discovering the wonders of nature photography...
discovering the wonders of nature photography...
Lucid Images Wildlife Photography - http://www.wildlifephoto.net
"A Guide for the Traveling Nature Photographer"
Are
you ready to shoot? Nature photographers need to be prepared and flexible. You
never know what the weather might bring or when an opportunity might arise. Whether
the trip is only as far as my backyard or several states away, I'm ready
to go and shoot at a moment's notice. My camera gear is clean and ready
and my clothes can be packed quickly and easily. Over the last seven years, I
have created and refined a "modular packing" system. It enables me to
pack quickly without having to worry about forgetting anything.
My camera gear fits nicely in the new MP-1. Developed and sold by my good friend Moose Peterson, this is one well-thought-out and designed backpack. Everything fits neatly and snugly and has no trouble fitting into the overhead of the airlines, when I opt not to pack it in the Pelican case.
All lenses are fitted with an 81a/A2 warming filter. I use Really Right Stuff quick release plates. The 600 & 400 lenses have the short profile Wimberley Adapter Plates attached.
As a digital photographer, my computer is a vital part of my equipment. It goes wherever I go. The LowePro Stealth Backpack holds my Dell Inspiron laptop along with power cords, mouse, telephone cord, binoculars, MP3 player + headset and inflatable neck pillow (great for long flights!). For software, I use DigitalPro image management (see review), Adobe PhotoShop, PhotoRescue (see review), Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. These programs provide the tools I need to edit, label, file and submit images. I have the ability to create a slide presentation or write an article on the road if necessary. Internet connections are available just about everywhere so I can stay in touch via e-mail as well as submit images.
I've flown from Mississippi to Alaska, Maine, California, Ohio and Michigan since September 11, 2001. My MP-1, safely stowed away inside the wheeled Pelican 1620 Case, has arrived safe and sound every time. Why would I opt to check my valuable camera equipment? Two reasons - airline restrictions and weight. The new airline restrictions limit the size and number of carry-on items. The less obvious reason is weight. I'm a 5'2", 50+ year old woman who at times, struggled to lift the 32 pound MP-1 into the over-head compartment. It was getting harder and harder for me to run from gate to gate carrying the MP-1 and 10 pound laptop case. At 20 pounds, the LowePro Stealth Backpack makes the trip much more enjoyable.
When I began shooting with the Nikon D1 three years ago, I gladly tossed my camera vest aside and donned a waist pack. Depending upon the length and nature of the shoot, I use either the smaller LowePro Orion Mini Belt Pack or the larger Kinesis Reporter's Waist Pack.
When I travel by air, I transfer the D1H (1), 80-400VR and 24-85 AF-S to the Stealth Backpack. The converters, Leatherman tool, battery case and filters are moved to the MP-1. This provides me more than enough room for a billfold, itinerary and plane tickets.
My cleaning and repair kit is the key to keeping my camera equipment in top working condition. By cleaning my gear at the end of each day, I know that everything will be ready to go the next morning. I've found the soft-sided Eagle Creek Pack-It® Padded Quarter Cube to be an ideal case for stowing my tools and cleaning supplies.
If you ever wondered what to do with that oblong accessory pouch that came with your MP-1, it's just the right size for holding electrical accessories. I pack a surge protector power strip along with the chargers and cables for the Nikon D1H battery, re-chargeable batteries, cell phone and Digital Camera Battery and plenty of extra Lithium batteries for the flash.
The High Sierra duffel bag has served me well over the last two years. I place my Gitzo 1548 tripod, Wimberley head, Chargers/Power Strip Pouch, hiking boots and hip waders on top of a clean towel in the bottom compartment. This is really convenient if you need to get to your tripod and head quickly without having to dump all of your clothes out first. The towel can be used to cover up your camera bag in the car. The top compartment is great for clothing and toiletry kit. Although there are zippered pockets on either end of the bag, I leave these empty and utilize the extra space inside the top compartment provided when these end pockets are not used. The duffel bag has endured several flights over the last three years, including four trips to Alaska. Everything still looks good and functions like it did when I bought it. Don't forget to pack a large plastic bag for your dirty or wet boots! Use the laundry bags provided in the hotel closets for your dirty clothes.
Some folks say I'm a Type A, obsessive-compulsive personality. Perhaps this is why I love Eagle Creek's Pack-It® system so much. It allows me to organize all my clothes into individual packs. I roll up all of my t-shirts and place them in a mesh, zip-up Cube. For slacks and jeans, I utilize their Pack-It Folder. For socks and underwear I use another Cube. Jacket/s and rain pants are placed around the Wimberley head and Gitzo tripod to provide extra protection.
When traveling by air, I pack a Half Cube with a jacket and change of clothes and toss it into the Stealth backpack. This makes things a lot easier if you are pulled aside for a random check at the airport.
My Travelon Cosmetic Organizer Travel Case is always packed with my usual toiletries so I don't worry about forgetting anything. My case consists of such essentials as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, Vaseline, Anti-acid, Imodium, Tylenol, Neosporin, Rhuli Gel, insect repellant, band-aids, antihistamine, hair brush and Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Healing lotion (blue label - does not contain ingredients that will harm camera equipment). Be sure to include a small sewing kit and nail clippers. If your cosmetic/toiletry case does not have a waterproof compartment, it's a good idea to place liquid items in a plastic bag. If they leak, they won't ruin anything.
I keep The Sac® and Groofwin window mount in my car at all times for those quick, spur of the moment photo trips. Items such as maps, bird and mammal reference books are also kept in the car. When shooting with other photographers, we take a pair of Motorolla Talkabout 2-way radios along.
Alaska? Florida? Smoky Mountain National Park? Wherever nature photography might take me next, I'm packed and ready to go.
Copyright © 2004 Jan A. Allinder. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2006 Jan A. Allinder / Lucid Images Wildlife Photography LLC
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