jeffrey byrnes 11/13/16 jeffrey byrnes 11/13/16

Fuji X-Pro2: Review

By the time I get a new piece of equipment in my hands it has been reviewed to death. This can also be said about the Fuji X-Pro2 camera, released earlier in 2016, that I picked just over a month ago. This is going to be a no bullshit review of the camera by someone who has enjoyed a DSLR and have begun the transition to mirrorless. While I will not abandon my DSLR's solely for mirrorless, as I have a Canon 5Ds that I adore and gives me great images, rather I am expanding my gear and abilities with this new piece of technology. It is important to note that I use the word technology, as I will explain further in a few moments. Another note of interest, all the photos you will see below are photographed using the Fuji X-Pro2. Seems like a no brainer, but you never know who might think otherwise.

Scott-Owner at Good Earth Peanut Co, Skippers, Virginia

Pre Fuji: My interest with the Fuji X-Pro2 started last year or a little earlier when the Fuji X-Pro1 was in stores. My wife and I were traveling to Europe and it was going to be my first time aboard and I wanted to have a travel camera with me. I wanted 1 camera with 1 lens and all the functionality of a DSLR. I had an interest with the Fuji line up because I was looking at a different type of camera system than what I was used to. What does that mean? It means that for the longest time I have been using nothing but DSLR bodies for both business and personal work. It wasn't that I was looking for a creative change of pace, I was interested in a different system altogether. I was looking for a unique camera that could become a travel camera, something I could toss into my bag, bring with me anywhere, be discrete, and function with ease. When I started looking at the Fuji X-Pro1 I found it to be an interesting and captivating camera. I was drawn to the design of the body and how it functioned so similarly to an old film camera, a rangefinder to be exact. I decided it wasn't the right time to purchase and moved on. When I look back at the trip to Europe, I am very pleased that I had more than just the Fuji with a fixed 35mm lens. Here is why. When I travel I work. I am always on, always seeing, always reading and interpreting what is around me, what is happening, and what is new to me. With me I had a Canon 5d II, 70-200mm, a Sigma 35mm F1.4, and my wide 17-40 F4. I also had two GoPros that didn't used. I spent 11 days with my 70-200mm on my shoulder and I captured some amazing images of people and places. I do not regret it. Had I been limited to the Fuji X-Pro1 and the single 35mm lens I would have purchased, I would not have been able to produce some great work.

Now, as you could imagine, buying one lens sounds like a silly idea right? Why buy just one lens when Fuji has an entire line up of lenses that could fit the X-Pro cameras? Well here is why, one simple word, Rules. Yes. Rules. Before I venture to far further I will make one more simple comment. It is about rules for me. Composition, light, how I shoot, where I shoot, why I shoot. All comes down to rules. For me, owning a camera with one fixed prime lens would be a set of rules as to how I engage each subject matter, the distance I maintain, the type of work I will create, and the ability to see. Seeing is an important part of the rules because when you are working with a fixed 35mm prime lens, you're bound to a box and need to fulfill the composition based on capabilities of the lens. You can not take a position and simply just zoom in. Yes, I know, thats what cropping is for, but that is cheating and is less about thinking critically and decisively. So at the end of the day, my ideology is pretty basic, less is more.

YAY I bought the X-Pro2: After spending a few days researching and watching youtube videos of other photographers rave about the Fuji X-Pro2, I decided now was the time. I will admit, I did a lot of research before purchasing the camera, not just because of the price tag, but because I needed to justify the purchase as a business expense. Every camera that I use will inevitably create an image that will affect my business. So I needed to ensure that the purchase was going to be worth it and that even though this camera was going to be designated as a camera I would use when I travel, more on this topic below, as well, I know that it will also be used on the daily.

