Background

In creative business since 1987. The name Best Kept Secret came from a client that said “you are like the best kept secret in the valley” and the name stuck. I changed my company name  to reflect this new name and have been using it ever since.

My approach to photography is to have fun, never be satisfied with what I knew yesterday and push to be better each day. I keep sessions engaging, upbeat, fun and moving. I tend to work ideas quickly and those that work well I might work a little longer as I share the process of what I am trying to create.

I just love to create imagery for my clients and for myself as time permits. I photograph something most every day and live, eat and breath it even if I am not photographing something.

All my work is copyrighted and cannot be used without permission. Please contact me about usage for blogs, newsletters, publishing, music albums, etc. I would be happy to quote you prices and offer terms of use. All rights reserved.

I love vibrant color in photography and the absence of color in photography. I rarely stay in the middle for very long.

I am an image maker, designer, illustrator, photographer & vidographer. I want to be able to point my lens and eye at something and be able to make an image of whatever it is.
I like to “nail it in camera” but also shoot specifically with post in mind when the idea cannot be pulled off with only a location shoot.
I take photos of what inspires me, which is almost anything that emits or reflects light, casts a shadow, etc. A camera is always with me.

The Beginning

I don’t think I am that old, but I have been photographing moments of life since I was 14. I started off with a Pentax ME Super, two lenses, a small tripod, some filters and a few photography books. In 1995 I sold this equipment to an in-law, purchased a Canon A2e that was recommended to me from a pro that shot with one. It came with a 28-105 zoom lens. I liked it, got good results with slide film, but never felt in control of this camera. It always felt backwards to me, though I did not know why. I never bought any other lenses for it and never liked the non-rechargeable batteries that seemed to die when you most needed them to work. I sold it several years ago before it was worthless to too many people. Better than have it collect dust I thought.

Coming of Digital

I used lots of digital cameras over the years, but my first one I purchased was a Nikon Coolpix 4500. I loved that little camera and took it everywhere. I had two ND filters, a circular polarizer and a infrared filter for it. Took 25,000 photos on that thing and then realized that I had outgrown it quite rapidly. Next I purchased a Nikon D70 with a Nikkor 18-70 4.5-5.6 lens. Shot about 26,000 photos with that body and learned a lot in the process. Had an old Nikkor 75-300 4.5-5.6 zoom lens (used), a Sigma 105 2.8 EX Macro (used) and that was it for a long time. Then bought a Nikkor 85mm 1.8 and that opened up much more control in portrait work, better bokeh and more shooting in low-light.

Getting Serious

Well, then I grew out of the D70 and needed a workhorse, but still within my small budget. I had earned enough from portrait work to get a D200, a vertical grip and some other goodies. That really set me free to explore more photography than ever. Nikkor 50mm 1.8, Nikkor 105mm 2.8 VR Macro, Nikkor 17-55 2.8, Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR and a Sigma 10-20 4-5.6 really let me capture more ideas. The ergonomics and access to functions easily has changed my photography to the point that all the equipment has become a creative extension of my thoughts.

Becoming Second Nature

Most everything I learn, I learn by doing. That is the method that works best for me. I learn from friends, contacts, and the rest of the Internet and other resources too, but it does not become second nature until I get out and do it for myself, then it sinks in and either becomes part of my work flow or I leave it behind.

Preferred Settings

I am almost always shooting in M (Manual) mode. I love the control I get and nothing changes unless I want it to. I will occasionally switch to Aperture Priority when light conditions change rapidly. I forced myself to shoot everything on manual mode for two weeks. After that, I never looked back. The relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture has become second nature now and is not something I even think about for many shots. Just rotate one dial or another and all happens without over-thinking it.

The Sharing

I love the sharing that goes on online. The friends I have made, the sharing that goes on, the learning and such has been great. I love sharing, teaching and talking about shots. This blog has been fun to put together as well, so I hope you get something out of it. Did a 1/day/366 project and that was a great learning experience and great sharing experience.

