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.

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.

I GUESS IT’S COMING UP ON A YEAR NOW AND THE MEMORY OF DRIVING DOWN MY STREET THE MORNING AFTER HURRICANE IRMA HIT THE FLORIDA KEYS STILL STICKS VERY CLOSELY IN THE BACK OF MY MIND.

A neighborhood that was once canopied by beautiful 50-year-old shade trees was now ripped open, brightened with contrast and covered in debris so bad that we had to chainsaw our way down the street and back into our driveway. The most immediate need was for generators and chainsaws, food and water was next, and then finally getting cell service and power back 5 days later.

BEING A JOURNALIST I WAS NOT ONLY OBSERVANT ABOUT HOW THE AREA LOOKED PRIOR TO THE STORM,

but I captured the before as well as the after reporting all that I saw to Getty Images every step of the way. The before pictures convey the story just as strongly as the after shots. I shot drone footage of the traffic patterns heading out of The Keys that were used by Google maps during the evacuation of the Lower Keys.

LEADING UP TO THE STORM, I PHOTOGRAPHED EVERYTHING FROM PEOPLE BOARDING UP THEIR HOMES AND BUSINESSES, TO BOATS BEING TIED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF CANALS TO KEEP THEM AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.

I made sure to photograph many of the antique classic hotel and restaurant signs highlighting them in their glory days feeling that they might not be there after the storm.

AFTER THE STORM THE DEVASTATION WAS EVERYWHERE.

There was debris piled up on the side of the road along with seaweed, boats, jet skis, coolers, and ever type of appliance along the tree lines. It looked like a junkyard in a war zone.

They were iconic images in every direction such as the 70-foot sailboat that ran aground in ocean front backyards which is still there today, and the subject of a lawsuit over who’s responsible.

THERE IS WHAT LOCALS ARE CALLING “THE SUNKEN HOUSE”

which is an entire two-story home sunk into the ground in the Lower Keys along the Atlantic coast line. This backdrop was used by many of the news agencies that descended into the Florida Keys in the aftermath of hurricane Irma. I happened to be there when the family that used to live there returned to survey the damage. Today, the home remains un-touched, condemned, and the subject of a large insurance dispute.

OF COURSE, THE HARDEST HITS WERE THE HOMES ALONG THE SHORELINE AND ESPECIALLY MOBILE HOMES AND TRAILERS.

Most of the communities were devastated to the point of no return and many of those people have had to relocate to other states.

THEY HAVE CLEANED UP MOST OF THE MOUNTAINS OF DEBRIS WE CALLED “MOUNT IRMA’S” THAT WERE PILED UP FOLLOWING THE STORM,

but clean up crews are only now starting to clean out the hardest hit canals and waterways. Canals in Marathon Key were filled so high with sunken debris from in-tact Winnebago’s, trailers, and entire motorhomes immersed right below the roofline, that you could walk across them and not get your feet wet.

THERE WERE SO MANY FLOODED HOMES AND DESTROYED CONTENTS THAT ONE PART OF ISLAMORADA A HALF MILE STRETCH OF ROAD BECAME KNOWN AS “APPLIANCE ALLEY.”

There were hundreds, if not thousands, of washers and dryers, barbecue grills and smokers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, bait freezers, microwave ovens, and anything else that had to be disposed of in a professional manner lined up on the side of the road.

THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE MY INITIAL FEELING UPON FINDING MYSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERMATH OF THIS DEVASTATING STORM WAS THAT MY SIGHT, MY SMELL, AND MY HEARING WERE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN OVERNIGHT.

The once quiet and peaceful island became abrupt and loud with chainsaws, sirens, and helicopters overhead. The once clean, fresh, and pristine ocean air was filled with the smell of dead fish and animals as well as garbage and rotting food. My incredible sunrise and sunset views turned into war zone type areas along the side of the road and the oceans filled with sunken boats and debris. The once prevalent taste of the freshest seafood in the world turned into Bob’s burgers, canned food, and hotdogs on the grill. We are back to about 85% of where we were a year ago with hotels and restaurants that have re-opened, but our biggest industry, sport fishing and diving, is still hurting with the hotel rooms having been down for so long. No heads in bed = no tourists and no fishing and diving charters.

