BlackRapid ESO Guitar & Bass Straps!

Available Now!

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It was around my 7th year shooting professionally and hating camera straps, so I started to play around looking for a new idea. Fast forward a few years, and the BLACKRAPID camera sling was created. It revolutionized the camera strap market in 2008, “Turning the camera world upside down.”

Today, I shoot only for myself. My main focus has been BLACKRAPID and creating a culture behind the brand. That culture is our trademark, “Live The Moment.”

We have created a strap that helps the working photographer with your long days of shooting, so you can live your moment in comfort.

Our Breathe material and cross-body sling design helps keep a balance of weight. Once you try it you get it… You will forget you have a camera on.

KICKSTANDS UP JUNE 22 – 27 UTAH
BLACKRAPID MOTO-RIDE

Let’s go explore, men and women both, and Live The Moment on two wheels as we shoot photos along the way. I love the state of Utah, there is no other place like it. Click here for details.

We will be giving out the Wander Lanyard Smartphone Safety Tether System plus Cross Shot Camera Straps, to help you get the shot.

ABOUT RON

Photographer Ron Henry is the founder of BLACKRAPID, based in Seattle, Washington. Ron was the first to turn the camera world upside down in 2008. He now shoots for himself when he travels, photographing motorcycles, music, street life and dogs.

Learn more on Ron’s website at http://ronhenryphoto.com, and follow him on Instagram @blackrapid and Facebook @BlackRapidStrap.

Also check out Ron’s interview on Ep. 129 of Mitch Matthews’ DREAM. THINK. DO. podcast.

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While early in my career I was drawn to the natural landscape in black and white, I have swung full circle visually focusing my energy on street photography, the human within the landscape, and artist portraits.

Taking my camera on the street makes my soul smile. I love the quote, “you have to be lost to find the places that can’t be found.” Wandering, looking, and discovering with a camera is one of the most rewarding creative pursuits there is. Going with the agenda to just create with no preconceived requirements, for me, is the essence of street photography. Learning how to disappear has become my new quest.

MOVEMENT AND MOTION

I love movement and motion within the frame. I almost always carry both a 3-stop and a 5-stop neutral density filter to allow slow shutter speeds in full sunlight.

ALWAYS LOOK FOR WHAT IS NOT IN FRONT OF YOU

Don’t forget to look over your shoulder when you are working because it just might just be more interesting than what you are photographing! On one of my first visits to the Louvre, I had a student with me ask if I would take their portrait in front of the Mona Lisa. It was the first Sunday of the month when all National Museums are free and I believe almost everyone visiting Paris had decided to not only go to the Louvre, but also all go at the same time to see the Mona Lisa.

Bob Hughes has a great quote about the painting: “People came not to look at it, but to say that they’d see it,” and all of the individuals in the room were of the latter type. The room was crushed with people and we slowly made our way towards the front viewing railing.

When we finally made it to the front of the gallery I took the student’s portrait with the Mona Lisa over their shoulder. As I turned to escape the mass of people that was making the pilgrimage, I saw the photograph, the room from Mona’s point of view.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG

When shooting on the street I love to put on the miles, and going as light as possible allows me to go longer and photograph more. My current go-to camera for the street is a Sony a6500 at the ready on my BLACKRAPID strap, with the Sony 24mm f1.8.

In my camera bag, I always have a Sony 10-18mm f4, Thinktank camera rain cover and a few extra batteries for a full day of shooting.

If I know I am going to be shooting underground (in the Metro), I also carry a Sigma 16mm f1.4.

Size and weight are the major factor here. I have photographed the streets of Paris for the last 7 years and it is amazing how a camera just a little larger attracts attention and I am no longer able to be invisible and be the fly on the wall. When photographing on the street I always try to see and capture those moments where the camera’s presence hasn’t changed the moment.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER

Christopher Broughton is a world-traveling photographer focusing on street photography, the human within the landscape, and artist portraits.