Now

Have my first “full frame” dSLR – Nikon D700. Converted my D200 to IR for more creativity. Purchased a D5100 to shoot video. Purchased audio gear to capture live sound during shoots. I love long exposures at times when you don’t need them, controlling exposure and dynamic range and bending it to my will.
Member of:

Past President and current Education Coordinator for Photography Association of Wenatchee
I live, eat and breath photography daily.

The Future

creativity.  fun.  explore.  try.  learn.  share. enjoy

Me, in the water, winter, boots, jacket, cold (see my breath) tripod in the water with me.
Photo courtesy of Joe Simpson

Gear

Oh, and the ubiquitous camera gear lineup?
1) Brain
2) Eyes
3) Hands
4) Equipment to extend them

Nikon | Nikkor | Sigma EX | LensBaby | Feisol | Really Right Stuff | Adobe | Wacom | Photoflex |
| Lowepro | Kata | Lexar | Sandisk | Alien Bees | Available Light

On Location | Portrait | Wedding | Event | Commercial | Real Estate | Product | Fine Art | Fun

OK, OK, still need more info? As if it matters:
Bodies
• Nikon D700/grip – DSLR primary work horse for almost all situations
• Nikon D300/grip – DSLR backup or crop factor pixels as needed
• Nikon D200/grip – IR converted DSLR
• Nikon D5100/grip – mainly for video, backup, great for travel & hiking too
• Nikon D70 – converted to IR (dead)
• Nikon Coolpix 4500 (dead)
• Nikon D3/D3s/D3x – rented as needed for certain projects/events
Lenses
• Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX
• Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
• Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 – mainly for IR work (calibrated lens choice for infrared wavelength on D200)
• Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX
• Nikkor 50mm f/1.8
• Nikkor 85mm f/1.8
• Nikkor 105mm f2.8 VR Macro
• Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VR
• Nikkor 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 – old but good glass, very rarely used
• Nikkor 14-24/2.8, 24-70/2.8, 200-400/4, 300/2 – rented as needed for the time being
• Lensbaby 2.0
• (6) EN-EL3e batteries
• (4) EN-EL3 chargers
• (2) EN-EL14 batteries
• (2) EN-EL14 chargers
Camera Support
• Feisol CT-3442 carbon fiber tripod
• Feisol CT-3442CC center column (rarely use)
• Feisol LB-7567 leveling base (for pano head & works great with video head too!)
• Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head – the everyday workhorse
• Opteka TH20 Ball Head – for backpacking (small, light and allows legs of tripod to reverse with head still mounted)
• Nodal Ninja 5L w/ RD16 rotator
• 501 video tripod head
• Delkin Fat Gecko double suction cup camera mount
• Delkin Fat Gecko single suction cup camera mount
• Opteka X-GRIP
• “Ground pod” I made myself w/ ballhead and quick release
• Old Manfrotto tripod
• Manfrotto monopod
• Old Manfrotto 322 RC2 ball head (rarely used)
• Manfrotto AutoPoles
• Custom camera L brackets and plates I modify to fit all my needs
Filters
• 77mm B+W CPL – multicoated circular polarizer
• 77mm Fader ND Mk II – variable ND filter (2 to 9 stops) – great for video
• 77mm Hoya ND400 – multicoated heavy ND filter (8 2/3 stops)
• 77mm clear – multicoated filter (for water/salt spray, etc.)
• 77mm ND 2
Lighting
• Alien Bee B400 (black)
• Alien Bee B800 (yellow)
• SB-800
• (2) SB-600
• LED CN-160 dimmable video light
• (3) Pocket Wizard Plus II units (I love auto-relay & camera triggering)
• (2) cables to trigger remote cameras
• RadioPopper P1 units (PX replacement? likely not, see below)
• RadioPopper JrX units – work great for Alien Bees and beyond
• Investigating PW Flex/Mini for Nikon as a replacement for all RP triggers in my kit
• Explorer XT – 2400 watts of portable strobe power unit (works for other uses too)
• Unbranded 22″ 5-in-1 reflector/diffuser (these things are under $10!)
• Photoflex 42″ 5-in-1 reflector/diffuser
• 47″ Foldable Octobox
• Photoflex OctoDome nxt
• (2) Photoflex 30″ convertible umbrellas
• (2) 43″ silver umbrellas (just cheap “light grenades” if I ever need them or might thrash them)
• (2) Photoflex 60″ convertible umbrellas
• 22″ custom beauty dish
• Photoflex reflector holder/light stand
• Backlight stand (short)
• (2) 6′ light stands
• (2) 13′ light stands
• ExpoImaging Rogue Gels Universal Lighting Filter Kit (Set of 20)
• Lots of other misc gels
Media
• (4) Lexar UDMA 8GB compact flash
• SanDisk 4GB Extreme IV & many old Ultra II 1GB compact flash
• Eye-Fi 8GB+Wi-Fi Pro X2 SDHC class 6
• Transcend 32gb SDHC class 10
• 8GB & 2GB MicroSD for H1 (audio)
Calibration
• X-Rite Color Checker Passport – love it!
• X-Rite Color Munki Photo – screen, projector, printer calibration – love it!
Audio Gear
• Zoom H1 portable audio recorder
• Redhead “dead cat” for H1 (I purchased the ‘Midnight’ color)
• Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Mic
• JuicedLink CX211 Audio Mixer and Preamp for XLR mics
• 15′ XLR Cable
Support Gear
• Kata KT D-3N1-30 Sling/Backpack (with 3N1 Tripod Holder)
• Lowepro Street & Field deluxe belt system
• Blackrapid RS-4 strap
• Blackrapid RS-5 strap
• Dual shooting strap (similar to Blackrapid DR-1 Double Strap)
• Cosco Convertible Hand Truck (for getting gear to the venue indoors or out)
• Electronic cable releases
• Droid 2 Global smartphone
Printing
• Canon imagePROGRAF iPF5100 – 12 pigment inks

