Russian model. In the studio in West Austin.
So, I'm rounding up the usual gear and getting on a plane first thing tomorrow morning to continue the same assignment we were doing last week. I'll be in Florida, Alabama and North Carolina before getting back here (hopefully) in the early evening Thursday. That's eight flights in three days. Weird travel schedule for sure. But what it really means is that I don't have endless days to do web research about my next trip; the one to Iceland for nine days. I know what I want to pack in terms of photo gear and computer stuff but I'd love to hear from people who found good masters swim programs in Reykjavik and also good swimming pools that are open late (I'll sneak away and swim while others hit the bar.....).
Also trying to compile a list of good coffee shops and neighborhood food joints that are off the beaten path --- if that's possible.
I've been watching the weather every day and it seems like good rain gear is much more important than bringing a bunch of cold weather gear worthy of a north pole expedition. Talk to me about shoes, boots, and assorted footwear.
I guess the lower light situation is something we take for granted so the tripod is mandatory.
Give me as much information as you can. Everyone's perspective adds to the trove. Thanks! KT
42 comments:
I think I've offered what I can in previous comments, but I wanted to tip you off on this, perhaps for something in the future: Iceland Airwaves
https://icelandairwaves.is/
You've covered the street scene of Austin's SXSW. Perhaps, a future gig that also spans NXNE? (my invention- North by North East)
I just heard about a couple of days ago. Under consideration for 2019.
... oh, and yeah, agreed, gear to keep yourself dry. Sloppy cold weather is more likely than a blizzard. But, you could be blessed by a string of clear sunny days. Some of the most unpredictable weather on the planet, or so the residents say.
I know you have the camera gear thing figured out but double check that you've actually packed the simple things: like outlet plug adapters. Most device battery chargers these days are universal (and should already handle the 220v/50hz standard) but I would double check the chargers for camera and flash batteries. You'll still need some plug adapters or the universal voltage/plug adapters. Have a great time!
Have you considered using the GH5S as one of the bodies (for all the reasons you like it)- great for that low light :) Might even want to get a backup while at Precision? :)
Rick
Do you have an 'overcoat' for your camera? one that you can put your hands into and view the screen/EVF, a very useful addition. Ankle boots rather than shoes and ensure they are waterproof, preferably one with a stitched tongue under the laces. A good waterproof jacket with hood is always useful; I prefer layers of clothing, as you can open up (or close) different layers as you need to. Coming from the UK we know a bit about rain! Enjoy your trip.
I live in Scotland which is like a wetter and slightly warmer version of Iceland.
Firstly rain gear won't keep you dry. It may keep you warm(er) but you'll either get wet on the inside from sweat (even with Goretex) or it will be blown in via your sleeves, hood, down your neck and via general body movement. Particularly when the rain is horizontal as it is bound to be windy. Accept that its primary purpose is to reduce the amount of rain and deflect the wind and you will be happier.
Secondly keeping your hands warm will be key for photography and I would strongly suggest you DON'T buy waterproof gloves which will get wet inside eventually and trap all that moisture inside. Plus they will clumsy and awkward to use.
I recommend two types of glove. Powerstretch (very stretchy fleece) gloves that offer some wind resistance and will give good dexterity. Readily available in the US from various mfrs like Black Diamond, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear.
Secondly a windproof but not waterproof fleece or fibre pile lined glove that can be used over the powerstretch gloves (or standalone) as a warm up glove and for use when not actively shooting. The fleece/fibre pile will wick moisture away from your skin and will actually keep you warm even when wet.
You may also find this site very useful for checking sunrise, sunset and sun height at noon. There is a load of other info about moon times, weather etc. as well. https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/iceland/reykjavik
Can be quite foggy and depending on the weather and the wind you should take some UV filters to keep off the fine rain or spray from the front lens element. Especially close to waterfalls. UVs are easier to wipe off than your lenses.