Find out more on his website https://www.christopherbroughton.com and be sure to follow him on Instagram @chris_broughton, and Facebook @christopherbroughtonphotography.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Christopher Broughton | Christopher Broughton Photography appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

I once showed my portfolio to one of my favorite photographers in NYC. He flipped through the pages of my images saying “this is cool, he’s cool, she’s cool… this isn’t cool.” He asked me why I had a few of those images my book and if I thought they were “cool.” They weren’t. I realized that I was putting things in my portfolio that I thought other people wanted to see instead of focusing on what I liked.

That moment was one of the biggest lessons for me. Be interested in your work and your work will be interesting. You will never find your authentic voice if you are constantly trying to please others or do what you think they want to see. Shoot what you love and the work will come!

THE LEGEND OF CARLOS SANTANA

I waited anxiously backstage for about 15 minutes before his car arrived. Santana and his entourage finally emerged from the luxury black SUV that pulled up. When he got out of the car, he looked up towards the stage in my direction. The first thing he asked was, “Where’s Rolling Stone?” I was on assignment for RS and we scheduled a quick backstage portrait with Santana just before his set.

I introduced myself and he asked me if I’d “seen Elton John in the drivers seat,” jokingly referring to his personal driver who also happened to be the RocketMan’s doppelgänger. I laughed and then sensing the familiar urge, I quickly began taking candid photos as he proceeded walking towards the stage. I followed him out onto the stage and was able to experience his musical genius firsthand, photographing his set up close and personal at BottleRock’s Firefox Stage on Sunday May 26.

After seeing my image, Santana described to Rolling Stone: “It’s kind of the same thing I did when I was at Woodstock. I was praying, ‘Keep me in tune and in time. I can do the rest’.” Such a beautiful description of an intimate, pre-show ritual he’s been doing for the past 50 years.

For me, capturing iconic moments like these are what make being a photographer so rewarding.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG

• Canon 5DMK4

• Canon 16-35mm

• Canon 24-70mm

• Canon 70-200

• Canon 85mm

• Canon 50mm

• Profoto A1

• Profoto Air Remote

• and of course my BLACKRAPID strap

ABOUT KOURY

Koury Angelo is an award-winning Rock & Roll and celebrity portrait photographer based in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, he moved to Paris, France, where he received his European Masters from Speos Institute of Photography. Koury began his professional career in New York City, where he assisted many of the leading photographers in the industry.

Currently, Koury is making his mark as one of the top photographers in the music and entertainment world, and his work has been featured on the covers of Billboard, People, The Hollywood Reporter and more. His other clients include Apple, Rolling Stone, Red Bull, Netflix, Hilton, AMEX, Spotify, Converse, Adidas, Bacardi, Bud Light, Calvin Klein, Chevy and Facebook, to name a few.

Find out more about Koury on his website https://www.kouryangelo.com/ and be sure to follow him on Instagram @kouryangelo, and Facebook @kouryangelophotography.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Koury Angelo | Koury Angelo Photography appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

I tend to focus on lifestyle photos. Most of the clients I’ve had the pleasure of working with, want their images to capture the imagination of potential customers. We want those customers to see the image and think, “That’s me, I can picture myself using that product.”

INCREDIBLE FREEDOM AND EXCITEMENT

I grew up always wanting to tell stories and share them with the world. And now, at 23 years old, I’ve built up a business that allows me to support myself and pursue my life’s passion.

I’ve only ever held one nine-to-five job, and that was at a company called Bullseye Camera Systems. My step-father invented and started the company and hired me on as the video production manager. This job was highly influential to my understanding of video and photography, as I was able to utilize a budget to practice, learn, and create photography and video content that helped grow a business.

Once Bullseye was sold, I knew I could never hold a regular job again. I’d seen the incredible freedom and excitement being a business owner generated, so in December of 2017, I started Big Crowd Productions.

For the first year, I struggled to land gigs. I had no real plan of action and University took up a considerable amount of my time. I finally landed a big contracting job with a company that needed talented videographers and photographers. We traveled the United States working with big-name brands in the outdoor industry at a record-breaking pace. After a year of this, I had to take a step back and focus on my own clients. However, the experience and wisdom I gained from that opportunity will never be forsaken, it helped to build my confidence as a business owner and a videographer/photographer.

