Making Choices and Being Flexible

by photoanthems | Mar 8, 2018 | Blog

Art Model Covenant, Belize 2015

Its been almost two months since I’ve started out on this adventure. Month 2 has been one of a more slowed pace. Over the first month, I stayed in 9 different places moving through Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In this second month, I’ve only been in two places. I moved from Antigua, Guatemala 3 hours west up into the mountain highlands of Quetzaltenango, more locally known as Xela (Shay’-la).

Art Model Covenant, Belize 2015

I stayed 3 weeks at Kasa Kamelot Hotel, even though I had it booked for 4. Then I found an ad on a Xela Facebook Group (Thanks, Lani!) for an apartment on the other side of the city. I went to see it and jumped on it. I’m not the greatest at shopping around for a good deal on certain things. It was the only one I looked at and I knew I wanted it, though I knew I could find something cheaper and closer to where I was. This deciding factor for me was the fact that it was on the outskirts of town and has an amazing panoramic view of an active volcano. That spelled good for my peace of mind. And right now, that’s quite important.

Art Model Covenant on Little Corn Island 2015

For the moment, things have been slow and that’s just how I want it for now. I’m going to sit tight here and explore this place until June when I head back for two or three weeks for that Surface Book 2 and the Sigma 20mm 1.4. I’ll use the time to just breathe, you know? I’m working on some “In My Bag” videos as well as some that explain WHY I chose to bring the tools I have. So namely camera gear of course, but also the periphery accessories like grips, lighting, extra chargers, etc. I’m also doing vids on why I travel, why I think its important, and maybe even I can give you some ideas on how it could benefit you in what you’re doing EVEN if you won’t do extended travel like myself. But of course NONE of these videos will get edited and done til I get that friggin’ laptop. This will be new to me because I have NEVER edited ANYTHING on the road. But with a powered up laptop like the Surface Book 2, I don’t think I’ll have to deal with many of the hang-ups I have with doing edits on most laptops. (Got my eye on a drone as well, but we’ll see.)

Art Model Covenant, 2015 traveling throughout Central America

Speaking of Sigma…they just announced last week 9 new FE mount lenses for Sony, which means I won’t need an adapter for my camera. In the meantime, I’m going to utilize the time til June to work on how I plan to do a restructure of my blog and website to reflect the work I’m doing while traveling. I’m making videos to accompany them but of course I can’t edit them just yet. Over the course of this journey, these videos will document my travels, talk about photo technique and ideas, explain my processes, review products and talk about gear (of course), and overall keep you updated on this adventure.

Art Model Covenant, 2015 traveling throughout Central America

I will also utilize this time to hone in on my whole purpose for being here as well as contemplating ideas and travel concepts. After talking to several people just since I’ve been on this journey, I’ve come to give heavy consideration to traveling abroad vs living abroad. There are benefits to both and I have to consider each of these concepts. I’m not saying to live permanently in one place. I’ve talked to expats that stayed two years in Costa Rica before moving to Vietnam for two years. People like this prefer that lifestyle over traveling through from place to place every few weeks. For me, I’m pretty sure its going to be a balance. Case in point, I just spent a month in 9 places, but right now, I’m renting an apt for 3 months. If an opportunity strikes me to stay put longer, I’ll consider that. I may get to Colombia and stay there a year.

Art Model Covenant, Juayua, El Salvador 2015

Regardless, however I choose to roll, it’s got to fit into my mission, objectives, and opportunities. Staying in Xela does just that and I think 3 months will be long enough. Where will I go from there? Not sure. I initially planned to head up into Mexico, come around the Yucatan, back down into Belize and start southwards again. But now, I’m thinking of heading straight to Colombia when I return from the States after my June visit. For now, I’ve got time to weigh all those options. I’m excited about it.

Getting Passionate About Coffee

by photoanthems | Feb 22, 2018 | Blog

Javier out with the coffee plants

I had no clue so much went into making a cup of coffee until my visit to Juayua in western El Salvador last month. It was my second visit to Hotel Anahuac but on this visit, I took a tour of a coffee farm after witnessing what was going on in the hotel between resident coffee roasters, Markus (IG @the_flyingbean) and Javier (IG @javi_magnap). Meeting those guys and getting educated on the “cold brew” process got me really interested in what they were into. 

Javier teaching about roasting coffee

I’ve had a semi-interest in several beverages that began when I worked at a Budweiser distribution company in Tennessee. I visited a Budweiser brewing plant in St. Louis and the immensity of the place was quite overwhelming. Later on in college, I did case studies in business classes on more beers and wines. I was far more attracted to the wines and the time and craftsmanship that went into it. These are centuries old practices that have been cultivated and improved upon over thousands of years. 

