Moab Utah - Incredible Vistas

Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17th

Moab Utah - one of the most beautiful and most photographed places on earth. It was quite a challenge - especially at mid day when the bright light is terrible.

What to shoot? Well, I looked for what I liked, not what I didn't like. And serendipity came into play. Look at the climber rappelling from the center of Canyon Arch. An "aha" moment to be sure. I had my d 200 ( knew I wouldn't 't need high IS O) with my Nikon 28-300 3.5-4.6. I only wanted to carry one body and one lens on the steep climb up to the arch. I set my ISO to 200 and put on VR. No mono or tripod.

I exposed in shutter priority for the mid tones in the rock for the close up at 100 mm f10 - 1000

For the distance shots - iso still 200, lens at 135,   f5.6 - 2000 shutter

 

Location

What Kind of Camera Should I Get?

     As you probably can figure out by now, I'm conservative when it comes to purchasing equipment.
      Do you homework - research the internet, magazines; Ask friends for their recommendations. The best option would be if someone has a camera you can try.
      My strong recommendation is NOT to ask the staff at a camera or electronics store. You very frequently will get "upsold" to a more advanced model or to lots of lenses and extras. Once you have decided what will fit your needs, you have many purchase options: the local store, online stores, etc.
      Used equipment is good option, but only buy from a reputable seller you gives you at least a small window for return. I have purchased used equipment from Keh.com, BHphotovideo.com, Adorama.com, and other established firms. In all cases, only pay with a credit card or PayPal so you have some protection. And hold out for free shipping!
      Please consider a neck strap (those wrist straps are annoying), a spare battery and a spare memory card. Also, bookstores carry "field" type guides - the manual that comes with the camera is tiny and hard to navigate.
      There is absolutely nothing wrong with a "point and shoot" or even a camera phone. Just get started making images to develop your eye, learn what you like and don't like to capture. It's all about mileage. The great part about digital is delete anything you're positive you don't want. No one else knows the bloopers.
      Most basic cameras have options such as "portrait," "landscape," "action," or "night time." Have fun with these. And, please, don't get hung up on megapixels. One of my best images was shot with a  megapixel cannon sure shot, and I've enlarged it to 36 x 24 with no problem.
`    A couple of websites that have valuable reviews are:
      * KenRockwell.com
     *  CNet.com

     Please contact me if you have any questions about a specific camera or add on. And ditch those bulky camera cases. When you're going shooting, just hang it around your neck and go. I always add my cameras as a listed item on my personal insurance policy. The odds of anything happening are miniscule unless you drop your camera into a lake or run over it with vehicle.