Stoke-Ness February '18 Newsletter
January felt longer than normal...
I attribute that to spending most of it doing creative things I've always wanted to do. I made 7 videos as well as posting photos and planning trips for 2018.
If you want to make more creative work in 2018, please don't wait. The world and your soul need to see it. What we don't need are more video game players and NFL fans. I'm confident you will feel accomplished and fulfilled if you create.
In this issue, I share a technique that makes ideas for creating a simple process, a screensaver that you will be excited about, and a workshop that will help you create more than ever before.
Be stoked,
Isaac
New Places
Most folks spend their time on the South Island when they visit New Zealand. I recommend this, but if you end up on the North Island my favorite place to camp is Motorua Farm.
Located near the small town of Whananaki, the farm's rolling hills border sandy beaches and the Pacific ocean. We found a spot right next to the beach and set up our Land Rover with the rooftop tent.
In the morning, we woke up to the sound of the surf and went swimming in the waves. A few hundred feet away from camp was a rope swing that our girls played on.
With the cold weather only halfway done in Montana, I'm daydreaming of this camp spot.
Google Maps Pin
Gear
Three years ago
I was a running a vacation rental company. While I knew about marketing and storytelling, I knew nothing about photography. I knew that when I took photos on my iPhone they looked like garbage.
Cue Alex Strohl.
Two days after meeting Alex he loaned me his spare camera and all the advice I could think to ask for. I learned editing, camera technique and most of all taste. For the last few years, I've learned more than most folks learn over a lifetime of shooting photos from a man who some would contend is one of the best photographers in the world.
When Alex told me he was creating a workshop I instantly told him I would share it with everyone I knew. Not only was this a thank you for his help, but I honestly believe it is the best photography workshop out there.
For a limited time, you can get the workshop for $100 off if you enter the code Isaac at check out. This is my way of repaying the good karma I received when I met Alex.
Here is the link, don't let this good karma slip away.
Alex Strohl Photography Workshop
(Use the code Isaac for $100 off)
P.S I know this isn't really gear, but it is so much better than gear because it will actually change your life and skills.
Who I'm loving on Instagram
@forrestmankins
You should already follow Forrest, you probably already do.
Constantly one of my favorite accounts, Forrest is the real deal. His photos feel like memories of a better time, or dreams of a time you hope to live. His style is often imitated, but no one can make it stick. I've liked every single photo he has ever posted.
On top of all that, he is one of the best people I've ever met. Jesus would be friends with him and mention how like-able Forrest is.
Give him a follow here
Music I'm Diggin'
I've always loved the James Bond movie opening tracks. From Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger to Adele's Skyfall theme.
Weather by WDL and Coco Noir has the James Bond vibe but with a 2018 feel.
The huge orchestral hits in the chorus drive the song while dreamy piano riffs create otherworldy space.
Give it a spin.
Videos, Movies, and TV
A screensaver blew my mind.
I was at a friends office and saw his TV with an aerial view of Dubai scrolling past. I could not take my eyes off of it.
It turns out it is the screen saver for the new Apple TV 4k. It's filmed in 4k slow-mo with a RED Camera and there are 30 different revolving videos.
I had to find out if I could install it on my Mac Book and it turns out I can! Someone took the files and made them available to download on your Mac. You will thank me for this one =)
Download them here
Reads
I like to understand deep thoughts
on how our world is made and what it's made out of, but I wouldn't say I have the drive to read physics textbooks.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson is the solution.
I listened to it and learned about the universe while being entertained by Tyson's smooth voice.
Give it a read or listen
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Photo Technique
Idea Asset List
Lack of ideas and inspiration in photography is bound to happen to everyone. It happens to me about every six months or so.
A tendency is to feel like you need resources you don't have (gear, locations, skills...) to get past the slump. I don't think that is true, in fact, I think you already have resources you are overlooking.
Here is a process I use to find ideas with what resources I have. I call it the "Idea Asset List".
I make 2 columns on a sheet of paper with Props and Locations
at the top of each. I list all of the "Props" or things that would be fun to take photos of and all of the "Locations" that would be awesome to shoot those props at.
Not every prop fits at every location, but by thinking of them separately I find more resources than if I try to think of an entire scene or activity completely. For instance, I might connect photos of a horse at Marias Pass when normally I would shoot a skier there. Now I make a fun activity riding horses up on Marias pass with a goal of reaching a Patrol Hut and we have a photogenic story.
This works so well to generate ideas, I hope you will use it. After the idea is found it only takes work to make a great story.
Good luck and let me know if you have questions about this process.
P.S The Alex Strohl Workshop is also a good resource for ideas.
I'm curious about you the reader.
Are you planning a warm weather trip this winter?
Would you rather surf or ski/snowboard?
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
