f-stop Nature & Landscape Newsletter

 I just found out my work from my new book is being featured by f-stop camera bags in their Nature & Landscape newsletter here.

The Changing World of Photography

Micro 4/3 Cameras 

If it's good enough for National Geographic, then it's good enough for me!

Olympus E-PL2, Olympus 14-42mm, 1/400th, f/10, ISO 200
Scott Rokis climbing Bear Creek Spire, High Sierra

I recently sold several photos to National Geographic for use in an upcoming Sierra map project, but this particular image was unique because it was made with my new lightweight adventure camera.   As photographers, we are always looking for more from our cameras, which usually means bigger sensors and higher megapixel count at the expense of light weight and ease of carrying.  In an effort to reduce weight in the mountains I  often resort to carrying a point and shoot camera, but always end up being frustrated by its lack of control and slow frame rate.  So this past summer I made my first foray into the new world of mirrorless Micro 4/3 cameras by buying a tiny Olympus E-PL2 and matching 14-42mm kit lens (28-84 in 35mm format).   Who wouldn't want a camera that shoots 3fps, has interchangeable lenses, has decent ISO abilities, weighs less than a pound, and fits into a jacket pocket?   While the image quality and speed of the new camera don't quite match up to my D700, the Olympus has all of the "necessary" features at about  30% the weight.

There is no doubt that carrying my 4/3 camera is a trade off in terms of image quality from a DSLR, but in certain situations light weight trumps absolute image quality.  With smaller image sensors, 4/3 cameras are not going to hold up under major enlargements the same way that my full frame cameras do, but how often do I really need to make a 30x40 print from an adventure shoot anyway?  To me, the bigger issue is that with a DSLR, as soon as the terrain gets technical the camera goes into the pack.  In fact, it might be left in the car all together to save weight.  Either way, I end the trip without any images.  Since I got my E-PL2, it has always ridden around my neck and under my shoulder.  When the going gets rough, I just tuck it under my pack strap to keep it out of the way.   Aside from a few spectacular scratches on the camera, this new way of shooting has paid off with lots of spontaneous images that would have otherwise been missed.

While Micro 4/3 cameras might not be for everyone,  if you want to save major weight while still maintaining most of the features of a DSLR,  I encourage you to take a look.  I personally am looking forward to the upcoming Olympus OM-D which sports a built in viewfinder, 16 megapixels, 9fps, and the fastest autofocus yet in a 4/3 camera.  Mine is already on order and I think it will be a  real contender to replace my DSLR on adventures where I have to carry my camera along with food, camping, and climbing gear. 

In Search Of A Dynamic Landscape Coffee Table Book

After lots of hard work and rewrites I am pleased to announce my new book "In Search Of A Dynamic Landscape".

This 80 page coffee table book explores what a "Dynamic Landscape" means to me as an artist.  Two years in the making I have chosen a group of images that explores my passion for the outdoors as well as my drive to be an active participant in my art.  I have paired many of my favorite images with short essays about my creative process and the stories behind the images.  For those photographers out there I also included a section on my photographic process that focuses on the gear I use, how I carry it, and why.

Currently the book is available as an ebook, paperback, or hardback and can be previewed and ordered here.

Sensor Cleaning

Do you ever find spots in your blue skies?  Well you are not the only one! 

 Every time I teach a workshop I find clients struggling with dust on their sensor and no ability to remove it in the field. Years ago while doing a three week shoot on the Colorado River  I struggled with trying to keep my gear clean of the fine blowing dust of the south west.  At the time camera manufactures claimed that sensors could only be cleaned at an authorized service center for a hefty fee.  After the Grand Canyon trip I knew I needed to find a better way of cleaning my sensor while actually in the field.  In addition to screw drivers, allen wrenches, and crazy glue (you never know), I now carry an entire sensor cleaning kit  in my repair bag.  After trying several different tools on the market, I settled on the VisibleDust Ultra Sensor Clean Arctic Butterfly 724 (super Bright) Bundle.

It isn't cheap at $295, but for the past few years I have been doing all of my own sensor cleaning no matter how dirty things get.  Usually in the field I first try using the blower which often is enough to clear off any non static charged particles.  If that doesn't do it than I use the sensor loop and Arctic Butterfly to brush the sensor clean.  Only in a few rare cases have I needed to use the wet swabs.  Its a big commitment to spend this much just to keep your DSLR clean and running, but after a couple trips to the "authorized" service center you will be saving money.