Now in the year 2020, I’ve been focusing on my craft more than ever before. Lighting and story-telling are my two weakest areas, so those are the two that I will make my strengths no matter what. As for business, it’s booming. I’ve gathered a strong line-up of clients and I’m booked for the foreseeable future.

As for the future, I’ll be married in June of 2020 to a beautiful girl who has supported me through all the trials and tribulations of this journey. I’ll be forever grateful for her. After the big day, I’ll get back to growing my company and securing even deeper relationships with my current clients and ones yet to be known.

A DUMB KID WITH A CAMERA

I had no one to help me in my early years as a dumb kid with a camera, so I always like to share tips to help those kids who are in the same boat I was.

Thankfully I grew up with YouTube, so I was able to get by without a physical mentor. My mentors were Ryan Connolly from Film Riot, Sam and Niko from Corridor Digital, and countless other YouTube channels. I would say to anyone starting out, immerse yourself in free online content. I consumed countless hours of free content from bright minds who were gracious enough to share their knowledge for free.

One other thing too, don’t feel intimidated because you’re not using an Arri Alexa Mini or a $5,000 Canon. I shot countless videos and photos on a Canon Rebel T5i and a 50mm lens. Just get out there and practice, the gear will come later. 

THE COMMERCIAL VIDEO SHOOT WITHOUT AUDIO

I was working at Bullseye Camera Systems when I was just a Junior in high school. We went out to the rifle range to show off the Bullseye Camera System in action; the BCS is a wireless target camera system that helps long-range shooters see where they shot on the target using their iPad, iPhone, Computer, etc.

Usually, on a commercial shoot, we would have multiple takes in order for our talent to deliver their lines properly. However, on this particular day, our talent delivered all his lines flawlessly. It was almost angelic. After an hour of filming, the owner and inventor of the company, Nick Skrepetos, asked to review the footage. I gleefully opened up the footage on my Rebel T5i and started to preview a clip. Unfortunately, there was no audio.

I shrugged it off as the camera’s fault, but upon further investigation realized my Rode shotgun mic hadn’t been turned on the whole time. After getting my ass chewed out, we ran out of daylight. A wasted commercial shoot and a long hour drive back home were all we had to show for the day. So this is my warning to everyone who shoots video, always make sure your audio is running properly before filming.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG

You’ll find a Canon 5D MKIV with a BlackRapid Curve Breathe strap attached to it. I mainly rely on my 24-70mm Sigma Art lens for my lifestyle photography but I also still use my Canon “nifty fifty” 50mm prime.

As for video production, you’ll find a ZCAM E2 cinema camera complimented by a Rokinon prime lens kit. On occasion, I’ll break out the DJI Ronin-S with the 5D MKIV if I need a smooth tracking shot. Between both of my bags, I’m ready for any and all of my client’s needs!

LEARN MORE

Will Barker of Big Crowd Productions is a Lifestyle Photographer based in Eugene, Oregon.

Find out more about him on his website https://www.bigcrowdproductions.com/ and be sure to follow him on Instagram @will_b9, @bigcrowdpro, and @division_skywalker.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Will Barker | Big Crowd Productions appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

I actually don’t have a favourite, there have been so many films that have meant so much to me on both a personal and professional level.

Matrix was probably the film that defined me as a photographer and 20 years later it’s epic to still see those images pop up on a weekly basis. The Bourne Supremacy introduced me to two of my long time friends and collaborators Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass, and of course I met my wife Maria on a Bourne film. Recently I have been working on Disney and Marvel films, and I love being part of that family. Shooting Thor was an absolute highlight and working with Chris and Taika was a dream come true.

Then of course Aquaman for DC with the Big Dog Jason Momoa and director James Wan, both amazing artists that give me incredible access.

I guess if I had to pin anything down though, it would of course be Mad Max Fury Road which was absolutely the hardest film I have ever worked on. I had to fight daily for every frame and I think it showed with what I was able to produce. Then there’s the three Bond films I have shot the stunts for, Live and Let Die was the first Bond film I saw with my buddies when I was a kid, and I’m convinced it’s why I work on action films. To shoot one Bond is amazing, but to be asked back three times is an absolute honour.

