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This image was created by my grandson, Samuel Henry Egensteiner at Urbina Bay, Galapagos, Ecuador with the Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS lens (handheld at 200mm) and the Canon EOS-7D. ISO 100. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/50 sec. at f/4. Interestingly enough, the subject was at the absolute minimum focusing distance, 1.2 meters. Sam of course should have been at ISO 800 or at least ISO 400 but wound up at 100 due to a communication error. Sam is a raw beginner. He took zillions of images–you can ask my laptop–and as expected had lots of unsharp and mis-framed images. Heck, I make lots of those too. But he consistently came up with some great photos. In the series of about ten images created as the ten-year young Galapagos Tortoise walked slowly towards 12-year old Sam only the last frame was sharp…. Sometimes you get the feeling that somebody up there is watching over things. |
Grandpa and the Amazing Kid Almost Home
It is 9:14am in Panama City, Panama. After arising in Quito at 2:15 am (3:30am for Sam) my grandson and I are sitting in the Copa Lounge waiting for our flight to Orlando; Jennifer will be picking us up at about 5pm as we have a four hour layover here. I wanted to check in and let everyone know that we had a great trip and are almost home. There will be lots more on the trip and on Sam in tomorrow’s Bulletin and in future blog posts.
Note Sam’s intense concentration on the task at hand, his proper palm-to-the-sky left hand grip, his getting low, the use of his left knee to help steady the lens, and his youthful flexibility.
I have long espoused that digital nature photography is indeed as easy as pie and on this trip Sam, working with little help from me and only a modicum of instruction, proved my point. How easy is digital photography? It’s so easy that even a 12-year old can do it.
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I created this image with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens (hand held at 70mm) that I borrowed from Photo-Cruise participant Alejandro Furman. I had been lazy that afternoon and made the landing with only my 800. I used my own Canon EOS-1D Mark IV . ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/5 in Av Mode. How proud can a grandpa be? ps: I will get to the many comments on the blog posts that were published during my trip as soon as I have time to come up for air. 🙂 |
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images in today’s post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS lens. This relatively inexpensive, lightweight and versatile lens was a favorite of mine for years until I succumbed to the sharpness (with both TCs) and the speed of the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II (see same next).
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot with the 1.4X III TC.
Canon EOS-7D. I tried to borrow two 7D bodies from CPS for this trip, one for Sam and one for me but alas, they only sent the one. I have missed its light weight and its killer AF system. (See Sam’s dark morph Red-footed Booby flight image coming soon).
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-7D User’s Guide. Learn to get the most out of this great body. Our UG includes my very favorite AF Selection Modes.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I do.
Delkin 32gb e-Film Pro Compact Flash Card. These high capacity cards are fast and dependable. Clicking on the link below will bring you to the Delkin web site. There is lots of great stuff there. If you see a product that we do not carry let us know via e-mail; we will be glad to have it drop-shipped to you and save you a few bucks in the process.
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I pack my 800 and tons of other gear in my ThinkTank Airport SecurityTM V2.0 rolling bag for all of my air travel and recommend the slightly smaller Airport InternationalTM V2.0 for most folks. These high capacity bags are well constructed and protect my gear when I have to gate check it on short-hops and puddle jumpers. Each will protect your gear just as well. By clicking on either link or the logo below, you will receive a free gift with each order over $50.
Hey Richard, If Sam stay’s interested there is a good chance for him to inherit BAA 🙂
When can one sign up for Sam’s first IPT??
It must have been just a super thrill to see Sam take to photography! What a great adventure for him at that age too! Welcome back.
What an incredible experience for both of you. You were able to share a well loved site with a beloved grandson. And with a camera he was able to not only look at it but see it. And you got to really see it through his eyes. That is going to cost you, Bosque?, Kenya?, Yellowstone? Maybe an IPT for grandparents and grandchildren.
Elizabeth
Nice capture Sam. The Galapagos is awesome. Looks like you are on your way to following in your Grandfathers shoes. BTW -Those are some big shoes to fill!
He is precious, love those curley locks
ditto what Lis said- thanks so much for taking him on this trip of a lifetime. Sam is creating a very long and pricey wish-list. Someone may have to sell a kidney.
Great shot Sam! I would take better pictures if I could squat like you did and still support the camera. I would be wondering if I would fall over or ever be able to stand again.
Go Sammy! I’m so proud of our guy!!! And thankful to you for giving him this opportunity!
Good Students – Great Teacher
On top of all that, Sam has GREAT hair!
Just wait untill he discovers girls!! Aloha, Steve
Great photo, keep encouraging him and maybe he will carry your equipment around for you in another 10 years. Almost painful watching him sitting on his heels like that I have one original equipment knee and one Biomet knee. The aftermarket knees are good but not that good.
You have a talented young grandson.
Jim
That really is pin sharp focus! And perfectly framed for a close up too. My first camera was a Yashica FX3, gift from dad. Been up and down with the hobby since then. But I have fun with my pix, that’s for sure.
Artie, if I attempted to sit the way Sam is sitting, I wouldn’t get up for a week. Good lookin’ kid!!
Jay, If I attempted to sit that way I would be in the hospital for a month! artie
Artie-Have you thought of getting Sam one of those really light-weight Puffin Pad camera supports? They are great in the field–compact, and easy to transport and use, particularly with the 2 buck optional over-the-shoulder carrying strap!! Used one in Kenya and at home at the zoo and in the field–terrific idea!!!
Jean