WE ARE NOT WORRIED THOUGH, OUR COMMUNITY REMAINS “KEYS STRONG.”

Marc Serota is an award-winning photographer, videographer, and Founder PolaroidUniversity.com. Find out more about him on his website www.marcserota.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram @marcserotaphoto and Facebook Marc Serota.

The post BLACKRAPID Guest Post by Marc Serota | Photographing Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys 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.

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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.

OUT OF A BLUR

I came up with an idea, dialed my mates number and well here’s what happened…

Me: “Hi man, well you know how it’s my 18th in 2 weeks, I don’t really feel like just partying you fancy going travelling for 48 hours instead?”

Best mate (Toby): “that’s a bit ridiculous, I mean where can we go, but yeah i’m up for it!”

So I opened up google maps and started thinking where do I want to go next?

Morocco, Istanbul, Barcelona, Norway?

Well, one by one we decided Istanbul, booked the flights, paid for our Visas and we were set.

So it’s Friday 4th March, I finished at college at 4:30, headed home, packed my bag, grabbed my camera, met up with Toby at the station and hopped on a train to Heathrow International Airport, London. Our flight at 10:30pm, overnight to Istanbul.

ARRIVAL

4:15 am and we have landed, go through security, grab our bags and try and catch a little bit of sleep on Ataturk airport’s benches, before the hectic city exploring takes place.

5am and we are up again, the key thing on this trip is that time is precious, very precious. The less time we spend sleeping the more time we spend exploring. So we decide to get into the city, find a taxi and hand him a piece of paper with an address to our AirBnB that we are staying at for one night. He reckons he can get us there but doesn’t seem certain, we went anyway, threw our bags in the back of the taxi and hopped into the back seats.

A gentle sunrise greets us as we make away across the city, empty streets and taking in the Mosques dotted along our route.

Anyone who travels will know that there are always uncertainties, well we arrive at this side road, the taxi driver says we are here, not quite believing him as it looks like a deserted alley we step out look around and agree that it’s better than nowhere, pay him the taxi fare grab our bags and he drives off. Now the issue is firstly finding the AirBnB and secondly the check in time is 8am and we are here at 6am, we make the most of it, exploring the streets and start shooting some portraits of each other.

As photographers we can get pretty excited by golden hour light, so the time was passed simply and contently by photographing the streets with a gentle morning light.

EXPLORING THE CITY

After having been shown around our apartment which we will stay in 1 night, we climb up to the rooftop, the view is unbelievable, surrounded by 3 Mosques, the Bosphorus and Galata Tower. Were eager to get down into the city on foot and just explore as much as we remembering that we are only there for 48 hours.

Not really sure where we were going we headed in the direction where we had seen the Bosphorus from the roof and towards the centre. Soon we find ourselves exploring the ins and outs of any side passages, markets and stalls that catch our eyes. The Grand Bazaar is a whirlwind of passages and alleyways filled with shop against shop, every inch of the place is utilised somehow and it’s got quite a unique atmosphere, friendly and excitable.

A place we were keen to explore was the Spice Market. After having lost ourselves in endless little backstreets we finally found the Spice market by asking local street vendors, our success of finding the market was entirely based on the honesty of the people who could not speak English instead who would just point down a street and we would follow the direction in which they pointed. The colours, smells and fragrances from the Spices are overpowering, yet amazing. Baskets filled with different tea leaves, nuts and spices you’ve never even heard of before.

TIME FLIES

We all know that time passes quickly when you‘re having fun, well that’s exactly what happened our first day was coming to a near end. As we wander the streets of the neighbourhood where we are staying we find this roadside pizza cafe, time for dinner I think.

While we struggle to order with pretty much nil knowledge of the language we end up making friends with two, young Americans who have been traveling for 2 months solid. We chatted, exchanged stories, laughed and ask them where they are off to next. They said they had found jobs for 2 months on a date farm in Israel so that was where they were headed. We part with our pizzas and head up to our rooftop view to enjoy the single sunset we will experience on this short trip.

As expected we pretty much drop fast asleep after dinner, exhausted from the lack of sleep on the plane and trying to capture as much culture during our short visit.