Now, I stated above I did my research. What I came across was a hit or miss of technical crap that I will not burden you with. If you want to know the resolution, megapixel this or that or ISO here there and everywhere, I will have the link to Fuji's site where you can find all that stuff. In my research I watched a great youtube video of a bloke who had the X-Pro 2 on loan, early, from Fuji. He is a "Fuji Pro." Which I think means that is all he shoots. Not sure, but that's what it appears to be. I did look him up and found that he does use a variety of Fuji cameras for his work.

Fly fishing, Deerfield River, Charlemont, Ma

This photographer walked around with a fella who asked some questions and did some shooting along side of him. The subject matter ranged from street photography, where the Fuji X-Pro2 excels, to work in the studio. By all accounts they covered the full gamut of subject matters and the camera seemed to be incredible. I watched closely and enjoyed the work that the camera was pumping out. In contrast I read a review by a woman who should not have written a single word about the camera. I had a very hard time finding anything positive she had to say about the X-Pro2. She was hung up on a slew of functions that she spun in such a negative light. Basically she wasn't used to the camera and said it wasn't for her. She effectively wrote a biased review and has the comment section of her blog conveniently "off." Her crap review had no basis for decision making when it came to me purchasing the X-Pro2.

WHY Buy: The Fuji X-Pro2 is a stellar camera with a higher resolution than the pervious model. The functions of the camera are easy to use. I adore the knob at the top of the body that allows you to change the ISO settings manually, as if you were using a 35mm Film body. By the way, the woman who wrote the review SLAMMED that function of the camera. She HATED that you had to do that. But I don't think she used it long enough to realize you can change the ISO settings through the cameras internal menu as well. Her loss. But the dials are fun and it makes for a conversation starter when people see it. I have had several people ask me about it. We all know we don't buy cameras just because of dials or the sleek sex appeal, but because there are some other aspects of the camera that are worthing own and shooting on. I will go into more detail in a moment.

With the positive does come a negative. On the back, where the hand grip is, there are two buttons AF-L and Q. They are not placed well. I have seen other people on the interwebs commenting about that as well. It is just a design flaw that doesn't really cause much harm when working. At least it has never affected me or my images. Just seems a bit weird, Fuji.

Travel Photography: As mentioned, the primary goal for me owning this camera was to use it as a travel camera. What does that even mean?? Well I love to travel and will do so as often as I can. Travel Photography is a part of my personal work, hoping to grow it and sustain some income from the images I make. Who wants large prints from my travels? Anyone want to license some images, give you a great deal. All joking aside, this camera is THEE ideal camera for traveling. The resolution and image quality are through the roof. I have a 50 megapixel Canon 5Ds that I use as my high end camera for big productions, portraits, and all the fun commercial work. The Fuji X-Pro2 is literally half of what my 5Ds is. It is also 50% greater than my 5Dii, which puts this camera in the middle of a beast of a camera and an older starting to retire beast of a camera.

So, why did I all of a sudden recently buy the Fuji?, you guessed it, traveling. End of September we packed our new car with puppies and clothes and made our way to South Carolina. I took a bold leap of faith and brought with me my brand spanking new Fuji X-Pro2, my Macbook Pro, a bunch of books, my DJI Phantom 4, my DJI Osmo, in case I wanted to film something, which I did not, and a GoPro to mount on our fur kids. We spent a few great days in Charleston, Isle of Palm, and were subsequently evacuated, as you can read in my previous post under this one. I had my Fuji with me everywhere I went. I have a new bag that I procured on Amazon for nearly 2 cents and a thank you, love Amazon, and thats where it resided when it wasn't in my hand or shoved up against my face. If had been inclined to purchase more lenses, which I did not and do not foresee doing in the near future, I would have been able to replace traveling with my 5D's completely. Neither of my Canon bodies accompanied us to the south. I wanted to be bold and take the X-Pro2 with just one lens and see what I could produce. I am 1000% happy with the cameras function, quality of images, and ability to be a discrete device that can travel lightly. I may mention that I would not purchase any telephoto lenses, that is at the moment true. While this camera is great and I did make some beautiful images while traveling, I would not use this if hired for a large commercial travel job. If I was commissioned to travel to a remote area and capture the ambiance of said place, I would take my Canon 5Ds or be prepared to rent something bigger. However, that being said, I would keep my Fuji on my side and still use it at such a place. I might however, show the client said Fuji images and allow them to decide. When I think of high end commercial work, I do not think of Fuji as being the go to choice of cameras, but that is just out of lack of use on large projects.

