Cruising Reflections: A Photographer's Journey Through Alaska
Cruising was an entirely novel experience for me, and I approached it with a blend of excitement and curiosity. While I had heard countless stories about the joys of cruising, nothing could have prepared me for the immersive adventure that lay ahead.
Setting Sail on My Maiden Voyage
As I boarded the Ruby Princess, I was welcomed by the friendly and professional staff. This was my first taste of the exceptional service that Princess Cruises is renowned for. The ease of embarkation set a positive tone for the journey, and I felt a sense of anticipation building as we set sail from San Francisco and headed toward the Golden Gate Bridge.
Cruising was an entirely novel experience for me, and I approached it with a blend of excitement and curiosity. While I had heard countless stories about the joys of cruising, nothing could have prepared me for the immersive adventure that lay ahead.
Our first glimpse of the Ruby Princess, majestically moored in San Francisco's port, as we crossed the Bay Bridge. A sight that kickstarted our excitement for the adventure ahead.
Setting Sail on My Maiden Voyage
As I boarded the Ruby Princess, I was welcomed by the friendly and professional staff. This was my first taste of the exceptional service that Princess Cruises is renowned for. The ease of embarkation set a positive tone for the journey, and I felt a sense of anticipation building as we set sail from San Francisco and headed toward the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco, was a mesmerizing sight as we sailed beneath it. The ship's immense size seemed almost incongruous with the grandeur of the bridge, yet we passed through gracefully. It was a moment I'll cherish forever, a fusion of natural beauty and human engineering.
The Ruby Princess: A Floating Oasis
The Ruby Princess served as our floating oasis, and the ship's amenities were impressive. Touchscreen displays, accessible via our Medallion, allowed us to effortlessly access information, streamlining our activities and exploration. The ship's modernity was evident, and I appreciated the seamless integration of technology into the cruise experience.
The Medallion on my wrist, not just a fashion statement but the key to the kingdom. It unlocks doors, pays for drinks, and even lets the family track me down—if I let 'em
Throughout our journey, I couldn't help but be impressed by the ship's photography services. Dedicated photographers roamed the ship, capturing candid moments and setting up portrait studios during the evenings. While I initially wondered about the informal style of some photos, I soon realized their value. These images provided passengers, many cruising for the first time, with memorable snapshots that celebrated togetherness.
The ship's photography studio offered guests the opportunity to view and purchase these photos promptly or access them through the official app. This convenience added a layer of enjoyment to the cruise experience.
High Points of the Staff: A Princely Experience
One of the standout features of the cruise was undoubtedly the exceptional staff. From the moment we stepped on board, they went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. Jermaine, our stateroom steward, deserves special mention for his impeccable service. His meticulous care of our stateroom ensured that it was always a welcoming haven after a day of exploration.
In the ship's dining venues, we were treated to exceptional service from dedicated staff like Jennifer, our server, and Jeffrey, the maître d'. Their warmth and attention to detail made our dining experiences genuinely memorable. As we indulged in delectable meals each evening, Jennifer took the time to chat with us and even introduced us to the chef. Hearing about the culinary intricacies and the effort that went into preparing meals for so many passengers was both enlightening and inspiring.
Reflecting on the journey, I can't help but feel grateful for the encounters with friendly locals at each port of call. Whether it was a local garbageman offering directions in Prince Rupert or the warm welcome we received on the streets, the friendliness of the people we met left a lasting impression.
Exploring the Alaskan Wilderness
After 2.5 days at sea, we reached Juneau, Alaska, our first port of call. Rainy skies greeted us, but it only added drama to the vistas. While exploring, we relied more on our iPhones than our dedicated cameras due to the weather. Our only plan was to wander and immerse ourselves in this captivating city.
The next stop was Skagway, Alaska, where we embarked on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. The journey, though shrouded in fog, presented an unforgettable experience. Brunch at the destination might not have been gourmet, but the overall adventure more than made up for it.
A haunting vista from the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, where clouds and fog conspire to turn the landscape into something straight out of a dream.