SUNDAY MORNING

Sunday morning, time is ticking.

The weather is gorgeous, from the balcony warm sunlight falls and it’s the perfect weather to wake up to. By 9am we’ve pretty much packed our bags ready to grab quickly on return to our accommodation after one last little explore around the city. But first, find food, a Traditional Turkish breakfast was right down our street. A cafe nestled in on a busy market street caught our eye so we found a table, ordered and ate.

GIVE IT A GO!

We had one last place we wanted to see, the iconic Hagia Sophia. Taking the backstreets we navigated our way around until we are there standing in front of a mosque. The colours and immense size are just mindblowing. But after admiring the mosque sadly we clock the time and yes somehow we need to make it back to our Airbnb and to the airport, without getting distracted by markets, people and without getting lost.

Taxi’s in Istanbul are an interesting experience, very friendly but as any traveller will know each taxi driver has their own driving style and well ours definitely did and I reckon he was amused by our slightly worried expressions. Well at least he was laughing, we were exhausted but very content with our 48 hour adventure.

As the taxi drove us to the airport we just took the time to relax and reflect on what a short adventure can bring, I strongly suggest trying a 48 hour adventure for yourself. You learn to cut down to the basics and enjoy yourself in the moment. Go give it a go?

Stay Positive!!

MORE ON CLEMENT HODGKINSON

Clement Hodgkinson is a French/British photographer and co-founder of The Now Collective (@thenowhumans).  Follow @clementhodgkinson on Instagram

FOOTNOTES: Photos & story by Clement Hodgkinson

The post Istanbul in 48 Hours appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

GET OUTSIDE!

I am sitting at home on a Monday night after a long first day back in the office and the phone rings. “Hey man, I am thinking photos and hike tomorrow, you in?” This was of course a call from the media guru, Tyler Lee, at another local Pacific Northwest lifestyle brand, KAVU www.kavu.com. So I packed up my day bag and was ready to go for the new morning commute.

If anyone has traveled from Seattle to North Bend they know it’s only a matter of time before your standing at a trailhead, still trying to get your coffee to kick in and wondering how you got there so fast. Hiking is so accessible in this town its literally in people’s backyards. Try the cherry pie if your in town

CARRYING CAMERA GEAR

This is the age old question for photographer’s right? Should I leave it? Should I pack it? Part of our mission is to allow people to carry their gear while staying present in the moment cough* #livethemoment cough*. Pictured below is Blackrapid’s connection to the camera. www.blackrapid.com It allows the camera to be ready at all times: no more stopping, no more taking your backpack off, no more of anything. Just shooting.

BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS

Big ups to DNR, Mountains to Sound Greenway, Washington Trails Association, and EarthCorps for building this incredible new trail. It made the 3,800 elevation gain more manageable, but even the trail couldn’t stop the blood, sweat and tears….

WE’RE THHHEERE…

Getting to the top was not a stroll in the park, this hike is for real. It will tear you down in a relentless way. The trail goes up. That’s all. You are going up. We wanted to stop, we didn’t. After a few minutes (20 minutes) of sitting down trying to catch our breaths. We started shooting some photos and came up with some interesting looks. The sky has been a little hazy, because of all the recent wildfires in Eastern Washington. So, we tried to make the look we were naturally getting work for us, not against us.

FOOTNOTES: photos by @thedinoden and @tylerlee41 find us on instagram

The post Mailbox Peak appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

Feel free to enjoy this track while you read

“HOW WAS CUBA?”

When I’m asked “How was Cuba?” unlike most countries I’ve visited, it’s pretty simple to explain the cool cars and architecture. What isn’t easy is to explain – the people, fashion and culture. It’s an explosion of race, age and color.

Upon landing in Cuba for the first time, I didn’t feel a sense of danger or the need for steadfast movement like I had in Africa and India. We were met with open arms and welcomed like superstars. I was instantly enthralled with the untouched Cuban history and culture.

About two weeks after my return from India, I received a call from the Publisher of the magazine “The Voice Of Louisville” regarding a project in Havana, Cuba for Blue Equity who had established some business roots in Havana. Blue Equity has a number of business projects in Havana making progress and they needed some strong content to move forward. The project consisted of capturing a twenty page fashion editorial as well as a large feature on the rich culture, communist government and beautiful society. The production called for two five-day trips. The first mission would be to scout locations, meet and cast talent and lock down hanging details. The second trip would be the actual production. 

