Thanks for posting this.

I taught with Dr. Alexander Mustard (listed in the article - one of the competition organizers and an amazing photographer) in the Cayman's. He did the photo part, I did the coral reef bio lecture, which is funny because he is Ph.D. Biologist and I was just a scuba instructor.

Imagine being that good of a photographer to produce the photos in the article. Now imagine, taking the photos, while flying weightless - and breathing through bulky life support equipment - and usually at night (makes for better control of your lighting) - in pitch black water. Fun, huh? (Actually it really is - especially when you're upside down in a current.)

Love those photos!!!!

It was a pretty bad critique, considering it was about the wrong person. Osoborne vs Granger. Oops.

OMG - I completely got the wrong MATT. I was talking about Matt OSBORNE not GRANGER.

Holy Cow, that was embarrassing. Granger is much more realistic in my opinion.

I am now going to sit in the corner with a dunce cap and suck my thumb for a bit.

Yeesh.

I've seen enough of Granger for my lifetime. I'm really put off by his brand worship. A camera is tool and a camera brand is not a religion. Leica is a good tool, but so are many others. And Granger lost me when he started calling himself Mr. Leica. The way he fawns about the brand is pathetic, snotty, consumerism. Yes, he finally said Voigtlander lenses are competitive to Leica, but that the only thing I have seen recently that is worthwhile from him.

Despite what Granger insinuates, a photographer is not a better photographer because of the brand he flashes. An athlete is not a better athlete because he wears x shoes vs. y shoes. You will not win a Nobel Prize because you wear Fruit of the Loom undies. But the type of car you drive might actually get you laid if you date idiots and leave the windows closed so your combover doesn't blow to the side.

Photography is about skill, knowledge and artistic expression long before it about a red dot or a long Swedish name, no matter who humps those things metaphorically on YouTube.

Granger gets suckers to buy overpriced gear under the guise that the brand will make them better photographers, get them more friends, or maybe entrance to Valhalla. I'm not buying his BS.

Small cameras matter, but they do have to be big enough that the controls are manageable. In my mid-60's, I am finding the Fuji XT cameras for travel and casual photography. (I use the XT-2 because it's so good I have no reason to upgrade ) Along with Fuji lenses, this is a good mix of small, but not too small, manageable dials, light weight, and excellent image quality.

If buying new, I'd pick an XT5 and an 18-120 f/4 WR lens as my main travel lens. That's a moderately lightweight do everything kit, and if you add one of their lightweight primes for your low light/compact work - you've got almost every need covered.

Now I'm missing Oregon. Great photo. Those Steller's Jays are just wonderful birds. The moss just screams Oregon!

Say hi to Sasquatch for me. I'll probably be out again next year.

Oh Jeez, Matt Granger.... There's another one.

Non-stop mushed-mouth drooling over Lllleeeiiiicccas. Get that posh fanboy a bib.

In a recent series he talked about how he intimidated three ruffians who were trying to steal his precious Leica in Portugal. I don't stand much for machismo, but really, who thinks Matt Granger could even intimidate a twig?

It's just a matter of time before someone does roll Little Lord Fauntleroy while he's flashing his glitzy cameras and you can bet that reality won't show up online.

At your level, the camera you purchased is perfect for you. You might want to also buy one 35mm or 50mm f/1.8 lens in a few months, but I wouldn't rush out and do that now. Here are the benefits of FX over DX cameras for new photographers:

1. Broken back from carrying heavier cameras and lenses.
2. Broken wallet from paying for bigger camera bags and more expensive bodies and lenses.
3. Broken ego from having to learn JUST AS MUCH before you start getting really good at photography, FX or DX.

Enjoy your camera. It is wonderfully capable and the lenses are very good too. If you form an addiction to creating photos like many of us have here on UHH, then think about upgrading. You can do Pro Level Work with what you have as soon as you learn how to use your very awesome gear.

Everyone else talked about the technical aspects. They really don't matter much, though. Just start shooting and learning.

Thanks. Will do.

Thanks Vince. Good to be back.

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anybody attended a workshop that blew them away (in a good way)? I like the looks of some of the offerings from Santa Fe, Provincetown FAWC, etc., but I haven't signed up for any so far except for some Underwater Photo Workshops years ago.

Any recommendations? Any to stay away from? I probably won't be doing any safaris in Africa or hunting Yeti in Nepal, so probably this hemisphere would be more my speed.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks Bridges! Happy to hear that! I was on UHH years back and finally have the time to come back.

Awesome! Thanks!

Hi Fayle,
Thanks for the great input on Oregon. I shot there for years when my in-laws were living in the Willamette Valley, right underneath Mount Hood. The entire coast is stunning. The rivers and lakes are stunning. The forests and mountains are stunning. The whole freaking state is STUNNING!!! But after 20 years of visiting every year, I need a break!!!
Your site really captures Oregon well, BTW.
Please send Sasquatch my regrets.
Steve

Hi All,
Thanks for the great recommendations. I like Billnikon's idea best - to paraphrase, got the tip of Maine and work your way south to Florida. Of course, that might not be practical...

Having shot the coast of Oregon and Washington State, I have to say the rugged New England coasts lines with tide pools are the most intriguing. I shot around Chincoteague last summer and had two observations. First, it never seems too crowded, even in high season, and second, it is still rustic enough for my kind of shooting.

The great inland suggestions and links sound promising too.

Thanks again!