Need A Little More Stable Platform When Taking That Outdoor Shot? Try The Targus

HeadHardHat Likes Using A Monopod When Shooting Video

When geocaching there are many different types of gadgets and gizmos we use every time we go out. I'm not talking in this case the smart phones, GPSrs, PDAs, tablets, etc. No in this case I am talking about our love of photography. Taking shots of our favorite hides or points of interest around a geocache hide is almost as much fun as the actual find itself. Geocachers will say time and time again how many times they would have never visited or experienced a visual site if not for going for that particular geocache.

So when you want to get that nice crisp shot what do you need? Sure for many and depending on how much you are into photography there are all sorts of cameras and tripods. All of which have their purpose but you are looking for something that is low cost and you don't have to lug everywhere.  Ever consider a Monopod?

There are many times when I am attending geocaching events or out looking for geocaches and have my digital camera or small camcorder. We have all seen the difference when taking a photo or video and you are hand holding the camera yourself compared to when it is up on a tripod. Especially when doing video.

A really nice compromise you might want to consider is the lightness and functionality of a monopod. A monopod is just like having a walking stick around. Except you can attach your camera to the top of it. It is a single pole that can be adjusted to all lengths from almost 21 inches to up to 67 or more. The beauty of it is it gives you a solid base for your camera which keeps it steady. You can pan or swipe easily and not jiggle as you do so. I have also found it very useful to have that extra reach above you when you are in a crowd or trying to catch a shot higher up. Did I mention it is not a bad hiking stick as well?

Now there are all types of monopods out there from the inexpensive and up. The one that I just recently tried out was the Targus TG-MP6710 Maximum Extension 67-Inch Monopod. It cost me a whopping $15.00USD and I was pleased with how well it was built. In fact the only complaint I had was the wrist strap was too small so I replaced it with a better one. Other than that it was a great choice.

Monopod with my FS11 on top

One final note for this particular monopod. This piece of equipment is super light when carrying. It folds up to about 21 inches and can go anywhere. So if you are looking for an inexpensive way of taking more stable shots whether it is a photo or video. I highly recommend you check this piece of equipment out.


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Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) - Geocache Containers and Photography While Geocaching

It seems like just days since the last time I recorded episodes for Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) oh wait. It was just days. In fact we taped episodes #7 and #8 just last Thursday and here we are again taping shows #9 and #10 on Monday. How come?

Turns out that we are heading smack dab into the Summer scheduling for RVNN.tv. Many of the people who work there have to adjust their schedules which means the shows get shifted around as well. So mark down your calendars for Monday nights at 6:30pm EST which is the new recording day for Geocaching World.

 

So what happened last night. Glad you asked. It was kind of weird to be honest. Courtney who is the producer of Geocaching World was out this week so I didn't get a chance to talk with her as usual. Bummer. Dave Dufour the Creative Director and Andy McCaskey, Managing Director were trying their best to get the job done but without Courtney the process was not as smooth as usual. Ah well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. We missed ya Courtney!

 

Show #9 dealt with geocaching containers, what to use and what NOT to use.  We demonstrated how to do a dunk test to see if your potential geocache is waterproof or not. Then we discussed what would make a good geocaching placement. There's lots more geocaching goodness of course but then I couldn't suggest for you to watch the episode when it comes out.

 

Viewer Challenge for this week is to go out and attend a Geocaching Event near you. There is no better way to become a part of the geocaching community and meet fellow geocachers at a geocaching event. Send in your pictures with you there: send to geocache@rvnn.tv

 

Show #10 dealt with geocaching and photography. We discussed the different major types of cameras that are available and which ones were the best to take out while geocaching. We had some really nice photo examples from a viewer who sent in some of their adventures including from London and Paris.

 

Viewer Challenge for Show #10 is to get your family, organization or just yourself and make a sign that says "We Love Geocaching World" and take a photo then send it it to geocache@rvnn.tv you may just get on our show!

 

Well that's all for this week. Be sure to check out RVNN LIVE where you may see some of the Geocaching World footage in the raw state. Really cool to watch or check out all our available shows on RVNN.tv or the Itunes store. See you next Monday at 6:30pm EST for another LIVE recording of Geocaching World.

 

-HHH

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This Week on Michigan Magazine: Show 1614 World's Largest Dulcimer Festival + Geocaching & Digital Phtography

Recorded on 4/6/2011 Join us for a trip back into time and the 1998 ODPC's 26th annual Fun Fest known by thousands as the EVART DULCIMER FESTIVAL heald in the Mid Michigan community of Evart. Then our Geocaching Guru Andy Head Hard Hat Smith discusses the natural combo of geocaching and digital photography on today's GeoSnippits.



If the viewer above does not display, please click on the link below to see the entire MMTV show.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13808938

You can see GeoSnippits twice each week on Michigan Magazine and the RFDTV Network.

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Geocaching 12 of 12 This Saturday

Taken at my last Geocaching 12 of 12 adventure

Hey Gang,

Just a quick reminder that this Saturday is the first of two Geocaching 12 of 12 events. Time to get those cameras ready for action.

