Friday, March 30, 2018

Review: Pelican 1510 rolling case with TrekPak dividers.

After many years of using an old beat up Lowe Pro Magnum bag (400 AW I think), I decided to upgrade to hard case.  There were many brands and options but I ended up with going with a Pelican case.  Since I like to stand out, I chose a bright lime green case.  I figured I can spot that a mile away. If for some reason I was ever stupid enough to check my camera equipment for a flight, I could spot the case as it came off the luggage belt.

I also ended up buying the TrekPak divider system aftermarket.  As you can see, it stores all my equipment fairly nice and orderly.  I like the durability of the dividers over the soft padded inserts  you see in most camera bags.  The padded inserts are just too flimsy in my opinion.  I also like the fact that the TrekPak can be customized as needed.  More so than padded dividers as you can cut them to fit the size you need.

The case itself is pretty sturdy.  I feel like I could sit on the case with no damage coming to it or the contents inside.  I like that it has padlock inserts as well as a pressure release valve (though I doubt I will ever have a need to use it).  The wheels seems durable and roll pretty easily.  I haven't tested it yet on grass or any other type of surface than my rug.  I will probably give it a good workout at my next cosplay photo shoot.  The case has a nice seal to protect it from rain, and other elements.  Pelican claims it can withstand being 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes. Again, not something I will ever use but good to know.  Overall I think this is a great case.  Not bad for $160.  The mesh storage on the lid, was I think $29.95 on Amazon, and the TrekPak divider system was I believe $120.  I guess if you want to look cool, you have to spend money  😃

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

2018...3 Months In.

Last year I joined the D.C. Cosplay Photo Shoots group and excited to be expanding into a new area photography.  March was a "Grit" theme over at the Graffiti Warehouse in Baltimore

Lena Volkova 
Now if the weather would just warm up so I can get out and do more of what I love.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Social Media & Equipment list

So I've jumped on the social media bandwagon and here is how you can reach/follow me:

Email:  robert@robertkruckphoto.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rkruckphoto
Twitter: @RKPhotoVA
Instagram:  robertkruckphotography



My current equipment list:

Nikon D700 SLR Camera
Nikon SB600 Speedlight
Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G Lens
Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G Lens
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Tamron

Sirui P-326 Carbon Fiber Monopod with Sirui K-20X 38mm Ballhead
Manfrotto 443 carbon fiber tripod with Arcatech Ultimate Ballhead
Neewer 32" Octogon Softbox
Neewer 75" light stand
Gary Fong lightsphrere cloud diffuser
43" circular reflector kit (silver, black, gold, white, translucent)
Black Rabid RS-7 strap

Monday, July 3, 2017

I'm back....again!

So I had taken a break recently from photography. I seemed to have lost my creative motivation and desire, but I have found it once again thanks to the DC Cosplay Photo group.   My first shoot with them was Superheroes vs Villains theme where I had a lot of fun.  Not only was I impressed with the quality of the costumes, I also got to see some interesting ideas for additional equipment to buy.  My next post will list my current equipment.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Unexpected Treasures - Annapolis Sunrise

This morning I lead a group of photographers to the docks in Annapolis to catch the morning sunrise.  Getting up at 2am to be at the Herndon Park & Ride by 3:30.  Leaving promptly at 4am, the drive to Annapolis was peaceful.  We arrived in Annapolis at about 5:10 and had a little bit of time before the first rays of the morning started to show their face at 5:30am.  Since I have done this 2 times previously I really wasn't too interested in taking pictures but more for being a mentor/resource for other photographers.  I did manage to take a few though.


I think the meetup was a success.  Only 2 people were no-shows which is much better than previous meetups where half would be no-shows.  I am really hoping that I can jumpstart the Unexpected Treasures meetup group and get members to be more active.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

New Site redesign

So Smugmug has updated their web services to a new format which meant I needed to re-customize my site.  I hope everyone likes the white look, feel free to post comments good or bad.

I have a couple of photo tours coming up that I am leading through the Unexpected Treasures meetup group.

August 10, 2013 - 6:30 am @ Katie's Coffee house in Great Falls, VA for Cars & Coffee.  You can see the meetup at www.meetup.com/UnexpectedTreasures/events/131931192/

August 24, 2013 - 4am @ Herndon Park & Ride for Annapolis Sunrise.  You can see this meetup at www.meetup.com/UnexpectedTreasures/events/131928352/

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Happy New Year - 2013

Ok so I am a little over a month off, but my real job, the one that pays for my expensive camera hobby has been keeping me busy.  Plus it's been cold outside and haven't had the motivation to get out and shoot.  It doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of my next projects though...

I have been evaluating the direction I would like to go from a professional level.  I really love working in the studio, so I will always leave that option available.  However I think I am going to focus my attention on trying to become a pet photographer.  So if you want some pictures of your pet, I'm doing free photo shoots while I build my portfolio.  Your cost is only for prints.