Limitations: There are always limitations with new technology. As I mentioned in the beginning, technology is a big thing with this little beauty. Before I forget and before I move on to all limitations, not that many, so don't freak. I will not be biased as that woman was with her crap review.

Camera Parallax Error: Sounds scary and almost dangerous right? No. You're wrong. Rather than being an error you do not want to see on the LCD screen, the parallax, as defined here, "In digital photography parallax is the term used to describe the difference between the image as seen by a viewing system and the image as recorded by the sensor. Variance occurs as subjects move closer to the lens. Only through the lens viewing systems avoid parallax error. As cited from www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/parallax.html" What this means is pretty simple and straight forward. When you look through the viewfinder of a DSLR or Medium Format, basically any camera with a mirror in the body, what you see is true of the composition. When you look through the viewfinder of the Fuji mirrorless cameras, you are not seeing the true composition. Fuji has done something ingenuous. They have electronic viewfinders that show you in real time what the lens is recording. It is an electronic view of the image. Think of it as tiny tv in the viewfinder. The first few moments of having the camera I was having some issues trying to figure out the viewfinder options and such. I honestly needed to go back to the store where they have a Fuji expert who could show me a few things. I am so accustomed to DSLR's that this new technology was a bit confusing, since it was my first time using it. Now, how is this a limitation? Well, it kills the battery life depending upon with type of viewfinder you are using. There are a multitude of options as to how to use the electronic viewfinder, including an option that I discovered creates or fixes a problem when shooting with a wireless transmitter (see below).

Revitalize CDC, Holyoke, Ma, Community Improvement

Battery Life: Yes, unfortunately the battery life is less than desirable. Take my advice, buy this camera and buy 3-4 additional batteries at once. I have 5 batteries for my Canon 5Ds. That is enough to shoot for a few days. The Fuji is a beast of a camera, which means it needs its energy to continue pumping out great images. Truth. The viewfinder is a huge factor. When set to electronic and it renders and image and shows you in real time through that tiny TV what to expect, then it consumes a lot of power. Having spoken with someone on Instagram about this issue, you can set the camera's power management in a few different ways to conserve power. So while it would seem irritating, it really is a minor thing, small thing, not even really a "thing."

Wireless Transmitters: This is a huge limitation that you MUST consider when purchasing the Fuji X-Pro2. Here is why. I have 3 PocketWizard Plus II transceivers and an ancient PocketWizard receiver. I had an opportunity to make some environment portraits of an artist in my studio building. He agreed to the shoot. I was going to photograph him with one light, softlighter mounted to Alien Bee 1600 strobe. I would shoot some images of him working and a portrait of him in the environment. When I put the Plus II on the camera, nothing happened. Nothing fired. I said, BRB and ran to my studio. I could not find an answer on Google. Rather I found people having the same issues and some people that claimed they had work arounds. I did not find the work arounds helpful. So, I packed up, grabbed the camera and Wizards and ran to the camera store and threw the doors open saying "wtf." Within an hour and the purchase of a new PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver, as that was the only one that would work, and a few minutes of figuring out that the camera will NOT fire when the electronic viewfinder is on. You need to adjust the electronic viewfinder to "Mechanical Shutter" as there is NO mirror or mechanical function happening in the camera telling the transmitter what to do. The "Mechanical Shutter" is found in "Shutter Type" under "Shooting Settings." Basically what the staff and myself figured out is that it needs to be relaying a message to the transmitter, "electronically" which is an oxymoron if you consider when it is in "electronic shutter" it will not fire the transmitters. So, make sure you have up-to-date transmitters and make that setting adjustment and you'll be good to fire strobes. Now, I did say that I would use this camera as a travel camera, primarily, but I LOVE making portraits with it, but in studio and on location. In studio can be a mix of natural light and studio strobes, same for locations.

