Six Days of Beaver Island – Day five: The gear

Yesterday I received an email asking me what gear I carried around the island. I thank this person for having the decency to give me an idea of what to talk about here today.

I am not saying that in my excited state proclaiming six days (the length of island time) of unique material was silly (a little), but afterwards I started actually counting ideas based on the stuff I had shot, and I kept landing on five… So thanks for the assist, dear emailer.

This is what I brought in the boat:

1) Nikon and lightweight dry bag (orange thing underneath)
2) 80-200mm f2.8
3) Nikon with 10.5mm f2.8 fisheye (In my hand)
4) Radio triggers
5) Speedlight Grid
6) 17-55mm f2.8
7) Eight Rechargeable AA’s with charger, and extra camera batteries
8) Rocket Blower
9) PEC-PAD lintless wipes and Ziess electronic wipes
10) 85mm f2.8 PCE lens
11) Flash sync cable, radio trigger cables
12) Two Nikon speedlights
13) Dan
The case is a Pelican 1510, which is their carry-on case.

I would say that this kit is pretty much what I take on all my jobs, (with the exception of Dan). Sometimes I also take big lights, a battery pack and some light modifiers when I can justify it.

Something else that I should probably have is a set of ND filters and a gradient filter or two. I don’t do a lot of landscape stuff, so I have never justified the expense but I will buy them eventually. They make proper outdoor exposures much easier to accomplish in-camera.

I also really want a waterproof housing. But, you know…

One morning I stepped outside with my case and bags and John was standing next to me with his gear at his feet. Austin stepped up on the porch, looking at the two of us and said “Don’t you guys know how to pack light?”

Photographers? Not usually.

For today’s island tip:

I will say to not be afraid to take what you want, or leave what you don’t. I often struggle with what to take, usually wanting to take everything. Sometimes it has paid off, and sometimes it just means I carried a lot of stuff around all day for nothing. I am talking about camera stuff, but also other gear as well.

I often struggle with minimalism.

I would like to be the guy who arrives at the airport without a checked bag.

I would enjoy showing up at the boat and having someone say, “That’s all you are bringing?” and reply in the affirmative with a smile and without hesitation or secretly feeling like I should have.

I would like to wander out into the world with nothing but determination, spirit, and what’s in my pockets.

Unfortunately I have yet to find a pair of pants with that much carrying capacity.

-Alex who reminds you to stretch prior to any strenuous activity.

On this day we thank:

William Joseph
&
Simms
&
Montana Fly Co.