Hi ,

 

I’ll get right to the chase and tell you about my Spring Photography Giveaway. I’ve teamed up with Lowepro, Lumiquest, Manfrotto and Focal Press for one purpose- to give a few people some really cool adventure photography gear. Grand prize is a Lowepro Photo Sport 200 backpack, which is my go-to bag these days for nearly all of my camera toting adventures and fast and light photo assignments. 

 

 

In fact, I used it on assignment last week here in Alaska, where we skied across a frozen lake to shoot right in front of a glacier. I was able to fit camera, lenses, two speedlights, a few accessories, Photoflex Octodome NXT and a small light stand strapped to the outside. That’s plus sandwich, cookies, water and clothing. 

 

 

I’m also giving away a Lumiquest Softbox III, which is my favorite small modifier for going really fast with light. Being 20 times the size of a standard flash head, this thing really does a great job diffusing light, and it’s so small, you hardly know it’s there. 

 

And, I’ve got a Manfrotto Pocket Series DSLR Tripod. Talk about not knowing it’s there, this thing is basically a screw on camera plate with legs that unfold. Instant tripod for bracing the camera in any number of places. Finally, a copy of Chris Gatcum’s gorgeous book, Landscape Photography: The Four Seasons and a free download of my eBook, Going Fast With Light.

 

So how do you enter? Simple. Visit this link. Become a fan. Fill out the form. Done. Oh, and don’t forget to share and tweet about the giveaway. Why? Good karma. Also, because you get additional entries if you refer other people who also sign up. 

 

 

By now, you know that both the Nikon D800 and the Canon 5D Mk III have all landed in camera stores in limited quantities. Maybe you have one on order. Maybe you already have one in your hands! If not, and you’re curious about either of these cameras, check out this hands on video review of both cameras by Photo_John over at photographyreview.com. 

 

Of course, there are quite a few “which one is better” articles and reviews out there, but try not to be too swayed by these. The reality is that if you’re a Nikon shooter, you’ll get the 800, and if you’re a Canon shooter, you’ll get the Mk III. VERY few people ever switch systems because of one camera release, knowing that the other company will not be far behind in their next model. 

 

Also, for how much these cameras cost, it’s rare that something like this will be your first DSLR. Chances are, you’ve already got a big investment in your system and are only looking to upgrade. Again, realize that both of these cameras are top notch image making machines that will do the job. And, chances are good that your current gear will get the job done, as well. I explore more of this idea in my gear posts from last week. (See below) Extra credit if you can guess which one was meant as a joke. I got called nasty names by a few readers who apparently missed the humor.

 

Don’t forget about renting. These days, with the incredible inventory that companies like BorrowLenses and LensRentals.com offer, you can try out just about anything you like before shelling out big cash to buy big gear. Prices end up being roughly 10% of the original item price per week, plus shipping, which is pretty reasonable, especially for items that you probably would never end up buying anyway. Taking a big trip? Rent a big lens just for the week and give yourself the opportunity to capture photos like you normally would never be able to get. You can even rent smaller cameras like the Fuji X10, X100 and X Pro-1.

 

Build rental prices into your regular budget and consider renting a new lens, camera, flash or piece of lighting gear for a week or so every month. Think of the creative possibilities! I actually see something like this being an excellent way to drive your creativity since you’ll force yourself to get out there and get your money’s worth with it.

 

 

 

You might know nomad photographer and writer Anne McKinnell from Twitter or from her blog about traveling around the country for a year in an RV. She’s a very talented and excited emerging photographer and it’s been very exciting to watch her grow and progress with her style and insight over the past year and half since she wrote her first guest post on my blog.

 

She just released her brand new eBook, Before the Shutter: How to prepare for your award-winning photograph. It’s a free download that helps you get he most out of your next photo excursion. Keeping in mind that great images rarely just “happen,” her book draws from her own personal experience about what it takes to plan out and prepare for getting the types of shots that you’re hoping for, instead of just leaving it for chance. Check it out: Get Before the Shutter.

 

 

Lumiquest is celebrating 25 years of making super lightweight flash gear and right now they’ve got an April special going on. Visit the Lumiquest Store and use discount code SOCIAL MEDIA, which will save you $15 on your next order of $50 or more. My advice, pick up a Softbox III or a Softbox LTp and Ultra Strap to hold the thing on your flash. Throw in a snoot, or the FX gel holder, and you're right around the $50 mark.

 

 

 

Enjoy last weeks’ posts and have fun with your camera this week!

 

Best regards,

 

Dan