Portrait shoot, studio, Light source: Alien Bees B1600, PocketWizard Plus III

Post-Production: If you want to fully use the cameras film simulation functions, use software other than LightRoom to edit and process your images. Try Capture 1 or the Fuji software. LightRoom will de-tone the images from what come out of camera.

Computer Updates: In order to view the thumbnails of the images once uploaded to my computer, I needed to do the latest OSx Update. I also had to ensure that ALL Adobe products were up-to-date. I had this happen once before with a Canon body. Not a big deal, easy to fix. Not even a limitation, more a nuance.

Reasons to BUY: No doubt about it this camera has sex appeal and plays on the digital vs historical past in terms of how film cameras functioned. This camera is a beast. The image quality is superb and is overall a joy to use. For me, keeping strictly a 35mm lens on the body at the moment is a choice to create a shooting regiment that I like. It foreces me to think and see differently when I am using it. I enjoy that aspect of photography. For me I get great satisfaction knowing that I hold a device that forces me to think very critically about what I want to make. The Fuji X-Pro2 literally is a professional camera designed for those who find it appeal in terms of its functionality, design, and quality of image that is rendered.

Film Simulation: Everyone knows Fuji Film. Even the hipsters in Brooklyn buying all the cameras they can find at Flee Markets. Fuji Film is legendary. They have instilled that same legendary quality into their cameras with the film simulation look. They even have black and white settings! Cool stuff!

Nuances: As you will see yourself once you purchase your X-Pro2, just after reading this review, there are a few nuances to maneuver. The camera parallax is pretty much the biggest one. It will take you a few days to understand how that works if you are not already used to it. Take your time, learn the camera and how it operates. It is a stellar camera and should be in your bag as a general camera to use for a wide range of subject matters.

When I use my X-Pro2 I feel more connected to the history of photography. I feel like a different person, perhaps channeling my inner Carte Bresson or Garry Winogrand. While I am still the same photographer, the use of such a camera transcends you from the mundane DSLR mode to something more exciting and energetic. That is what Fuji was going for when they produced this camera and that is the feeling I was searching for and inspiration that I saw when I watched that youtube video that left me in awe. If you are on the fence about buying the Fuji X-Pro2 or have read a negative review of the camera, leave a comment and send the link to the review and I can help show you the ways to a great camera. Please note: I am not a sponsored Fuji Pro and I do not have stock in the corporation. I am photographer who enjoys his camera and knows others will too. SO, if you are on the fence with purchasing, jump off and do so. Don't worry, its a short drop down!

jeffrey byrnes 4/17/16 jeffrey byrnes 4/17/16

Photography, Entrepreneurship, : Know your limits

I once had a business partner. Things did not work out and we parted ways. He moved away. I stayed here and continued running the show. In a way, I always ran the show and held things to a higher standard. The parting of ways was an eye opener. I was able to discover things about myself, my business, and most importantly, the direction I wanted to be going in. While we had a business and a studio and worked toward building a reputation and taking on larger studios in our area, I was building a reputation for myself. I was doing the work that I really wanted to do, which was most important to me. When the time came and things were ready to end, after a small messy battle, I kept moving forward and have made changes with my business.

You will not see me discussing the past business beyond how I did so above. I will not discuss past shoots that occurred under that business. By all accounts, I am that business, have always been that business and will always be that business, that is, until a time comes that I chose to follow other leads in life. I have a new partner now. A new business parter, my wife. She believes in me and wants me to succeed more that the former business partner did. She cares about my business, nurtures my creativity, and wants me to be the success that I am and will continue to be. She does so out of love and care, but also because the more successful I am, the more we prosper as a couple.

