The Best Camera is the One You Have With You

When I first got into photography one of the first things I was taught was that the best camera is the one you have with you. These days for almost everyone that is a cell phone.

Yes, there are always going to be things that I will break out my big girl camera for – sports of course, and professional portraits. But in so many cases I am loving the photos I am getting with my phone, and you certainly can’t beat the convenience. If you just happen to be driving down the road and the sun looks like this how could you not stop and take a picture?? This is just one of the many times I was thankful for my cell phone camera.

And cell phones are not just for landscapes. While you may not have the ability to have the flexibility you do with a ”real” camera, Moment Lenses can help you up your creative game – here are some photos I took with my Moment Macro Lens with my iPhone 11 ProMax. (Note you will also need either a Moment Case / drop in lens mount, and/or a Moment Lens Mount to use them).

I upgraded to the iPhone 13 ProMax in December 2021, and haven’t yet used my Moment lenses with it, but here are a few of my favorite recent shots taken during my ODT Challenges – Maizie during the ODT Lights Prompt in January and the Chelsea Clocktower for the ODT Frozen Prompt for February.

My beautiful Maizie Blu

Chelsea Clocktower reflection in a frozen puddle

For proof that you do not need the latest and greatest phone to get good pictures – check out this picture of a grasshopper that I took with an iPhone 4 and no additional lenses back in 2012. Still not sure why he cooperated, but I was happy!

iPhone photo of a Grasshopper
iPhone photo of a Grasshopper

There are times that I wish I had my professional camera with me, but I know that if I take the time to go get it the moment will be lost so I can’t take the chance – especially when you randomly encounter nature that is cooperating with you. How often do you get a garter snake or crayfish to pose??? Yes, both of these images were taken with my iPhone.

For the record (and full transparency) I do edit my cell phone photos, but I also do that on my phone. Most of the time with PS Express, as it is included with my Photoshop subscription. However I don’t do anything too fancy – usually just brighten and contrast adjustments, sometimes clarity if needed. Snapseed is also a great editing app, and is free.

So in a nutshell – yes some cameras are better than others. But the best camera will ALWAYS be the one you have with you, even if it’s your phone!

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Tressie Davis is a blogger and photographer located in Chelsea, MI.

Join me on Viewbug!

Join me on Viewbug!

What is Viewbug?

Viewbug is a site for photographers of all skill levels – to learn, to be inspired, to receive feedback and to enter contests.  While I don’t always do well, the contests are my favorite part. Even if you don’t “win”, you do get to see where your photo was ranked against other entries.

I have been making a great effort to more frequently feed my soul with photography, and many of the images I take that are not in line with my portrait business are posted on Viewbug.  Join and connect with me there!!

Join Viewbug

Note: this is an affiliate link. If you decide to upgrade to a paid membership, I will receive a small commission.  To “follow” my profile, look me up by name. 🙂

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Tressie Davis is a blogger and photographer located in Chelsea, MI.

Portraits on Railroad Tracks – Just Say No

Portraits on Railroad Tracks? Just say NO.So you like portraits on railroad tracks?  Railroad tracks are cool, right?  Thinking of getting your photos done on the tracks? Seniors? Weddings? Prom? Sports? Band? Selfies?  Just Don’t.

PLEASE DON’T.

Locally, I have seen so many people disregarding the law (and their own safety) by crossing the tracks in non-designated areas and taking photos on the tracks, that I feel compelled to speak out with a few reminders.

It’s Not Safe.

Stay safe by staying off the train tracks.  In 2016, there were 994 pedestrian trespass casualties (fatalities & injuries).  Source: Operation Lifesaver

Did you know?

  • modern trains are quieter and faster than you may believe
  • it can take a train a mile or more to come to a full stop
  • trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet.
  • a person or vehicle is hit by a train approximately every three hours across the US

People taking photos or videos seem to continuously disregard the actual danger of photos on the tracks.

October 2011 – Selfie Tragedy Forever Impacts Those Left Behind

February 2014 – ‘Midnight Rider’ Crew Fleeing Train Tracks Seconds before Deadly Crash that Killed Camera Assistant

June 2014 – Photographer Struck and Killed by Train During Photo Shoot (Missouri)

July 2015 – Photographer Killed by Train During Photo Shoot (Fresno, CA)

September 2015 – John DeReggi 16 years old

March 2017 – Fredzania Thompson 19 years old

Yes these incidents are spread out over several years – I chose the most publicized ones, that dealt specifically with photography/videography.  You would think that someone using the train tracks for a specific purpose, would be even more cognizant of watching out for trains.  I’m going to give all of these people the benefit of the doubt and assume that they WERE paying attention, and just did not realize they were going to be hit until it was too late.

