Posts | Dan Bailey's Adventure Photography Blog

The Challenge of Finding New Vantage Points

While giving a presentation on adventure and outdoor photography the other day at my Anchorage book signing, I showed some photos from my recent Oregon bike trip.

That’s when my friend Nicholas asked me a very good question about vantage points, specifically, how does one achieve non-linear vantage points while biking, when you’re often glued to the road/ground/trail in the same plane as your subject. His comparison related to shooting sports like climbing and skiing, where you’re often on varied terrain and able to move in three dimensions above and below your subject.

I’ll preface to say that Nicholas, who runs a great bike touring blog called Gypsy By Trade, is a very well oiled bike traveler and a very creative photographer, so I really took his question to heart.

In fact, I found it to be quite timely and very relevant, because it’s an issue that I’ve been struggling with lately. Although I’ve shot a lot of biking and bike touring over the years, I don’t want to repeat myself and always shoot the same kinds of photos every single trip. With the mindset to keep improving and expanding my style, how do I keep a fresh look and make sure I’m not shooting my scenes in the same way I always have in the past?

Here are a few techniques that I practice. None of these are groundbreakingly original, you just have to apply them in different ways depending on the activity your shooting. You can probably apply them to just about any subject matter. It just takes a little practice and remembering when you’re out on location.

1. Move Around

One way I vary things is to get off the bike when I can, even for just a few seconds. This allows me to get down low or quickly run to a nearby spot that might present a good viewpoint before my subject comes riding by me.

2. Hold the Camera In a Different Way

With mirrorless cameras, I’m able to hold the camera out next to me and shoot across the scene while I’m riding, or even hold it high above my head. Even a slight elevation in camera angle can make an appealing difference.

Using the tilt LCD screen and a wide angle makes this technique a little easier. That said, keep in mind that shooting with one hand while riding bikes, or doing any kind of sport takes practice. I’ve wiped out doing this, but I always manage to save the camera.

3. Change Lenses

Another good way to vary your looks is to change lenses. It’s not always easy to swap glass when you’re moving, so often times I’ll just switch and ride for awhile with a different lens and see what I get. Both the Fuji X-T1 and X-T10 are light enough to ride with the camera slung around my shoulder, if it’s not too technical.

This is where small primes work well. I like the XF 14mm f/2.8, the XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens and the tiny XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake; those are all pretty lightweight. I also like the XF 18-135mm lens, although it’s a little heavier, it gives me more options. It’s still light enough that I can ride and shoot one-handed with this lens if it’s not too technical.

4. Look for Different Angles

A little creativity goes a long way here. It’s so easy to shoot the same thing over and over again, especially if it’s a technique that’s worked in the past. Try varying how you see the scene and look for different angles, color schemes and abbreviations.

5. Look for Compelling Backgrounds and Settings

This is a staple technique for all adventure and travel photographers. We’re always looking for really cool backgrounds where we can place our subjects and juxtapose them against the amazing beauty of the the natural world.

When you find a really cool location, work it. Put on a long lens and pull that background in close so that it creates a dramatic backdrop for your subject. Shoot wide and show them as a little person in the really cool world. After all, adventure photography isn’t really about the person, it’s about the world and how they relate with it.

6. Shoot the Other Details of Your Adventure

Adventure isn’t just about the sport itself, it’s about travel, seeing new places, meeting new people and focusing on the landscapes and specific details that excite you about the locations you visit. No matter what mode of travel your adventure revolves around, there are a multitude of wonderful things to photograph during the “down time” and when you’re simply off exploring the sights, even if they’re not “adventure subjects.”

After all, photography is about experimenting, pushing your creativity and capturing those little things that excite you about the world. Remember, your story is so much more compelling if you add more flavor.

If you’re looking for some new ideas to shake up your photography, check out my eBook ZEN PHOTOGRAPHER, it offers a variety of different creative and ideas, essays and approaches that go further than just a list of quick tips.

June 2, 2015

The Challenge of Finding New Vantage Points

Interviews, Press, Interviews and Info

Recent Interviews and Podcasts with Me Around The Web

Having just released my book, Outdoor Action and Adventure Photography, I’ve done a few interviews and podcasts lately. Rather than link to them all in separate blog posts, I’ve compiled three of them here for your leisurely monday reading/listening pleasure.

Enjoy!

1. Radio Interview With Me on KSKA Alaska Public Media

Last week, I half hour interview on KSKA Anchorage’s Outdoor Explorer Show, talking about outdoor action photography, cameras and my new book.

The segment also featured my friend and fellow Alaska photographer Carl Battreal, who’s been spending the past few years documenting The Alaska Range for an upcoming book.

2. Interview With Me in Capture Magazine

Capture is Australia’s leading pro photographer magazine, and this week, they ran a feature interview with me on their blog.

In the article, I talk about my gear choices, the challenges I face as an adventure photographer, how I transitioned to shooting full time pro and the evolution of my style as I see it over the years.

3. The f/Stop Lounge The State of Mirrorless Podcast, Episode 20

In this 43 minute video interview, I talk with Italian photographer Ugo Cei about my full transition to mirrorless camera gear and the benefits/limitations I see with using mirrorless gear in my style of action and adventure photography.

4. Break Into Travel Writing Podcast, Episode 23

In this hour-long audio podcast, I talk with accomplished travel writer and blogger Alexa Meisler about my views on how to create a successful photography career.

I also talk about how to stretch yourself as a traveler and to pick new destinations to explore without taking yourself too far outside your comfort zone. We also talk about Alaska, bush flying photography, which social media platforms work best for travel writers and photographers and I offer a few tips for how to compose compelling photographs.