Sue, cliff side, Cannon Beach area, Hiking to Indian Head Beach, Oregon

My wife, Sue, is always quick to point out the importance of downtime and knowing my limitations. Sue has endured her share of physical set backs. Her health at times is like a roller coaster, up and down, peaks, highs, and lows. She is always encouraging me to rest and get better sleep, which I am finding out makes a huge difference. I have cared for her when she has needed it, never giving her many opportunities to reciprocate. Her mother is a retired nurse. Sue grew up in a house with two other sisters, her father, and the best possible kind of caretaker there is, a nurse. She learned to be more compassionate, undoubtedly, from her mother, who I may add is a sweetheart, and if she is reading this, I'm sure she is now blushing.

Photo Credit: Sue, my wife. Landscape, Oregon.

Yesterday, while running some errands for the house and picking something up at the Home Depot for a project I am starting, I experienced a pain in my back. It was familiar, yet strikingly new. By the I made it home, I could not walk up the driveway. I attempted to help with a few minutes of yard work and found it to be a challenge. I retired to my new leather chair and ottoman. I fell harshly into it and painfully began to find a spot of comfort. With minimal strength to even lift my legs, I was able to sit into some sort of contorted position that was as pleasant as it was painful. I texted my uncle to let him know I would be unable to join him that evening. I closed my phone and laid back watching season 7 of Californication. I had no idea the rest of the night was going to be a painful spiral downwards.

By the time I was able to get into bed, wiping the tears from my eyes, I was near delusions. Some how she managed to make me laugh, which amplified the pain, which increased the tears and laughter. Oh I was more of a train wreck last night than anything I have seen in a while. After some pills and a few sips of water, I checked out for the night.

12 hours later I rose like the holy man himself. I was in pain, yes, but had to get up and stretch out as well as empty the bladder. Today was a new day with a new possibility of gaining some mobility. Around mid-night I had texted one of my long term clients, whom I am friends with and informed her I had to reschedule the shoot. That is something I do not commonly do. As a business owner, there are times when meetings and shoots have reschedules, and things need to be adjusted. Happens in all industries for countless unforeseeable issues that arise. Today mine was a physical limitation. I was upset and concerned that I would either end up in the hospital or worse have to cancel the first few days of my week.

While I was seeing the light and nearing the level of pain that induces a coma, my first thought was my business, my second thought, was my business, my final thought before passing out, was my business. This is where knowing the importances of your limitations are and knowing how to shut off from time to time comes into play. This week was not horribly crazy, compared to the past. Friday was fast paced day, day before injury, and was not super, over the top crazy. However, the fast movement from place to place, shoot to shoot, in some way contributed to my Saturday collapse. Not that I fell, but that metaphorically I did collapse. It was time to rest. The biggest bummer of all, Sunday, today, was one of the most nicest days we have had this spring. I was looking forward to a successful shoot in the morning, a nice road trip with my wife and our fur kids, and a grilled dinner, with a fire to top it off. So far I have managed to sit in the sun, read 8 pages from a book I am in love with, and barely eat a frozen mash up of rice and beans cooked by one of the finest microwave ovens Best Buy has to offer. However, during all of that, my new partner has been there by my side, holding me as needed, walking with me to loosen up the tight muscles, and tend to the yard work that so desperately needs it.

View of Pacific Ocean from cliff side, Indian Head Beach area/Cannon Beach area, Oregon

It is incredibly cliche to say, "don't take things for granted." In some ways, we are as human beings take everything for granted at one point or another in our lives. The flexibility to get in a car and drive anywhere and do just about anything, so long as we have the proper resources, enables us to take for granted what we do have, life. During my struggles and my pains over the last 24 hours, 12 of which we unmeasurable in terms of pain levels, I never kept my wife in mind and thought of how well she is doing with taking care of me. I am not easy to manage when I am in pain and she did a stellar job. While this blog post is more about the undertone, "don't take what you have for granted" and know your limitations and rest as needed so you can avoid injury and risk to your job, life, or business, it is also a way of me publicly saying thank you to my wife. Without her I would have suffered insurmountable levels of pain that would have kept me out for days to come. But her encouragement and support is what has gotten me up. She believes in me in ways I still don't yet understand. But the level of support and creative freedom she gives me gives me courage to fight on and be better than I can imagine.

