Lock and Load...

Shooting the occasional personal project can really get you energized as an image maker. I know that I don't make the time to shoot new portfolio images as often as I should. Somewhere in all the work and bills to be paid, my urge to shoot personal images gets its butt kicked. I find that writing an idea down on paper ( scribbles, drawings etc...) in front of my computer really helps to make it happen. Without that constant reminder, the self- originated, creative and satisfying work just gets forgotten in my daily grind to get ahead. You have to convince yourself of the importance of shooting new work. New images can bring you new clients. Pick a day on the calendar and schedule your time just as you would for a real paying job!

PS. Speaking of a Digital Dilemma! ..... I have 11 or 12 episodes of ABC's ' Lost ' digitally recorded on my cable box. I don't know whether the SOB's are still lost?..... on the island?......
off the island? Are they all robots, or maybe just a figment of some autistic kids imagination staring at a "welcome to the islands" picture postcard! My family has to whisper about plot lines because I have gotten so far behind. They are irritated with me! Eventually, someone is going to spill the beans and tell me something that will ruin it for me............Now that's a Digital Dilemma!

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Plan Ahead....Part 2

Continuing from the 'Plan Ahead' post on Tuesday, May 15 :

5) Batteries! Batteries! Batteries! ...... Yes, I know it's a little condescending to be reminding other Professional Photographers to carry enough batteries to get the job done. But it's not just about your Ziploc Bag filled with Double A's and Triple A's. It's more about being prepared with fresh ( New ) batteries before you show up for the job and also about having the right type of Battery!

Yes, I can hear it now ' This jerk is gonna tell me what batteries I should be using! Next he'll be telling me what kind of equipment to bring! '


What is the right battery for your Digital Camera? Well, that depends on whether or not you want to have your camera die right in the middle of an important job or shoot like a madman all day without having to crack open the battery cover. There's nothing lamer than having to fumble through a dark camera bag to find enough dollar store double A's to get you through the hour. That's a sure way to "NOT" impress the CEO whose portrait your shooting. So....what is the answer? I believe the modern Lithium Ion batteries that come with your Canon, Nikon etc... are without a doubt the most efficient, long' lasting energy sources you can load in your camera.They are designed for the correct output for proper camera functioning and are easily recharged (hopefully after the job is over) and have a lasting power far beyond any Double A's you might use. Most camera manufacturers give you 2 slots for batteries in your factory grip and I would recommend using both batteries at the same time. They are designed to last longer used in pairs than the same batteries used individually. Some of the newer cameras won't even function properly with name brand Alkaline batteries and Rechargeable Ni cads are no match for the Lithium Ion's that came with your camera! Buy extras when you purchase a new camera, even the off brands that they sell at B and H Photo, Adorama etc...for your particular camera are fantastic. Personally, I haven't seen the halfway mark on my camera's battery display once in nearly two years!

To be continued...

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