5. Interview on KTVA Anchorage’s Morning Show

Back in April, I made an appearance on the KTVA Anchorage Day Break morning show. This was my first ever TV slot, and we talked briefly about my book and what I think makes for a great image. The segment is pretty short, but I got my four minutes of live TV fame!

June 1, 2015

Recent Interviews and Podcasts with Me Around The Web

Press, Interviews and Info

Book Signing at the Trek Store Anchorage, Sunday May 31

This Sunday evening, May 31 at 5:30 pm, I’ll be doing an adventure photography presentation and book signing for my brand new Focal Press book, Outdoor Action and Adventure Photography.

The event is being hosted by The Trek Store of Anchorage. During the presentation, I’ll talk about my system for carrying my camera gear and shooting while biking, hiking, skiing powder climbing mountains and exploring out in the world, and I’ll show a mix of photos from some of my recent adventures.

And, of course, I’ll be signing copies of my 300-page outdoor adventure photography how-to book, which is currently in the Amazon Top 20 Sports Photography Books ranking. The Trek Store will have copies for sale.

If you don’t live in Anchorage, or if you’ll be unable to attend, you can grab a copy of my book at Amazon. Reviews are starting to come in, and so far, they’re very positive.

I’m so excited about this book. Not only did the publisher do an amazing job with the layout and printing, it’s packed with tons of relevant and detailed information that can help you become a much better outdoor photographer, no matter what kinds of outdoor pictures you like to shoot, or what your skill level with photography is. You can read an excerpt of the book here on the Focal Press website.

If you’ve already bought a copy of my book, I’d like to thank you for your purchase and kindly ask you to leave your own review at Amazon. Reviews makes a big difference to increase the book’s visibility and it helps other outdoor photographers find it when they’re looking for an instructional manual that matches their style.

Thanks so much! I hope you have an adventurous weekend!

May 29, 2015

Book Signing at the Trek Store Anchorage, Sunday May 31

Camera Gear, Reviews and Recommendations, Uncategorized

Full Review of the New Rugged Fuji X-T10 Camera

The X-T10 is now shipping!

Last week, I posted my review of the new firmware update for the Fuji X-T1 which dramatically improves the camera’s autofocus system. I need to fess up, though. I wasn’t just trying out the new firmware, I’ve actually been testing a whole new camera: the new Fuji X-T10.

Announced this week, the X-T10 is basically a stripped down, non-weather sealed version of the X-T1, and man, is it a little hot rod! Aimed at enthusiasts and budget minded photographers, this is a powerful and budget friendly entry into the Fuji system, and it makes for an awesome, lightweight adventure camera.

Retaining most of what makes the X-T1 so great, and leaving off just a couple things to give it a more affordable price tag, the X-T10 brings top level X Series performance for only $799 (body only) or slightly more if you pair it with a lens. Based on how well the X-T1 has been received and how well this one performs, I’d say this is the mirrorless camera that many people have been waiting for. It seems like a very smart move on Fuji’s part.

It has the same 16.3 MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor as the X-T1, so it produces identical image quality. It’s also built tough with an all metal SLR style body, Vari-Angle tilt LCD screen and a center-positioned viewfinder. Best part of all, the X-T10 comes already loaded with the new v.4.0 firmware. This means it has the exact same, highly improved AF system as the top shelf X-T1.

Design and Feel

When I first took it out of the box, I was struck with how small this thing is. After using DSLRs for so long, I thought the X-T1 was tiny; the X-T10 is even smaller. At only 13.4 oz (381g), it’s a full two ounces (60g) lighter than the X-T1.

Of course, it’s got that classic Fuji look, with its milled metal dials and traditional styling, and it feels good in your hands. Built on a slightly smaller and lighter chassis than the X-T1, the X-T10 is amazingly compact, but it’s got heft. While the grip is a bit smaller, it’s very easy to hold, say when you’re shooting one-handed in exposed situations. Coming from the X-T1, it definitely feels familiar.

With all-metal top and bottom plates, it’s considerably more rugged than most, if not all mirrorless cameras in the under $1,000 price range. In my mind, this hits a huge target, especially for outdoor and travel photographers.

The X-T1 also has a viewfinder very similar to the X-T1. It has the same refresh rate and the same 2.36 million dot EVF with four glass elements that offer 100% coverage, the only difference being that the X-T10 has a slightly smaller magnification ratio: .62x vs .77x on the X-T1. (Same as the X-E2.) The view is WAY bigger than what you’ll see looking through any entry level DSLR on the market, or most other mirrorless cameras.

Modified controls

The X-T10 is setup very much like the X-T1. Going from right to left on the top deck, you have EV+/-, Shutter speed, and Drive. You also have the 4-button D-Pad on the back, but a couple of the other Function buttons have been moved.

There’s also an “auto switch” right on the top deck that puts the camera into SR Auto Mode mode at the flick of a finger. That’s also where you can use the different Scene Recognition Modes, like portrait, landscape and so forth.

One major difference from the X-T1- there is no top deck ISO adjustment on the X-T10. In its place is a single-function, hard-click metal Drive dial with a couple new options. I do like this, even though I miss having an ISO dial right on top. ISO on the X-T10 can be quickly accessed via the Q menu. Hardly a deal breaker, especially since you can customize the Q-menu layout on the X-T1/X-T10. You can also configure ISO to one of the Function buttons.

Both the Q-Menu and the regular menus on the two cameras are the same, and most of the custom adjustments you have on the X-T1 are also found on the X-T10. Like I said, it’s pretty seamless to go back and forth between the two cameras.

Fuji also stuck a pop-up flash on the X-T10. Although it has the same guide number and range as the flash on the X-E1 and 2, it’s considerably more solid and secure.

