Is it really over?

September is the hidden season in Montana, I think it's the hidden season everywhere. If you're lucky to not be headed back to school or to be getting serious about your career then it's the best time to be outside. No crowds and good weather. It's not over yet.

This edition of Stoke-ness will remind you there are still days left and warmth in the air.

My favorite tent for fall camping, how to shoot photos underwater, and a book you might actually read before the year is over. This is a good one.

Be stoked,

Isaac

New Places

The country of Andorra. You've probably never heard of it, and neither had I until I found it on the map while planning my most recent trip to Spain.

About half the size of Hong Kong, it's easy to miss. There are few towns that take up the space in the valleys, but the rest of the small country is dotted with peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains.

I spent the day riding mountain bikes with a friend on Val Nord Mountain. We also went hiking on the border between Spain and Andorra at sunset. If you're near this country, don't miss it.

Google Maps Pin

Gear

My new favorite purchase is my Nemo Losi 3p tent. It's 5 pounds, fits on my backpack, but has the room of a non-backpacking tent.

Meg and I went on a 500 mile, 4 night motorcycle camping trip. We strapped it onto Meg's backpack and hardly noticed it while riding. Set up is easier than most tents, and we even used it without the rain fly and could see the stars without bugs. The stars are your ceiling.

This is the only tent to get if you're only going to get one tent.

See more here

Who I'm loving on Instagram

@bruinalexander

Bruin is an interesting person. Former professional hockey player, a Photographer and a Writer. He has depth that others on Instagram miss.

On top of all that, he is a good friend. I recommend you follow him just because his Insta stories make me laugh.

Give him a follow here

Music I'm Diggin'

My new Artist obsession is Mounika, specifically the album "How Are You". I'm actually listening to it right now.

It's the perfect mix of mellow and driving. It has equal parts Head Bob genre and French jazz. I know, it sounds eclectic, but if you know my taste in music and like it, you're going to love this album. It's 100% worth a listen.

Give it a spin on Spotify.

Videos, Movies, and TV

This film confirmed I needed to visit South America.

The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.

If you haven't seen it you need to see it. It will ruin you if you haven't been to South America.

Give it a watch

Reads

Missing Nazi submarines, harrowing deep-sea diving, and changing history books. The story reads like a nove,l but it is all true.

A friend of mine recommended this book about four years ago. It sounded lame and I didn't even look it up. That was a mistake. Recently I stumbled across it and listened to the audiobook. I binge listened to all 20+ hours in two days. It was that good.

Give it a listen on the Overdrive app, it's free.

Find the app Here .

Photo Technique

Underwater photography seems expensive and sketchy, but dang it looks cool.

Recently, I was on a video shoot where the filmers had 3 Red cameras (google these) and 30 crew on set. When it came time to film underwater, they stuck Sony A7S camera into a $30 underwater bag case. When asked why they used such a cheap case they replied: "because it works".

I bought my own case and have loved the experience of swimming while taking photos. I won't use the case for long (only this season) to make sure my $5,000 camera stays dry. The bag does not seem to be built for longevity and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Here are the techniques I'm using underwater:

- sticking my camera in a water proof bag. Get the model with the highest rating on Amazon

- I'm shooting at 16mm or 24 mm to get my entire subject while they jump in the water or swim in the water close to me.

- I use a desiccant bag to make sure my camera doesn't fog up (Think the bags that come with your new shoes that you throw out). You can buy these on Amazon in bulk.

- I expose for somewhere in between the surface light and below the surface. In post, I adjust levels as needed.

Good luck, and as usual send me the photos you take using these techniques!

Waterproof camera bag

Thanks for reading. A couple things I could use your help with:

I'm headed to Zion in a few weeks. What should I see and where should I go?
Have something I should be covering? Reply to this email.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

Stoke-ness September Newsletter