Returning to the ship, we encountered rain, fog, and a broken windshield wiper on the bus, which delayed us a bit. However, this incident showcased our driver's knowledge and commitment to safety.
When life gives you a broken windshield wiper and a rain delay, make a foggy family portrait. Our impromptu shoot by the 'Welcome to Alaska' sign—nothing but smiles under those clouds.
Our journey led us to Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier, a breathtaking spectacle. Rain and cold didn't deter me from capturing its magnificence. I began my backup workflow in the evening, ensuring my precious images were safe.
Ethan, Drew, and Will, binoculars at the ready, soaking up the jaw-dropping vistas near Endicott Arm Glacier. A moment that proves some views deserve a closer look.
The gateway to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier served up a feast for the eyes, but this view? It was the showstopper. So stunning, it's got a reserved spot on my wall.
A companion piece to my earlier favorite, but this one's captured with the full might of a 70-200mm lens and a 1.5x converter. The perfect frame for an equally perfect landscape.
The cruise continued with a stop in Ketchikan, where we enjoyed the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The town's charm and the amusing lumberjack antics made for an entertaining morning. The rest of the day was spent exploring Creek Street and watching resident seals playfully snatch salmon.
Friendly Encounters: Prince Rupert, Canada
Our final port of call was Prince Rupert, Canada. Unlike the previous stops, it seemed less impacted by the cruise industry. We visited the local museum, walked extensively, and observed the influence of the indigenous population on the town's culture and history. The warmth of the locals was evident in all our interactions, making this stop truly enjoyable.
In Prince Rupert, I couldn't help but notice how the cruise ship, a colossal floating city, contrasted with the town's quaintness. The juxtaposition emphasized the unique experience of cruising in Alaska, where the grandeur of nature meets the warmth of human hospitality.
The Ruby Princess docked in Prince Rupert, a behemoth against the backdrop of pristine wilderness. The dark clouds only amplify the striking contrast. It's nature meets machine, each making the other more compelling.
Photography: Capturing Alaska's Splendor
As a photographer, this cruise provided an ideal platform to capture the majestic beauty of Alaska.
I meticulously selected my gear for the journey. At the core was my Nikon Z9, a mirrorless powerhouse with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. These versatile tools let me immortalize everything from expansive landscapes to intimate portraits with unmatched clarity. I included a 1.5x teleconverter to extend my telephoto reach, facilitating shots of distant wildlife and intricate glacier details.
My trusty arsenal for the trip: Camera gear and an iPad for on-the-go editing, all carefully curated for capturing Alaska's grandeur. Charging stations and cables didn't make the cut for the pic, but trust me, they were just as essential.
In addition to the Nikon, the Fuji GFX II celebrated for its medium format sensor delivering exceptional image quality, was a valuable companion. Equipped with a 50mm f/3.5 lens and a versatile 32-64mm f/4 zoom, the Fuji added its unique touch to my photography, especially in capturing expansive vistas and rich details.
Polarizing filters, essential for enhancing colors and minimizing reflections in Alaska's diverse landscapes, were indispensable accessories that significantly improved the final images.
Managing the multitude of photos anticipated during this journey demanded a robust solution. The iPad Pro 12.9 inch was my mobile editing and curation hub, facilitating on-the-go review and organization of images.
Multitasking at its finest: me, kicking back in the Explorer lounge, while my iPad does the heavy lifting of downloading the day's captures. Work and play blending seamlessly, just the way I like it.
I carried the SABRENT 2TB External Aluminum SSD and the SanDisk Professional 2TB G-DRIVE SSD for backup and peace of mind. These rugged, high-speed drives ensured my precious photos remained safe and easily accessible throughout the voyage.
Same chill spot, but now the whole squad's in the frame. Camera bag on the floor, stuffed with gear, and the iPad still grinding away on the table. It's my mobile command center, lounge edition.