A Geocaching 12 of 12 is where you go out on Saturday, March 12, 2011 (also Nov. 12, 20111) and take a ton of photographs of your day. Then you pick the best 12 and upload them to your favorite online site like Picasa, Flikr, etc. for all the world to enjoy.

Here is a link to an earlier post with all the details:
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2011/02/reminder-number-one-of-upcoming.html

Here is also a direct link to the Geocaching 12 of 12 website:
http://www.geocaching12of12.com/

Have fun and let me know about some of your favorite geocaching shots...

-HHH

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Reminder Number One of the Upcoming Geocaching 12 of 12

As part of recording the latest Cachers of the Round Table podcast (Should be airing the first week of March) all the panel was sworn by blood oath that we would mention on our respective shows about the upcoming Geocaching 12 of 12. Do you have any idea how hard it is to slice your finger and get a good enough blood sample through your computer monitor? Then there is the clean up... yadda yadda... anyways.

For those of you that don't know the Geocaching 12 of 12 is where you go out on a designated day. In this case it is March 12, 2011 and November 12, 2011 (both Saturdays) and take a ton of photographs of anything pertaining to your life (hopefully some geocaching shots for the most part). Then you pick out 12 of your favorite shots and upload them to your favorite online website like Flickr or Picasa for example. Geocachers all around the world participate in these events and it is a whole lot of fun to share and see all the entries.

That 12 of 12 day we attended a CITO Event

Here is a link to the actual Geocaching 12 of 12 link and you can get all the juicy tidbits on how to prepare for your day. It is a lot of fun and I look forward to the upcoming March 12th to do some really creative shots.

http://www.geocaching12of12.com/

Geoness found some geocaches that day as well

Have fun out there!

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Geocaching and Photography

When it comes to the activity of geocaching there are so many side aspects that people can enjoy. In other words there is more to this amazing obsession than just finding Tupperware in the woods, for example photography.

Geocachers love to take photos. Either of themselves at the geocache site, points of interest around the geocache, etc. You would be amazed at all the fun, weird and exciting things you run into. Being in the age of digital everything it is so easy to capture our adventures. Remember the good Ole days when we had 24 shots of film and that was it? There was no "delete" and redo. You took your shots and hoped for the best. Those rolls of film were expensive too. Now with SD cards you can take literally thousands of photos and not even break a sweat. Remember when we had to turn in our film and wait over a week to get them developed? How things have changed.

The casual geocacher usually has a phone with a camera built in. This is extremely convenient to have with you at all times. Many of the smart phones have high end mega-pixel cameras that can rival standard digital cameras. I have found I personally use my phone camera much more now just because it is right there with me. Even beyond that the video camera on a smart phone gives you that option as well.

Digital cameras still have their place but I would hazard a guess that you will see them change in ways to make  them more competitive with the smart phones. I still use my digital camera because it can easily be placed on a tripod or on one of those cool bendable tripods so you can put your camera on a tree branch or hiking pole.  Let's face it, you can only extend your arm so far for a shot and being able to put a camera on a platform with a timer does give you more options. They are still very handy and can fit in a pocket or pouch while geocaching. A definite plus to have with you.

SLR cameras rock but you really need to be a photographer who wants to put some investment into the hobby. The rewards though are quite simply breathtaking. The main difference is the interchangeable lens. There is just something more crisp and clear with a glass lens as opposed to one you would have with a digital camera or smart phone. You also have complete control of what goes into a picture, light, speed, focus. It does really make all the difference in the world and it usually takes experience to make a photo pop. The nice thing again is you are able to save your shots digitally and can take loads of them. If there is one thing about taking photos no matter what camera you use is to take A LOT of photos. It costs you nothing and the difference between photo number one and number two can be huge. Take tons of shots! As you go through your photos you will see what worked and what didn't, that is how you become a more effective photographer.

So there you go. Geocaching and photography go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you haven't tried taking pix while you are looking for that micro or ammo box, give it a try. You will be amazed how many places you experience or things you will see and when you say to yourself, "Wish I brought the camera". It will be right there in your pocket. Have Fun.

-HHH


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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The Stickpic: Better Photos When You Are Alone

I get asked all the time to review different types of products. From GPSr units, software applications to items you may want to use whilest geocaching. Today's product can be very useful when you are in the situation of being somewhere scenic, you want to take that killer photograph of yourself somewhere but you are by yourself. The best you are going to be able to get is a closeup of your face and not a whole lot behind you. Now what?

One handy solution is the Stickpic. You may have heard me mention it on the Cachers of the Round Table podcast back in June. You can here the entire CRT podcast here: http://cachersroundtable.com/ (go to June 2010).

This little gizmo is about the size of a finger ring and fits in your pocket for just this situation. If you are travelling light while on a hike the size of the Stickpic is a plus.

You simply attach it to the end of your hiking pole until snug and then hook on your camera via the tripod connector to the Stickpic adapter.

Extend your hiking pole out, set your 10 second timer on your camera and take the shot.

Not only are you able to have perfectly taken scenic photos but you can do them without having to ask a stranger.

Keep in mind that you should always have your camera safety strap attached to your hiking pole when doing this. The Stickpic can slip on occasion and you don't want to take the chance of your camera falling.

If you would like to find out more about the StickPic go to their main website here:

http://www.thestickpic.com/

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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