Battery and SD card access are both found on the bottom, just like on the X-E1/2, and the NP-126 batteries are interchangeable with most X Series cameras; if you have an older X camera, you now have extra X-T10 batteries.

Performance

As I said above, the X-T10 really is a hot little number. In terms of performance, it’s pretty much identical to the X-T1 in nearly every aspect, inside and out.

With Fuji’s brand new updated autofocus system, the focus and tracking capabilities have been vastly improved over the original X-T1 system. With six focus modes, including the powerful Zone AF mode, 9 Phase Detect AF points that now function in even lower light (from 2.5EV now down to 0.5EV), the new Eye Detection AF and improved AF algorithms, the X-T10 gives you incredible AF performance for a mirrorless camera. We’ve all be waiting for mirrorless AF to mature, well that day has finally come.

Remember, all of these new AF features will be added to the X-T1 in the v.4 firmware update, which rolls out around them same time as the X-T10.

Image quality is the same, as are the CL and CH shooting rates of 3fps and 8fps. The X-T10 will even track and capture moving subjects at 8 fps, just like the X-T1, but herein lies the biggest performance difference between the two cameras.

The X-T10 has a much smaller buffer than the X-T1. Also, it does not use the ultra fast UHS-2 memory cards, so you’re limited in how many shots you’ll get in CH bursts before the camera has to stop and write, at least when shooting in RAW.

Setting the camera to shoot in RAW+JPEG, with a Sandisk ExtremePlus 95MB/s card in the slot, the X-T10 starts to slow down and stutter after about 6-8 frames while it’s writing to the buffer. With the X-T1, I can usually get three times that number. Shooting in JPEG mode, I get about 20 frames on the X-T10 before the slowdown.

Is this a huge issue? Probably not for most people. Even with my fast action style of shooting, I don’t usually peg the shutter button and hold it down for a long time. I’m usually firing off quick bursts of around 5-8 frames and going for moment instead of getting a huge flurry of images I’ll just have to edit later. I’ve shot quite a bit of action with the X-T10 and was very happy with my results.

For full time action photographers and pros, that extra $500 for the X-T1 is probably money well spent, but for most photographers, the little X-T10 is an exceptional action camera. Just make sure you’re using the fastest card you can get your hands on.

In Action

The test version X-T10 showed up right before I flew down to Oregon for a 9-day bike tour out to the coast and back. Timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I’ll be honest, though, when I first heard about the X-T10 from the Fuji rep, I had mixed feelings. I’ve already found the perfect combination of weight and performance in the X-T1. Why would I want another camera?

Because the X-T10 is even smaller. That’s why. As much as I love the X-T1, I was surprised at how often I reached for the X-T10 every day during my trip. Sure, some of that was because of the new AF system, which my X-T1 doesn’t have yet, but a lot of it was about the weight.

My carrying style theses days is often to keep the camera slung around my neck/shoulder. I’ll ride/hike/ski for hours with it like that, because it’s instantly accessible there. Or else it’s in my pack. On the Oregon trip, I did a lot of shooting while riding, sometimes holding the camera high above my head while pedaling in front of, or behind my subject. That’s where the little grip is REALLY nice.

When you’re going all day, especially when traveling or in the backcountry, weight matters, and having a lighter camera makes a difference. Even though it’s not a huge reduction, those extra ounces count when you’re carrying your camera gear in the outdoors.

The Imagery

During the course of the past week, I’ve shot a wide range of subjects with both cameras- biking, running, landscapes, travel, people- and it never mattered which one I was using. I felt right at home with the X-T10, just as much as I did with the T1, and once you’ve hit the shutter, there’s no difference in how the photos look.

After all, both bodies have the same sensor, image processor and built-in film simulations, so they produce the same Fuji colors and ultra high resolution detail that rivals full frame in terms of pure sharpness. Although I shot most everything in RAW+JPEG, most of the photos in this post are straight JPEGS.

The Fuji cameras are known for their vibrant images and great color reproductions. With an 80 year history of making film, they’ve infused these looks right into the cameras, and that’s one of the things I really love about shooting with them. They offer a wonderful blend of technology and artistry, because modern photography should be about both. The built-in film simulations, including the new Classic Chrome give you a wide palette of options for any style.

Overall

Fuji keeps knocking balls out of the park, and they did just that with the X-T10. It’s got top shelf performance in a compact, rugged affordable body. Between this and the X-T1, it just becomes a question of size which control layout you like better, and…oh yea, the extra five hundred bucks. And whether you need/want the slightly bigger EVF, faster buffer, weather sealing and more contoured grip that the X-T1 offers. In terms of image quality, though, the X-T10 is as good as any current Fuji on the market.

It’s hard to see anything wrong with this camera. I see a few people knocking it on the web, but I think that for the performance and price, you simply cannot beat the X-T10 if you’re say… just about ANY photographer. It works as an entry level X camera, as a backup body to the X-T1 or X-Pro 1, or as a primary, ultra lightweight, rugged, world-travel, backpacking, street or all around general camera, no matter what you shoot. It’s got tons of features and very high performance, and most importantly, you can use ANY Fuji XF or XC lens with it.

Sure, it’s not weather sealed, but I’ve used it in the rain and I’ve used my X-E1 in the rain, and it’s even less rugged, and it did fine. The X-T10 is built tough, and it will certainly take some punches, just don’t drop it in the water. For most people, I don’t see the lack of weather sealing to be a deal breaker at all. Do your best to keep it dry and you’ll be fine.

In short, the X-T10 is everything a modern affordable mirrorless camera should be. Plus, it fits comfortably in your hands, it’s easy to handle, and the D-Pad buttons are quite easy to press- they’re a little bit less recessed than the buttons on the X-T1.

