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.

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.

locally named Melrakkasetur Íslands, in Súðavík which is in Iceland’s Westfjords. They’re brothers and they were found orphaned in the mountains in 2015. The Arctic Fox Centre in Iceland is responsible for advising worldwide on Arctic Fox populations and behaviours, and gathers data from a number of sources for this. The centre itself as a tourist attraction, with these two resident foxes, is just a minor part of the operation. 

FOR ME AS A TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER,

it’s fantastic to have connected so well with Midge, the boss, and it means that when I’m up in the Westfjords I can go warm up with coffee and a little play with the lads. I’ve made three trips to Iceland in 2018, and this last one included a stop off to shoot Ingi and Móri, however it didn’t go quite as planned. One of the things I was aware of is that as young foxes they love to play, and with that they’re very curious. Last time I was there I came out of the enclosure with scratches on my hands and tooth marks in my clothes. Móri in particular has a particular attraction to anything dangly, so I prepared myself by tucking in my bootlaces and thinking that would be enough. How wrong I was, it turns out.

MÓRI WAS BUSY HAVING A CLOSE LOOK AT ME AND I WONDERED WHY,

but I was just settling in and letting the boys get used to the intruder in their enclosure. Ingi was busy playing the part of the model whilst Móri kept circling and stalking me, edging closer every now and then. I ignored it and just assumed he was just checking me out. Well what was happening in fact, was the little blue morph was eyeing up my BLACKRAPID Sport Breathe.

I SQUATTED TO GET A BETTER PERSPECTIVE OF INGI LOOKING ALL CUTE AND FLUFFY,

and Móri seized the opportunity to strike! The extension on the back of the strap is secured with a piece of plastic. Well let me tell you, I had no idea it could be detatched! It turns out that the teeth of the Arctic Fox, capable of chewing through bone, are more than good enough to dissect a nylon strap! Initially quite entertained by the fact that Móri wanted to play tug-of-war with me, I was shocked that he very quickly won!

TAKING OFF HIS PRIZE, A PIECE OF MY STRAP,

he proudly wandered off to the other side of the enclosure and was busy chewing away for a few minutes until every last piece was gone save for the piece of plastic which he spat back out. The stomach of the Arctic Fox is pretty hardy, capable of dealing with bone, fur, and whatever else the fox puts into it through nature, so the camera strap would be no problem at all for Móri but it became a problem for me!

Luckily the folks at BLACKRAPID saw the funny side and sent me a replacement, however they did point out to me that it’s not covered by the warranty.

Dave Williams is a travel photographer and social media influencer, writer, educator, and blogger, based in London, UK. His work has featured worldwide in renowned publications and campaigns, and customers including Time, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, The Times, Shell, Marie Claire, and many, many more.

Find out more about him on his website www.capturewithdave.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram @capturewithdave and Facebook Dave Williams capturewithdave.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Dave Williams | Not On The Warranty appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

I started Shotkit back in 2014 to scratch my own itch of wanting to know what my favourite photographers carried in their camera bags.

EVERYONE KNOWS THAT A GOOD CAMERA DOESN’T MAKE A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER,

but most of us in the photography industry are passionate about the camera gear we use, and we’re all a little curious about the gear used by our peers!

OVER THE YEARS, SHOTKIT HAS MORPHED INTO A POPULAR RESOURCE FOR ALL THINGS PHOTOGRAPHY AND GEAR RELATED,

but the goal of the site is still to provide an accessible place for both beginners and pros to have a snoop inside the camera bags of photographers.

After receiving so many submissions from photographers around the world, I’ve been given a unique insight into the most popular photography gear in use by professionals today… and of course, BLACKRAPID is a name that keeps popping up.

IT’S INTERESTING TO SEE DIFFERENT TRENDS EMERGE IN THE INDUSTRY,

particularly how mirrorless cameras are disrupting the throne that’s been held for so many years by the trusty DSLR.

Whatever your stance is on using a camera with an EVF vs a traditional OVF, the future of cameras which rely on cumbersome mirrors to capture images is looking admittedly bleak.

