What’s Up?
Today is Saturday 22 October 2022. I began working on this blog post a bit before 1pm — better late than never keeps the streak alive. I just finished my “A Bird Photographer’s” Story Master Class at OKC PhotoCon. It was well received. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes two hundred-ten days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
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Joe McNally and yours truly chatting after his program |
Joe McNally in pictures & words, but mostly words …
I have been aware of Joe McNally’s images for several decades. I knew that he had been a Nikon Ambassador and a National Geographic photographer for decades. I’d seen his images, but had never seen him speak until late yesterday afternoon. For a sampling of his best work, check out the portfolio on his website here. Immerse yourself in the 314-image slide show by clicking on the right-facing forward arrow. It is hard to believe that he has many thousands more astoundingly beautiful and creative images. Heck, surely tens of thousands more.
In short, the program turned out to be one of those the top-ten-days-in-my-life experiences. Here are some of the words that I came up with to describe Joe’s work, his images, his career, his life, and the program. Many of these adjectives describe all of those categories, in no particular order. Astounding, creative, astoundingly creative, personable, humorous, dedicated, hard-working, light-hearted, perseverant, brilliant, vast, technically & technologically-gifted, acclaimed, award-winning, oft-honored, prolific, fearless, zany, insane, visionary, friendly, inspiring, gracious, passionate, complex, adaptable, decisive, adventurous, charismatic, fiercely independent, mind-blowing, self-confident, moving, and colorful, just to list a few. Did I mention that he likes to climb to the top of very high things with a camera in his hand and that he routinely creates stunning images of everything he photographs?
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Joe McNally’s website bio |
The Camera is a Visa – Around the Globe with Joe McNally
Joe’s program was aptly titled “The Camera is a Visa – Around the Globe with Joe McNally.” So, what does Mr. McNally like to photograph? The world and everything in it. He has done street photography; newspaper photography; commercial and assignment photography; people, fashion, dance, & aviation photography, magazine photography (including cover stories for National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, Time, Newsweek, Geo, Fortune, New York, Business Week, Life & Men’s Journal); and just about everything else.
I got to chat with Joe after the program and mentioned that when I had been a Canon Explorer of Light, I had twice gotten in trouble with the powers that be at Canon for quoting him, a Nikon shooter, on my blog. Two of my favorite Joe McNally quotes went something like these: “Here’s a roll of film, there’s the door. Everyone is equal. Let’s see what you can do,” and “Part of succeeding as a photographer is to put your lens in a spot where nobody has ever put one before.”
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
It was a great meeting with both you and Joe McNally among the speakers!!!
Nice photo of you two. I once completed a survey for PhotoPlus where they asked what kind of speakers would you like to see. My answer, “Anything with Joe McNally.”
Two legends in one place at the same time, Bedfords and the conference hit a home run, just like my Astros. I have been to Joe’s presentations a few times when he is close and must say he is very talented and witty. Have a safe trip.
Are you going to share your portrait?!
Yes, two actually, when I get them.
with love, a
Couple of legends right there!
Thanks, bud!
with love, a
I just looked through all 314 images. Incredible! Thanks for sharing.
Beyond!
a
Yes, he’s a pretty talented and spectacular photographer. You look great and what a special opportunity to meet one of the giants in the field.
Thanks, Adam. I agree 100%. Joe is both a giant of the industry, and an artist.
with love, artie