Still think you would hear a train before it could “sneak up on you”?  The Today Show conducted an experiment to determine at what point a person would hear a train coming.  Watch the video: CSX Today Show Video

That video should scare anyone who walks casually along the tracks, or who cross in areas other than legal, designated crossings.

It’s Illegal

Walking on railroad tracks, railroad right of way (the areas on both sides of the track) or railroad bridges is illegal.  Regardless of whether your intentions are good or bad….IT’S ILLEGAL.  Trespassing on railroad property is usually a misdemeanor, with penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000 and some jail time, depending on the state.  If your trespass results in the injury or death of someone else, you could face felony charges.  Is that potential penalty really worth the time you saved by not walking over to the designated legal crossing??

Photographers: note that a photo distributed on the web can be used as evidence of trespassing.

An article with additional information HERE.

It’s Played Out

It’s not cool.  Not hip. Not edgy.  It’s Played out.  Photos on tracks are tired. Lame.

My opinion, I get it.  I hate selective color as well and that cliche continues to play out in my social media feed as well, so yeah, I get that not everyone shares my opinion.  (but seriously? selective color?  BLECH)

Train track portraits are NOT a new idea.  Don’t seniors/engaged couples/families want images that reflect who they are, and not some cliche metaphor on new horizons, a symbolic journey (or whatever it is you are going for)?  Why on earth would a person want a cliche image that has been used over and over again as long as I can remember?  Unless you are a conductor or have some sort of tie to the railroad railroad industry, it just doesn’t make sense (and if you are in the industry, you should have the resources to know why these photos are a bad idea and/or a way to secure authorization from the railroad to do it safely).

Even if you disagree with my assessment of how “un-special” these images are, surely we can agree that they are not special enough to risk your life.

But You Did It!!

“But, but, but…..YOU did it, and I have photos of yours like that!”.  Yes, I know.  I’m sorry.  At the time I didn’t know any better.  Now I do.  I am thankful that no one was hurt on my watch.  I cannot change what I have done in the past, but I can do better moving forward.

As a professional photographer it is my responsibility to not only know the law, but to do everything in my power to keep my clients safe.  I no longer shoot on railroad tracks (not since 2011), and I would question the integrity of any “professional” who continues to shoot on live tracks after so many public campaigns for rail safety – including many aimed specifically at photographers.  If you are in the industry you have seen them, and there is no excuse.

It’s bad enough that the general public disregards the danger, but above all, professional photographers should NOT be shooting on the train tracks.

Educating Photographers and the Public

Operation Lifesaver will accept reports and contact the offending parties directly.

To report illegal activity (or a photo taken) on railroad tracks, contact your OLI State Coordinator.  If it’s a photo, contact the OLI State Coordinator in the state where the photo was taken, and include a direct link to the photos location and any contact information you may have on the photographer or organization using the image.  These reports are anonymous, and the OLI will contact the person/photographer/organization directly to educate them.

The second national U.S. Rail Safety Week (RSW) will be from September 23-29, 2018 to raise rail safety awareness across the U.S.  Learn more HERE.

Further reading to educate yourself or to share

Operation Lifesaver urges Professional Photographers to Stay Safe

Amtrak Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video Recording

Union Pacific – Tracks are for Trains

I’m not alone as a photographer taking a stand – there are many other articles by photographers or photography groups. Below are a few of my favorites.

4 Reasons You shouldn’t take Portraits on Tracks – SLR Lounge

Railroad Safety for Photographers – Digital Photography School

Train Track Sessions are Illegal – Bonell Photography=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Tressie Davis is a blogger and photographer located in Chelsea, MI.

Review: CASE Air – Wireless Camera Tether

Note: Cheering  Tech provided me with a Case Air to complete this review.  All opinions are my own.

The CASE Air

The CASE Air is a wireless tethering system that uses it’s own built in wifi to connect and transfer images from your camera to a phone, tablet or computer, as well as control your DSLR directly from your smart phone or tablet.

In February 2016, I reviewed the original CASE Remote, and when offered the chance to review the new CASE Air, I jumped.