And a lot of other items like:
• light modifiers – diffusion panels, scrims, silks, reflectors, bounce cards, black cards, etc.
• support gear, superclamps, tons of various clamps, gaffers tape, plates, mounts, hardware, connectors, adapters, fittings, etc.
• lots of “fantasy cloth” backdrops, white fabric, black fabric, painted canvas
• smoke machines, blowers, bubble machine, etc.
• 6′ step ladder
• 13′ orchard ladder
• all kinds of “Strobist” items and DIY items
• Orange hard had and fluorescent orange safety vest (thanks David Hobby for the idea!)

Software
• Photo Mechanic 4.7
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.4
• Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended
• Adobe After Effects CS4
• Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
• Adobe InDesign CS5
• Adobe Illustrator CS5
• Adobe Flash Professional CS5
• Adobe Encore CS4
• Adobe Soundbooth CS4
• Adobe Dreamweaver CS5
• Nik Software Silver Efex Pro 2
• Nik Software Color Efex Pro 3
• Nik Software Viveza 2
• Nik Software HDR Efex Pro
• Nik Software Dfine 2
• Nik Software Sharpener Pro 3
• On1 Perfect Resize 7 Pro (previously Genuine Fractals)
• On1 PhotoFrame 4.6 Pro
• Alien Skin Bokeh 2
• Alien Skin Snap Art 3
• Photomatix Pro 4 (almost never used)
• Oloneo Photo Engine
• Noise Ninja 2 (rarely used now with Nik & LR3.x)
• Topaz Labs Adjust 4
• Video Copilot Optical Flares
• Portrait Professional v10 Studio
• Dozens of other tools, plugins and utilities

What is on my yet-to-purchase list?
• 14-24 f/2.8
• 16-35 f/4
• Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR
• 2400 watt studio strobe (for overpowering the sun)
• Four SB-900 speedlights
• Foursquare quad flash bracket
• Pocket Wizard Flex & Mini TTL triggers for Nikon
• Upgrade all my plates to Really Right Stuff QR, plates, L brackets, etc. (cost is over $2,000) gulp!
• Shotgun Mic
• Dozens of other goodies

-Landon