Markus lectures on Chemex brewing

I was forced to look at my own relationship with coffee. Both my grandmother and her sister would give me coffee in the mornings starting maybe when I was between 5 and 7. It was either Folgers, Maxwell House, or Sanka instant. Either way, it was sweet with a ample serving of Carnation condensed milk. We got it served in cups with saucers. They taught me to drink it by pouring from the cup into the saucer and sipping it. That cooled it down much more quickly.

So I’ve always had my coffee sweet with cream. If there was no sugar, I wasn’t drinking it. The only exception to this was during some days during my military career where we were so cold, to get anything hot in our bodies was much welcomed and we were grateful for it. Not so with anytime other than that. Markus’ passion made me rethink that notion as he, still being a young man, preferred his coffee black and maybe warm, as opposed to pipping hot. He explained that this allowed him to better appreciate the flavors of whatever coffee he was tasting.

Markus demonstrates techniques of Chemex brewing

And, of courser there are several different ways of brewing coffee. I first found out about a french press from Art Model, Melissa (miss her btw). During one of our shooting breaks she offered coffee and she familiarized me with the french press for the first time. Javier introduced me to the Chemex and the V60. Markus taught me about cold brew that can take up to 12 hours! And until now, I never really knew what espresso was. These guys ensured the water was a specific temperature, used a timer, and used circular pours to ensure even extraction of flavor. I’m telling you. It reminded me of being in the darkroom. Only instead of manipulating light over silver halide grains on photo paper to make images, these guys were manipulating water over coffee grains to get complex flavors. 

Picking out inferior beans

I won’t make it back down there before the coffee season ends. When the rain starts, the coffee season stops. But I’ll be back down there to see Javier again and get some more insight into his passion. In the meantime, I’m going to continue my own exploration in coffee. I think its going to be the French Press for me. Check my Instagram, @PhotoAnthems for a few vids!

Month ONE – Central America

by photoanthems | Feb 13, 2018 | Blog

Art Model Kristi C., Nicaragua Copyright 2018 Terrell Neasley

Yeah, everything changed after October. October happened to be one of the most challenging and weirdest months that has hit me in quite some time, as I stated in the previous blog post.

So after going through a few interesting life events and situations, I decided to delay Southeast Asia for a little bit. I moved all my things in storage and sold the rest. I needed a life “re-calibration”, of sorts. Over the last few months, I’ve lost some people that were dear to me and as close to family as you can get without sharing the same blood. Rest in Peace, Jerry Brady!!

L to R, Susan, Jerry, Tracie, and Me! RIP, my friend

I’m in Guatemala right now. I’ve already been through Nicaragua and El Salvador. So for something a little bit different, I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do… extended travel… quite a bit longer than the usual 3 or 4 months that I usually do. I’ve been gone just a little over a month. I chose to start this venture in Central America because it’s familiar. I was accompanied by my good friend and art model, Kristi C., but she left last week. We traveled to several places and tried to shoot where we could, but sometimes situations didn’t lend itself to doing our best work. That happens. You try again or do something else. Little Corn Island was such an adventure. It rained on us every single day for five days. We saw the sun once as it peeked through the clouds and set over the horizon. Our clothes smelled of mildew and I became concerned for our camera sensors with the heavy humidity and salt in the air. So, I cleaned our sensors when we got back to dry mainland.

Art Model Kristi C., Nicaragua Copyright 2018 Terrell Neasley

I’ve met some very interesting people along the way and saw some old acquaintances from previous visits. I learned a ton about coffee and now I appreciate everything that goes into it so much more from my time in Juayua, El Salvador. A Canadian girl has given me some things to think about as it relates to depression. I had a great night in El Salvador with some guys drinking a few beers as we talked of our perspectives on cultural differences. An Austrian, a Salvadorian, a Canadian (who showed me a tat on his butt of another dude’s name who did the same while they were drunk), a Belgian dude, and another cool guy from Norway. A Finnish guy joined later. No arguments. No judgments. Just 6 adults from different countries sharing opinions and experiences.

Art Model Kristi C., Nicaragua Copyright 2018 Terrell Neasley

Presently, I’ve got a room in a hostel in Quetzaltenago, Guatemala. I’m pretty sure I’m going to find a place to rent, chill for a few months and figure some things out. Quetzaltenango, also called Xela, is the second largest city in Guatemala. Its got a nice feel to it. Its got a good blend of the modern Guate City and the old colonial Antigua. There’s something here and I want to find it. Ever get that feeling? I’m going to see if I can teach some photography as well as capture this city from my own perspective. Its a little cold here. Wasn’t expecting that. I’m the only fool around here still walking the city in shorts and flip flops. At more than 7500 ft ASL in these mountains, it can still get quite chilled. And I still like it here.