Thank you Susan.

jeffrey byrnes 1/20/16 jeffrey byrnes 1/20/16

Travel Photography: Key West, Florida

Key West is the southern most, final destination in the state of Florida. Key West is by all accounts a tiny island in the Florida Keys. My wife and I rented bicycles and were able to ride around the entire island very quickly. Before we got on our two wheels and made our way around the island we took one of those uber, not the car service, touristy trains. Being a tourist, you can hop on a freight train for the unadventurous and get a history lesson of the island from one of the plump drivers. While bopping around the seat, photo-bombing the group in front of us taking "selfies," I spotted a restaurant that spoke to me. I made a mental note of where the restaurant was based on how the driver navigated his choo-choo train.

From the moment we rode past Frita's Cuban Burger Cafe, it was my mission to eat there. The first time I had a cuban sandwich was in Boston. Not the most ideal place to have such a sandwich. It was lack luster, but when you eat something at the bottom of the barrel, that just means that when something is how it should be or when it is served in an authentic environment, it will be life affirming. Frita's would be both culturally relevant and decadent.

We handed over the credit card, signed the papers, and saddled up on the wheels that have probably been ridden more than a Brazilian prostitute. Our bikes moaned and creaked as we cycled our way around the island. Around a corner, down a street, up the block, to the left, followed by a right, we found a beach. Our bikes were equipped with locks, which we used to safely secure them to some bike racks. The water was beautiful. We had a swim, a few moments for photos, and a few minutes laying in the sand and we were off. During our train ride our the island I made a few photos of things we passed, mostly with my Gopro, photos I'll save for later. As we navigated around I built a map of the island, making note of visually appealing landmarks along the way. This mental database would be what helped me pedal our way to Frita's.

You should never judge a book by its cover just like you should never judge a restaurant by how many people are dinning. My wife was a bit reluctant when we rolled up Frita's. I was ecstatic because after half an hour and a wrong turn, we arrived. There wasn't a single person eating, drinking, or doing what people do at restaurants. I didn't hesitate or think anything none-the-less. I first learned about Frita Kahlo when studying Art History at The University of Massachusetts. I knew that if there was a restaurant dedicated to her, the food must be as well composed as her paintings were. I am by no means a food critic. I know what I like, love, hate. I am however one for a culinary adventure. I was eager to sit down, order, and stuff my face.

Everywhere we turned there was portraits of Frita looking at us, greeting us, asking us what we were hungry for. Our table had a bust of Frita painted on it. No matter which angle you sat, she was looking up at you. No doubt the artist who painted her knew a thing or two about perspective. We sat outside, as it was a beautiful, hot day in Florida. Groups of people passed by. Occasionally the brave would stop and read the menu, but most people kept passing by. I kept thinking to myself, "are these people crazy for passing a place like this up, or are they just not in the mood to eat?" My camera was torn from the bag the moment we sat at the table. It was obvious by my behavior that I am not a tourist. Most people get that the moment they see my set up. I made a few photos of our surroundings and a few while the manager came out and took our order. I stood and approached the guy behind the grill. I asked if I could make photographs while he cooked our food. He obliged, even showing a bit of excitement for being photographed, sort of as if it made his day. Dewan from Bangladesh worked the grill like an artist, perhaps the same artist who painted Frita on our table. He was happy to tell us his story as to why he was in Key West, grilling our food. At some point we had a more personable conversation with the manager who took our order. He handed me a business card with his name and email address, so as I could forward him this very post, but during my travels, the business card slipped from my notebook and became a reminder of why I should also write things down in addition to taking a business card. Some book make that card was..

