PixelatedImage Blog

In the “tooting his own horn” category, I can finally confirm that I will be shooting for World Vision in Africa for the 2007 Christmas Gift Catalogue. I don’t have many more details. This has been on the burner for a little bit but only finally confirmed with me this morning. Details will come as I can release them.

I’m pleased to say that my profile is up over at LowePro’s Imaging World - click here - I join my colleague Matt Brandon there, as well as some truely world class photographers. Take some time to browse the site.

My latest article is up over on Lexar.com - you can find the article HERE.

I’m not gonna lie to you folks, I like gear. I’ve been in at Leo’s a few times lately - my favourite camera store in Vancouver. With a several trips abroad coming up quickly - Africa seems likely in October, then India twice in early 2007, then potentially Turkey in April 07 - I am looking at a couple pieces of new gear as my travel style and shooting habits change.

Gitzo Basalt Tripod. I’ve been shooting with a Manfrotto 190 for a long time. I’ve owned three different Manfrotto tripods and lost one in a fire at a camp in Manitoba. That tripod was recovered a couple years later and still serves the guy who dredged it up. Manfrotto builds a great set of sticks. But I am jumping ship this month to a set made by Gitzo. The Basalt series is made of mag-fibre, similar to carbon fiber but without the shattering at cold temperatures. The one I am looking at is small, light (1.8lbs), takes my old Manfrotto ball heads, and is so sturdy it makes my old 190 feel wobbly. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the build of this tripod. And the legs lock with a rotating friction-type of collar which i find easier to adjust than the buckles Manfrotto uses. Those buckles also seem to catch on every strap, bag or tripod carrier out there. I’ll be thrilled to get rid of them.

Sigma 24-70/2.8 EX lens. I know my shooting style well enough to know I could shoot 95% of my shots with two lenses - a fast zoom in the range of 24-70, and a sweet portrait lens like Canon’s 85/1.2L lense (which weighs over 2 pounds!). There’s little chance of my getting the 85/1.2 in the near future so I’m very happy to stick with my 85/1.8. But I’ve been eyeing the 24-70/2.8L that Canon makes. Until now. Sigma makes a professional lens with the same range and speed and it’s a full $1000 cheaper. It’s not the famed L glass, but it’s built well, it’s fast, and for the price I can replace it twice before I’vew spent the money I’d spend on the L lens.

Also on my list of desireable items.

Jobo Giga Vu Pro Evolution. While it looks like I have an Epson p4000 coming, the new Giga Vu Pro Evolution from Jobo looks like it will be a far better product. Digital wallets like these are the next big asset in a working professionals bag - and I can’t think of a better way to travel light and securely manage your digital resources than with a pair of 120gb Giga Vu Pro Evolutions in your bag. Actually, put one in your bag and one in your vest pocket. From what I have seen, Jobo did an exceptional R&D job on this product. Kudos.

LowePro Specialist 85AW. I’ve travelled alot of places with LowePro, and I’m proud to say they sponsor me. I will be up on their Imaging World site anyday now. And this bag is the first one they’re sending me. For travel and walk-about it looks perfect. I’ve never once been disappointed with a LowePro bag.

** Sorry I didn’t link these items to their corresponding websites - I’ve been having internet issues and just don’t have the heart to fight with the internet just to find the links. My apologies.

It’s been a busy week here. First of all, a potential opportunity has come my way and while I can’t yet discuss details, I will happily share what I can when it is all solid. It is a high profile assignement - to be honest, for me, it is THE high-profile assignement. It is one of the reasons i began this journey to becoming a full-time photographer specializing in humanitarian storytelling - particularily where women and children are involved. I will know more tommorrow. And with any luck I will be heading to 2-3 African countries in the coming months.

Secondly, Lexar has put me up now in the pro photographers corner and to share billing with such accomplished photographers is truly humbling. My colleague, Matt Brandon, is there now too and deserves my thanks for greasing the wheels with Lexar. Lexar have proven to be wonderful to work with and I look forward to a long partnership. You can see my page here, and my recent article here. Matt Brandon can be found at TheDigitalTrekker.com

And lastly, LowePro has asked me to join their Imaging World site - a concept similar to the pro site Lexar has. Again, what an honour to be among giants. I suspect my name and details won’t be up for several days, but do check the site out.

Thanks all, for the kind words lately. This blog has seen me through a significant, and undeniably strange transition from full-time comedian to full-time photographer. The journey’s not over yet, but to bring me this far with your encouragement has been a blessing. Thank you.

LowePro, makers of fine camera bags, have joined Lexar as sponsors. I can’t remember a time in my photographic life that I have not lugged my kit around in a LowePro bag. In Russia and the years following I shot out of a TrimTech Ultimate. In Haiti and Ethiopia it was a CompuTrekker AW. Their gear is well made and has never failed me. I’m excited to welcome them as they join me in hauling my junk around the world in search of compelling stories.

I encourage you to visit their website at LOWEPRO.com