Should you over or under expose? | Stoke-Ness
This month
I’m sharing a photo technique for shooting in harsh light, goggles you need for summer and a Bourdain episode you might have missed.
Be stoked,
Isaac
New Photo Set
Hawaii
I’ve spent the last 3 weeks on Oahu shooting a new episode of “No One Sees” with Alex Strohl. It’s been a visual refresher, new scene colors and activities to shoot everywhere I look. Here are some of my favorites.
Gear and Tools
Dan Worden wearing the HI Supreme Goggles. Photo by Alex Strohl
Snorkeling Goggles
I had forgotten how much I love swimming with goggles. It makes your average swim a flight through another world. Here in Hawaii, the water is perfect for it, but even at home in Montana, the water is colder but still worth exploring.
A good set is key. My friend and diving expert Dan Worden recently gave me this set and it is so much better than the Walmart special I was using before. It seals the water better and is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Summer is coming, Get a set here
Photo/Video Technique
Shooting for highlights
I recently shot a photo of a fisherman named Joe and his son at the beach that I had a few questions about how I shot it. It was just before sunset and the difference between the lightest and darkest part of the scene was extreme. Rather than let some of the highlights blow out I decided to shoot how some of the National Geographic film photographers used to back in the day.
Expose for the highlights.
This means the image will be dark, and I will lose some detail in the darkest parts, but it will create drama and interest.
I don’t shoot like this every time, but on this image, it worked well.
Give it a go next time you shoot in less-than-ideal light. It’s a fun experiment that can create powerful images.
Who I am Following
Rich Larson
I was chatting with a friend about how I progress in skills riding a dirt bike for Hard Enduro. I said mostly riding a lot but also watching Rich Larson tutorials.
Since I don’t have a pro rider friend to constantly push me and teach me what skills I should know, I have found watching Rich has given me so much to work on. I watch one almost every other day and when I go out riding I have his techniques in my head to practice.
If you are into riding dirt bikes then I recommend his channel to help you level up.
Listen
It’s Not Enough by Benny Sings
I was reminded of this jam a few days ago and it is re-stuck in my head now. Give it a listen and it will be stuck in yours too.
Videos, Movies, and TV
No Reservations Hawaii
It’s no surprise that Anthony Bourdain had a knack for uncovering the culture that lies beneath so many tourist hotspots. In this episode about Hawaii he talks with artists, chefs and community leaders about what it means to be Hawaiin and who gets to be Hawaiian. It’s an empathetic look at the Islands we all love.
Reads
Killers of the Flower Moon
I recently jumped on the bandwagon and read this book. I understand now why it caught everyone’s attention and was recently made into a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. It will have you guessing who done it and your jaw dropping at how so many people can be so evil.
Parting Thought:
Everyone says it, scheduled exercise is good for you in everyway. I think what really makes it valuable is training your brain to do something hard and uncomfortable regardless of the circumstances or how you feel day to day. If you don’t schedule your exercise, give it a go for 30 days, and it will change your life.
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
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