Wear a sweater then take it off.

It's a transition season, and if you are like me, you love a good transition.

Yellows, oranges, and reds move the slider to warm for this issue of Stoke-ness.

In this issue, I talk about how to get your focus, new music to make your ears happy and headphones to listen to it on.

Be stoked,

Isaac

New Places

Peek-a-boo slot canyon in Escalante is hand down the most fun canyon I've explored. It's a slot canyon with climbs, squeezes, arches, and pools.

You won't need special climbing gear. I climbed into it with my daughters, so I think it is fun for all ages if you are reasonably athletic.

My favorite part is the 12' climb up the wall to get into the canyon. I waded through a pool and climbed using the footholds carved into the wall. It's like a large playground.

Hole in the Rock Road down to to the trailhead is rough, but do-able in a car (except the last half mile, most park and hike).

10/10 would recommend.

Google Maps Pin

Gear

As you would guess, I travel on planes a fair amount.

I found this set of noise canceling headphones for only $35 on eBay (The price went up on eBay, but they are $60 on Amazon). The audio is good, not great, but the noise canceling is stellar. The bluetooth connection works perfectly. Worth every cent if you ask me.

I have used them on planes, while working out, while editing, and most recently while chainsawing trees in the woods. In all situations, I was impressed.

See more here

Who I'm loving on Instagram

@finn

Finn is an amazing photographer with an eye for details. His feed is a mix of landscapes, portraits, and alternate perspectives.

If you like what you see, take time to look at his website. The photos are even better on a large screen. His work inspires me to be a better photographer.

Give him a follow here

Music I'm Diggin'

Oh man, I have a song for you.

Flight of the Flamingo by Flamingonosis.

Cuban inspired with a "can't stop bobbing" vibe. I've yet to meet a person who doesn't like this jam.

Give it a spin.

Videos, Movies, and TV

F-16 Jets taking off in an Ice fog.

I'm adding this to the list of things I want to take photos of. It's otherworldly and beautiful.

Give it a watch

Reads

48 Days to the Work You Love was a book that set me on my current course.

When I left to tour in a rock band while all my friends when off to college, I thought they all knew what they wanted to do with their lives. Turns out, I was wrong and I wasn't the only one wondering what the "H" I was going to do.

This book helps you find the vocation that best fits you, and how to start on the path towards doing it.

If you know exactly what to do in life congrats and maybe this book isn't for you. If you want a little nudge towards your dreams, give it a read.

48 Days to the Work You Love

Photo Technique

Sharp focus is something I'm not great at. When I first started taking photos almost all my low light images were soft, blurry, or focused on the wrong thing. It was frustrating.

Here are a few techniques that I have learned that made all the difference in getting a sharp image.

Support:

Tripods in daylight often get laughed at as "Dad Gear". To be honest, they are a bit overkill, but if you suck at holding a camera still they really make a difference. I like to use other camera hold techniques to get sharper images. Every micro movement takes away from a sharp image, so it's important to have the camera stable.

1: Hold the body of your camera with one hand and the lens with the other. Tuck your elbows into your chest and press your face to the camera. This hold will help create a Tripod like stability.

2: Lean against a solid object or sit solidly on the ground. This will help your swaying body be still.

3: Breathe and hold. While holding gently, squeeze your shutter button. Try different versions of this technique to see what works best for you.

Focus:

1: If your camera's autofocus is hunting in low light, try this. Switch to live view on the back of your camera. Turn your lens to Manual focus. Zoom in on live view until you can see the detail you want to focus on and adjust your focus manually until sharp. Zoom out and shoot the photo.

2: Set your autofocus button to another button instead of your shutter button. Often, you will half-press your shutter button then release and then click the shutter button again. This confuses the autofocus and it can focus on something you don't want it to. Changing the button functions is programmable in your camera menu.

3: Slow down. Take time to make sure your image is in focus before moving on. Review your images if needed and shoot again. It will make you much happier than later realizing your favorite image is blurry.

Good luck!

Thanks for reading! I am stoked that you let me chat with you every month.

A couple things you should know before you leave:

I read every DM that is sent to me. If you have a question or just want to say hello, I'm most often found on Instagram.
Looking for an issue of Stoke-ness you missed? You can find all the issues here.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

Stoke-ness October Newsletter