This is indeed a very exciting time for photographers, and if you’re looking for a new or second camera, or if you just want to get into the Fuji system for under a grand, here’s your chance. And here are a few more samples to show just how capable the X-T10 is as an action and sports camera.

Compared to Other X Cameras

X100T: When I traded in all of my DSLR gear, I wanted a second backup body, and I seriously considered getting an X100T. However, as awesome as the X100 is, it’s just not the camera for me. It doesn’t fit in my hand as perfectly as the X-T1, and it doesn’t have predictive autofocus tracking. I just can’t imagine shooting action, holding it one handed while riding a bike with the X100.

In short, the X-T10 is a better performer in most regards than the X100T, with the exception of the x100’s leaf shutter “any speed flash sync” and the built in ND filter. In my opinion, the interchangeable lens XT-10 is a more versatile all around camera. If you like the optical viewfinder, just turn off the “Preview Picture Effect” option in the Screen Setup menu. You’ll be surprised at how natural the EVF really looks when it’s not showing you a film sim.

If you like the size, then get the XF 27mm pancake lens and you have a fixed lens camera that’s almost the same size/view, but with a WAY better AF system.

X-T1: I just bought a second X-T1, but I can say that if the X-T10 had been out last month, I might have gone for that one. I like having two identical bodies, but I also like having a smaller lighter option.

This new X-T10 definitely complicates things for me. I love my X-T1 for shooting everything, but after using the loaner 10 for two straight weeks, I’ll probably end up buying one for myself.

X-E2: Simple. Aside from the identical EVF screen, the 10 will out perform the 2 in every way. You’d get the 2 if you really wanted a rangefinder.

X-Pro1: Same thing I said about the X-E2, except that the Pro has an optical viewfinder. Again, turn off Preview Picture Effect and you won’t know the difference. The X-T10 is a better all around performer. Of course, to all those people who are holding out for the X-Pro 2, my advice is to sit back and wait for the X-Pro 3. It will be even better.

Support this site: If you decide to pull the trigger on the X-T10 or on any piece of camera gear, please consider purchasing through the links on this site. It’s a way that you can show your appreciation for the time and effort that it takes me to compile and write these reviews, and it won’t cost you anything extra.

The Fuji X-T10 is now shipping from both B&H Photo and Amazon. You can also check out the dedicated Fuji X-T10 website here.

[iframe]<iframe width=”120″ scrolling=”no” height=”240″ frameborder=”0″ border=”0″ src=”http://mer54715.datafeedfile.com/widget/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=6746&aff_net=1&widget_num=6481&sid=” marginheight=”0″ marginwidth=”0″></iframe><iframe style=”width:120px;height:240px;” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=danhbaisadvph-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00X7QTTKG&asins=B00X7QTTKG&linkId=AJXVWL4WWJLMKROW&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true”>
</iframe>[/iframe]

May 19, 2015

Full Review of the New Rugged Fuji X-T10 Camera

Industry News, Uncategorized

Fuji Announces Major X-T1 Firmware Update and Vastly Improved AF

X-T1 drivers, take note. Today, Fujifilm announced a brand new firmware update that dramatically increased autofocus performance of an already awesome camera. We’re talking game changer update. I’ve been using a beta version of the firmware for the past week, and I’m super excited about what I’ve seen so far.

We all know that mirrorless cameras have been trying to catch up with DSLRs when it comes to AF speed, accuracy and tracking moving subjects. While the X-T1’s original predictive AF system was huge leap forward for mirrorless cameras, it still wasn’t quite on par with what high performance DSLR shooters were used to.

As someone who has transitioned entirely to mirrorless cameras, I have fully embraced the X-T1 and have been able to adapt and work around these minor limitations. That said, I’ve secretly been waiting for Fuji to update the AF, and it looks like they have now delivered in a big way.

Version 4.0 adds a brand new “Zone AF” mode, where the sensors automatically detect the subject and “move” dynamically across the viewfinder as it tracks subjects through the frame. It’s similar to what Sony has done with their “4D system”, and anyone who’s used DLSRs will immediately notice the familiarity of the little moving lights.

In Zone AF, you can select a specific area of the frame, which may include a mix of contrast detect and phase detect sensors, or you can position it into the central phase detect sensor array. In CH mode, you’re limited to ONLY using the phase detect array, but the PD pattern has now been increased from 3×3 points to 3×5 points.

Whereas before, you had to position the appropriate AF point over your subject using the thumb pad, now you can put the camera on Zone AF and let it select the subject for you. This makes it way easier to shoot just about every kind of subject, not just action, and it makes it easier to shoot one handed.

In addition, the AF predictive tracking algorithms have been improved, as have the performance of the phase detect sensors themselves. Previously, phase detect AF on the X-T1 was usable down to EV 2.5, now it’s usable all the way to down to 0.5. This means better AF performance in lower light conditions.

Single point AF has also been improved. You can now change the AF point size with five different levels of detection.

There’s also a new “Wide mode” AF, which I’m told is ideal for tracking moving subjects when the camera is on a tripod. In Wide mode, each point is now divided into 3 points, which effectively makes the entire array of AF sensors a 77 point detection system. It only works in S and CL mode, but not in CH. I haven’t used tried this mode out, and in fact, Fuji’s recommendation to me was to go ahead and use Zone AF for best all around performance. Still, the new Wide mode does offer options for certain applications.

In my tests, the new Zone AF system rocks. Plain and simple; it’s awesome. It finds, it locks, and you’re in business. Just like that. It’s the update I’ve been waiting for and it reaffirms my decision to go all in with the X-T1, especially as someone who depends on fast, accurate autofocus in my photography.

All of the photos in this post were shot using the new Zone AF system. It’s amazing to me that a camera, which is over a year old, has been improved so much with all of the recent firmware updates. This is not just a testament to Fuji and their desire to create longevity and constant improvement in their camera, it’s a reality of mirrorless cameras.