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So cool they use my photo from #thematrix lobby scene to announce that #matrix4 has started shooting. Such wonderful memories shooting still for the first 3. Massive honour in fact! #lanawachowski #thematrix #thematrix4 #matrix4 @nikonaustralia @nikonusa #nikon @nikonambassador #hollywood #popculture #iconic #actionfilm #actor @blackrapid @aquatech_imagingsolutions #nikonambassador #mynikonlife #SMPSP #unitstills #bts #stillphotographer @smpspstills #australianphotographer

A post shared by Jasin Boland (@jasinboland) on Feb 7, 2020 at 4:46pm PST

Q: YOU MUST BE AWAY FROM HOME A LOT…

As much and I am away a lot, I am actually home a lot too. I can be away on 2-3 films a year. I have been known to fly home from Europe to watch my son play hockey and be on a flight to Asia for another film two days later. Other times, especially over the holidays, I’ll get up to 6 weeks off, and every few years I can have 6 months off just being a hockey dad.

This year I am in Sydney for the whole year but I go home every weekend, and between the films I have a month off. I miss my little family and up until a few years ago, they traveled with me everywhere, but then of course they found interests. Hockey and acting for my son, and being a yoga instructor for my wife. I see how happy it makes them and there’s no way I want to take them away from that. Having a kid play hockey in traveling teams is super expensive, so I have to work anyhow, ha ha…

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@empiremagazine just named this little flick I worked on as film of the century now that’s pretty rad! Thanks for the opportunity Dr Miller! #madmax #madmaxfuryroad #filmofthecentury #movieofthecentury @tomhardy @charlizeafrica @chrispattonstunts @nikonaustralia @nikonusa #nikon @nikonambassador #hollywood #popculture #iconic #actionfilm #actor @blackrapid @aquatech_imagingsolutions #nikonambassador #mynikonlife #SMPSP #unitstills #bts #stillphotographer @smpspstills #australianphotographer

A post shared by Jasin Boland (@jasinboland) on Jan 17, 2020 at 9:45am PST

Q: WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME?

Well our house is on the Gold Coast in Queensland, but my wife was born in Berlin, so we have those two places, but we would all be happier to move to BC. Hockey for my son, cold for my wife, and mountains for me.

Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST SHOOT YOU’VE EVER DONE?

Mad Max and Everest

Q: WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO LENS DURING MOST SHOOTS?

Outside 24-120 F4, and inside 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8

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It’s nearly here team! “Extraction” drops onto @netflix April 24 featuring the best boss a guy could have @chrishemsworth and directed by @thesamhargrave who may possibly be the best action director of this new decade! So stoked to work with these two not only sensational film makers but beautiful humans along the way. My little buddy @rudhrakshjaiswal1 stars with Chris along with my pal @randeephooda Can’t wait to see the finished product! #extraction #netflixfilm @netflixanz @netflixfilm #davidharbour thanks for the epic access @leecleary1 @therussobrothers @agbofilms @nikonaustralia @nikonusa @nikonambassador @blackrapid @aquatech_imagingsolutions @hoodmanusa #nikon #nikonambassador #blackrapidambassador #aquatechambassador #mynikonlife #seewhatisee #livethemoment #SMPSP #unitstills #stillphotographer #bts #behindthescenes @lakinreps

A post shared by Jasin Boland (@jasinboland) on Feb 18, 2020 at 12:01pm PST

Q: WHAT ELSE IS IN YOUR GEAR BAG?

Ha, how much space do we have?

Well my general onset studio unit kit consists of 3 Nikon Z mirrorless cameras so I can shoot silent on sensitive scenes, clipped to my custom BLACKRAPID straps.

I have Z35mm f1.8, Z50mm f1.8, Z24-70 f 2.8, Z85mm 1.8 and 70-200 f2.8 in one bag, and then for action scenes or super low light I have 2 D5’s in Aquatech sound blimps with 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f 2.8. Plus six Hoodman steel CF express cards running all my Nikon Z cameras. I’m amazed at how much faster they are than the XQD.