Personally, I made the switch to mirrorless cameras for my wedding photography work earlier this year and have been enjoying the experience… although I must say there are still times when I miss my DSLR.

AS FOR SHOTKIT, I’LL CONTINUE TO PUBLISH IN-DEPTH REVIEWS ON THE LATEST CAMERA GEAR

to help both beginners and professional photographers who need advice about their next purchases… not to mention of course those of us with a dose of the dreaded G.A.S.!

I definitely don’t condone buying gear for the sake of it, or amassing a whole arsenal of camera accessories that hardly gets used. I’ve taken a rather minimalist approach to my wedding photography, in a hope to encourage creativity through limitation, often using just one camera body and one lens for an entire day.

That said, I still think it’s worthwhile to invest in new gear from time to time if it helps with your motivation and creativity, and let’s face it, we do all like new toys after all

FROM PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOWING OFF THEIR BEST WORK AND FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHY GADGETS AND GIZMOS, TO GEAR REVIEWS, BUSINESS ADVICE AND CREATIVE INSPIRATION, THERE’S SOMETHING ON SHOTKIT FOR EVERYONE.

If you’re reading this and thinking that you’d like to have your work featured on Shotkit, then come on over and get involved! Whether you own one camera or ten, I’d love to have you on-board.

Mark Condon is a photographer and founder of ShotKit, the popular blog that gives readers an inside look inside the camera bags of some of the most highly regarded photographers around the world.

Find out more about him on his website ShotKit.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram @shotkit and his Facebook page, ShotKit.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Mark Condon | Peek inside the Camera Bags of the World’s Best Photographers appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

#LiveTheMoment in Comfort and Style!

INTRODUCING A BRAND-NEW CAMERA STRAP DESIGNED BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN – THE NICOLE ELLIOTT BY BLACKRAPID.

Your camera should be an extension of you, not an annoyance to carry. Your camera gear should add to your creative energy – not inhibit it. Taking its cue from the way women have been carrying their babies for centuries, Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID takes the pressure points away from your neck and shoulders by “hugging” your shoulder to evenly distribute the weight.  Allowing you to have full mobility and making your camera feel virtually weightless.  Shoot for hours without feeling fatigue, discomfort or pain! The strap is reversible – black on one side, black and white pattern on the other – business and party in one unique design. The shoulder strap has two pockets for lens caps and two zippered pockets for memory cards, batteries and whatever other small accessories you want to keep close.  The strap has a release trigger snap hook that locks in place when hooked to the 1/4″ screw that attaches securely to the bottom of your camera. And the strap adjusts to up to 63” in diameter, ensuring a perfect fit for any body type.

With its innovative functionality, maximum comfort and unique style this strap will change the way you photograph life. The Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID – #LiveTheMoment in Comfort and Style!

The Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID is now available exclusively at BLACKRAPID.com. Order yours today! https://www.blackrapid.com/Nicole-Elliott-Strap-by-BLACKRAPID

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT IT

Carrying around heavy camera gear for an all-day wedding, running and jumping with kids during a family photo shoot, going for a hike in the woods, or simply photographing urban lifestyle can take a toll on our bodies. The new Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID changes that experience completely by providing a soft, stylish, reversable shoulder pad that curves with your body and distributes the weight of your gear appropriately. No more sore shoulders or necks after a photoshoot FTW! Here’s our favorite features:

• • Ergonomically Correct: Even weight distribution takes the pressure off your neck and shoulders, making your camera feel weightless.
  • Reversible Fabric: Sophisticated pattern on one side and classic black on the other.
  • Comfortable Shoulder Piece: There’s never been a camera strap that literally “hugs” your shoulder evenly to distribute the weight. This takes the pressure points away from your neck and shoulders allowing you to have full mobility and makes your camera feel virtually weightless.
  • 2 Zippered Pockets and 2 Lens Cap Pockets: You know all that stuff that gets lost in the bottom of your camera bag, or stuffed into a random pocket? You’ll never lose your lens caps again with the two integrated lens cap pockets, and the two zippered pockets which are perfect for those memory cards, business cards, or other small items.
  • Easy adjustment: Need it longer? Need it shorter? Just grab the adjustment strap and pull! Done.
  • Durable, Removable, Water Resistant, Washable Fabric: Simply detach the shoulder strap from nylon strap and rings, wash by hand with mild soap, and lay flat to dry.
  • Right- or Left-handed Wear: With its easy reversible front or back adjustment, the Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID can be slung from the left or right shoulder.