With DSLRs, many of the components, such as the AF module and the viewfinder, are pieces of built-in hardware that can’t be swapped out. If you want a better AF system, you need to wait for a better model. With mirrorless cameras, many of the performance aspects are run in the software, and that CAN be changed. Fuji continues to demonstrate that with each new firmware.

There are a few other advancements in the new version 4.0 update, including smoother movie AF, seamless shutter speed changes in T mode that go through the entire range. (Previously, T mode was limited to 30″ down to 2″. Also, the EV dial now works in Auto ISO mode.

Fuji is still tweaking the software, and I was told that the new firmware will be available for download near the end of June. However, it’s already included in the brand new X-T10 camera, which was also announced this week.

May 11, 2015

Fuji Announces Major X-T1 Firmware Update and Vastly Improved AF

Camera Gear, Featured Images, Reviews and Recommendations

First Look at the Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 R Lens

In all my years with SLR and DSLR cameras, I never owned a traditional 35mm lens. Despite its legendary status with street photographers and photojournalists, that focal length never quite felt right for me. It was either too wide, or not quite wide enough. I always went for the classic “Nifty Fifty,” 50mm f/1.4 which was my first lens, and more recently the lighter weight 50mm f/1.8. If I wanted wide, I went for my 24mm /2.8.

Originally created for press photography, the standard 35mm f/1.4 is one of the fastest wide angle primes you can buy. Offering great versatility, they can be used for just about anything- landscapes, portraits, still ice, indoors, street, product, and they even shoot relatively close up. (On a crop sensor APC-S or DX camera, you need a 23mm lens to get that classic 35mm view angle.)

Fuji’s offering in this range is the XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens. I already have that focal length covered with my 18-55 and my 18-135. However, I’m a sucker for fast primes, and besides, my friend Josh gives it very high praise as his favorite Fuji lens. So, with some camera store credit to burn after trading in all of my DLSR gear, I decided to plunk down and give the Fuji 23 a try.

I figured, why not try something new? Photography is a lifelong journey, and I felt that running with a focal length that doesn’t feel all-too-familiar could be a good thing for my creativity and my continuing evolution with the camera.

First Impressions

The Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 R is first and foremost a gorgeous, high quality lens. It’s simply beautiful, and it feels incredibly solid in your hands, with durable construction, metal focus and aperture rings, and a decent heft of glass inside. It has 11 elements in 8 groups, including 1 spherical element, but it doesn’t feel heavy.

At 10 oz (300g), it carries a very workable size and weight, and when stuck on the front of my silver graphite X-T1 it just screams “classic,” and it feels perfectly balanced. Going by size and weight, it seems like the perfect lens for these X cameras. Even with the lens hood, it’s totally manageable.

When I looked through the lens, I loved the view it gave. Maybe it was the “newness” factor, something different, or maybe my tastes are just maturing as I get older. Oh god, did I really just say that?! Maybe I was just tapping into the long history of accomplished photographers who have made incredible imagery with this focal length.

At any rate, there was something really cool about this awesome little prime, and I suddenly felt like I’d just acquired a piece of gear that could see years of hard work. I couldn’t wait to get out and throw it into action, so when my friend Michael called an invited us biking, I stuck it on my X-T1 and headed out with him for an evening of fun.

Performance

When I got out there, I was struck at just how ridiculously sharp this lens is. The Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 R produces imagery that have an incredible level of crispness and tonality, and it renders the out-of-focus stuff with beautiful creamy-ness. The bokeh factor on this is simply delicious. That’s why it’s so good for environmental portraits- you can get relatively close, capture your subject tack-sharp and give just enough of the surroundings.

Autofocus on the 23 is quick and responsive probably because there’s so much light coming into the front of the lens. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, it lets in a ton of light, which makes this lens incredible versatile for a wide range of lighting conditions. I’m suddenly thinking travel, interiors and night sky photography.

I also love how it renders colors. Since this was a cloudy day, I went between black and white mode and the new Classic Chrome mode, which increases tonality in the lower mid tones and dark areas, but decreases contrast in the brighter areas (white skies), and I was very pleased with the looks that this lens gave me.

A New Way of Seeing

I think what excites me most is the challenge of learning to see in a new way. For me, this is somewhat of an unfamiliar focal length, and so I’ll have to adapt to the fact that it’s it’s not the kind of wide angle lens that I’m used to, nor is it a telephoto by any sense of the word.

That 35mm angle of view falls right in that middle range that I’ve tended to avoid during much of my career. When I look at years worth of of metatdata in my images, I see that the 50mm and Fuji 27mm are my least used lenses. It’s not that I don’t like those lenses, it’s just that I like true wide and true tele more.

It will be an interesting journey to figure out how to use this lens to its full potential in the coming years. From the results I’ve already gotten, I’m pretty excited to take on that challenge. While I can’t bring myself to say that I wish I’d bought a 35mm lens much sooner in my career, I do love this new XF 23mm f/1.4 and I see it getting a lot of use in the future. In fact, this could end up being my go-to lens for a wide variety of subject, matter, and if not, I have another awesome photography tool in my bag.

I’ve been using the 27mm f/2.8, which pretty much turns the X-T1 into an X100, and while I’ll continue to use that lens when I need to go ultralight, there’s just something special about the 23 1.4. This is a really cool lens and I’m glad I pulled the trigger on it.

And as for going light and fast? Attached to my X-T1, even with the hood on, the 23 is very manageable. It’s certainly comfortable enough to ride bikes with it slung around my neck/shouder for a few hours, or even all day. Or multiple days.