I’VE SEEN A LOT OF STUNNING LANDSCAPES, BUT THIS TOPPED THE LIST

Upon arrival in the Havana airport, we were met with a breath of hot weather, but a bleak overcast sky. I didn’t know what to think; I just followed the pack and hung towards the back of the line. We pushed through customs and after a short wait, we had our bags and loaded everything into a 9-passenger van, guided by our driver, Rafi.

I quickly learned that Cuba was a visual paradise. The color, texture, automobiles and landscape was overwhelming; I didn’t know where to focus. The sun began to peak through the clouds and set into the horizon, which covered everything with a red-orange blanket of color. We pulled to a roundabout and arrived at The Saratoga Hotel located across the street from the Parque de la Fraternidad located in central Havana. Shockingly, our hotel was incredibly luxurious. I checked in, changed clothes and headed up to the rooftop to catch a sunset view and cocktail. I was blown away. I’ve seen a lot of stunning landscapes, but this topped the list. I felt a blast of untapped energy and vibrance.

THE PEOPLE OF CUBA HAVE A YEARN TO GROW

The people of Cuba have a yearn to grow. The island is plentiful, with a lot of room to change. The majority of the Cuban people seem to be happy about the possibility of the trade embargo being lifted and the tourism restrictions being alleviated. Since the Castro revolution in 1959, Cuba has been locked into their own civilization without influence the exception of their communist relationship with Russia.

The aesthetic of the architecture was gorgeous, but confused; worn Spanish neoclassical, odd North American art-deco and boring rectangular superstructures covered in a bland shade of beige introduced by Soviet Union ideals. The streets are electrifying; classic cars sputter from destination to destination without traffic restrictions. With the revolution, import from North America ceased, so classic cars are commonplace and modern cars are considered a luxury.

WE HAD TO RELY ON THE HARD LIGHT OF THE SUN

The team at Digital Transitions provided us a Phase One 645DF with a IQ250 digital back along with a Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm f/4 zoom lens and a Schneider Kreuznach 110mm f/2.8 static lens. In consideration of using this setup, we made the executive decision that tethering to Capture One was essential. Thanks to my friends at Tether Tools we created the most mobile, small scale, on location tethering system possible. I knew we would be jumping from location to location and we didn’t have the time for an immense amount of setup. With this knowledge, we also knew that carting a lot of lighting would be impractical. The Profoto B2 Location Kit was an obvious choice. We had to rely on the hard light of the sun, it was a risk, but a necessary risk. The B2 head through a Photek Softlighter would provide a soft fill to reduce shadow density caused by the hard sun. I tend to shoot close to what a human eye would see, so for most of the photographs, I shot at a closed aperture(f/6.3 – f/11), I wanted to show off the background and rich culture Havana provided. Also, considering the hard sun, I had to use high speed sync and shoot at a very quick shutter(1/1250 – 1/1600). The Phase One system as well as the Profoto B2 kit, allows for High Speed Sync.

THE SOLDIER UNDER THE TREE WAS THE MUCH-NEEDED CATALYST TO KICK OFF A CALM, BUT EFFICIENT SHOOT

The next morning, we hit the ground running. The sun began to soak the city like a warm bath, which designed beautiful lines and shapes on the city streets. Despite a few last minute audibles by the Government Of Cuba and their choice of locations, we adapted to the scenario and landed at our first location, right in the heart of a military base whom had not been advised of our production. We were left to setup, while the rest of the team made sure the hair, makeup, designers and models were moving. Within twenty minutes of setup, we were faced with a series of guards who shut it all down. Fortunately, Zach was able to speak some broken Spanish and make sure everyone remained calm. As we waited for the rest of the team, we had the unique opportunity to speak with a solider who was on a break under a tree canopy. He was just 17-years of age, quiet, collected and had a hint of excitement in his voice. We talked about the influx of tourism, his role in the military and America. This short chat gave me the opportunity to cool-off physically and mentally. The soldier under the tree was the much-needed catalyst to kick off a calm, but efficient shoot.