Art Model Kristi C., Nicaragua Copyright 2018 Terrell Neasley

I’ll have to head back stateside in May/June because I need to buy a laptop that I can edit on, likely that Surface Book 2. And maybe pick up that sweet glass Sigma 20mm 1.4, with the MC-11 adapter, of course to fit on my Sony gear. I’ll only be there for a few weeks before coming right back down here and continuing with my adventure. I’ve been warned that many come here and don’t leave. I can see why.

More updates to come. All these images are unedited. Til I get my new laptop, I don’t have the photoshop tools I usually use. I rarely edit on the road. But I’ll have to now tho. Soon tho! Til then…I’ll manage with the likes of these.

Art Model Kristi C., Nicaragua Copyright 2018 Terrell Neasley

Art Model Kristi C., Nicaragua Copyright 2018 Terrell Neasley

Art Model Kristi C., Nicaragua Copyright 2018 Terrell Neasley

On the Concept of Change

by photoanthems | Dec 10, 2017 | Blog

Art Model, Kristi C. © 2017 Terrell Neasley

Boy, oh boy, oh boy…

If there is one thing you can count on in this life, it’s change. If you’re not ready for it, able to anticipate it, or otherwise adapt to it, you will live your life on your ass instead of your feet.

Okay. Recent events have transpired that have made me rethink and alter my future plans that I may have detailed in my last blog post. October had to have been one of the most challenging months I’ve had in some time. Southeast Asia…well, sorta but some other things will come first. And I’ll get into all that later, as in probably another blog post. I’m encouraged, though by the way the course of events were laid out. If my back procedure had not been scheduled when it was which made me delay my SE Asia trip, I’d likely been less prepared than I am today. So I’m glad I was home throughout October and November.

But for right now, just to let you know I haven’t stopped blogging, I wanted to catch you up on some shots I got to do with Art Model Kristi C. when she visited Las Vegas sometime around this past October. When she called and told me she was going to be in town, my brain went into overdrive to arrange a shoot. She was only here for a few days and my time with her was limited. So maximizing the opportunity was the name of the game. We got two locations that were ultimately quick in and out shots due to time limitations, but I think we did a great job in accomplishing our objectives.

We shot near Vegas and even with the time constraints we bee-lined up and back into Utah near St. George virtually on a whim. Of two locations, we actually got FOUR different scenes and any one of them seem non-related to the other three. I’m pretty sure we spent more time on the road then actually shooting. I definitely wanted more, but as she had more objectives then just shooting with me while in Vegas, you gotta respect a model’s time. So taken what’s given and making the best of it is all you can do. And I think we did well with that. So since this is a much shorter blog post than usual, I’ll fill in the rest with pics. Enjoy

Three Companies that Excel in Customer Service Part III: ProMaster

by photoanthems | Sep 23, 2017 | Blog

Sunrise at Bodie Island Lighthouse (Nags Head) ©2014 Terrell Neasley

Continuing this series with another great photography-related company, I wanted to round things out with another company servicing a different aspect of photo. In Part I, I covered a camera manufacturer. Part II looked at details of one of the best run lighting companies out there. This time around, I wanted to focus on the next arena photographers seek to fulfill the remainder of their photographic wants. After you have your camera and lenses and you’ve taken care of all your lighting requirements, the next thing you look for are camera accessories.

ProMaster (Photographic Research Organization) has been around for almost 60 years as a privately held cooperative. That’s right. Its owned by member retailers, like B&C Camera instead of being a single entity incorporated business. And one of the great benefits to being served by a company like this is that the “shareholders” are more than just a bunch of investors who sit back and stare at the bottom line. A business structure like this means its managed and owned by expert business retailers who actually know the markets they serve. Uniting together like this allows them to capitalize on the collective buying power that help influence the market and get us these great prices.

Mossy Oaks Next to Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla) ©2014 Terrell Neasley

So what is it about ProMaster that I like? Well, for starters, focusing on the accessories market has pulled some attention away from the big name manufacturers in the photography industry. Maybe back in the day, a solid argument could be made that a better product could be had from buying original equipment manufacturer items, parts, and accessories. A Canon lens hood was designed exclusively for Canon lenses and a “knock-off” lens hood would “never do” as a replacement. But that meant you also paid a premium for branded equipment.

Well, that was in the past. Today, technology has leveled the playing field in two specific areas. One is in the material. Polycarbonate plastics have come a long way. Polymers and synthetics have advanced to improve engineering designs making them light-weight, durable, and inexpensive. Along with the materials, Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing  allows a company to quickly and efficiently use these new materials to manufacture products and shorten the time from sketch to a finished good. When you can now make a product that’s as great a quality as what the big name manufacturer can do, then the only thing extra you pay for is the brand name and goodwill.