I ordered 2 Cuban Tacos, Sue ordered 1 Cuban burger, I had the ear of Cuban grilled corn, and we shared 3 churros. Like I said, I am no food critic, but what I can say is this, my life changed with every bite I took. The juxtaposition of each element of our food created sinful, lusting, flavor bombs of transcendence. Frita's is the type of restaurant where you will eat something that you will remember. Located off the main road and 90 miles from Cuba, you would think that your eating at a restaurant on the Havana Port.

jeffrey byrnes 1/4/16 jeffrey byrnes 1/4/16

Travel Photography: Charleston South Carolina

Charleston embodies the south and southern living. There is a rich history that can be seen, tasted, heard, and enjoyed in all parts of the city. I am spoiled, as we all are, by such travel shows like Guy Fiery's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. Such shows are as entertaining as they are informative. My wife and I have made a point that when we travel, we are going to eat at the places we see on Guy's show. This trip to Charleston, we had neglected to think of doing that, probably because that was before we became obsessed with his show. We did however get a chance to try a well known restaurant, Poogan's Porch.

A culture can not exist without its people. People are the creative force that designs the food, art, and music that make up each region of the world. When I photograph someone I have an instant connection with them as well as I can understand them better. This is irregardless of age, race, or gender. The same can also be said for when I photograph the places I travel to. I try to experience the music, food, architecture, and art as best as I can. One of the things I fell in love with is the rich, vibrant, saturated colors of the buildings. The colors reminded me of Bermuda and some regions of the Bahamas, bright.

Whats better than food and art? music. Country music all sounds the same, just like a lot of other styles of music. But there are some artists that embody the places around them and become an element of that region by the sounds they create. One of the best ways to absorb the sounds of an area, get very close, so close that you can feel the tones, the sounds, each strum of the guitar or hear the sound of the singers lips opening and closing. Get close and take it in.

The area around Charleston is just as beautiful. We rented a car and made a point to visit Angel Oak. I am pretty sure the tree is older than the dirt that its roots are firmly planted in. Other things that come out of the ground are vegetables. Colorful, beautiful, natural vegetables. Crossing the bridge from Charleston we headed towards Sullivan's Island. Along the way we stumbled upon a farmers market that was part of a larger fair.

The south is known for a few things, BBQ is one of them. I wanted to find something authentic. I am not sure where we stopped, Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ, was authentic, but it was pretty damn good.

Charleston is a wonderful place to visit. For New Years eve I wanted to take a trip, like we have done in the past, but due to some work related events, we couldn't take the time away. When I had suggested the idea, I suggested Charleston. When you find something someplace that inspires you to go back, you go back. My wife had said why go back when we could have gone some where else. Charleston I know, there was a great Thai restaurant that I would love to get back to again and for a holiday trip, a few days away, Charleston is the perfect destination.

jeffrey byrnes 1/1/16 jeffrey byrnes 1/1/16

Happy New Year: 2016 and promo

I wanted to wish a warm and happy new year to all my friends, family, clients past, present, and future. In 2016 I am looking forward to some new work and big business changes.

Next week a promo will be dropping to some potential clients. I have been working on some new ideas, new work, and have a new trajectory for my photography. The photo below is from part of the promo kit that will be dropping.

2015 was a great year. I made some new friends, new connections, had some fun shoots, and most importantly got married. Second to getting married, we traveled. Below are 4 photos that are from Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome.

