IN THE FIELD: Essential Tools

Whenever I head out into the field, there are several essential tools I always carry with me. My must-bring list has been developed and refined over the years, and is based on those experiences when I found myself item-less and regretting it.

No matter how long or short my time out in the field is going to be, the tripod or the monopod is always with me. If traveling by Jeep, these are the first items loaded up.

The camera bag with all my gear goes in next, which includes my go-to basics: lenses, flash, filters and cable release. I also carry a micro-fiber lens cleaning cloth and a blower brush for cleaning lenses. And my Rainsleeve to protect the camera, just in case the skies let loose. The camera always has a fully charged battery, but I keep a charged spare in the bag, along with extra data cards. A small tablet and pen or pencil to take notes can be easier for me to use in the field, rather than the Notes feature on my iPhone.

Rain gear, or at least a water resistant wind breaker, is handy if the weather is looking unpredictable. If it’s cold out, I don’t try to be brave and not bring gloves. Camera controls are hard to work when you can’t feel your fingers, let alone the buttons on the camera.

I also keep an extra pack of essentials in my Jeep at all times. A map of the region is good to have around when in unfamiliar places, even though I have GPS with me. And a compass to orient myself with the map and to use for sunrise and sunset bearings. I never head-out without fresh water, a blanket and clean towels.

If I know I will be gone for an extended time, I typically will bring along one of my infamous Dagwood sandwiches and a second jug of water. Or at least a few food bars or even a bag of mixed nuts. I tend to get cranky when I get hungry, and there is nothing worse than a cranky photographer. Ask my wife…

While this may seem overkill to some folks, I have refined it to a grab-and-go scenario. Simply because I have learned being prepared for most any situation, rather than regretting that one thing I forgot to grab, has enhanced my experience in the field. And helps me get the shots I want.

IN THE FIELD: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

As photographers, we visualize and shoot a scene based on decisions we make in the field. After returning to our studios, the image may not match our intended vision for the scene.

Maybe the color rendition is not right, or maybe the mood of the scene is not portrayed the way we imagined. Cameras don’t always record things the way the human eye sees, so sometimes we need to make adjustments in the studio.

And thanks to the digital camera age and computer programs, converting a photo from color to grayscale, for example, is a lot easier than back in the day.

I originally photographed this bronze statue in color, but when I viewed it full screen in the studio, I thought it may actually work better as a grayscale image. So I converted it and viewed it alongside the color version. After comparing the two for a few minutes, I then left the studio for awhile, so I could come back and make a more objective decision with a fresh eye.

I found I still liked the the grayscale version better. It evoked the mood I wanted to capture when I was in the field.

The bronze statue is named “Boy With Gulls” by Charles Cropper Parks.

INSPIRATION: Architectural Settings

Architecture by itself can be inspirational to photograph. Yet when classic architecture is combined with a classic setting, the image can take on a different flavor.

This traditionally-styled farmhouse was built in the late 1700’s. It is nestled into the hillside, surrounded by fallow fields and a generations-old apple orchard. Believe it or not, this view is of the side of the house not the front, so you can get a sense of the size of the structure.

When I came across this location, I liked how the red springhouse on the left, the red doors of the barn in the background, and a glimpse of the red front porch roof added a touch of color to the scene. The old sycamore trees provide shade during the summer months and hint at the age of the property.

Overall, the view is one of a peaceful country setting. Which is exactly what I was hoping to capture.