I also have fast Nikon primes 24mm f1.4, 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4, 58mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.4 when needed for ultra low light or portrait work. When needed I will also run a 200mm f2, 200-400mm f4 and 400mm f2.8.

Then in my action kit, which is what I use for mounting on vehicles or anywhere I can stuff a camera really, I use 2 x D4s’s, 1 D850 and 1 D750 and various lenses like 35mm f2 and 17-35mm f2.8 and a 24-120 f4. All of them I expect may get taken out at some point. On Spectre an airplane wheel knocked one over, and on another film a car hit one. Lots of bumps for my Nikons, but they just keep on going.

The key is when you are in an impact zone, you need to allow your camera to move or in fact fall over. When you are mounted to a vehicle, the important thing is they don’t move at all due to safety for the drivers, cast and crew.

As well as all my rig mounts, I also travel with a lot of safety gear, harnesses, helmets, ear protection, anything you can think of really. My traveling kit is around 100kg so I never fly with it, everything gets shipped ahead. Currently, the kit I have with me on this film hasn’t been home for nearly 2 years.

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My buddy @frankiestills posted a shot of the Big Dog himself @prideofgypsies and reminded me how much fun this beast of a man is to work for! Can’t wait for the next one! #jasonmomoa #amberheard #jameswan #mera #arthurcurry #dceu #comics #movie #film #actionfilm #photography @nikonaustralia @nikonambassador @blackrapid #nikon #bts #behindthescenes #picoftheday #photooftheday #vfx @lakinreps

A post shared by Jasin Boland (@jasinboland) on Nov 17, 2019 at 2:21am PST

Q: WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO GO TO FOLLOW YOU?

You know, when I first was told by Nikon I should be doing Instagram, I laughed and said, “I’m not having an app tell me how to frame my shots.” I thought it would never catch on. Of course, I was wrong. If I had bothered to mask myself or use a Instacrop app, I’d be a lot further down the track with my Instagram than I am today.

My last 5 or 6 new clients all only looked at my Insta page. It’s great for staying relevant and I try to be on point with only film posts. I frequently pick themes and just do images from one film for a week, or what’s in the news.

I find most new followers only really look back 10 or so images, so I think it is important to go through the back catalogue and repost from time to time, otherwise those images get lost and you may have well just left them on the hard drive.

Another observation I had early on was I felt like people were just going to Insta to experience other peoples lives, and for quite a while that was true. But at some point it changed, and it encouraged people to get outside and experience life for themselves. It’s helped nurture peoples creativity and in my eyes that’s a fabulous thing.

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Happy new year team and what a year we shared! Here’s my #topnine2019 interesting spread clearly you all love @chrishemsworth he’s well worth loving by the way and the big surprise for me is #thematrix looks like everyone is looking forward to seeing #4 in the next decade. Thank you all for dropping by to see my work you fill my heart! #happynewyear #dhaka @therussobrothers #thematrix4 #chrishemsworth #keanureeves #ghostintheshell #scarlettjohansson @taikawaititi #taikawaititi #aquaman @creepypuppet @prideofgypsies @amberheard #jasonmomoa #amberheard @carrieannemoss @nikonaustralia @nikonusa #nikon @nikonambassador #hollywood #popculture #iconic #actionfilm #actor @blackrapid @aquatech_imagingsolutions #nikonambassador #mynikonlife #SMPSP #unitstills #bts #stillphotographer @smpspstills #australianphotographer

A post shared by Jasin Boland (@jasinboland) on Dec 30, 2019 at 1:08pm PST

Hi, I’m Jasin Boland, a motion picture still photographer based in Queensland, Australia.

Come visit my Instagram @jasinboland. I haven’t updated my web page since forever.

The post BLACKRAPID Ambassador Spotlight: Jasin Boland – Make the Job Work for You, Don’t Work for the Job appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

I started as a musician. I studied drums and percussion at the local music conservatory, but I’ve always had a passion for image. I remember as a kid going to photo exhibitions with my mother, and trying to imagine why the photographer decided to make that image the way he did.