I WAS IN HEAVEN.

The crew arrived and after quick conversation, we were given the go. Setup and pre-lighting began immediately and within 10 minutes we had the frame. Our beautiful model Naivys Fernandez stepped in front of the lens wearing a colorful loose purple blouse and pants. With the click of the shutter the production began, on a military fortress, overlooking the city of Havana. I was in heaven. But, immediately we had technical problems. The tether wasn’t working properly and we had a storage issue. We pushed through it, without a distraction and resolved the issue by removing one tether cable in the chain to the MacBook Pro. The files couldn’t import onto our backup drive fast enough causing the error. With that problem behind us, I could finally breathe and work magic. I was excited to work with each model. It was refreshing to be in such a new environment with new talent.

The sun was record-breaking hot and my camera was heavy. With all the accessories, it was close to fifteen pounds, which can add up after ten hours of lifting and holding. Despite the camera being secured to my body with a Black Rapid RS-4, by late-afternoon I was pretty beat and my forearm felt like rubber. Although the team stopped for lunch, we decided to keep moving. Each set required about thirty minutes of time with setup and pre-lighting. The models were rolled out like products on a conveyor belt, it was an extremely productive process and very essential. But, it was a challenge to capture models in the right lighting and include the surrounding environment. We wanted the people, we wanted the bustle and we wanted the noise. Sometimes, that required the right amount of patience. We waited for the right moment and the right timing for the story to form.

WE WAITED FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT AND THE RIGHT TIMING FOR THE STORY TO FORM.

IT WAS A BITTERSWEET MOMENT.

With the final look, we had ran out of available locations. We made an about-face and had the opportunity to shoot on the rooftop of a celebrity penthouse. As the sun hit the horizon, the beautiful María Karla Herrera leaned against a gold lion statue to perfectly frame her body against the skyline. I snapped the shutter and we had our cover and the production was a wrap. My body felt like it had been in World War III and my mind was burned. It was a bittersweet moment.

I THINK CUBA CHANGED SOMETHING IN ME

We celebrated the wrap with a late-night party on the roof with all the models, designers, hair stylists, makeup artists, assistants, government officials and advisors. While others cashed out early to catch our early flight, I celebrated into the cool night. The flight home was quiet, sobering and almost sad. I was happy it was over, but upset to be leaving Cuba and all the friends I had made. Cuba is changing day-in and day-out, but I think Cuba changed something in me. It was a breath of fresh air and opened my eyes to how much I truly love photographing people and the art people create. I’m incredibly blessed to have that privilege, every single day.

Enjoy this First Person Shooter – Behind The Scenes video of Clay Cook at work in Cuba.

MORE ON CLAY COOK

Check out more of Clay’s work here. Follow him on Instagram.

The post Cuba appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

On a typical campaign shoot, you book a model that looks right for what you‘re shooting, and you don‘t think too hard about what kind of skill set they have. Your own skill set is limited to how well you can change the settings on a camera and compose an image. This is where shooting adventure images get separated from the other genres.

Not only does the photographer need to have the required skills to get safely through whatever adventure is being photographed, but the talent also needs to be capable enough in the scenario to be safe, and of course photogenic while they do it.

KEEPING THE IMAGE AUTHENTIC MEANS KEEPING THE ADVENTURE AUTHENTIC

There has been massive media attention given to the outdoor world as of late, and when I scroll through my instagram feed I see image after image of perfectly groomed, styled, and un-outdoorsy models posing with their arms in the air as if they just conquered Everest. The truth is most of the time they just stepped out of their car at a famous viewpoint and set up a tent, which they never intended on sleeping in.

Keeping the image authentic means keeping the adventure authentic. When I shoot I like to get people who are skilled in the outdoors, plan an adventure, and then just step back with my camera and let the adventure happen. Clicking the shutter as we go.

When I shoot Climbing, that means finding people who can climb without having a look of terror on their face. I need to be able to get myself into a position on my own while the “models“ climb the route on their own. But there are still ropes, and the opportunity to rest. A model can hang in place for a while and try a move over and over again until it‘s done right.