I live in Iceland being a native of this rock in the Atlantic Ocean. ;-) One important thing to keep in mind. Light. It's very dark in Iceland during late October, early November, from 5 pm until 10 am, and if the sky is overcast (likely) it will be dark during the daytime, as well. So, very unlike Texas. And as you will be tavelling and staying lots of time outdoors in windy and possibly rainy conditions, it will be hard to use artificial light ... conclusion? In Iceland you need bright lenses, so bring your f/2.8 lens, and the Panasonic f/1.7 ... you'll understand what I'm saying when you arrive ... best Gunnlaugur Gudmundsson
apologies for all the posts, didn't see or think they'd appear (and then I saw my message appear from this morning in your earlier post) ... sorry, sorry
Gunnlaugur Gudmundsson
There may be very few available outlets in your hotel room, so one of the things I found useful was a small power strip with 4-6 outlets. Put your plug adaptor on it and then plug multiple chargers into it. Invaluable when traveling with my wife where we each had an iPhone, iPad, and a camera.
Not a comment on Iceland. I tried to email you at info@kirktuck.com and it got rejected.
I follow you using the Feedly feed reader. For some time I have not been getting your feed. I tried to re-subscribe but it did not do any good. I don't know if the problem is my computer , Feedly, or Blogspot. You might want to check into it when you get back from Iceland.
In terms of power, it looks like Iceland has two different plug types and runs at 230 volts and 50 Hz:
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/for-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-iceland/
In terms of power strips, make sure the power strip is rated to 230 volts. A few years ago, I used a US power strip with an adapter in England to give me 4 plugs, and the power strip stopped working, and I had to rotate things through the one plug in the room. You can get universal power strips that have plugs for all of the different conventions. They come in two types. The first type is just a simple plug converter, and all of your devices need to be able to handle 230 volts and 50 Hz. The second is a voltage converter that converts the voltage to 110 volts (and presumably 60 Hz). I had one in my last trip to England, and it buzzed all of the time, so I got the simpler plug converter for my next trip (all of my gear that I know of is dual voltage -- but I do plan on carrying the voltage converter just in case). I recall that electric shavers are special and typically can't be converted -- obviously check ahead of time if you are going to use one.
Obviously check your laptop to see if it is dual voltage. Ditto for medical machines like CPAP machines.
The next thing to think about is whether you have international cell phone service there. I use t-mobile, and I was able to tell them when I went to Canada, England, and the Czech republic to use their partner companies there (the t-mobile phones I own are quad-band LTE [GSM] and can connect with foreign carriers). As I recall, I had to specifically select use roaming data when I was over there on the advice of the t-mobile person (calls were something like $0.25 but free if you used something like Skype and you have an 'unlimited' data plan).
If you have CDMA instead of GSM, you may be out of luck.
I've heard that with GSM phones you can buy a SIM card to use when aboard if your phone company doesn't offer foreign services (or they are too expensive). I don't know much about it. Alternatively, assuming the hotel has wifi is to only use services over wifi.
Gore Tex to keep you dry and micro cloth to keep your camera dry. Also handy is a head lamp, the footing can be tricky in low light. I ended up with a head wound in an ice cave. However discover an incredible wound product called ChitoCare. If you find it bring some home, it works great.
Kirk, I have never been to Iceland but have been several times photographing bears in Alaska which also means days and days outside in the rain, so here are some very obvious things. Consider rain pants on top of hiking pants. They do not keep you 100% dry but pretty close, and if you wear them over hiking pants, you do not get hot, sweaty and all other unpleasant things. I think they are very useful. I have very solid hiking boots, good enough to cross small streams staying dry but if you do not plan to walk long distances nothing beats basic rubber boots with wool socks, plus rain pants over the boots. A good Goretex rain jacket will keep you mostly dry, I think, with all due respect the Scottish gentleman above, but make sure it is just a shell with a hood, and put the necessary number of fleeces under it, so that you can regulate how warm it is. Gloves will probably get wet no matter what since you will need to take them off every now and then to handle things, and then they get wet. And bring extra pairs of everything, so that you always have dry clothes at the hotel to warm your thoughts when you are outside and get really wet. Iceland will surely be a great experience, too bad it is during our school year. Lenya
Two years ago was introduction of Olympus OM-D E-M1 MKII and both MR Huff & Raber were in Iceland:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2016/11/01/the-olympus-e-m1-mkii-review-part-1-iceland/
and
https://luminous-landscape.com/olympus-om-d-e-m1-ii-hand-preview/
It would probably be helpful if you contact them about specific needs required to survive the environment.