To top it off, it’s made with our new high-performance materials and hardware, including the ConnectR (CR-3), LockstaR, FastenR (FR-5), and Camera Safety Tether.

We can gush about this beauty all day long, but we’d rather you discover for yourself what you love most about it. With our 30 day money back guarantee, you can order the Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID, try it out, and if you decide it’s not for you, return it within 30 days.

THE HEART BEHIND NICOLE ELLIOTT BY BLACKRAPID

Words from the designer, the beautiful heart and soul behind the Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID:

“We are mothers, we are daughters, we are wives and friends…

We love deeply and live passionately.

We are surrounded by a world of wonder and amazement, from little laughs and giggles, to the beautiful people that surround us and the everyday moments that steal our hearts.

Life is a journey…. A bunch of little moments that together make up one big beautiful life.

My hope is that the Elliott strap helps you capture the life around you Confidently, Creatively, Passionately…without borders.

Here’s to a beautiful life captured one shot at a time – one moment at a time.

Every moment, #LiveTheMoment. In comfort and style.”

~ Nicole Elliott

The post It’s Here! The camera strap designed by women for women – Nicole Elliott by BLACKRAPID! appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

BLACKRAPID HAS HUNG AROUND MY BODY IN SOME WAY ON THE VAST MAJORITY OF MY PHOTOSHOOTS FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I’VE BEEN SHOOTING PROFESSIONALLY.

I was working side by side with Peter Treadway when we discovered these awesome straps and although I’d patented (lying) a ‘death grip’ method for securing my regular stock strap to my arm, these things just took the lead and I haven’t stopped using mine ever since.

THEY’RE GREAT FOR WHAT I DO – I OFTEN FIND MYSELF WALKING LONG DISTANCES IN MY SEARCH FOR LANDSCAPES AND SCENIC VISTAS.

On one occasion however, I required my BLACKRAPID strap whilst being taken to the vista by another means. The safety brief was pretty straight forward: – Make sure everything in your hands is attached to you, and don’t stick your head out! One out of two isn’t bad, right?

THE REST OF THAT BRIEF WAS COVERED BY THE STRENGTH AND SECURITY OF HALF OF MY BLACKRAPID RS-DR1.

I was very excited by the prospect of a helicopter ride, especially as I’d had some awesome flights before and I’m so into drone photography that I’m forearmed with the knowledge of what works and what doesn’t with aerial photos. The other thing I had on my side for this amazing experience is my passion for aviation and experience of flight, meaning I have an absolutely zero chance of getting motion sickness and I’m quite comfortable hanging out of a helicopter despite having a pretty knee-trembling aversion to heights!

PREPPED FOR THE FLIGHT, BRIEFED TO THE EYEBALLS, STRAPPED IN FIVE-WAYS, AND WITH MY PHONE AND DSLR TETHERED TO MYSELF, IT WAS TIME TO FLY!

Let me tell you this one important piece of life advice: – If you ever get the opportunity to fly in a helicopter with the doors off, do it! A helicopter ride is pretty cool in its own right, but take the obstruction out and have nothing much between you and the view and you’ve got a winner. Take a look at this: –

MIAMI WAS A WHISTLESTOP TOUR FOR ME ON THIS TRIP.

I spent just the one night there and so had limited time to soak up as much as I could that the party city has to offer. Bustling with art, culture, cocktails, music, food, and influences from all across the Caribbean and Central and South America, this place to me is what I envisage Havana to look like had their not been an embargo. When I visit somewhere so briefly I try to get the best view from the highest spot, spending a moment up there enjoying and capturing the vista or the skyline. This flight, it turns out, was the perfect replacement and was a fantastic way to get the feel of the city and the beach, and enjoy a little exhilaration with the sun setting behind downtown Miami.