At that time, I wondered how photographers made something ordinary look extraordinary. I was fascinated by how they played with light and colors and composition to make the images. But as I grew up music became my focus, so I studied and became a musician. For many years, photography was just something I did from time to time. Nothing serious, just a way to record some important moments.

With time I became tired of music and needed to stop. I needed a change. That was when my interest in photography started growing again and one day, some friends from a local newspaper asked me to make some images from a concert for them. That was when it all started for me, and I never stopped since.

HOW THEY MOVE ON STAGE

When I shoot festivals, I have to shoot bands for the first time, so before the festival I always try to go online to find recent videos of the bands, just to get an idea of how they move on stage. I try to get to the stage as soon as possible to see where the lights are and where I can move to get some nice images.

To be able to make a good job I need to be comfortable, so I always use comfortable shoes and clothes (always black). The BlackRapid Double Breathe also helps me remain comfortable the entire concert. Before I got my BlackRapid Double Breathe, I would go to the Festivals or concerts with two cameras with their normal straps. I would spend most of the time with tension on my shoulders to prevent the cameras from slipping. For 3-day festivals, I was in pain from day one. My shoulders just couldn’t take it anymore.

As you can imagine, if I’m in pain I will not be able to do the best job I can. I won’t be able to relax and focus on the images, so I had to find a solution, and the solution was the BlackRapid straps. Now I work on 3-day festivals with no problem.

The best tip I can give for concert photography is to relax and make it as easy as possible for yourself, so you can concentrate only on the images you are making.

HOW I ALMOST RUINED A BAND STUDIO RECORDING

Yes… I almost ruined a band recording just because I wanted to do one image.

Some time ago one of the best musicians in Portugal calls me to make some images in his studio while they were recording the new album. I went there for a few days, and it all went fine. I was able to make the images without making noise and without disturbing their work, but on one of the days the band was all there and he asked me to make a “family” shot of the band and the producer in the recording room.

We all got to the room and they started getting in place while I started choosing the best place to frame the image. The best place I found had only one problem: one mic stand was in the way. So without thinking, I just removed the stand… Big mistake!

The stand had no mic in it, but the stand was there because they still needed to make some recordings with the same sound, and the placement of the mic needed to be exactly the same. The sound engineer almost had a stroke.

In the end, I was lucky and all went fine. They were able to place the mic in the same place, or almost, but the sound was the same.

And yes…I got the shot. 

WHAT’S IN MY BAG

• BlackRapid Double Breathe
• Prograde Cards
• Prograde Card Reader
• Canon EOS 5DMkIV
• Canon EOS 5DMkII
• Canon EF 70-200f2.8 USM L II
• Canon EF 17-40f4 USM L
• Dell XPS15 Laptop
• WD External Hard Drive
• Canon Speedlite 580EXIIFlash ( for some backstage images
• PocketWizard PlusII

Rui Bandeira of Rui Bandeira Fotografia is a Concert Photographer based in Portugal.

Find out more about him on his website https://ruibandeirafotografia.com/ and be sure to follow him on Instagram @rui_bandeira_fotografia/.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Rui Bandeira | Rui Bandeira Fotografia appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

I am a risk-loving, dream-doing, taco-addicted destination wedding photographer living #yolo to it’s finest with my husband (and fellow photography partner, Colin) and my cat Marley. We’ve been living in Mexico for almost 7 years, because when you love the destination so much, sometimes you gotta move there. We specialize in weddings across Mexico and underwater wedding photography, which usually takes place in Mexico’s underwater caves, called “cenotes.” Fun fact: I have been using the same exact Black Rapid straps for my entire career which spans over 500 weddings! So if there are 2 constants in my life, it’s tacos and my beloved Black Rapid straps (and my husband of course).

