Get out and walk
As a photographer, it's easy to get caught up in work and forget about the importance of taking time for personal photography. However, taking time to explore and make photographs for yourself can be an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience.
As a photographer, it's easy to get caught up in work and forget about the importance of taking time for personal photography. However, taking time to explore and make photographs for yourself can be an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience.
I was in Las Vegas for WPPI and Phottix Professional Photo Accessories and had only a short window of time before my flight. It would have been easy to just head to the airport, but I knew that I would regret not taking the opportunity to explore with my camera. So, I forced myself to make time to walk around and make some images.
During my short walk, I was able to capture some great images that I wouldn't have been able to make if I had just gone straight to the airport. I was able to explore the city and its unique architecture, capture interesting street scenes, and experiment with different techniques.
But more importantly, taking the time to make photographs for myself reminded me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It's easy to get caught up in the business side of things, but at the end of the day, it's the personal projects that really keep us going and allow us to grow as photographers.
So, if you find yourself with a short window of time or are feeling burnt out from work, I encourage you to make time to walk around and make some images for yourself. Not only will you come away with some great images, but you'll also be reminded of why you love photography and why it's such a powerful tool for creative expression.
All images made with a Fuji GFX 50II and a 50mm lens.
An afternoon with some amazing history
Recently I was assigned to cover the historic rail yards in Sacramento, which consist of the Railyard, Boiler Shop, and the Erecting Shop for Sacramento Magazine. If you live in Sacramento, then you know this iconic location. Located in downtown Sacramento, it's been a location that I have wanted to explore my entire life. So my excitement, when I learned I was going to shoot there, was through the roof! The short story on why it became possible to shoot there is that the rail museum became the owner of the property recently and the red tape to get in was reduced. It still took a few months of e-mails and phone calls, which I was more than happy to participate in.
Recently I was assigned to cover the historic rail yards in Sacramento, which consist of the Railyard, Boiler Shop, and the Erecting Shop for Sacramento Magazine. If you live in Sacramento, then you know this iconic location. Located in downtown Sacramento, it's been a location that I have wanted to explore my entire life. So my excitement, when I learned I was going to shoot there, was through the roof! The short story on why it became possible to shoot there is that the rail museum became the owner of the property recently and the red tape to get in was reduced. It still took a few months of e-mails and phone calls, which I was more than happy to participate in.
Now for the planning part.
I had no idea what I would face in terms of lighting. All I knew was that the windows are big and beautiful. Knowing I would have some good natural light, I planned on bringing reflectors and strobes. Regularly using my Nikon 810 and Nikon D4, I also wanted to add an extra camera to my arsenal for this assignment, so I rented the Fuji GFX 50R. That's a medium format digital mirrorless camera. I had worked with the GFX the month prior in Palm Springs and loved the files it made. Also, the Electronic View Finder on the Fuji allows the user to see the exact image and exposure of the end product before you take it, which was a massive help in this environment.
Now onto the location.
My assistant Skip and I arrived around 8:45 am for the walkthrough. The first thing I noticed was how friendly the workers were. After further discussion, I came to find out that most of the workers are volunteers. These volunteers are there because of their absolute love of trains.
The next observation I had was how there is a vast amount of trains in the two buildings. As I looked around, I was a bit awestruck by the amazing history that surrounded me. It's tough to do the description justice (which is why I shoot pictures), but everywhere I turned I, saw part of our American history and learned how without the rail system we would not be the nation we are today.
It's time for the images.
We ended up shooting from 9am to noon. I could have gone all day, but our agreement was only for that time window and I never want to push it on these kinds of deals (I want to be invited back!). I made around 550 images and used the GFX for about 80% of those shots. I didn't use any strobes and only used the reflector a little; the light was that good!
Lastly, if you have never been to the main Rail Museum in Old Sacramento, then I suggest you go! And if you have been, then go again. They have some new items that are worth learning about and be sure and talk with the volunteers; they have some fascinating stories to tell.