Looking out from Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla) ©2014 Terrell Neasley

So that’s where the buying power comes in. Presently, ProMaster can command quality and reasonable prices and truly compete with “Big Brands”. When I need a cable release to do time-lapse, I can get a Canon for $180. OR, I can pick up the ProMaster Multi-Function RF Timer Remote for $100 and also do it wirelessly. See what I’m saying? Or if I don’t need the timer feature, I can just get the Wired Remote Shutter Release Cable for $20 and it works! You can even buy just the cable attachment for it specific for your camera. As a photography instructor, I keep several Nikon, Canon, and Sony cable attachments just because students forget them. You’ll pay $70 for the Canon RS-80. Ever lose that thing? What’s it feel like to shell out another $70 bucks when you want to do some astrophotography and can’t find it?

These guys have thousands of SKU’s in their inventory under a plethora of product categories. They sell everything from SD card holders to bags, light stands, full studio lighting kits, filters, tripods, batteries for everything, battery grips, lens accessories, extension tubes…(with contacts to AF), and… tell you what…it’ll be easier to just let you name something and play the odds. Chances are, they have it. But guess what! If they don’t. Easy-Peasy! Because they are a private collective, they don’t have the red-tape and politics of having to go through miles of paperwork and approvals to bring a new product to market. If they want it, they’ll buy it or design fabricate it. Too easy.

Then you mix in the fact that ProMaster has no middlemen. Nope. Everything goes straight to the member retailers. Your in-store salespeople become the knowledgeable “reps” that bring you up to speed on your choices based on your individual need. All I’m saying is with ProMaster in the mix, you now have viable options. I don’t know. You may not be like me, but for myself, I like options. With no middle men, having to take a piece of the pie, that means lower costs for you. Us. Er’body!

Tracie and I, sole occupants, spending the night on Shackleford Banks, NC ©2014 Terrell Neasley

Now, here is the nitty-gritty, though. They’ve got this pledge thing they call the “ProMaster Promise”, which is a one-year unconditional warranty. And it goes a little something like this:

Now tell me. Who does a guarantee like that? Show me someone else who does it and I’ll show you a badass in the field of customer service. In most cases that warranty will hold up for 30 days…max, with other companies. These guys just said ONE YEAR…UNCONDITIONAL!! Let me break it down for you. Picture this: Ten months after you buy it, your tripod snaps. Okay, cool. Bring it back and get another one. There’s no waiting period to conduct an investigation and maybe you’ll get another one in six to eight weeks. Bring it in. They check it out at the store. They take the broke one to the back and come back with another new one in the box and say, “Have a nice day. Now get your butt back out there and shoot.” How do I know this…because I own the carbon fiber XC-525c and that actually happened. I like carbon fiber. If you don’t want to spring for CF, then go for the aluminum XC525 and pick your color.

And if you’re in a member store like B&C Camera, just make sure they log your name and email address onto your receipt at time of purchase. 10 months down the road, you may not have kept up with your receipt. At B&C Camera, you can take it up there anyway and just have them look up your name and email and they can find everything you bought, reprint your receipt, and you’re good to go. That promise goes for everything.

Inside Currituck Beach Lighthouse (Corolla) ©2014 Terrell Neasley

I’ve been most impressed with their tripods, LED and studio light kits, bags, and the HGX filters. I switched from B+W’s and made all my UV filters HGX, or as we call them at the store, the Reds, because they come in a red case. I’ve lost a lens cap and just never bothered with a buying another one because I had the HGX filter on the front of it. If you ever scratch it, they’ll replace it. They are THAT good and worth the extra cheese if you are putting it on a nice lens.

I’ve consulted for different businesses that need a studio set up to do product photography, portrait work, etc. I also do One on One Photography classes and toward the end of my week-long course, several students want an all-in-one lighting set up. Having the studio light kits that already include everything you need in one travel bag has proven essential. They make things easy, quick, and simple for both studio flash and LED lighting that adjusts both in power and color temperature. If you want, you can even RENT some ProMaster Light kits to try them out first.

I can’t tell the difference between my Sony batteries and my ProMaster batteries at roughly half the cost. However, I did indeed notice a stark difference when we were out of both Sony AND ProMaster batteries. I went down the street and bought a no-name brand. The difference was strikingly different. I chucked it and waited on my ProMaster.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Outer Banks, NC ©2014 Terrell Neasley

So yeah, I’m a fan. But just like you, I’ve had questions from time to time, which is why I think I’ll start recording videos of head to head tests of different ProMaster brand products. I’ll be testing durability, accuracy, and the overall results I get from what ProMaster produces vs. the bigger name brand products. This will be done in “lab” fashion as well as actual results in the field. I plan to get back to my 3-month Southeast Asia plans soon and I think that’ll be a good time for some field work…hopefully towards the end of November! I’ll let you know what ProMaster gear I take with me.