I relied on the Anker USB-C Hub to streamline connectivity and data transfer. This versatile tool simplified importing photos and videos to my devices. Its 7-in-1 design provided the essential ports I needed.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max, a pocket-sized marvel, seamlessly integrated into my photographic workflow. Its computational photography capabilities and convenience ensured I never missed a moment on this unforgettable cruise.
Traveling with Family: A Grand Adventure
What made this cruise truly special was the presence of family. 30 family members joined this nautical escapade, making it a grand adventure. Traveling with such a large group offered a unique blend of flexibility and camaraderie.
We had options to explore in smaller groups or as a whole entourage, and there was always the freedom to embark on solo adventures without worrying about offending anyone. These dynamics added an extra layer of richness to the experience.
Group photos were a highlight, capturing the essence of togetherness and shared memories. We organized a group photo session, expertly arranged by the ship's photographers, and these images became cherished keepsakes of our voyage. The ability to quickly access and share these photos through the ship's app only enhanced their value.
The ultimate laid-back crew, all in our robes. Captured this the second to last day to immortalize how chill the trip was for all of us. I'm photoshopped in because, well, someone had to take the pic, right?
Photography: Capturing Moments
One of the most rewarding aspects of cruising was the constant availability of photographic opportunities. The changing weather and light conditions painted a dynamic canvas. I often roamed the ship with my iPhone, capturing spontaneous moments that could be transformed into unexpected art.
Caught this moment of Ethan lost in the epic light show nature was putting on. The still waters and that incredible sky—couldn't have staged it better if we tried.
I couldn't help but think there were ample chances for passengers to delve into mobile photography. I even suggested the idea of a mobile photography walk to one of the cruise directors. This concept would let guests explore the ship, understand their smartphones as cameras, and create images they could cherish.
Cruising through Alaska, I was struck by the effortless blend of natural beauty and human hospitality. It was an adventure filled with photographic opportunities, family togetherness, and the warmth of new friendships. With its outstanding staff and seamless service, Princess Cruises played a pivotal role in ensuring this voyage was nothing short of extraordinary. As I disembarked from the Ruby Princess, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this maiden cruise, a journey that exceeded all my expectations and left me with memories to last a lifetime.
Special shoutout to Glenn Rodgers at Vacations To Go for making our cruise booking a breeze. Glenn's a Group Specialist, Master Cruise Counselor, and Luxury Specialist with 6 years under his belt. Always on point with answers to our endless questions. Highly recommend. Want the same smooth experience? Reach him at grodgers@vacationstogo.com, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm US Central Time. In the US or Canada? Dial 1-800-514-9986 ext. 7075.
Here's a curated set of some of my standout shots from the journey. It's just a taste—there's plenty more where these came from, but didn't wanna bury you in pixels. Enjoy these snippets of our Alaskan adventure.
Mastering Light with Phottix
My camera and I have journeyed together for the past decade, chasing the elusive 'perfect' light. As a professional photographer, I've come to understand that light is not just a component of a photograph but the very essence of it. While a vast array of equipment plays a role in my photography, today, I want to focus on a particularly important element: lighting modifiers.
My camera and I have journeyed together for the past decade, chasing the elusive 'perfect' light. As a professional photographer, I've come to understand that light is not just a component of a photograph but the very essence of it. While a vast array of equipment plays a role in my photography, today, I want to focus on a particularly important element: lighting modifiers.
Navigating the world of photography equipment can be a complex task. More expensive doesn't always mean better, and cheaper options may not provide the longevity you need. There's a sweet spot in the middle where cost, durability, and functionality meet, and finding it is key.
In my quest for this balance, one brand consistently comes out on top: Phottix. Their lighting modifiers have stood the test of time, offering a blend of affordability, durability, and performance that truly enhances my craft.
I first started using Phottix's lighting modifiers ten years ago. The quality and versatility of their products drew me in, and their resilience has made them a steadfast companion on my shoots, whether in a controlled studio environment or out in unpredictable natural settings.