It seems that a portrait photographer like me wouldn’t have a use for this awesome piece of technology.  I mean, I take pictures of other people, so I can just hold the darn camera, right?  The problem is, I’m always preaching to people to make sure that the family photographer has photos of themselves…and I’m not always good at practicing what I preach. (random arms length selfies do not count).   Having used the original CASE Remote to take photos of myself for the past year, I am excited to see what the CASE Air brings to the table.

What is Included, and how does it compare to the original CASE Remote?

The Case Air arrived in a small box containing the CASE Air, 5 cables, a strap and what I assume is a tool for putting the strap on the CASE Air.  I never did figure out how to get the strap on it, but not a big deal because I really don’t need it anyway as I just connect it to my hot shoe.  One of the supplied cables is used for charging  the CASE Air, the other 4 are for connecting to different types of cameras (cables for both my Nikon D800 and D3 were supplied).

In comparison to the original CASE Remote, the CASE Air is smaller and lighter as would be expected.  The charge indicator lights are tiny compared to the CASE Remote and does make it somewhat difficult to see the status unless you are right next to it.

The CASE Air uses the same smartphone app as the original CASE Remote, and I already had it on my iPhone so did not have to download.  The included instructions are well written and easy to follow, connection to the built in wifi was just as easy as with the original CASE, and even though I did still have trouble with interference from my home wifi, once I turned it off the connection to the CASE Remotes built in wifi was fast and it stayed connected without any further issue.

Self Portraits with the CASE Air

The CASE Remote App interface allows me to adjust all of my camera settings remotely, including focus, which is incredibly helpful when trying to take a self portrait.  Before the awesomeness that is CASE, I was reduced to pre-focusing on another object placed where I would stand or using a camera remote blind, and hoping that the focus point was on my face.  The CASE Air and App allow me to see my composition while I am in the frame, which makes self portraits much easier.

I had issues with the original CASE Remote outdoors in the cold, so I decided to try the CASE Air outside.  I was pleasantly surprised that the wifi connected quickly, and remained connected for the entire hour I was outdoors shooting – definitely a noticeable improvement.

A few of the shots I took using the CASE Air are at the bottom of this article.  Isn’t my Maizie beautiful?

Pros

  • Easy to connect to the built in wifi, and connection remained solid while using, even outdoors
  • Smaller and lighter than the original CASE Remote
  • Ability to control camera settings through the App, including ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, etc and modes (time-lapse, bracketing, etc)
  • LOVE the touch to focus, pinch to zoom through the iPhone app

Cons

  • When using continuous shots, there was a significant delay before the CASE App was ready to do another round of shots
  • Playback was slow(ish)

Overall

The CASE Air is smaller, lighter and faster than the original CASE Remote, and the connection more reliable – definitely an improved product (though I love the CASE Remote too!)  It’s easy to use, and the creative possibilities are endless.

The CASE Air is currently available for $159.99.

To learn more about the CASE Air and other Cheering Tech products, visit http://www.caseremote.com/

Winter Walk - with CASE Air

Self Portrait - with CASE Air

Maizie and Me - with the CASE Air=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Tressie Davis is a blogger and photographer located in Chelsea, MI.

Look Back – Is the Best Shot Behind You?

On our Disney Cruise vacation, they announced that we would be arriving in Tortola (BVI) near sunrise, and the view of the ship pulling into port would be worth getting up for.  I was the only one in my family interested (no surprise there).

Walking around on the upper deck with a handful of other passengers at shortly after 6am, I looked over the front of the ship as we approached the islands.  The view was pretty, but not spectacular, mostly because the beautiful sunrise was behind the ship.  The “approaching” shot I had envisioned was not there.

Initial view approaching Tortola - www.tressiedavis.com

Growing bored, I turned and walked toward the back of the ship, and noticed immediately a better view was behind us.  Adjusting my camera settings for the more intense light and stunning color, my next shots evoke an entirely different feeling and memory of that morning – and my images do not do it justice.

Look back - the better view may be behind you - www.tressiedavis.com

Once the sun rose high enough in the sky, I again moved toward the front of the ship to catch our final approach to Tortola.  Was it worth getting up for?  Absolutely – a beautiful beginning to the day.

View Approaching Tortola - Disney Fantasy - www.tressiedavis.com

These three very different images were taken in the span of 30 minutes or so.  Lesson learned – sometimes it’s a good idea to look back…before facing forward once again.=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Tressie Davis is a blogger and photographer located in Chelsea, MI.