And that’s the series on Customer Service delivering more than they promise in genres of photography while serving the same people, like you and I. I hope you give these different companies your consideration and hopefully patronage. I am certain you will not find your trust misplaced.

Tracie and I, sole occupants, spending the night on Shackleford Banks, NC ©2014 Terrell Neasley

Three Companies that Excel in Customer Service Part II: Paul C. Buff, INC

by photoanthems | Sep 16, 2017 | Blog

Beard Project, Jon R., ©2016 Terrell Neasley Two Einstein 640’s

In this 3-part series, I’m covering photo companies that, in my opinion and experience, excel at customer service and have general policies that put the customer ahead of the dollar. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not so naive as to not understand that companies are in business to make a profit. A big heart can make you bankrupt. That being understood, I can still appreciate businesses that make it their goal to make that profit by giving the customer what they want and then treating them with respect. In the last post, I covered a camera manufacturer. In this post, I’m going in on the next most important thing photographers have to be most aware of.

Art Model, Justine @2015 Terrell Neasley Single overhead Einstein 640

Art Model, Trixie, ©2017 Terrell Neasley Single Einstein 640 in Large Octobox

But they are more than just great product. I’m sold on these guys because I can call them up in Nashville and they answer the phone. Like…a human. You’ve heard me talk about a friend of mine who was out in the desert with a large soft box on his Einstein. Well, the wind can pick up unexpectedly when you live in a desert surrounded by mountains on all sided. It blew over his light and busted it. My friend called them up to get it fixed. They just replaced it even though it was out of warranty. 

Ring Jewelry, ©2015 Terrell Neasley One Einstein 640 overhead, Three Speedlites towards front and sides

Me ©2016 Terrell Neasley One Einstein 640 on large soft box upper right side

Three Companies that Excel in Customer Service Part I: Fujifilm

by photoanthems | Sep 13, 2017 | Blog

Anonymous Model in Nicaragua, Shot on Fujifilm X-E2, ©2014 Terrell Neasley

No matter the industry, there are companies in each that make a good product and suck at customer service. Often times its because of their product demand, like the iPhone or the size of the company like Bank of America. Canon and Nikon are the most well-known photography company brands and that brand is also factored into their product pricing models.

Right now, I’m going to give props to three photography related companies that I feel do an excellent job at delivering a great product and STILL provides a great customer experience to the consumers who purchase their products. First, in this Part I, I’m going to go all in a camera manufacturer.

Anonymous Model in Nicaragua, Shot on Fujifilm X-E2, ©2014 Terrell Neasley

I first picked up a Fujifilm X-E2 a few years back and took off to Nicaragua for about 3 months. I had become a fan of mirrorless tech and I started with them before eventually making Sony my main system. At the time, Sony had the full-frame mirrorless experience, but lacked the lens line-up that I needed. I did not expect much and bought the camera strictly for street photography work, but I learned it was capable of much more. After less than a week in country…I had a rather rough experience with ocean waves, large rocks, and a cliff. My poor Fuji spent hours in and out of the Pacific as I attempted to save my life.

I don’t know of ANY camera system that can come back from that. It wasn’t even weather-proof, yet after 5 days in a plastic bag full of rice, (and eventually ants), the camera came back to full functioning operation capability. both camera AND lens. Upon my return to the US, I stopped in Los Angeles to shoot the Black College Expo AND models in fashion apparel for a non-profit. I rented an X100S to pair with my X-E2. Upon returning home to Las Vegas and beginning my edits, I quickly realized there was absolutely no added benefit had I used my Nikon D800e. That’s a 16mp crop sensor versus a 36mp full frame. No added benefit!

Anonymous Model in Nicaragua, Shot on Fujifilm X-E2, ©2014 Terrell Neasley

On top of that, I have to say that of all the camera manufacturers out there, Fujifilm is the one that listens to its customer base the most. They are firm believers in the Japanese philosophy of the Kaizen continuous improvement model. They’ll usually add firmware to update your current camera, whereas other manufacturers will only add the more demanded features in subsequent models. The Fujifilm X-T1 came out only a few months after I bought my X-E2. It was more rugged and more frames per second. Fujifilm eliminated any buyer’s remorse I might have acquired by issuing a firmware update that gave me almost the exact same features as the X-T1. Later on, they added more firmware upgrades that effectively gave me a brand new camera. When have you ever had a camera that had more functionality spec-wise three years after you bought it than at the time of purchase? Only Fujifilm has done this.

