It’s Gettin’ Hot In Here! | Seattle WA

SUMMER MONTHS ARE HERE AND CAR INTERIORS GET HOT!

On an average summer day, a car interior reaches 116 degrees F (47 degrees C) and the car dashboard gets even hotter, a whopping 157 degrees F (69 degrees C)!

WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP IT WITH YOU.

Be safe, keep your gear safe, #LiveTheMoment, and have a great weekend!

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A CLASSIC IS A CLASSIC FOR A REASON:

it’s reliable, it’s highly functional, it’s of superior quality and it’s stood up to the test of time (ten years!). This strap meets all of those criteria and so it’s no wonder that it’s still a favorite among photographers, including ourselves.

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE FEATURES OF THE CLASSIC RETRO RS-4

is the small zippered pocket which is where we love to keep a memory card, business cards, our ID and the occasional hotel key.

AS FOR CONSTRUCTION,

the shoulder pad is made of PU foam and offers cushioning without the loss of breathability. We’ve worn it on the hottest of days and it was still comfortable. The best part is, this strap can be worn on either the left or right shoulder. We typically wear ours across our left shoulder but on long adventures or photo shoots, it comes in handy to be able to switch the camera to our right shoulder and give the other one a rest.

ALL IN ALL,

this is one of our go-to straps because it’s lightweight (5.9 ounces), looks good, feels good and works well in multiple scenarios.

Thanks for sharing your professional insight and awesome photos, Erin and Caoline!

To learn more about Erin and Caroline visit their BlackRapid Ambassador profile, and be sure to check out their work over on their website www.authenticavl.com.

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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.

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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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OVER THE COURSE OF MY CAREER THERE HAVE BEEN

various pieces of equipment that come along and fundamentally change the way I work. The Leica M6, the Canon 5d MK III, and my introduction to BLACKRAPID camera strap support system are a few of them. Whilst on assignment in the forests of Quebec on “Chaos Walking” with Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland, I had the opportunity to fully road test the BLACKRAPID camera straps wading through rivers and hiking up hillsides to keep up with the fast paced hand-held filmmaking.

2018 STARTED WITH A PRETTY BIG BANG WITH THE RELEASE

of “Red Sparrow” starring Jennifer Lawrence and I have also been shooting Mark Wahlberg again this time on a production called “Mile 22” in Bogotá, Colombia. The filming called for major traffic arteries to be closed to enable us to blow up vehicles and to stage a massive gun fight in the center of the Colombian capital. With 5 Panavision cameras filming the action I was separated from my working bags for most of the day and relied on my BLACKRAPID Double Breathe harness and Sport Breathe single sling camera strap to support 3 cameras around my body and a BLACKRAPID Wrist Strap Breathe to keep my M10 close at hand. In an ideal world I wouldn’t want to load myself down with so much gear at one time, but this configuration allowed to me to work on the run and not be without any lens or camera I might require.

ARRIVING ON SET ARMED WITH THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT

and necessary background preparation to collaborate with the project effectively is essential. It is important to understand the content of the film, the message it is trying to convey, and who the targeted audience is.

MY PREPARATION WILL INCLUDE READING OF THE SCRIPT,

reviewing the “mood boards” and breaking down the script to ensure that I have the correct equipment readily available. This is a key point since by understanding the potential filming scenarios of rain sequences, special effects scenes, etc. and will dictate my equipment package. I always use my Think Tank Photo cases and BLACKRAPID camera straps for my Sony and Leica systems. I like to keep duplicate kits with different lenses to help with my work flow and I find the BLACKRAPID Hybrid Breathe and BLACKRAPID Double Breathe strap essential to my work.

IN ADDITION TO THE PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS I ALWAYS

like to spend some time talking with the DP and Director about the look and tone of the visuals to be photographed. I strive to ensure that my work reflects the vision of the filmmakers and provides a consistent representation which is quite often the first visual seen by the public. With the prep complete and the sleepless night before the first day of photography over it’s time to get the sleeves rolled up and begin filming. Knowing the background and experience of the crew is always helpful especially if I’m not familiar with the core group, although after 75 shows its rare that I am the stranger on set.

MY ADVICE TO PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTING TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY

would be to get as much experience as possible and hone your craft whether it working on short films, additional 2nd unit still photography, or aiding an experienced established photographer who may be able to provide insider’s advice. Your portfolio will be your “calling card” so ensure it is up to date and shows the viewers a range of work in different working situations.

Murray Close is a BLACKRAPID Associate Ambassador. Discover more about Murray and his work at http://murrayclose.com/.

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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.

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