Dave Williams is a travel photographer and social media influencer, writer, educator, and blogger, based in London, UK. His work has featured worldwide in renowned publications and campaigns, and customers including Time, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, The Times, Shell, Marie Claire, and many, many more.

Find out more about him on his website www.capturewithdave.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram @capturewithdave and Facebook Dave Williams capturewithdave.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Dave Williams | Photographing Miami From a Helicopter appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

BLACKRAPID Ambassador Kevin RC Wilson recently went out to capture images of the New York skyline at night and took along our new Tripod Jacket.

HERE’S WHAT HE HAD TO SAY.

“The BLACKRAPID Tripod jacket is amazing for the landscape photographer who’s on the go and doesn’t want to fuss around with grabbing your camera accessories in your travel case. The jacket tucks into itself nicely for when you want to move around so there’s no need to take it off the stand during your shoot. Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?!?”

– Kevin RC Wilson, BLACKRAPID Ambassador

Thanks for sharing your experience and beautiful skyline photos, Kevin!

To learn more about Kevin RC Wilson and his work, visit his website at www.kevinrcwilson.com.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Review by Ambassador Kevin RC Wilson | BLACKRAPID Tripod Jacket appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

A FEW YEARS AGO I WAS LOOKING FOR A GOOD CAMERA STRAP I WANTED IT TO BE COMFORTABLE,

made of good materials and strong enough to permit me to carry heavy lenses too, like a 70-200mm, without problem. I found all this characteristic in BLACKRAPID’s straps so I bought a Cross Shot Breathe in orange.

AS A NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING TO HAVE WITH YOU A CAMERA OUT OF YOUR BACKPACK READY TO SHOOT.

The first characteristic I look for in a strap is that it has to be comfortable. It happens that you might have to carry your camera all day long and a good strap can make it easier. I’ve used my Cross Shot Breathe many times for several hours and never had problems at carrying heavy cameras and lenses and at the end of the day, I have never had backache.

BLACKRAPID’S CAMERA STRAPS ARE ALSO MADE OF VERY GOOD MATERIALS,

so you can use them also in critical conditions without any problem and also after some years of strong work the still look like new.

Fabio Gianesini is a Canon photographer. Nature and mountain lover based in FVG, Italy. Discover more about Fabio and his work on Instagram at @fabio_gianesini_photography.

The post My experience with BLACKRAPID Cross Shot Breathe appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

WHEN I FIRST PIKED UP A CAMERA,

I found the stock strap to be uncomfortable and quite unfashionable. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even attach it. And to this day, it’s still in the box. But, I needed a support system and a reliable support system for projects that required multiple cameras in a run and gun scenario. Overtime, I grew into an advanced style of photography, but still required a strap that was comfortable and could adapt to extreme adventure. The BLACKRAPID sling strap system has always been the answer.

AT HIGH-ALTITUDE MOTHER NATURE IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL, YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT, RIGHT TEAM, AND A FIRM FOCUS.

Within the first pre-production meeting for Wings Of Kilimanjaro, we didn’t touch on the risk or mental attrition we would face, instead we focused on the objective. The goal was to not only para-glide off the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet, but more importantly to provide education and clean water to the Maasai of Tanzania. In partnership with Nadus Films, our job was to document this great charitable event from start to finish.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO IS THE HIGHEST FREE-STANDING MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD AND IS THE MOST UNIQUE.

As you trek to the top you pass through four different ecosystems; rain forest to moorland to alpine desert and finally to alpine glacier across volcanic erosion. The equipment list was extensive and detailed, but the proper gear was vital. It has to be the most durable, weather resistant, lightweight, equipment available.

ON AN EXPEDITION SUCH AS THIS, COMFORT PLAYS A VITAL ROLE INTO MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.

If you’re uncomfortable, hardship will drill through your body like a bullet. A ten-pound camera can feel like twenty at high-altitude. On Mount Kilimanjaro, a proper support system was crucial and the sling-style strap and soft breathable cushion of the Curve Breathe from BLACKRAPID offset that camera weight, so I continue to climb at the same time in comfort. We pushed through seven trying days of long treks and acclimatization beginning at 3,000 feet all the way to 19,341 feet. I had to haul gear, be ahead of the pack and double time the pace. The cam buckles on the strap allowed me to be versatile in any situation. With the quick zip of the buckle, I could lock my camera in place and continue with the expedition.