My own daughter went there last year in the spring and was glad to have a full raingear outfit and weather sealed Oly OM-D E-M1 MK1 with 12-40mm. Both worked without issues.
My advice is always the same, although I have never taught a photography class.
Put the camera aside, take a breath. Take another. Look and see. What do *you* make of Iceland? What, if anything, is *your* Iceland? Take another breath and think.
Once you've found your Iceland, try to shoot that.
New G9 firmware came out today.
I'd also suggest you plan to have more energy and enthusiasm than any of your group. I get the feeling that you will be inspirational from reading this blog for many years but everyone will take their cues from you. Be prepared for the "know-it-all" and the curmudgeon. There is one of each in every group. Read up on Tim Cahill from Outside Magazine: https://www.outsideonline.com/1838026/professor-cahills-travel-101. One of my favorite stories of his is in Outside Magazine was "The Man Who Didn't Get It" about an abusive traveller in one of his groups.
Make sure everyone's passport has at least 6 months left until expiration, many countries won't allow you in if there is less.
I'd bring some basic photo related tools like gaffers tape, jewelers screwdrivers and filter wrenches.
One of my favorite stories involves Galen Rowell. After an arduous day leading a tour in Tibet everyone had settled in warm comfort for dinner. Rowell stopped eating, grabbed his camera and started running for a couple of miles I believe. What came out of that effort was his extraordinary image, Rainbow over the Potala Palace.
Have fun and everyone else will too.
PS I wish I could join you.
Also new GH5 and GH5s firmware today.
I've tried Gore Tex clothes, but I too found that I get to damp inside from sweat.
I use a rain poncho plus rainproof chaps. (Buttons and straps must be of good quality. A too wide poncho may flap around the camera in a fresh wind. But I have small experience of photographing in rain as I've no good rain cover for the camera.)
I prefer a sou'-wester to a hood in the poncho (or jacket), I can move my head more freely.
Dress in layers, especially if you're on the move a lot. If you're moving, save your warmest jacket for stops, don't wear it while you're moving as the insulation will get damp from your sweat and will chill you when you stop. A base layer of Merino wool is nice, it doesn't pit out for a while and you can wear it for days. REI has their house brand and Smartwool's. Smartwool socks are cushy and keep your feet warm; look for the Trekking weight socks. I think REI gives you 10% off if you buy three pair.
Hi Kirk,
I'm a long time follower of yours and would like to thank you very much for your entertaining blog.
One question: I've recognized that your RSS Feed isn't updating since about 7th of October and the link from the webpage (Subscribe to) is also missing. Is this intentionally?
Florian
For people that frequently travel it can be handy to pick up a set of mains cables for those places. I have found using a five port USB charger and corresponding USB battery chargers to be very useful. The number of hotels etc that I only have one free mains socket to be a right pain, the USB chargers have solved this problem.
Good time to practice your outfit in Austin. Rainy and cool. Go out to a rocky place like one of the river state parks at twilight/dark. And take a couple of buddies who are ill equipped and getting their gear wet, maybe a ruined wet expensive camera. We went in mid-summer, the colors in town, on the rocky coast, in rural areas were vibrant. And we lucked out with a sunny week. Hopefully you get some sun. Now, for coffee and off the beaten path food...haven’t seen any recommendations yet. In Rejkyavik, by the old harbor, an easy hike, I liked Saegreifinn’s soup and fresh bread. Otherwise, take a good icelandic murder mystery to read on the looonnnnnggggggg flight.
