Chiaroscuro | Stoke-Ness
What a start to the Summer.
Despite record setting temps in the North West USA, most of the world seems to be relishing being outside after covid starts to become less of a scare. I am excited for full summer of camping and swimming until I’m bleary eyed from too much fun.
In this month’s issue, I share my 4 favorite hiking shirts, a video about why dynamic range on your camera isn’t everything and a photographer that inspired me to work on my editorial sets.
Be stoked,
Isaac
Photo/Video Technique
Adjust the intensity of any preset in Lightroom
So you just bought your favorite photographers pack of Lightroom presets. In the demo they showed a photo that was flat and lifeless come alive with just one click!
Sadly on your photos the preset didn’t seem to work at all. It either seemed way too strong or way too weak. It’s a classic case, so what should you do?
I use the Opal Slider for Lightroom
You can decrease and increase the effect your presets have with this tool. I use it nearly every time I edit and don’t think using presets (even my own) is that fun without it.
Get it Here
Gear
The Best Hiking Shirt
Over the last six years I have used (and if you know me, abused) 4 different hiking shirts.
Well I shouldn’t say just hiking, because I’ve used them for everything from bike packing to backcountry skiing. What they really are is a short sleeve, breathable, sweat wicking, performance base layer. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and I’m not sure there is an actual best, but here is my rating of each.
Icebreaker Merino T shirt
This is the shirt I bring when I know it’s going to be high output activity and things are going to get sweaty. It’s tough and looks good, but might be a little rough against the skin for some folks.
- It wicks sweat better than most and better than any polypropylene shirt. Dries almost as fast as synthetic. 4/5
- The fit is good, if not a tad loose for me. It’s not a fitted cut. 4/5
- Fabric feel is rough for me. I get used to it while I’m active, but after I cool down it feels uncomfortable against the skin. Some folks dont notice this at all. 2/5
- Toughness is a a 3/5 with some wear showing after 4 years. The merino seems to start to de laminate after a while.
- Looks are a 4/5. Mine is a muted green and is a shirt you can wear anywhere and it looks good. If it was more fitted I’d call it a 5.Total rating 17
Mountain Hardware Polypropylene T shirt
This shirt has been through the ringer with me. Trekking Peru, riding motos across Mongolia and NGO work in Uganda. It’s my go to for comfort because it fits well and is silky soft.
- It wicks sweat really well. It seems to feel wetter and sticks to skin more than other shirts after it wicks. Dries fast. 3/5
- The fit is perfect, not too tight or too loose. I would like to to be a little longer for tucking in during the winter. 4/5
- Fabric feel is very soft and comfortable. Can be static clingy in dry enviroments. I usually bring this shirt for sleeping while camping its so comfortable. 4/5
- Toughness is a a 4/5 with only minor wear after 6 years
- Looks are a 2/5. It’s a little shiny and kinda looks like a pajama shirt. Not horrible and in a different color (mine is black) it might be
better.Total rating 17
66 North Grettir Polartec Delta T shirt
This shirt is a new comer to me in the last 6 months and has quickly become my go to for hard charging missions. It wicks better and dries faster than anything I’ve tried while being more comfortable than merino. This is a serious athletic shirt and it works.
- It wicks sweat better than wearing nothing at all and dries in minutes. It’s magic tech. 5/5
- The fit is good, but athletic. The size large I normally wear fits like it was race day. I sized up to a XL and it fits much better. 3/5
- Fabric feel is not cotton comfortable, but not irritating after a long day. 4/5
- Toughness is a a 5/5 with no visible wear showing after 6 months of bushwhacking and backpacking.
- Looks are a 3/5. I wear the orange color and the black might be a better choice for everyday use. The sleeves are a bit short to be anything other than an athletic shirt and I’m ok with that.Total rating 20
Kuhl Merino T shirt
I just got this shirt last month. It is the best looking active shirt in my drawer with a pocket, fitted cut, and little details sewn in that elevate the look. I’ve only used it for two big excursions and it is showing some wear.
- It wicks sweat well but is a little thick to dry out quickly. With sweatier activities I would choose a different shirt. 3/5
- The fit is great at first, It’s a fitted cut, but after two days of heavy use it seems to stretch and become a size larger. 4/5
- Fabric feel is rougher than polypropylene, but not as bad as most merino. 3/5
- Toughness is a a 2/5 with some wear showing after just 2 trips. We will see how it holds up over time.
- Looks are a 5/5. The best looking shirt of the bunch that you could wear to a summer event and look good.Total rating 17
All these shirts are so good I use them all weekly. There is no bad shirt in the bunch, just personal preference and situations that work better for each. Let me know what I missed and what your favorite shirt is I should try.
Who I am Following
Jeremy Koreski
I stumbled upon Jeremy’s work and was instantly impressed with the elevated editorial feel of it. The depth of work he shares on his website is inspiring and something I hope to emulate in my own photography.
Give it a look Here (I recommend a big screen for maximum viewing pleasure).
or follow him in Instagram Here
Music I'm Diggin'
Night Shift by Noflik
Keeping with the chill music themes this summer, Night Shift is a good vibe.
Smooth sax and a vintage feel will have you riding with the windows down looking for back roads to explore.
Listen to it on Spotify Here
Videos, Movies, and TV
Chiascuro or Light and Dark in Photography.
This video is a fresh perspective on why you should not always use the dynamic range of your camera to its fullest, but instead leave areas of darkness to bring more attention to the highlights. I’ll be looking for ways to use this in my photos this year.
Reads
Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon by Edward Dolnick
I started this book after planning a trip south this spring that would pass parts of the Colorado River. I had long heard about how the Grand Canyon was one of the last unexplored wilderness in the lower 48. John Wesley Powell was the one armed leader of an unprepared group of men that floated the rowdiest and most unescapable river in the West. It’s a nail biting story that has as many twists and turns as a thriller novel.
8/10 would recommend
Buy it Here
Or listen to it on Audible or the Libby app for free
Parting Thought:
Being easy on yourself is the first place to start when you want to be kinder to others. Self talk sets the tone for outward talk and actions. Since people always remember how you make them feel, you can make them feel good by being good to yourself.
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
This newsletter, my photography and my videos are all free, but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy me virtual coffee.
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