Photo Gear
- The instructor uses two cameras: one with a 400mm or a 300mm f2.8 lens on a monopod, and the other with a 70-- 200mm f2.8 lens. He carries a 16-35mm f2.8, a 1.4X converter and a 2X converter using the ThinkTank modular belt.
- Monopod, for longer lenses and shooting late and early in the day when the light fades.
- Camera bag. We keep the middle seat between each photographer open for your equipment and a clean view to each side of the truck. Straps and carabiners will be available to hold your camera bags or backpack, but it will be a bumpy ride, so bring as little as possible.
- Extra batteries: You should be able to use just one battery, but I always have an extra in the bag..
- Bring lots of cards. Most participants shoot a thousand images or more.
- Layers of clothing and rain gear: Be prepared. Rain will cancel the expedition. The animals hunker down. Your payment will be refunded if canceled. For those of you with good knees, I would suggest knee pads or rain pants. We'll want to be as low as possible when shooting bird feeding, and the aviary floor is crusted with little white droppings. You'll want comfortable, old clothes and sturdy old shoes.
- Participants, especially in our morning workshops, should be prepared for a fast-paced day. We pack every minute and you'll find you're dragging by the end. Bring water and pace yourselves.
SPECIAL LENSES AND OTHER PHOTO EQUIPMENT
If you don't have long lens, this is a great opportunity to try one out. You can rent one and have it waiting for you at Jeremiah's Photo Corner by Friday (one day before the workshop). Be sure to order by 2:00pm Thursday (two days before workshop) to have your lens in time.
Rentals and equipment needs are also available locally at Shutterbug Camera Shops in Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
ThinkTank Photo offers professional modular systems for camera and gear storage used by most professional photographers including your instructors.