Forcing creativity: blurred motion

This guy was trying to head butt his way into the tube. F20 1/60th ISO 250(click image for large version)

So I was getting a little bored with the usual mode of shooting and decided to shoot an entire day of blurred motion. I find it's always a good idea to switch things up a bit to get my creative juices flowing and get something a little different. Instead of the usual 1/1000th of a second shutter speed I decided to keep it and 1/400th and lower for the day. ..more shots below.

Volcom rider Ribut caught at the right moment to freeze his face but let the spray radiate in a blur.  F20 1/60th ISO 250

I have to admit, it took some commitment. The percentage of good shots is certainly less than usual but this isn't a numbers game, we are trying to create some art. Right? That's what I kept telling myself after butchering a few would-be perfect action shots with a dragging shutter and my erratic panning technique. But I eventually I found a rhythm and ended up with something new and interesting.

...Read more

Padang Padang comes to life

(click image for large version)

Anytime a large swell is forecast in Bali the first thoughts on most people minds is Padang Padang. Normally, when every other nook and cranny on this little island is firing with barreling waves Padang can look like a lake. It's hard to understand.

That's one reason it's such a special wave: it rarely breaks, and when it does it's the perfect barrel. It's so fickle that the RipCurl Cup Padang Padang being held next month is using the entire month of August for the waiting period. That's unusual and not necessary for most contests , but again this wave is special. 

On July 11 a big swell arrived just like the forecast said and Padang awoke for only the second time this year. It wasn't as perfect as it can get but there were a few sets that came through to make you stop and stare. I grabbed the above shot from one of my favorite cliffside spots. 

On a clear day, you can see...

(click image for large version)

This, believe it or not, is Kuta Beach in Bali. I have never seen it this clear. Ever! In fact, I didn’t even know there were mountains (volcanoes) off that way until now. That is west Bali as it stretches toward the island of Java (if you’re familiar with the area).

This was one of the great moments of the last few weeks. Most of the frames I captured are nice sunset colors, reflections, volcanoes and some blurry ocean, but the beautiful light coming through the perfect wave form in this one stood out not only as a nice landscape but a great surf shot too. Varying the shutter speed and timing the inconsistent waves was all it took…and of course the extraordinary “never before seen” background.

Cultural paradox

(click an image for a large version)

I shot this not long ago out on the beach in Kuta, a traditional fisherman preparing to cast his net into the turbulent shorebreak. From this serene perspective it's hard to believe that only a few feet behind him at the same time a different culture is flourishing.

Kuta beach culture alive and well. It's nice to see people living in harmony.

Shots of the week 3: the Hurley Team in Bali

Kalani Robb in Bali

The Hurley Team seems to be everywhere in Bali right now. I'm sure part of it has to do with Hurley's north shore-like compound in Canggu. more shots below (click an image for a large version)

Bali Kingpin, Rizal Tanjung

Dillon Perillo unleashed in Canggu.

Kekoa Cazimero fins free blast.

 

Canggu local and Hurley super grom Jerron elevates above the competition in Kuta.

...Read more

Where I buy my gear and why you should too

Like most photographers, I have a lot of gear. Lenses, camera bodies, flashes, diffusers, reflectors, tripods, cords, radio slaves, flash cards, card readers, chargers, batteries, computers, software etc. The list goes on and on and will continue to go on until they stop making cool new ways to create images.

 
People always ask me where I buy my gear. It’s very simple; I buy 95% of my equipment online from Adorama.com and BHphoto.com. The other 5% is at random or because of geographical reasons. It just depends on what I’m looking for, both sites have everything like cameras, lenses, used inventory, studio lights etc. Take your pick.If one doesn’t have it the other will. No matter how many things I buy, my wish lists on their sites never seem to get smaller.

Both sites carry all the major brands but some of the more obscure or unique are usually only carried by one or the other. For example, I bought my Lumedyne Strobe kit from Adorama because B&H doesn’t carry that brand. On the other hand, I’ve bought two of my Mac Book Pros and all of my Western Digital Passport external hard drives from B&H, Adorama doesn’t sell Macs or WD drives. I’ve also picked up some nice used lenses from both sites over the years.

Either way your golden, both sites have everything on comprehensive websites; inventories are always current, street prices (no retail mark up) and no sales tax. Shipping is exact and the entire process is streamlined. Even when dealing with them on the phone for purchases or other assistance, they are competent and professional. No bullshit hard selling, no “bait and switch” games or uncertainty about when you’ll get your stuff. It’s the way it should be.

Here’s a tip: Don’t pay taxes. Buy a Mac from B&H. They already have customized versions in stock. I’ve bought from the Apple store online also and yeah their fine, BUT you have to wait for them to build it, they have an “expected delivery date” and the worst part is you have to pay the sales tax. That’s a lot of uncertainty and extra money. It’s like you’re waiting for a baby rather than a computer. B&H already had it made and will ship it that day AND there's no sales tax. You’re welcome.

The Endorsement

As someone who owns and buys a lot of photo equipment from them: this is my whole hearted endorsement. If you are going to buy some gear, buy from either of these sites by clicking the adds through out this site. They are the best. (I’ll get a small kickback.) Please and thank you.

...Read more

Self Promotion Tool: iPod Touch

The iPod touch is the coolest thing I own. It also happens to be my most useful tool as a photographer, besides my camera. I’ve used it more for showing my photographs than listening to music. It’s great when you’re out at the beach and you can show shots from the day before. The images are large and vivid and it gets people stoked to have you shoot more. Its better than any business card or website. You don’t have to direct people to your website and hope they actually look someday, you can show them your portfolio now! 

I also use it to take quick notes in the field or get names and details for captions. I keep it with me all the time, always with my current portfolio as well as the most recent shots. You never know when you’ll run into a magazine editor or sponsor who doesn’t know your work yet. 

Keramas: Jamie O'Brien

I made it out to Keramas last week, timing it with the arrival of good  swell. An hour on the motorbike with a few wrong turns still had me there at about 730am. As expected, this perfect right hander had attracted a crew of the surfing world's heavies. Notably, Jamie O'Brien who sat deeper and waited longer than anybody for the biggest set waves. 

The wind didn't come up until about 1230 so I had a solid 4-5 hours of shooting time before finally embarking on the long, hot, treacherous ride home. Also met Silas Hansen, another photographer there shooting for Kiwi Surf Mag. I enjoyed talking shop with him in between flurries of shutter clicks. more shots of Jamie O'Brien below. (click an image for a large version)

...Read more