways I've used Platypods in my photography. Possibly one of the best uses I have found is in helping set up a … [Read more...] about Get Ready to Remote, Part 1: Simple Camera Traps For Wildlife
The Traveling Photographer: Platypod, An Essential Tool
I like to travel light. I have a mirrorless camera, the Fuji X-T2, and very small prime lenses. My preference is to keep the camera strap around my shoulder and to put an extra lens and some batteries in my purse or fanny-pack as I leave my hotel for a day of sightseeing. When the need arises, depending on what I plan to photograph, I will carry a tripod and possibly a backpack filled with camera gear. When I carry a backpack I think about ways to lessen the load. On The Road Like many of you, I have read the Platypod Reviews on Photofocus. … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Platypod, An Essential Tool
The Best Method For Fireworks
The Fourth of July is this coming Tuesday. It's America's biggest party and we love to celebrate with fireworks. Making a good fireworks picture is satisfying and difficult. So here are two tips for making great fireworks photos. f/8, 3 Seconds, ISO 400 on a Tripod Use a tripod for this technique. It doesn't have to be fancy. I used the Platypod Ultra with a Vanguard TBH-50 head for all the pictures in this post. Try those settings (f/8, 3 Seconds, ISO 400) and you can't go wrong. To adjust how bright the fireworks streams are, change the … [Read more...] about The Best Method For Fireworks
How I Got the Shot: Great Reflections with Platypod Ultra
Editor's Note: Vanelli has used a pre-production model of the Platypod Ultra that we were sent for test shooting. The units are on Kickstarter now, but only until Sunday, July 25, 2017. Consider ordering one if you want to get the product first. Tripods are a great tool to steady a shot and keep the subject in focus. Sometimes their size prevents them from being placed in the exact position you need to capture a shot. This is where a Platypod fits in. Here’s how I used the new Platypod Ultra to keep the camera low to capture … [Read more...] about How I Got the Shot: Great Reflections with Platypod Ultra
Wildlife Photography and Video with the Platypod Ultra
Spring is a busy time for wildlife photographers, chock full of photo opportunities. I'm lucky to live in an area that is on a major migratory flyway for birds and butterflies, as well as a year-round home to loads of other feathered, furry, and scaly friends. In the few short weeks I have had my Platypod Ultra, I've put it through a workout on a variety of my many spring nature photo ops. These are some of the ways in which I am using it, along with tips and techniques for you to do your own set ups. Wildlife in the Woods Recently, I had … [Read more...] about Wildlife Photography and Video with the Platypod Ultra
Platypod Ultra – The Best Alternative to a Tripod
Let’s get a few things out of the way before I get to the review. I’ve bought five Platypod Pros and three Platypod Max units for myself in the past. I’ve stashed a Platypod in every camera bag and even my car’s glovebox. I’ve loved the original Platypod Pro (review) and the Platypod Max (review). I can call the inventor and offer feedback. I appear on the Kickstarter page and offer a testimonial because I believe in the products so much. What is It? The Platypod Ultra is a tripod alternative. It combines with virtually … [Read more...] about Platypod Ultra – The Best Alternative to a Tripod
Using the Platypod Ultra from a Car, “The Sling Mount”
Given the opportunity to test out the new Platypod Ultra, I started with the same question I ask with all new gear, "Do I really need this?" After all, my camera bag is already large enough to qualify for its own zip code. Is this going to join the pile of photographic stuff I don’t often use? Or, will it become an indispensable part of my photographic armory. I admit, at first glance, my reaction was "What is it? Some type of fancy bottle opener?" This was quickly replaced with the realization, “I can use this to put cameras and flashes … [Read more...] about Using the Platypod Ultra from a Car, “The Sling Mount”