DON’T FORCE IT

If your client feels uncomfortable in a pose, it’s not going to look good on camera, period. Don’t be afraid to say “Is that uncomfortable?” and change it up if it is. Don’t force it! If they feel uncomfortable being on camera at all, choose a walking shot. Movement always helps ease the nerves and helps them look more natural on camera. Last resort, jokes. Sacrifice your dignity for the sake of laughter and a more comfortable client.

OUR BUILDING WAS ON FIRE

Two years ago, we were traveling around Mexico and had just arrived to our next hotel and I was backing up the 5th wedding we had shot while traveling onto an external hard drive (I always back up on 3 drives while traveling and 1 always stays on my body). Someone started pounding on our door and when we opened it up there was nothing but an orange, blazing inferno on the other side. Our building was on fire, and there was no alarm. We had 5 seconds or less to decide what to get from our room. We stacked all our gear, computers, etc. in our arms and at the last second I grabbed the hard drive I was just backing up with my teeth and ran out the door.In the end, everyone survived- we actually grabbed ALL of our gear, and nobody’s wedding photos were lost. It was a good lesson in backing up wedding photos as soon as possible, because you never know what will happen.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG

• My always and forever Black Rapid straps
• 4 Nikon D750 camera bodies
• 1 Sigma Art 24mm f/1.4, 1 Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4, 1 Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4, 1 Sigma Art 105mm f/1.4 & 1 Vintage Nikkor 52mm f/2.0 for details
• 4 Yungnuo Speedlights, 2 Yungnuo Triggers, 1 Flashbender & 1 Magmod Diffuser and Grid & 1 Light stand
• 1 Fillex P100 Video Light

Misti Marquette, founder of Bohemia Photography, is a Wedding and Underwater Photographer based in Redondo Beach, California.

Find out more about her on her website http://www.bohemia-photography.com and be sure to follow her on Instagram @bohemiaphotography and her Facebook page @bohemiaphotographyus.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Misti Marquette | Bohemia Photography appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

After a life-changing trip to Antarctica, I pivoted from my medical device marketing career to chase a dream related to adventure travel photography, writing and conservation on all seven continents and founded Epic 7 Travel. My goal is to empower, propel, ignite and connect with adventure seekers using underwater, landscape, wildlife and aerial imagery from around the world. In 2019, I began offering photo workshops in San Francisco focused on elevating visual storytelling. And, in 2020, I’m leading my first international tours to Bhutan, a captivating cultural gem in the Himalayas.

BE PATIENT

To draw people into your images, always look for unique perspectives. Trying sitting or lying down to be at eye level with wildlife or shoot up at them to emphasize that they are the “hero.”

Photography is all about the moments – whether that be human or wildlife interactions. Be patient and watch for those special moments that bring the scene and place to life. Wait for the tender caress, the laughter or the funny expression. Patience and seeing the world differently through little details are two of the greatest gifts photography has given me.

With travel photography, you want to transport your audience. To take your storytelling to the next level, think about the adjective and emotion you want to convey rather than just the subject itself. Is a penguin regal? An elephant massive? Is the ocean turbulent or calm?

WHAT GOT ME THE NAME “HONEY OOPSIE”

Since I’m known for being highly accident prone and nicknamed “Honey Oopsie” by my husband, pretty much every trip I take results in numerous hilarious events. While walking on fresh snow on Seymour Island in Antarctica, I somehow tripped on absolutely nothing and went sailing through the air, face-planting in powder. My GoPro went flying one direction and my Canon camera smashed face first into the snow (along with me). After extracting myself from my unintended snow angel and realizing I hadn’t broken any bones, I began laughing hysterically and immediately checked my camera, dreading what I might find. Fortunately, my lens hood and polarizer had protected the lens, allowing it to survive my clumsy antics unscathed.

I ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH TWO BODIES

I consider myself camera brand agnostic and modify the gear I travel with based on the trip. For wildlife trips to Africa, the Canadian Arctic and Antarctica, I always travel with two bodies –one telephoto and one wide-angle set up to make sure I don’t miss any coveted shots while switching lenses.