OTOH: You will travel by motor coach, presumably heated. You will likely be based at a hotel in Reykjavik. (Nice restaurants, lively street scenes.) Sloppy cold wet weather protection is appropriate, of course, but emulating Roald Amundsen may be a bit too much.
Based on the amount of water in the air during my summer visit to Iceland - plan to avoid having to change lenses outdoors as much as possible...
I just returned from Iceland and thought often about signing up to return to photograph with your group! All the comments are spot on, especially regarding the number of outlets in hotel rooms. If you can find an adapter with USB ports it can make your life better. And, don't be like the American tourist we encountered who berated other tourists to move out of her smart phone photo when she was standing in the only pathway in and out of the area . . .
That is really attention-grabbing, You're an overly professional blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to in quest of more of your wonderful
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Kirk, In looking through these comments I see no reference to swimming pools. The Icelanders LOVE their swimming pools and you will have no problem finding a place to swim - probably outdoors, sine the water is geothermally heated. It is a a fascinating place you'll be happy there.
Bill McFadden
It's been 8 years since I was in Iceland, but a colleague recently went there - I'd just say that you shouldn't underestimate how expensive it can be to eat out. If you want to eat cheaply, I hope you like hot dogs.
If you're shooting near the glaciers, then remember they create their own micro-climates, too.
MikeK is correct, a 6” Subway and two Cokes is $26 Most local can’t afford to eat out. The Clinton god is a favorite.
Being a swimming enthusiast you should take a dip in the well known Blue Lagoon, an interesting experience. Word of warning, there are no lane lines.
I shot for years in the rainforest area of Southeast Alaska, with middle school kids using Olympus 520’s. What kept them alive through many rainy days was large terry microfiber clothes that you could toss on the camera as you walked around.
Ask people where they have problems, and suggest strategies for them to learn.
Just remembered, do you need a map? There is one that has been aimed at photographers. Looks good and gives info on locations etc. https://international-photographer.com/en/maps-guides/?product_cat=islande-en
The Blue Lagoon is a spa - it is not a "swimming" pool but rather a giant [very warm] hot tub. Very relaxing, but definitely not what you want for swimming. But every town in Iceland, down to the smallest hamlets, seems to have a geothermally heated community pool. And most are going to be significantly cheaper than the touristy ones like the Blue Lagoon (and have opportunities for swimming). Swimming and soaking in hot pools seems to be the national pastime.
Ken
Swimming pools... you have to strip off completely and wash with soap in the communal showers before putting on your swimming costume and getting into the pool. People will be watching to make sure you do it. They prefer not to use excessive amounts of chlorine...
Most tourist destinations do now have two changing rooms now - one for men, one for women. Most, not all. ;)
I haven't read all the comments so apologies if I repeat something you've heard already:
1) Take a power strip so you only need one power adaptor
2) If you go to the Blue Lagoon (and you should!) take a snap camera in. i didn't and I missed some great shots.
3) I ate out in a pub in Reykjavik thinking it would be expensive but actually it was not too bad.
4) If you go whale watching get to the front of the boat quickly and STAY THERE! If you move you'll lose your spot.
5) Enjoy yourself, it's a great place. I went in August 2008 and it wasn't too wet and cold. Not sure what it's like in November!
6) Enjoy the outdoor thermal pools, not for swimming but relaxing.
If you can go to the valley of Fjaðrárgljúfur it looks really cool and some great photo ops. It was used in a new music video recently. You can see the info and the video here: https://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/twenty-one-pilots/jumpsuit-video-location-iceland/
Don't forget your remote control for critical work on tripod.
I always remember attending my first (and last) workshop. The instructor began by pointing out he was there to help us... he was NOT There to take his own photos. He explained that he normally carried a camera but his only use was for some snapshots of the group. He also said he may ask the group's permission on the last shoot on the last day to take a some of his own photos, but that was it. That sentiment stuck with me and I think about it every time I see some "famous" photographer posting the beautiful photos he took while teaching a workshop. I feel sorry for the participants who signed up thinking they would get the photographer's attention and help with their own photo and instead ended up watched him do his own thing.
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