What worked and didn’t work photographically of course…

Everytime a trip is over and I’m back home unpacking or rather leaving a mess of stuff all over my room, copying and backing up the thousands of images captured and other stuff, I tend to look at what I’ve brought and how much of it I used (or didn’t use).

At Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite

This time round, I brought my EOS-20D (no backup), EF16-35mm lens, EF25-105 f/4 IS and EF70-200mm lens. For storage, I had my Dell Latitude notebook PC. With the Powershot A540 and Ixus 40 doing video, disk space became critical at the end of the trip. Of course in terms of backup, I had a external USB disk but 48 Gigabytes of images and video is no laughing matter. In terms of photo equipment, generally, I walked around all day with just a single camera and single lens. My EF16-35mm saw primary service alternating with the EF24-105, 99% of the time. The EF16-35 with the 1.6 crop factor roughly gives me a 25-56mm lens which is useful for most cases but was a bit short at times. 24mm on the other hand, isn’t as wide with the crop factor and I’m really thinking that I need a full-frame camera soon! The tripod was another issue. Although it saw service frequently, I had tremendous problems sorting out the stability and leveling the camera on it. I suppose a sturdy tripod with a good head will help but that usually comes at the expense of portability.

So, if I had to do it all again, nothing much will be changed (of course if you have more $$ then a 5D is an option) other than probably bringing a better tripod and lugging my long lens more often… it’s always the case that not having it and needing it. Oh well.

What makes one turn away from the majestic scene that moves the body and mind with awesome splendour and magnificent beauty? One that moves the spirit, makes the soul sing and the heart weep with love.

Take an exit on Zzyzz road?!

Finally it’s Friday!!!

Putting my feet up at Hong Kong!

Littlerock, California

After a long trip, you tend to get tired out, and a bit fatigued. That’s why some people say you need a vacation to recover from your vacation! While I’m getting used to my bed again and trying to unpack really slowly, it was probably the most fantastic trip I’ve had so far. So, as always, there’s always a lot to be thankful for…

Most of all, God who kept us safe and sound, allowing us thru US/HK immigration and customs with ZERO hassles. KLIA customs didn’t even bother about us! For helping me drive myself and my darling through 4500 kilometers safely, even though I mis-calculating the distance and the few road closures. For keeping our cameras working in cold, dust, forest fire (controlled burn), and wet waterfalls.

Thanks of course goes to my darling for accepting the way I do things (and the speed which I drive), and keeping me awake during those long drives. For showing me a whole new perspective on the world around us through the camera lens, reading all those maps, and mostly, being herself. like.no.other.

Thanks to Andrew (and Elena) for the great company at the Grand Canyon. Jill Odice for hosting us and taking us around Littlerock! YJV for the accomodation at Candlewood, receiving all our packages and goodies… Oh-oh, time to go back to work!