• Canon 7DMII + Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II + Tokina 12-28 f/4.0
• Nikon D850 + Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VRII + Nikon 200-500 f/5.6E + Nikon 16-35 f/4.0g
• iPhone 11 Pro + DJI OSMO Mobile 3
• BLACKRAPID Double Breathe Camera Strap
• Mindshift Backlight 26L Backpack
• SYRP Variable ND Filter 1-8 stops
• Singh Ray Galen Rowell Soft Edge 2 Stop & 3 Stop Graduated Neutral Density Filter
• Oben CT 2491 Carbon Fiber Tripod & Acratech Ultimate Ballhead

Marielena Smith, founder of Epic 7 Travel, is an adventure travel writer, photographer, educator, and scuba diver based in San Francisco, California.

Find out more about her on her website https://epic7travel.com and be sure to follow her on Instagram @epic7travel and her Facebook page @epic7travel.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Marielena Smith | Epic 7 Travel appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

I had the amazing privilege of sitting down with my grandmother not too long ago. I had always heard the stories but wanted to hear them myself and write them down. We started from the day she was born in 1922, in Pillaro, Ecuador. A time so different… where people walked everywhere or road donkeys, you grew your own food and lived off the land. She grew up in a very abusive home and was taken out of school when she was in 4th grade. She married the first guy she met at 17 and at 18 had her first child. She knew she needed to make something of herself and had a driving desire to do whatever she could to get ahead in her life. Her aunt gave her a small loan so that she could buy little products and food to sell on the street. She would sell what she could by day and sleep on the streets by night. She said she would save everything, only using what she needed to stay alive. She eventually saved enough to purchase a little cart so she could sell more and have better shelter, always saving and only purchasing the necessities, she then bought a small shop with a room and kitchen, then she bought some land, then a home to use as a rental property, then more land, always saving everything she could then reinvesting.

SHE WOULD SAY, “IT WAS LIKE GOD HIMSELF WAS PUTTING MONEY IN MY HANDS.”

She ended up taking in all of her 7 siblings, her father, her aunt, uncle and kids… she taught them all how to work and make a life for themselves. She came from absolutely nothing and ended up being the wealthiest family in their town. Still to this day my families name is well honored in their town. My Grandmother was a fighter…. a warrior. Her work ethic, her determination to make a life for herself and her family is what makes her the most powerful, honorable, courageous and hard working woman I know.

THEN COMES MY MOTHER, THE ONE WHO WAS RAISED BY A WARRIOR.

Warriors make Warriors you know. At 20 my mother came to the U.S., not knowing a word of English and alone. With the same determination that had been instilled in her from birth, she fought hard to build a life for herself in the US. Through a series of fortunate and unfortunate events she ended up at a church in The Bronx, NY – where she met my dad and the Lord. That day God took her and RAN! Before they had children they needed a way to make money. So, my mom had the idea to gut an old school bus, paint it blue and turn it into a store on wheels. They went all over New York City selling Ecuadorian sweaters and different arts and crafts! To this day she lives a life of entrepreneurship – just like her mother.

SOMEDAY, I HOPE TO BE HALF THE WOMAN SHE IS.

I am so proud to be part of this lineage of Warrior Women and even more proud to be able to pass such an amazing legacy on to my daughters.

Always remember, life will bring you trials, temptations, hardships – it’s inevitable. The fight through it, the extra strength that God gives you, the tenacity it takes to push through is what makes warriors. Warriors aren’t born – they are made!

You my friend, are a warrior – fight!

-Nicole

After being in the photography industry for over 2 decades, Nicole Elliott has become an award-winning Professional Photographer, Speaker and Designer; who’s work and writing has been nationally recognized and published. Her heart to encourage, equip and empower the next generation of photographers is the foundational principle of her business and her photography courses. This last year she has been working with BLACKRAPID on the design and development of a brand new camera strap for women. The Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID – Live the moment in Comfort and Style!

You can follow Nicole on Instagram @nicoleelliott.inspire, on Facebook NicoleElliott.Inspire and find out more about her on her website Studio Elliott. Get your own Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID camera strap at www.blackrapid.com/Nicole-Elliott-Strap-by-BLACKRAPID.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Nicole Elliott | Warrior Women appeared first on BLACKRAPID.