Archives for posts with tag: Review

Review: Black Rapid Straps

Review of BlackRapid's RS-7 and RS DR-1


NOTE AUG. 2011 - Two years later and I’m not sure where I’d be without these straps.  I’ve been able to try out a few of Black Rapids newer straps – they are amazing.  However, I keep coming back to the RS-7 and the RS DR-1.  Does that mean that the newer straps such as the RS-Sport 2 and the RS DR-2 Slim Double Strap are useless? No way.  They are great straps as well.  But here’s the thing, my straps have become so commonplace and so integrated into my shooting style and life that I don’t ever see myself replacing these Black Rapid straps.  They are amazing and have become like ‘family’ to me.  I’d be lost without them and I’ll probably die wearing them


In Mid 2009 I picked up a Black Rapids RS-7 strap assuming that my life would stay the same.  At the time I wasn’t really aware a camera strap could drastically effect the ease of shooting.  This year about 3 months ago I was able to pick up and try out Black Rapids RS DR-1 double strap system and was equally surprised.  All of Black Rapids straps are designed for ease of use… as they say, “Black Rapids R-strap will change the way you look at camera straps forever.  Built for speed, it’s patent pending design allows the camera to hang upside down from its tripod socket and slide up the strap to shooting position in a split second.  One try, and you’ll never go back!” I’m all about making things easier.  I was eager to run both straps through the ringer and see what came out.  So here we go.

continue reading…

 

Review: Think Tank Retrospective 10

A look at Think Tanks new Retrospective 10


About three months ago I was fortunate enough to get my hands on the smallest of Think Tank’s new Retrospective linethe Retrospective 10.  The Retrospective line is Think Tank’s new shoulder bag line that aims to help photographers “…blend in with the crowd and remain inconspicuous in any situation.”  The Retrospective line further boasts that the Retrospective line “[has the] look and feel of ‘old school’ camera bags infused with ‘new-school’ features in technology…

As a photographer who lives with the people I photograph, I was eager to review this bag from the viewpoint of “Will it help me look like less intimidating as a photographer?” So let’s get started.

continue reading…

 

Six months in Black and White

Taking a moment to look back, reflect, and remember why I was so dang busy!


I love looking back at a six month period and remembering what I’ve been doing as a photographer and where it has taken me.  We always tend to be so busy on the current project or thinking about what we have to do next that we often times forget to look back and see where we have been the last 6 months or even a year.  Since I turned the ripe ol’ age of 28 about a month ago and since I celebrated my 3rd wedding anniversary this week, I thought now would be a good time to take a look back.  Hope you guys enjoy

I’m surprised at how much I’ve done.  How often do you look back?

In the last six months:

  • I have worked more as a web designer than I really want to – a trend that continues.
  • I have worked on staff for an NGO doing earthquake relief, photography, and design
  • I have had several very close friends die
  • I have had way more conversations with my drunk dry cleaner than I wanted
  • I have broken one Chinese-made bed.
  • I have consistently been 4 times the size of an average Chinese dude.
  • I have witnessed the most annoying sandstorms on earth – and eaten sand.
  • I have frozen my butt of – more than once.  I am butt-less.
  • I have eaten more noodles than…you.
  • I have been married to my wife for three freak’n awesome years
  • I have been to Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Narnia
  • I have travelled by cab, boat, plane, ferry, train, motorcycle, subway, and scooter
  • I have taken two extended trips into remote Tibetan areas
  • I have shot three ethnic weddings in less than a month
  • I have spoken 3 languages that are no my own
  • I have been above 16,000 feet
  • I have discovered that Russians like to be naked at beaches in Thailand
  • I have broken or bruised at least one rib and bleed more than desired
  • I have been amazed at how fast nomads can learn photography
  • I have taken close to 15,000 frames
  • I have spent significant time in temples, mosques, and monasteries – and KFC
  • I have photographed 12 individual ethnic groups and distinct cultures
  • I have had serious altitude sickness
  • I have tried unsuccessfully to purchase, order, or recreate a white seamless setup on the plateau
  • I have had to cancel two Lumen Dei tours
  • I have done a lot more than I thought

Alot can happen in six months.  Check out my last 6 months in black and white after the break

continue reading…

 
Brian Hirschy Photography