Recently, Phottix unveiled their new G-capsule series, an innovative line of lighting modifiers that have been nothing short of game-changing for my work. The G-capsule series is designed for ease and versatility, boasting revolutionary features in the field of photography lighting.
One standout feature is the interior gel holder, which is magnetic. This design makes it incredibly easy to switch out color gels, a tool I frequently employ to add depth and drama to my photographs. The holder eliminates the time-consuming process of fiddling with clips or adhesives, making color changes swift and seamless.
Another ingenious upgrade in the G-capsule series is the dual-purpose interior baffle. The baffle has a silver insert that transforms the softbox into a beauty dish, creating a more focused, contrasty light. This ability to switch between different lighting effects without changing the modifier has made my workflow smoother and more efficient.
Here are a few shots where I've leveraged the power of the G-capsule series.
These innovative features of the Phottix G-capsule series have allowed me to push the boundaries of my creativity. Whether it's the vibrant hues from the easily interchangeable gels or the enhanced contrast achieved with the beauty dish effect, Phottix's innovation has opened new avenues for me to explore and create as a photographer.
In conclusion, my journey with Phottix over the last decade has been one of growth and exploration. Their consistent innovation and expansion of their product line keep me excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I realize that this post may sound like an advertisement for Phottix, but it's only because I truly believe in their products and stand by them. It's the brand I put my reputation behind because it has consistently delivered the balance of affordability, durability, and functionality that I need. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding photographer, I highly recommend exploring Phottix's range of lighting modifiers. Here's to another decade of capturing the perfect light with Phottix!
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.
Designer Handbags
At the end of last year, I had a fantastic opportunity to work with Mary Frances Accessories to showcase some new handbag designs.
At the end of last year, I had a fantastic opportunity to work with Mary Frances Accessories to showcase some new handbag designs. The quality and creativity that goes into these are truly outstanding. The team I had on this made the day go so smoothly.
Model: Sophia Jackson
Stylist: Michelle Rivet
Hair and Makeup: Ernesto Robledo
The G.O.A.T
Recently I was asked to photograph Jerry Rice, a retired San Francisco 49er wide receiver, NFL Hall of Famer, and one of the athletes that I watched growing up. I have a great friend Stephanie Suddarth who is now the general manager of his energy drink company called G.O.A.T. fuel (Greatest of All Time).
As a photographer, we meet many different people from business owners and tradesmen to athletes and actors.
Jerry Rice, Retired San Francisco 49er wide receiver and NFL Hall of Famer.
Recently I was asked to photograph Jerry Rice, a retired San Francisco 49er wide receiver, NFL Hall of Famer, and one of the athletes that I watched growing up. I have a great friend Stephanie Suddarth who is now the general manager of his energy drink company called G.O.A.T. fuel (Greatest of All Time). His daughter is the president. I was asked to travel to the Bay Area to make some marketing and PR images of Jerry for social media usage. So I spent Thursday evening and Saturday morning photographing him during various activities.
During the Saturday morning session, I was able to shoot individual images of him.
Saturday's location was a brand new hotel in Silicon Valley. When I arrived I scouted out a gray area in the parking garage that I could use to make my portraits. As the morning progressed and I was photographing the various events, Jerry turned and said, “Hey, let's do those images now. I have 20 minutes before I have to leave.” Thank goodness I had scouted out my spot and planned out what I wanted to do. My assistant Skip and I hurried over and set up five portrait scenarios in about eight minutes. Jerry came over, and we were able to make about 200 images in 12 minutes. All the scenarios except for one worked out.
This is the area I scouted when we arrived. Having Skip as my assistant sets my mind at ease. He is so good at what he does.
After we finished, I shared the story with Jerry about how my father had a personalized license plate that said RICEDAY. I kept them after my father's passing and have had them in the garage for years. I brought them to show Jerry and he was happy to sign them. They will make for some good conversation pieces.
My dad and I watched the 49ers for decades, his license plates are a testament to it.