If you’re a Fuji shooter and you love that classic 35mm viewpoint, or if you like prime lenses, I’d highly recommend checking out this lens. If you’re a Nikon full frame shooter, you might check out their inexpensive AF-S 35mm 35mm f/1.8G ED lens. It offers the same viewpoint and similar performance. Canon has their version, the EF 35mm f/2 IS USM lens.

April 29, 2015

First Look at the Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4 R Lens

Press, Interviews and Info

I’m on TV! Watch an Interview with Me on KTVA Anchorage

My lifelong dream of becoming a TV star finally came true. Yesterday I made an appearance on KTVA’s Daybreak morning show in Anchorage yesterday to talk about my brand new book, Outdoor Action and Adventure Photography, which was published earlier this month by Focal Press.

My moment on camera only lasted for a few minutes, but I feel I gave a pretty good synopsis of what my book is about and what kind of information people can expect to gain when the read it, and they even showed a few of my photos on the screen. Plus it gave me an excuse to trim my beard and put on a clean shirt.

During the segment, one of the hosts asked my why I wrote the book. I’ve given a lot of thought to this questions over the recent months, and for me, it boils down do the fact that I love photography. As excited as I get about my own images, I love it when people get excited about their own photos as well.

I may be a pro, but that doesn’t mean I love photography any more than someone who doesn’t make a living at it. Getting a great adventure shot feels the same for all of us, and so my goal with the book was to help everyone shoot awesome adventure photos, no matter if you’re an amateur or if you’re trying to break into the industry and make it your career.

You can watch the full 4 minute interview with me here, and you can grab my book at Amazon. It’s available in both print and Kindle version. At 300 pages, there’s a TON of information in there and lots of tips. It’s pretty much my master’s thesis on outdoor photography, compiled from 25 years of experience, and no matter what your skill level is with the camera, I think you’ll find it be a great reference.

[iframe]<iframe style=”width:120px;height:240px;” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=danhbaisadvph-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=041573424X&asins=041573424X&linkId=5H3EXWTCDFWSTLCH&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true”>
</iframe><iframe style=”width:120px;height:240px;” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ src=”//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=danbaiphoblo-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=041573424X&asins=041573424X&linkId=OL3ID3CBOPGFE5TD&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true”>
</iframe>[/iframe]

April 24, 2015

I’m on TV! Watch an Interview with Me on KTVA Anchorage

Adventures with Dan, Camera Gear, My Early Years, Personal and Pro Insight

The End of an Era – I Just Sold All of My DSLR Gear

The other day, I walked into my local camera store and traded in all of my Nikon DSLR gear. Gone. Just like that. Almost 20 years of history, now exactly that: Just history.

I never thought this day would come, and truthfully, if I had thought about it all too hard, I probably would have balked, paralyzed with nostalgia. After all, some of that equipment had been with me for nearly two decades, during which time it’s seen countless adventures and helped me create more images than I can even count.

I bought the Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D lens and the venerable 80-200mm f/2.8D ED lens lens during the week of November 4, 1996, right when I was let go from my last day job. The ultra wide angle 14mm f/2.8 ED, and the ultra fast 85mm f/1.8D came sometime during the late 90’s or early 2000’s- I can’t remember. I bought the 50mm f/1.8D around the same time to replace the manual 50 1.4 that I accidentally lost during a sunset shoot at Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins.

The AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom was only a couple years old- that one was a little hard to part with, because I considered it to be the ultimate adventure photographer zoom lens for Nikon. Over the years, I used them on the following camera bodies: FM2, N90, N90s, F100, F5, D200, D300 and D700.

I never saw this coming.

Galen and me- Mustang District, Northern Nepal, 1993.

I still have nothing but admiration and fond memories for everything Nikon.

Back in 1993, two weeks before I was to depart on photo workshop trek with Galen Rowell in northern Nepal, I had all of my photo gear stolen.

Nikon’s marketing manager at the time, Richard LoPinto, arranged to have a rig of loaner equipment shipped to me for the trip. That was a gesture I’ll never forget, because that trip was in many was, the true beginning of my adventure photography life, and since that day, I figured I’d always shoot Nikon.

However, times change. Technology changes. And remember, they’re just tools.

With this move, I’ve embraced mirrorless gear and the Fuji X camera system for 100% of my photography, although, in reality, this had already been in effect for the better part of a year. I hadn’t used any of the Nikon gear for nearly 12 months and it was just sitting on the shelf taking up space and losing value.

My Flirtation with Mirrorless Cameras

This three and a half year transition that all started when I first saw the Fuji X10 at the PhotoPlus trade show in NY back in October, 2011. It was love at first sight. The thing was so small, so sexy, so carefree to simply sling it over my shoulder and head out the door.

Of course, with the small sensor, I still used my DSLR gear for serious work, but I did mange to license an X10 photo to a client for use as a corporate wall mural, and it looked great. This showed me that even small sensor cameras of today are capable of creating publishable images. The reality is that if a client really wants a shot, they don’t care what camera was used to make it. Light, color, feel and look matter way more than gear.

A year later, I did an entire week-long bike tour with just the X10. That was the first time in 20 years I went on an adventure without my Nikon gear, and it was a truly liberating experience. After I bought the X20, I saw just how quickly the Fuji X gear was evolving. Highly impressed with the image quality, I started playing around with the X-E1, which was my main camera on another DSLR-less bike trip, this time during a week-long crossing of the Alps, through Germany, Austria and Italy. Again, l felt liberated and wonderfully free. And I came back with images that I loved.

Enter the Game Changing X-T1

Then, in late 2013, things really kicked into high gear. Fujifilm, who had used a few of my photos at trade shows during the early 2000s, and who seemingly liked what I was doing with their X cameras, made me an official X Photographer and brought me on as the only US shooter to test the upcoming, yet-to-be-announced X-T1; their first rugged, high performance, SLR-style camera.