FAMOUS AND DANGEROUS

Shooting surfing is another story. To get something unique a long lens from shore won‘t cut it, you need to be in the water. Positioning yourself is like a chess game, predicting the motions of both the surfer and the waves, fighting the current, and swimming in the break zone where waves are constantly crashing. The photographer is under constant threat of being in the wrong spot at the wrong time, and having a wave smash you onto the reef, camera in hand.

With all of this in mind, I set off to shoot on the North Shore of Oahu, the most famous and dangerous stretch of waves in the world. You know that the waves are big when on the North Shore of Hawaii, where the worlds best surfers are waiting to compete in the Pipe Masters, only a handful of people are in the water, and that‘s exactly what I found when I arrived.

TIME TO TURN THE CAMERA ON MYSELF

I know my limitations, and I know that in waves that size I wasn‘t going to get what I wanted, so I had to wait for the waves to chill out a bit before I could get in the water. In that time I lost the people I was supposed to be shooting with to their normal lives, and the waves hadn‘t lost their menace. It was time to do something that I don‘t really like to do, but I‘ve become increasingly good at. It was time to turn the camera on myself.

At Sunset, I walked down to the beach carrying a standup paddleboard, my camera gear, a tripod, and my intervalometer. I stood on Rocky Point; behind me one of the sponsor houses was packed with pro surfers standing on the deck watching the sunset. In front of me, empty 25-foot waves were crashing on shore. There was no way I was going to be able to paddle out there. This was going to be humiliating.

I framed up my image, set my intervalometer to take an image every three seconds, and started running around the frame, posing in different positions and holding it awkwardly in front of the sunset viewers. I saw some smirks, and I could read their minds when they thought I was a “kook“. The most feared insult handed out by surfers.

LET GO OF YOUR EGO

There is no image that was bettered by a photographer’s ego. You just have to let it go, and own the fact that there is a struggle, which may require looking like a fool. I got through it with one simple thought. When they are flipping through their magazines in a few months, and they come across that image I hope they stop for a second and appreciate it, and then I hope they remember me running around like a kook on the rocks taking pictures of myself.

Enjoy this video from the Access Road Trip. The campaign was to educate and inspire everyone to get outside!

MORE ON BEN HORTON

Please check out Ben Horton’s photography here and be sure to follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

FOOTNOTES: Photos & Story by Ben Horton

The post Access Project Volume 3 appeared first on BLACKRAPID.

WE WANT DOWN

As a photographer I‘m always trying to find a different angle to photograph from so I can make the image unique, and so I eschew the idea of photographing a landmark from a viewing platform.

Bri and I had done a short hike in to a waterfall, and had ended up standing on top of a viewing platform with a group of tourists. This wasn‘t what I‘d come for, so we climbed down a few hundred feet of steep and muddy forrest under the redwood canopy to reach a deep pool under the waterfall where I could shoot from. My camera was cinched up with my Blackrapid strap, my backpack clipped tightly around my waist, everything loose tucked away and safely attached, at least I thought so.

DIVING FOR KEYS…NAKED

One of the photos I was trying to get was looking up out of the water with an underwater housing, so i was leaning off of a rock over the deep water trying to stay dry when I hear the dreaded sound “kerplunk“ and see the car keys drifting down into the depths. This was my only set, and we were far from cell service.

Between a guy and his girlfriend, there is no such thing as drawing straws, so I stripped down fully naked and dove into the water. There on top of a boulder, I saw a shimmer and to my astonishment found the keys. They were in the only place I believe it would have been possible to have actually found them. Had they gone an inch in either direction they would have slid off into the cracks between the rocks and have been lost forever. Lucky doesn‘t cut it.

FREE SHOW

I climbed out, and stood naked on the rock trying to absorb some heat from the sun, when behind me, I heard voices. It was at this point that I remembered the viewing platform. I looked up to see a group of tourists taking photos, only this time, not of the waterfall.

Please enjoy this video from the Access Road Trip. The campaign was to educate and inspire everyone to get outside!

https://vimeo.com/140849701

MORE ON BEN HORTON

Please check out Ben Horton’s photography here and be sure to follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

FOOTNOTES: Photos and Story by: Ben Horton

The post Access Project Volume 2 appeared first on BLACKRAPID.