ONCE AT THE TOP, OUR DESCENT WAS A FOURTY-FIVE MINUTE, FROZEN FLIGHT STRAIGHT DOWN.

In order to sail off the summit, we had to sprint down the face of Uhuru Peak hoping for a wind cycle to lift the glider and the weight of the pilot and passenger. After an exhausting six-hour summit bid, this dash was the hardest obstacle I faced on the journey, especially with the additional weight of the harness and camera equipment. But, the Backpack Breathe strap was the perfect solution to maintaining a center of gravity, with the DSLR secured to my chest. 

THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Although our expedition Wings Of Kilimanjaro pulled off an amazing feat and set a world record, I believe our greatest accomplishment was not para-gliding off Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet. Our triumph was raising over a half-million dollars to save the lives of thousands of Maasai in the remote villages of Tanzania.

#LIVETHEMOMENT WITH CLAY COOK

Clay Cook is a BLACKRAPID Ambassador. Discover more about his work over at www.claycookphoto.com.

For more information on Nadus Films, visit www.nadusfilms.com.

Discover more about the Wings of Kilimanjaro project and participate at www.wingsofkilimanjaro.com.

The post Photographing the Wings Of Kilimanjaro Expedition with BLACKRAPID appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

AS A NATURE AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER,

I often have the chance of photographing waterfalls, rivers, landscapes with cloudy skies, and sea in the frame. Every time I find these elements with me, I like to take advantage of the long exposure technique, which best enhances all the features of these elements in the image composition.

To photograph a long exposure there are many factors to consider: the location, the weather, the composition of the image including camera settings. Among these factors I always give some importance in removing the camera strap and it is in this latest task that I want to concentrate more on the use I make of BLACKRAPID products.

REMOVING THE CAMERA STRAP IS VERY USEFUL

to avoid the risk of movement caused by the wind which makes unwanted shakings on the camera. Imagine being in a windy place, the vibrations that the wind has on your camera strap can cause it to bang repeatedly against the camera and/or tripod, and affect the quality of your long exposure.

FOR THIS REASON I CONSIDER THAT REMOVING THE CAMERA STRAP IS A VERY USEFUL OPTION,

and BLACKRAPID in this represents a valid ally. In my current configuration I use a Cross Shot Breathe, which allows me to have an excellent camera strap that loads the weight on the shoulders, is equipped with adjustable length that allows you to adjust it according to your own height and have your camera easily at your fingertips. My camera with the lens mounted is quite heavy, this band allows me to walk with the camera ready for use without having all that weight load on my neck.

CROSS SHOT BREATHE INCLUDES

the connector (CR-3), LockStar, and FastenR5 (FR-5) hardware that mounts very safe for the camera and has a very quick and simple release reducing the time needed to remove the belt. Currently I use this strap with a very useful accessory, the FastenR Tripod (FR-T1) Breathe threaded post to fit standard tripod-mount hole in substitution of the original d-ring on the Manfrotto RC-2 200PL-14 quick release plate.

THE FASTENR TRIPOD (FR-T1) BREATHE HAS A DOCKING RING COMPATIBLE

with the Cross Shot Breathe connector and has a greater hold on the camera than the original. Once the two elements are hooked, it is possible to use the camera strap directly attached to the tripod plate to allow a very rapid transition from the shoulder to the tripod. This allows a quick and optimal use of the Camera and allows to reduce to time the technical times of removal of the strap camera during the use of long exposures.

Giuseppe Sapori is a professional landscape photographer and travel blogger based in Rome, Italy. Discover more about Giuseppe and his work at www.thetimestuck.com.

Special thanks to our official Italian distributor, Ra.Ma. Srl, for collaborating with Giuseppe and our team for this special product review on our website.

The post How I Use BLACKRAPID With My Tripod appeared first on BLACKRAPID.