If you bought the X-Pro2 when it came out last summer, you bought yourself a good rangefinder-style mirrorless camera. Its the papa of the X-E series. Guess what, they’ve now just announced a firmware upgrade to make your camera do 4K video. See what I’m talking about? Can you feel me now? Most camera companies will use a firmware upgrade to fix a bug OR to make the camera more compatible with a new product from the same manufacturer. A camera maker might release a new lens and then do a firmware update on older cameras to accommodate said lens. Who the hell is dropping 4K functionality into a pre-existing system. Canon isn’t doing that. Nikon isn’t doing that. If Canon or Nikon had the X-Pro2 and wanted to add 4K video, they’d sit on that firmware upgrade for a year and then introduce the X-Pro3!

Anonymous Model in Nicaragua, Shot on Fujifilm X-E2, ©2014 Terrell Neasley

Fujifilm is definitely not paying me to say any of this. And like I mentioned, I shoot primarily with the Sony Alpha system and I love it. That full frame tech with the high ISO system (a7sII) along with the high resolution system (a7rII) is bad ass. Fujifilm only has APS-C senors in their mirrorless system. I’ve been full-on Canon. I’ve been full-on Nikon. I’m full-on Sony right now, but I am not above shooting two systems. In fact, I’ve got my eye on the Fujifilm X-T2, even though I’m also likely to upgrade my Sony a6300 to the a6500.

On top of that, if you didn’t know before, then you know now. Fujifilm is in the medium format business. The Fujifilm GFX 50s is a 50MP medium format mirrorless camera system. Right now, its not where I need it to be to dive into it. Personally, I think there were a few missteps with this first attempt, but I have no doubt the next generation will be a hit. A leaf shutter, faster sync speed, and I definitely want to be able to shoot in bulb mode for longer than 60mins. I think I can adjust to a mechanical shutter that tops out at 1/4000th, but why? That, along with a deeper lens line-up, and I can easily see myself rocking dual systems. I see the GFX in my life moreso than the Sony a9 and I’m very likely to pull the trigger on the next version of this camera. They just released a new 120mm macro!  That makes 6 lenses in the line-up. A new wide prime is one thing I’m waiting for. They have a 23mm f/4, but can it get faster in medium format? Maybe I’m still thinking in full frame perspective.

Anonymous Model in Nicaragua, Shot on Fujifilm X-E2, ©2014 Terrell Neasley

Last Call for the Milky Way

by photoanthems | Sep 4, 2017 | Blog

Quick shot, 6 mins before moonrise, ©2016 Terrell Neasley

And just like that, summer is almost over and “Game of Thrones” is another year’s wait. So much has been going on over the last few months, but that’s another story. Right now, its all about getting that hustle and getting more gigs. So much to do for the remainder of the year. Can you believe its already September? Not many days in the year left. So if you want to shoot the Milky Way, you’d better get on it and do it now. Here’s why:

Art Model Covenant, ©2016 Terrell Neasley

You can’t shoot the Milky Way year around. You can shoot stars all year. And you can even shoot the Milky Way looking out away from the core. But you won’t be shooting the core itself in about 5 weeks time and here’s why.

Relative to the Milky Way, our solar system rotates on a different axis. The axis of the all the planets rotating around the sun is about 60 degrees relative to the Milky Way. During the winter months, we can’t see the interior of the galactic core which is the largest concentration of stars that zoom around the super gigantic black hole in the center of our galaxy. The sun blocks the view because the earth is on the opposite side of it.

Art Model Covenant, ©2016 Terrell Neasley

So by mid to the 3rd week in October, all the way through til March, we can’t see the galactic core of the Milky Way…at least not in the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere then you can begin to see it again by February. All that means by mid-October, you’d better have all your galactic core shots done.

Don’t wait til the last minute on this. Do it as early as possible here in September. You’ll need a tripod, a shutter release cable helps, and most importantly…fast glass. Ideally, you’d be better off using a wide-angle lens with a very large maximum aperture, such as a 24mm f/1.4 lens. You can get by with a lens that has a max aperture of f/2.8, but your exposure time will be longer. If the exposure time is too long, you’ll get star trails in your Milky Way because of the rotation of the earth. Typically, I get my best exposure times at about 15 to 25 seconds depending on your camera’s high ISO performance.

Art Model Covenant, ©2016 Terrell Neasley

A good camera that performs well at the higher ISOs will allow for a f/2.8 lens much better. The lower performance cameras will have to be helped out with faster glass. That’s the trade off, but with a good camera AND fast glass, I’ve had exposures of only 10 seconds.