One of the takeaways from the assignment is to know your gear and have a plan going into a shoot. Be ready to go. If I had tried things I hadn't done or wasn't comfortable with my equipment, it could've been a disaster.
Amanda
Recently, I made a trip to Los Angeles to visit and photograph my friend Amanda. Since I began photographing Amanda in 2011, she has become a very close friend and an incredible model.
Recently, I made a trip to Los Angeles to visit and photograph my friend Amanda. Since I began photographing Amanda in 2011, she has become a very close friend and an incredible model.
There has been a steady transformation from our first shoot until now. She's always had something special about her that was very evident from the beginning. Through all her significant life changes, Amanda has stayed grounded while maintaining an infectiously positive attitude. I was honored to create some images in this next chapter of her life as a new mother to a beautiful baby girl Nakano and wife to the talented actor Wilmer Valderrama.
I was fortunate to have my good friend and photographer Skip and the amazing make-up artist Ernesto on this shoot. Having a talented crew makes the difference between a good image and a great image. Working with somebody like Ernesto for make-up has transformed my images and pushed my work to the next level. Skip is much more than an assistant; his extra pair of eyes and collaboration frees me to focus on the moment, knowing everything else will be handled. Amanda and Ernesto have worked together several times, and he knows her style and always has outstanding ideas when working with her. I'm so fortunate to have Skip and Ernesto along, and I couldn't have done it without them.
Is that a flashlight in your hand?
or many years now I've been using alternate sources of light in my photography most notably flashlights.
It started many years ago while walking down the isles in Costco and I came across one of the first reasonably priced LED flashlights after asking permission my wife allowed me to add it to the basket. I consider this one of my first evolutions in lighting. At first I just kept the lights in my bag in case I needed it. Finally one day on a portrait shoot I pulled it out to see what I could do and was very surprised by the power and how the color temperature was very close to daylight. For the next several years I continued exploring this style of lighting. Fast forward to today and it's like we're in the golden age of lighting. LED flashlights are so powerful and inexpensive that they found a permanent place in my lighting kit. Recently I've been using flashlights made by “O Light” they have an extensive variety of lights on their website, if you're into flashlights it's worth checking out.
For many years now, I've been using alternate sources of light in my photography, most notably flashlights.
It started many years ago while walking down the isles in Costco when I came across one of the first reasonably priced LED flashlights; after asking permission, my wife allowed me to add it to the basket.
I consider this one of my first evolutions in lighting. At first, I just kept the lights in my bag in case I needed it. Finally, one day on a portrait shoot, I pulled it out to see what I could do and was very surprised by the power and how the color temperature was very close to daylight. For the next several years, I continued exploring this style of lighting. Fast forward to today, and it's like we're in the golden age of illumination. LED flashlights are so powerful and inexpensive. They have found a permanent place in my lighting kit. I recently started using flashlights made by a company named "O Light" they have a wide variety of lights on their website. If you're into flashlights, it's worth checking out.
Thanks for the BTS skip!
Marauder 2 by O Light
The flashlight I used on this particular day was the Marauder 2. Some of the crazy stats are an 800-meter spotlight beam from the central LED and a 14000-lumen floodlight beam from 12 surrounding LEDs.
An intuitive rotary knob switch to turn on the light and circle through 7 output levels.
It's undoubtedly an impressive light.
For this shoot, I spent the afternoon with my good friend Morgan, she and I have worked together quite a few times, and I always enjoy our sessions together. The goal for the shoot was to walk and find the light. The camera I'm using is a Nikon Z6 II with a sigma 35 mm 1.4 lens. I could talk extensively about how much I love that lens, but I'll save that for another time.
Below are my results in using the flashlight as the main light and the sun as a backlight.
ISO 50 • 1/640 • f 3.5
I found the color temperature pleasing, and it only required a little white balance adjustment to bring it back to daylight.
ISO 50 • 1/320 • f 3.5
I'm going to test some other flashlights from O Light soon, and I'll be sure and share the results with you all.
ISO 50 • 1/320 • f 3.5