Stoke-Ness January Newsletter
How to Selfie and camera that makes you more productive
It's not popular, but 2017 was a great year.
I'm a believer that life is what you make it and happiness is not tied to external circumstances. 2017 was the most fun and exciting year maybe ever.
I hope 2018 is the same for you, a year filled with excitement and joy without complaints.
In this issue, I talk about a book that opens possibilities, a camera that mutes excuses, and a new way to do Instagram Stories.
Be stoked,
Isaac
New Places
If you are looking for the most otherworldly place in North America then the Alvord Desert Playa is it.
We drove several hundred miles out of our way to the playa (it's several hundred miles from anything). The drive took us through the northern part of Nevada which itself is desolate. When we left the pavement and headed towards the Alvord, we saw one house and no other cars until the small town of Fields, Oregon.
We fueled up one last time before heading north. We passed the Alvord hot springs where you can pay $5 to soak in 105-degree water. After another 20 miles of dirt road, we saw the Playa and drove out onto it via the Frog Springs access.
The playa here is smoother than I expected, and I was able to ride my skateboard on it like fresh pavement. We stayed for about an hour while several snow storms blew through without sticking on the smooth surface.
I'll be back to this magical place soon. 10/10 would recommend.
Google Maps Pin
Gear
The thing about the wrong camera is that you will use it as an excuse not to create.
When I first started doing vlog style videos, I was using my Canon 5DSR. It was awkward at best and way too bulky to sneak footage at my local coffee shop. When I'm already trying to get used to the awkwardness of talking to myself in public, a giant camera feels like I'm waving a flag for everyone to stare at me. I needed something smaller and easier to use. Less embarrassing to use.
Que the Sony RX100V. It's small, has a flip out screen and the stabilization is amazing. I set the setting to auto and shoot where it would normally be too inconvenient. I end up actually making videos with this camera.
It's not perfect. The batteries last about an hour and you have to unscrew the tripod mount to change them. The "record" and "power on" buttons are impossible to find by feel. But for what I need, I think it is the best camera for me.
At around $1,000, it's within reach of most creators.
Sony RX100V
Notes: I don't use this for photos, I put windscreens on the mics, and I use a Sony screen protector on the LCD screen. I mount it on a Gorilla pod with ball head.
Who I'm loving on Instagram
@ngkelley
A little more raw and a lot more real. That's what I feel when I look at @ngkelley photos.
Nick's feed features fishing and hunting, but mostly it features real people shot in a documentary style. My favorites are the portraits of the Argentinean ranchers. It uncovers the real reason we travel, to experience a different place created by different people.
Give him a follow here
Music I'm Diggin'
A driving, head bobbing intro to the New Year is just what this issue needs. I'd recommend you play this song while you read the rest of this email. It's that good.
Andrew Applepie is best known for being the soundtrack for Casey Niestat's Vlogs, but there is so much more than just vlog music.
I've Been Lonely is a gem you will have stuck in your head at least until June.
Give it a spin.
Videos, Movies, and TV
I had so much fun making this over the top Instagram Story that I'm considering making it the only way I do stories in 2018. What do you all think, should I jump in and commit to full-scale IG stories this year?
If you haven't seen it, I've posted the entire story on my YouTube for your viewing pleasure.
Give it a watch
Reads
A book about what it means to be curious and to let that curiosity lead you.
Brian Grazer is a Hollywood producer and has become famous for his unlimited and intentional curiosity. He schedules "curiosity conversations" with interesting people at least every 2 weeks since the 1980's. It makes for an amazing life and one that is riveting to hear about.
This was a top 3 book of 2017 for me and a great reminder to intentionally let my curiosity lead. I highly recommend you start the year out with this one.
Give it a read or listen
A Curious Mind
Photo Technique
Self Captures
Sometimes a scene just begs for a subject, but our friends are all busy and you are the only one around. What is the best way to capture yourself in a scene?
Here are a few things I do to create an authentic image when I'm the subject.
- Use a tripod. I use a cheap tripod from Amazon and frame up my shot first. I'll make sure I like the photo and where I should be in the composition.
- Now, most cameras have a 10-second timer. I used to use this option. I set the camera to timer shutter, press the shutter and then run to my spot. This limits the places you can be to places you can get in 10 seconds. So you better be fast for more complicated shots.
- To create even more dynamic shots, I use my Canon 5D Mark IV's WiFi function to pair with my iPhone. I use the Canon app to trigger the shutter when I'm ready. I can even see a live view of my image on my phone. This is amazing and really helps with creating a natural looking image.
- Try not to "pose". Find a natural looking stance. Act like you are not in a photo, like you just walked into the scene and are part of the magic. This takes practice, so try multiple photos to see what works best.
I'd recommend you find friends and family to photograph first if you can. Taking photos of other people puts a touch of unpredictability in your work that brings freshness with it. Use Self Captures to create a nice variety in your photos if you are finding landscapes that need a subject.
Good luck!
I plan on sending out a new email to you every month of 2018.
Is there anything I should be including that I'm not?
What is your top resolution for 2018?
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