As I mentioned, you’ll need a tripod for sure, however I said a shutter release cable would help. Since your exposure will typically be under 30 seconds, you don’t technically need a shutter release cable because you can set the camera mode to shutter priority. You won’t have to use the BULB mode for this. I still recommend a shutter release cable for the stability factor. Because you don’t have to touch your camera you avoid the probability of introducing camera shake into your shot.

All that being said, get out and shoot some Milky Way shots before you have to wait another half year! Its Labor Day, so here are some Labor Day camping and Milky Way shots from on and around Labor Day of last year. Enjoy!

Art Model Covenant, ©2016 Terrell Neasley

How to Keep Shooting Despite the Hot Weather

by photoanthems | Jul 8, 2017 | Blog

Art Model, Chloe Ann © 2017 Terrell Neasley

I don’t know where you live, but Las Vegas was 115°F yesterday. That’s 46°Celsius for those of you who relate more to that temp scale. Here in the desert during the summer months we come to expect that, but it doesn’t mean we are comfortable with it. I call it vampire heat because just being in the sunlight can turn you into an ash replica of yourself. And also because my mom says the heat can suck the life right out of you. So does this mean that you need to suspend all outdoor shooting for the next 3 months? Are you now restricted to solely studio work during this time? Well, lets see…

Both Mirrorless cameras and DSLR’s have a standard operating temperature max of about 104°F. So at 115°, that sensor is cooking. Cameras that don’t have weather sealing will have a tougher time in these temps, especially where humidity is a factor. And don’t even think about doing video at these temps. Try to do 4K and your goose is cooked. And by goose, I’m not referring to the relatively large well-known waterfowl. I’m talking about your camera over heating with permanent damage.

So let me share with you FIVE good options on how to keep shooting despite the hot weather.

Art Model, Chloe Ann © 2017 Terrell Neasley

1. The most obvious thing is to keep the camera out of direct sunlight. Just shielding your camera with your own body or covering it with a towel can go a long way. Keeping the sunlight off of it is the culinary equivalent of simply taking a boiling pot off the fire. Yeah, it might still be hot, but the boil suddenly stops. SHADE is your friend. And while I’m at it, remember this tip. Treat your camera like you would your kid. DO NOT leave your camera gear sitting in the car while you go grab something out of the grocery store. It doesn’t matter if you’ll only be in there a minute. Take your gear with you. On this matter, it has less to do with preventing theft.

In Vegas heat, the plastic molding of your camera body can actually melt inside a car as the interior temperature rises to 180°F. You can actually ruin the lubricants inside your camera as well as causing seals to expand beyond the factory specifications. Then you are left wondering why your lens has such a rough feel when you zoom out. Or why your shutter assembly suddenly fails. The heat affects your sensor big time. The reason you get noise when shooting at high ISOs is because of the heat produced at that level. Well you can be at ISO 100 and still get noise like that in high heat environments.

Art Model, Chloe Ann © 2017 Terrell Neasley

2. I’ve done model shoots at practically all hours of the day even in this desert heat. What I do is simple. I seek out shaded areas in the two C’s of Shade. Canopies and Canyons. Its not that hard to find trees that afford enough cover from the sun. You can Google Map it and find adequate locations to help you. When I first moved to Las Vegas, I ran my art nude workshops in the shade. Some participants were a bit out of shape to handle too much heat. I had some who’s age required less strenuous environments. I even had an actor who performed in “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Venetian. Getting a really dark tan was not in the script! Finding a strip of trees will be easiest in places that still get water such as in the low grounds of canyons. But canyons themselves can also serve shade just due to the steepness of the rocks. As long as the sun is not directly overhead, there’ll be shadows coming from one side or the other.

Art Model, Chloe Ann © 2017 Terrell Neasley

3. In Vegas, its coolest earlier in the morning. So schedule shoots to be completed BEFORE 9am. By 10, the temp is already in the high 90’s if not already 100. Its going to stay in the 100 range until 5 or 6pm before it begins to cool. I’ve seen it to be over 100°F after 9pm on the Strip. People don’t realize how much glass, steel, and asphalt are collecting heat during the day and giving it back off at night. So schedule shoots early in the morning. Oh, and don’t forget extra batteries. Heat can really tax the battery power. In fact, don’t leave batteries in your camera when you are not shooting. Take them out of your camera. The last thing you want is for a battery to explode INSIDE your camera. You’re welcome.

Art Model, Chloe Ann © 2017 Terrell Neasley

4. Along with early morning shoots, try your hand at some night time shooting. You can get adventurous and paint with light or use the full moon as your only light source. You might also consider speedlights or on-location studio lights with Vagabond battery packs. B&C Camera has some 500ws Phottix Indra500 TTL Battery Powered Studio Lights that also have High Speed Sync up to 1/8000th of a second. You can buy them for about $1300 or you can simply RENT them from the B&C Camera Rental Department. See…Too Easy!

