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Posts Tagged ‘Gear’

Essential Photo Gear – Kwik Camo Photgraphy Blind

Outdoor Photo Gear’s Chris Klapheke reviews the Essential Photo Gear – Kwik Camo Photgraphy Blind
Video Rating: 3 / 5

Sailing Gear – Winches Basic

Your boat has many blocks or pulleys; they’re probably hanging from the boom, bolted to the deck, and built into your mast.Blocks come in all different sizes and shapes and must be matched to the task at hand, or they may cause problems.

Because of their many moving parts, they need more attention than pulleys. The manufacturer’s literature or the folks at the local marine store can help you pick out a winch (although most keelboats already have plenty) and maintenance supplies. In the following list, we provide the keys to maintaining your winches:

Clean your winch: Take the winch totally apart at least once a year (doing so is sort of like playing with an erector set — just don’t forget where each piece goes!) and clean all the internal metal parts. A big bucket with an inch or so of gasoline or paint thinner in it and a toothbrush make a great washtub and scrubber.

Lay out a huge drop cloth and have plenty of rags for this very messy job.

Keep your winch salt free: Flush it with freshwater after use and make sure that all the drain holes around its base are open so that any rainwater can escape.

Lubricate your winch: Check for any special instructions from the manufacturer. After taking the drum off and setting it aside, inspect and lubricate all the moving parts and bearing surfaces. Pay special attention to the pawls, which allow the winch to spin one way and not the other. The pawls should swing easily with the touch of a finger, with the spring providing sufficient power to return the pawl to the “open” position. If they don’t move freely after cleaning and a lube, replace both spring and pawl. Inspect and lubricate your winches at least twice a year (and more if you use the boat frequently).

Don’t forget — regular visual inspection is important. When sailing, pay attention to how well the winch works, and be especially concerned about any jerking under load or weird noises. Also, when you have the winch apart for lubrication, take a close look at all the internal parts for wear or signs of fatigue.

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Gear Review: DIY isteady 2.0 Photo Stabalizer

I found instructions for a super simple camera stabilizer on ‘instructibles’, but it seemed too simple. I didn’t believe it would work, so I went all myth busters on it, and I put it to the test. my results are posted below: method 25 shots each test. all blury shots are deleted,…

Photographer Requirements – Gear vs Creativity

Forgive me, I am not against photographers or photography classes. In truth, I am a strong proponent of eductating yourself as much as possible, particularly when it comes to photography. However, due to a recent change in attitude on my part, I must say this.

Photographers are not necessarily the by-product of great camera gear!

Believe it. I said it, and I’m sticking with it. I, too was once a proponent of the idea that one must have the very best of gear in order to be a photographer. He needed a well equiped studio that had all the lighting equipment and technical aids for any kind of photo setup.

I was mistaken.

The gear does not define the photographer. Neither does the college degree define the photographer.

And, a special “gift” does not make one a photographer.

Photography is real life. It’s an individual who knows when to press the shutter button on the camera. It’s about “seeing” the light that will make a difference in the photo.

Think about the wonderful images that have captured your imagination or moved you to some different emotional state. Those are the images of a photographer. They have life. Even the photographs of still objects that attract you do it by stirring you emotionally. Those pictures call out to you and grab you.

Photographers take these kind of pictures. They can do it with great gear or mediocre gear. They can do it with a pinhole camera, if necessary. They have a passion for it. When they see the photograph, they press the shutter button.

Some of the ways you can identify a photographer:

•  A photographer looks at the world artistically and notices things like light and color values, and he incorporates line and design in his photographic compositions.

•  A photographer appreciates nature and can photograph it so that everyone else can too.

•  A photographer is exceedingly observant of his surroundings and takes lots of images of it.

•  He loves sharing his pictures so that others can experience the emotions that they bring out.

But there are also some common misconceptions about photographers that you need to get rid of:

•  He is not just lucky. Being at the right place at the right time does play a part in the game, but it is not because of luck. It is because she is dedicated to her passion.

•  He is good because she has the newest and bestest of gear. Many folks think that if they don’t have that new digital SLR that just came out with the super-duper prime lens, they will not get the best shots. Although having good gear is important for a pro, it does not define a photographer.

•  A photographer does not need to be a born artist. It is true that some people have a better eye for picture making, but it is also true that the eye can be trained to see the creative images.

•  A photographer is savvy about technical concepts. A misconception about photography is that it is very technical, and therefore it is hard to learn. Sorry, but this is just not true. A photographer can take remarkable pictures with a cell phone. Some cameras and studio setups are quite technical, nevertheless, once again, they do not define a photographer.

Great photography is really extremely simple. Be willing to take a photograph when the opportunity presents itself (hence the term “photo opportunity”). “See” your surroundings in a different light. Be familiar with some basic guidelines about shooting technique. Shoot.

I love photography and all things related to it. Cameras, camera gear, and image editing software fascinate me, so I am either buying the newest piece of equipment (or software) or researching my next purchase.

Photography education is a lifelong learning opportunity. You can find out more about learning basic photography at www.photographyclassesatlanta.org.

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