When I got the final production version of the X-T1 in my hands in February of last year, it felt so familiar. With its compact, lightweight rugged design, and milled metal dials, the X-T1 reminded me very much of my old Nikon FM2, my first camera I bought on Feb. 2, 1990.

Under the hood, the Fujifilm X-T1 has proven to be a heavy hitter. With fast, 8 fps predictive autofocus, beautiful color rendition and image quality that rivals just about every DLSR out there in terms of sharpness and resolution, the Fuji X-T1 has performed in every single photo situation I’ve thrown at it during the past year.

In all the times I’ve shot with the X-T1, not once have I ever wished that I’d had a DSLR in my hands instead. It’s done everything I’ve asked of it, and it’s helped me produce images that I’m extremely excited about: Fast action. Adventure. Landsapes. Portraits. Travel. Aerials. You name it. Even flash stuff. (It’s perfect for light, fast and rugged adventures like this.) Images that motivate and inspire me as much as anything I’ve ever shot. For me, that’s the number one determining factor. As a photographer, it has to be.

I do miss the battery life of DSLRs, although mirrorless batteries are smaller and lighter, so it’s easier to carry more of them, and sometimes I miss looking through a real pentaprism viewfinder, but the EVF on the X-T1 is so amazing that I often forget that I’m just looking at a tiny TV screen. It’s that good, and with it’s .77x magnification, it gives a bigger view than just about any camera out there, including the Canon 1Ds Mark III. Including my old D700. Even including the D810.

The Fuji X-T1 is a breakthrough and very capable camera camera (read my full review here) that was made even better with two recent firmware updates, one of which added 27 new features. There will be more. Fuji’s design mentality is to keep improving their cameras, even if they’ve already been out for awhile. I like that.

I hate the disposable-ness of everything in our society these days, although to be fair, each of my Nikon bodies saw many years of use before I upgraded. They were all built like tanks, and in 25 years, I only had to send a camera in for repair once.

Fujifilm has won a number of awards their X cameras, and their glass is simply amazing. They’ve been making high-end lenses for cameras, binoculars, broadcast cameras and space satellites for years; in the late 90’s and 200’s, they even manufactured lenses for Hasselblad. As a company, they’ve gained a lot of traction in the past year. I’ve watched a large number of people switch to X cameras, some of whom had even dismissed them a few months previous for whatever reason.

I get emails nearly every week from people who ask me my opinion on whether they should trade their DSLR gear for the Fuji X-T1 and I tell them, “Yes. Go for it.” I guess I finally put my money where my mouth is.

Having used Fuji film for many years in my SLR cameras. I feel as if I’ve come full circle. I’m once again using small, lightweight cameras that fit perfectly in my hands, and I’m and getting the Fuji look and colors, only instead of using film from those little green boxes, the Fuji film simulations are built right into the camera. I see this as the perfect melding of image history, design and technology and I’m excited about where this will all take me.

What about Nikon?

I still think very highly of Nikon. They still make excellent gear and they were a valued client over the years, with a number of catalog and calendar publications to my credit.

I think the new Nikon D750 is an excellent adventure camera, it just came a little too late for me. Like so many other Nikon shooters, I’d been waiting for a true upgrade to the awesome D700, and honestly, if they’d come out with the D750 two or three years earlier, or if Fuji had continued to focus on the X-Pro 1 as their top camera, things might have played out very differently for me.

For whatever reason, it didn’t go down that way. Instead, Nikon chose to introduce and focus on the D800 (now the Nikon D810) instead of giving us the new “D7something” we were all hoping for at the time. The D810 is indeed an awesome camera, and I’m actually impressed with how lightweight it is compared to the original D800, it’s just not my ideal action camera.

While I do think both the D610 and D7200 series are also excellent adventure cameras, (I think the D7200 is Nikon’s best value DSLR), they both lack features I would have wanted. And while it’s only a mid range body, the new D5300 is built without an optical low pass filter, which actually increases sharpness and resolution.

As for their glass… I am definitely sad to see mine go. There’s a long and very storied history surrounding Nikon lenses and no matter who uses what camera, nothing can ever take away from that fact or from the multitude of great photographs that were created with them. I’m proud of my own contributions to the photography world that were made with Nikon glass.

I did keep all of my Nikon flashes: a handful of SB-800’s and an SB-900, and my old SB-25 and 26, because with PocketWizards, Cactus V5 wireless triggers, etc… and/or sync cords, they all work with my Fuji.

And I kept my two remaining film bodies, the FM2 and the F5, as well as my old 105mm f/2.5 AI lens; that one is just too cool to part with. (I also kept an old Tokina ATX 17mm lens that was just too scratched, dented and battle-worn to try and sell.) Using this Nikon-Fuji mount adaptor, I can even use the 105 on the X-T1. It’s highly unlikely that I’ll actually shoot a real roll of film again, but the FM2 was my first real camera and I felt that it was important to hold onto at least some history. Some level of nostalgia won out.

The Future

I won’t say the X-T1 saved the photography business from a downward spiral that was largely brought on by smartphones, but it’s clearly made a difference in this industry, and in my mind, it represents the future, or at least my future. The same can be said about companies like Sony, Olympus and Panasonic, especially, when people who never would have bought a DSLR in the past are buying mirrorless cameras. That’s pretty telling.

Of course, no one NEEDS to go mirrorless. DSLRs are still incredibly relevant in the world of photography. They’re awesome tools that offer great performance, and they make exceptional images. That said, with technology advancing every year, it won’t be long before there are no more lines between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with regards to performance and autofocus. Of course, in some ways, they’re already more advanced then DSLRs.