Art Model, Chloe Ann © 2017 Terrell Neasley

5. Or you can get the hell out of Vegas! Do a day trip to Mt Zion National Park. Its still high 90’s there, but compared to temps in the 100-teens, 90° feels a bit nippy. Actually, you don’t even have to do that far. Wanna know what the forecast is this week for Mt. Charleston? MID-80’s!! So the name of the game is elevation. But let me even keep you even a bit closer to Vegas. Check out ICE BOX CANYON! You can expect anywhere from a 10 to 15° temperature drop back in that canyon and in some cases 20. Again, Google Maps some of these areas and go scout them out during the time of the day that you’d like to conduct your photo shoot. So there you go. 5 good tips to keep shooting despite the hot weather. Be smart, but most of all, be safe. Happy Shooting!

Art Model, Chloe Ann © 2017 Terrell Neasley

Bonus Tip: Consider keeping a ice pack or cooler handy. You can even put a frozen water bottle in your camera bag just to keep the temperature down. You don’t need to put the bottle right up against the camera though. Be careful because the sudden temperature change from the cooler to the ambient air can cause condensation. If that happens, let the camera sit in the ambient air for a bit til the condensation evaporates. And be sure to take care of yourself as well. Sunscreen. A wide-brim hat. Light-weight clothing covering exposed skin. And most importantly… HYDRATE!!! Even if you are not thirsty, drink water anyway.

Its Going to Be Southeast Asia

by photoanthems | Jul 3, 2017 | Blog

Its now July and after much deliberation, I’ve decided Southeast Asia is going to be my next travel adventure location. Primarily, I’ll be concentrating on Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia this time around. Why? I love Central America (and will likely be there next year), but this time I want to see something completely new. I’ll be focused on getting more fine art landscape, especially at night, and scouting possibilities for future workshops. When? Well that’s a good question and I’m so glad you asked because that’s where YOU come in.

I’m looking at a 3-month excursion doing one big loop that’ll have me tromping through the length of each country starting in Hanoi and playing around Northern Vietnam. I’ll then travel to Laos and fiddle-faddle in the northern region before making my way south and into Cambodia. I haven’t made specifics with Cambodia as much, but from there, I’ll likely make my way to Southern Vietnam and back up to Hanoi again. Could be 4 months…I don’t know. Flights are so much less during the fall.

However, with this undertaking, funding is paramount and I want your help. Over the next three months into September, I want to be working my ass off to cover my trip expenses for an October start date. So the more I get help from you guys, the faster I get gone and the faster you get to see all my interesting and highly intriguing pics of the glorious Southeast Asia region. I want a huge focus on the Mekong Delta!

You want to help? Okay:

1. Keep me in mind when you need your next photography service. This is what I do, after all. No, I’m not cheap, but I’m damn good and right now is the best time to catch me while I’m willing to negotiate a bit more given this high volume of service traffic you guys will be bestowing upon me. You already know I like to travel, so if you’re out of state, I certainly welcome that. I love seeing new places! And don’t act like you hadn’t seen my portraiture work, especially with the beard series. You know you love it. Its time for you to get some new pics. Mine are made for the wall in your home and not just the wall on your FB page.

2. Keep me in mind when you hear of someone needing photography services. I do a 10% kickback on contracts for gigs that you recommend to me under $2000. Recommend a gig that results in $1000 service, you get $100 back from me immediately upon receipt of payment. I’ll do 15% for any contracts $2000 and over. Do the math. That’s $300 and up. So as long as the contract books and payment is made…you get paid.

3. You’ve seen my fine art work. (I hope you’ve been paying attention to more than just my art nude work.) Well, here’s your chance to own some and virtually everything is for sale. Check out my website at PhotoAnthems.com (or even this blog) and see what you like. Yes, I still hold some pieces off the market for the time being, but if you have something you’re interested in, let me know. I print big. The smallest would be a 16×20 or something at least 300sq inches.

4. Photo Classes – I do One-on-One week-long photography classes that are intense and in-depth. I cover information on your specific camera before getting into the fine nuances of photography. My classes are customized to you and your needs. Nobody really gets the same class because each of you are so different with different needs and learning styles. I don’t teach one generic class that everybody gets in cookie-cutter format. Nope. You tell me what you need and I tailor it specific to you for 5 days with a minimum of 4 hours and we do a whole lot of shooting, both in studio and on-location…daytime and night…covering speedlights and studio lights, and so much more.

So email me for more information at my Gmail account, using PhotoAnthems in front of the @ symbol. You’ll be helping me get started sooner on my journey.