2016 is going to bring more travel. I am looking forward to landing in the Pacific Northwest in February, seeing Portland, Seattle, and Canon Beach. I want to travel for leisure, pleasure, and work. Between the work, I want to enjoy the places I travel to. The world is smaller than we think, yet bigger than we could expect. I have never been one for "resolutions." I am however one for setting goals and accomplishing them. To all my friends, family, clients past, present, and future, I want to wish you all a safe, happy, and prosperous new year. I hope that you accomplish all that you set out to do.

jeffrey byrnes 11/28/15 jeffrey byrnes 11/28/15

Travel Photography: The Adirondacks

On the ride up Kris asked, "have you ever been this far west?" My response, no. I have traveled as far north as Quebec City, as far East as Paris and Italy, as far south as the Bahamas, but the west I am long over due to see. In February my wife and I will be visiting friends in the west and exploring parts of Oregon and Washington. I can not express how excited I am to see the pacific northwest.

The Adiorndacks are splendid, to say the least. Kris has been traveling up there for years and knew his way around, for the most part. Lake George is a feat of nature carved out of the earth. Our cabin was situated on the Sacandaga river, which empties out into the Sacandaga lake.

On the banks of the river we formed a stone circle that became our fire pit. The rushing sound of the fast moving water was the instrument to the vocals of the crackling fire that light up the night. Our laughs echoed into the night and traveled down stream. I imagine that the slow pace of life on the river is as much relaxing day in and day out as it was for our time there.

Being in the Adirondacks in the off season meant that there was far less people than the warmer months, which is fine by me. We were able to travel from Northville to the Lake George area with ease. The narrow winding roads paved a way through forests that were filled with empty trees, tall pines, and empty vacation properties. It is clear that the tourism is the major source of revenue for the Lake George area. We were let down that we could not cruise the lake aboard one of the steam ships. When I heard about those, I was all for it. Sadly, the season had just come to a close and they were not operating.

The sun setting over Lake George, seen from The Sagamore

After some research we found Augers Falls about 15 miles up the Sacandanga River. We traveled north following the river into the town of Wells NY. A small, almost discrete sign pointed to a dirt lot off of RT 30 where we parked. Exiting my car I grabbed my camera bag and my tripod. I couldn't image the hike was going to be to long. The river danced from our left to our right as we crossed over a bridge where the east and west branches of the Sacandanga meet. As we maneuvered up the road the river was never far from our field of view, this was a key clue in determining of the hike was going to be a few minutes of an annoying amount of time.

Kris sitting in a swath of fading sunlight.

After about 5 minutes of walking through the trees, around some rocks, and twigs, a bag of dog crap someone was kind enough to toss off the trail, we could hear the water rushing over the rocks. It took us about another 5 before we came to head with a beautiful exhibition of rocks. The water was flowing heavily and I was in awe. There are some waterfalls in the world that you can not get next to, some large, some small, some are frighteningly big, while others are the right size. Augers Falls is approachable if you are an experience hiker and have the right pair of shoes.

While I was photographing the waterfall, the sun kept dancing through the clouds. Out of nowhere a light mist began to rise from the base of the waterfall.

Mounted to my tripod, my camera recorded the falls in 2-4 second exposures. The f-stop was cranked up to a whopping 22-32. The water was splashing off the rocks and ricocheting up and bouncing off the front element of the lens. I was very close to the falls, at times, too close.

I made a very acute observation while standing at the very edge of the waterfall. There is a gigantic footprint carved out of the rock. It is in the shape of a large foot. If giants existed, this would be proof, or perhaps, this is an old world fossil print from a stone age sasquatch. I stood for a few minutes and watched the water pass over, swirl though, and exit the tip of the foot print.

Life is short, have an adventure. Get out and see as much of this world as you can before it is either destroyed or before your time comes to an end. I am making travel a part of my lifestyle as well as a part of my career and photography. I am moving into 2016 with some new work on the horizon. I am gearing up for a big promo that is scheduled to launch in mid-December. Traveling is going to be a big part of the work that I am ushering my career into. Take my advice, travel, go to The Adirondacks, spend some time in the woods, get lost on the river, go to a waterfall or two, have a fire on the river, toss a few beers down, slow life down and relax, you will be happy that you did.