It will be interesting to see where Canon and Nikon go at this point. If either of them were to truly jump into the mirrorless game in the same way that Fuji, Sony and Olympus have, who knows what they’d come up with, or where the DSLR will be in five years.

So, what did I get in exchange for the big trade-in?

I bought a second X-T1 body, (the graphite one), the superb new XF 50-140mm f/2.8 and the XF 23mm f/1.4. I’m really looking forward to using that lens!! In the past, I’ve never really been excited about the 35mm (full frame) angle of view; it either wasn’t wide enough or it was too wide, but this Fuji 23 is a stunning lens that delivers incredible sharpness and a beautiful bokeh.

My, how times change.

I look forward to my future, but I’ll close now with a little bit from the past.

Where will your journey take you…?

baltoro porters2 — Balti Porters, Karakoram Himalayas, Pakistan. 1994

Morning Light on K2, Karakoram Himalayas, Pakistan. 1994

Peaks on the Baltoro Glacier, Karakoram Himalayas, Pakistan. 1994

nepal woman wool — Woman spinning wool, Mustang, Nepal. 1993

basecamp flags — Gasherbrum Basecamp, Karakoram Himalayas, Pakistan. 1994

Young Buddhist Lama, Ladakh, India. 2001

April 21, 2015

The End of an Era – I Just Sold All of My DSLR Gear

Creative Tips

Try Creating Photos with a Dominant Color Palette

I’ve seen a few posts around the web lately featuring images that are each shot with a single color palette, where one color or color scheme dominates the majority of the image. Here’s one example of what I’m talking about.

It’s a pretty cool technique and if done well, it certainly draws the viewer in and creates an exceptionally powerful visual impact. In photography, we’re often taught to use elements of balance and contrast to create strong compositions. Black and white obviously revolves around this style, so it’s interesting to see how it applies to color photography.

When using color as a primary element, I usually try to incorporate a mix of hot and cool colors or colors that are complimentary to each other on the color wheel, like orange and blue, or using a spot of red, as in this biking photo above. This helps create or enhance implied pathways that guide your viewer’s eye back and forth between elements as they explore the subject matter you’ve place in the frame.

However, as with any compositional rule, you can achieve some pretty striking results if you occasionally break this one as well. With this in mind, you can shift your way of seeing the world, which can help you break out of a creative rut.

Looking through the examples in that link I shared above got me thinking about how I use this in my own photography. I don’t know if I’m always conscious about using this approach per se, but when I browse my Lightroom catalog, I definitely see image examples that fall into that category.

I can’t say that I thought specifically about the single color technique when I shot these photos below, but it’s apparent that I do see that way, at least to some extent.

Of course, now that I’ve given it some thought, I’m sure I’ll be more conscious about this style in the future, as I’m sure you will as well. Keep this in mind and try incorporating it into your own creative photography adventures.

At the same time, look back through you own catalog. Have you used this technique before?

Here’s another blog post with more examples which illustrate this photography style.

April 14, 2015

Try Creating Photos with a Dominant Color Palette

Press, Interviews and Info

My Outdoor Action and Adventure Photography Book is Now Out!

It’s finally here!!!

My book, Outdoor Action and Adventure Photography, has been officially published by Focal Press and it’s ready to order. Being my first print book, I feel an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment to see this project come to fruition.

Between the quality of the paper stock, the cover and the layout, the finished product looks and feels very professional. Inside, the colors and image reproductions look awesome. The designers and printers did an amazing job, and every single image appears exactly as I would have hoped they would. But what about the content? I spent well over a year compiling notes, writing, revising, editing and proofing the text, and I can say that this book covers a thorough extent of my outdoor photography knowledge, at least up until the time it went to press, (I like to think that I’m always evolving and learning new techniques all the time).

It outlines methods and techniques that I’ve practiced and developed during the nearly 20 years I’ve worked as a pro photographer, and it includes just about every technique I use in my style shooting.

These are the methods that have gotten me where I am today, and I feel I’ve presented them in a very easy-to-understand style that will be easy for anyone to digest and apply to their own photography.

And it’s not just the hardcore stuff, these techniques can be used by anyone! At 300 pages, and nearly 60,000 words, there’s a massive amount of photography instruction in here. It contains advice on gear, technical tips, compositional ideas and in-depth insight, and I even talk about how to get the most from mirrorless cameras, which I feel is very up-to-date since I’ve transitioned entirely to shooting with the Fuji X cameras during the past year.

I also included a “Going Pro” chapter and a “Pro Profiles” section that contains photos and interviews with 6 working photographers: Corey Rich, Matt Trappe, David Clifford, Dan/Janine Patitucci, Jay Goodrich and Trevor Clark. These are all shooters who have found success in a very tough industry and they have some great insight to share.

Outdoor Action and Adventure Photography is listed with “Order Now” status at Amazon at a special price, so get your copy now and you’ll have it by next week! You could be using some of these techniques by next weekend!! I know that some of my readers have already pre-ordered their copies, so if you’re one of those people, I want to thank you for your purchase. I hope you find the book helpful.

As proud as I am to see my work in print, I’m even more excited to share my knowledge and experience with you in this format. I feel I have a lot to teach newer/younger/emerging photographers, and books are still an ideal way to get the information across, so I hope you’ll check it out. [iframe]<iframe style=”width:120px;height:240px;” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=danhbaisadvph-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=041573424X&asins=041573424X&linkId=SGQYQIZ5PCGMO5NH&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true”> </iframe><iframe style=”width:120px;height:240px;” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ src=”//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=danbaiphoblo-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=041573424X&asins=041573424X&linkId=BHT5ZZLBEF33FBRV&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true”> </iframe>[/iframe]