What's Actually In the Bag?

by John O'Keefe-Odom

AgXphoto.info

I saw my umpteenth photo of an "exemplary" pro photographer's camera bag today, and I thought that I'd go ahead and let you know what I actually carry on a day to day basis.  

With a quick walk-though of the list, I think you'll see that super-expensive, cutting edge equipment is not required for day-to-day photography.

The List, Up Front:

Pentax 645 120mm camera

Pentax 645 80-160mm zoom

Pentax 645 35mm lens

Pentax 645 Adapter K

Pentax K1000 35mm camera

Minolta Spotmeter F

Vivitar 285HV

PC Cords (6' coiled and Vivitar short cord)

Lee 4" Gel filters with holder

Plastic bag with spare rolls of film

Gray card

4 AA NiCad batteries

Spare body caps, rear lens caps, lens caps

Soft brush and soft cloth for cleaning

UV and polarizers fitted to lenses; one CC 85B on hand for use with EDUPE, a tungsten based Ektachrome slide film.

Camera bodies fitted with quick release plates for use with my tripod.

Cable release.

The Bag:  common daypack.

Miscellany:  scissors, changing bag, masking tape, bandages, compass.

Hand carried, frequently, one Manfrotto tripod with ball/pan head.

From there, I may add or subtract items as needed.  If you look carefully at the list, you might notice that what I carry is a fraction of the dollar value of a lot of the photobags on display here and there.  Some of the bags sold today might exceed the dollar value of my camera bodies.  I like the pictures I make with this equipment nonetheless.

Invisible Children's "The Rescue" Demonstration Protesting Kidnapping and Abuse of Children by Rebel Armies in Uganda

by John O'Keefe-Odom

AgXphoto.info

Photos from last Saturday's "The Rescue" Rally, by The Invisible Children, protesting the use of child soldiers by rebel armies in Uganda.  The protesters staged a sit-in at Coolidge Park to raise awareness of the cruel kidnappings by Ugandan Rebels that impress elementary-school-aged children into involuntary military service against their government.   

One of the rally's organizers.  The preparation for the rally took six months, and included permits from local officials for the ralliers to occupy the park.  Logistical support included coordination for first aid and with local police.  One police officer was assigned as a liaison with rally organizers.  Since the park closes at 2300, protesters had plans to move to a local church parking lot for the night.

More text follow.  J.

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CreateHere Announces Grant Finalists

Chattanooga Arts Updates

by John O'Keefe-Odom

AgXphoto.info

CreateHere's Chattaooga office has announced the list of 49 finalists for MakeWork grants.  There were 107 applicants for grants of up to $15,000.  The monumental task of coordinating the grant requests has fallen on the shoulders of Harv Wileman.  The Pulse, one of Chattanooga's weekly tabloids, has also featured a story on the grants.  In recent years, projects like these have provided local artists with outstanding support.  

Be sure to check out CreateHere's website, as they offer a good, consolidated look at not only MakeWork, but some other programs like SpringBoard and ArtsMove.

AVA's Member Salon Show opens Friday, May 1, and will include a copy of Gladiola IV by your's truly.  Early drop-offs of artwork were not allowed, so I was sure to be there fifteen minutes prior.  The line was out the door, and I have already had a sneak peek at some great paintings.  Larger works, smaller works, there's sure to be some good stuff over there.  Be sure to stop by.  Show runs until May 15.