On The Road
August, 2005
Hi and welcome to this edition of On the Road. I traveled to the
Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania to join a good friend, Bruno
Klaus and his family at their summer camps for some brochure/advertising
work and summer fun. Each year Bruno and his wife Cheryl update
their summer gymnastics camp and sports camp brochures with new
images. This job would involve spending a week at camp documenting
all the facilities and activities. I covered many aspects of camp
life beyond the obvious rigors of athletes training. Here is a
look at International Gymnastics Camp and International Sports
Training Camp near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.........................
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Image #1 International Gymnastics Camp
is perhaps the finest facility for gymnastics training in
the country and is under the directorship of Bruno's son
Brent Klaus. The camp services both Men's and Women's gymnastics
programs. This image shows the men's gym that is one of
four gymnasiums on the camp grounds were young gymnasts
and future champions are coached. The use of foam pits for
gymnastics training is a necessity for today's gymnast.
My Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye Lens would help emphasis this key
feature of the camp. Nikon D2X, ISO200, 1/30 at f4, Nikon
10.5mm Fisheye Lens, WB Preset, Lexar 4G Flash Card. To
date I had not used the preset WB very much but the mix
of lighting in the gym lead me to believe this would give
the best results, and it did, perfectly.
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Image#2 Dance training is an
important class in the daily schedule of the female gymnast.
The dance studio is a beautiful building with mirrors on one
side and floor to ceiling windows on the other side. While
some ambient light filters in late in the day I needed to
shoot this group early in the morning. The solution was the
Nikon SB800 Speedlight system with wireless iTTL. I clamped
two SB800s (power output +1) to a shelf in the corner of the
studio and one SB800 (power output +1) to a shelf just over
my left shoulder...each unit was attached to shelf with a
Bogen 175F clamp (Justin Clamp) about 10 feet high. The iTTL
mode worked very well as the gymnasts danced about throughout
the studio. The three remote SB800's were activated by the
Master SB800 (power output off) on the hot shoe of my D2X.
Nikon D2X, ISO200, 1/250 at f5.6, 12-24mm Lens, 4 Nikon SB800
Speedlights, Bogen 175F Clamps, Lexar 4G Flash Card. |
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Image#3 Recreation time at camp
is important and a big part of camp life. Gymnasts of all
ages and abilities work hard at their sport at IGC, but the
daily recreation time is a wonderful break from the gym. The
classic three legged race was just one of many relay races
the campers enjoyed one afternoon. Nikon D2X, ISO100, 1/1000
at f5.6, WB Sunny, Nikon 12-24mm Lens, SB800 (power out put
-1) on the hot shoe, Lexar 4G Flash Card. I achieved a ground
level look by kneeling down and holding the D2X about an inch
above the sand. It is not always necessary to look through
the camera to compose the picture and take a shot. |
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Image#4 Both the Gymnastics camp and Sports
Training camp are equipped with a Trapeze rig and professional
instructors. This phase of the weeks training is very popular
and is a great blend of athletic demand and mental exercise
for all who participate. Capturing images of the Trapeze with
a sense of excitement and safety required some athletics of
my own. Like the athletes, I climbed to the 40 foot platform
but felt a few more feet up the rigging would make a better
picture. I also used my own height of 6 feet 2 inches and
my arm reach to hold the D2X with a 10.5mm Fisheye Lens above
the instructors and perspective flyer. Nikon D2X, ISO100,
1/500 at f6.3, WB Sunny, Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye Lens, Lexar
4G Flash Card, Trapeze Safety Harness. I did not look through
the camera to compose this picture. I gained several feet
of height and the view I wanted by holding the camera over
my head while shooting. Some call this approach a "Hail
Mary" but I prefer to think of it as an acquired skill
that is achieved through years of practice in a variety of
situations that called for shooting without looking through
the camera. |
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Image#5 I arrived during "Pirate
Week" at International Gymnastics Camp and when the
camp dance began rocking on Thursday evening these teen
buccaneers took over the dance floor.......AHRRRRRRRR Mate'ee!
Nikon D2X, ISO100, 1/4 sec at f8, WB 5600K, Nikon 12-24mm
Lens, SB800 (power output -1.3) on the hot shoe, Lexar 4G
Flash Card. I wanted to give a fun feeling to the crew of
dancing swashbucklers and did so by using a slow shutter
speed, rear curtain fill flash and quickly rotating the
camera counter clockwise (about 90 degrees) as I took the
shot. Also take note that I captured this picture by once
again holding the camera in a position where I was not able
to look through the view finder. This was my favorite image
of the week as it explodes with color, personality and fun.
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Image#6 The end of the week and a beautiful
sunset. The grounds of International Gymnastics Camp are truly
beautiful. This life size statue of children doing gymnastics
is in the middle of a flower garden dining area adjacent to
the cafeteria. I wanted an image that would help end the camp
experience for those who view the brochure. I silhouetted
the statue against the evening sunset and then added a splash
of light with a remote SB800 placed on the ground. Nikon D2X,
ISO100, 1/250 at f5, Nikon 17-55mm Lens, WB 10,000K, Two SB800
Speedlights (one as the Master and one remote on the ground
(power output -1.7), Lexar 4G Flash Card. |
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Image#7 International Sports Training
Camp is a fantastic facility only minutes away from International
Gymnastics Camp and is under the directorship of Bruno's
daughter Kara and her husband Mark. Arial photography comes
my way every so often and I was excited that arrangements
had been made for a helicopter. Both camps were photographed
from the air at a variety of altitudes and with a variety
of lenses. The waterfront area of International Sports Training
Camp is spectacular. Participants from both camps come to
enjoy a time of fun and recreation between training sessions.
Nikon D2X, ISO200, 1/1000 at f6.3, 70-200mm G VR Zoom Lens
with VR (active mode), WB 5600K, Lexar 4G Flash Card.
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Image#8 Both camps have similar cross training recreation
areas. The Climbing Wall and Zip Line are available for campers
after training sessions are over for the day. Professional
climbing instructors help students young and old achieve great
heights and personal success at the climbing wall. Nikon D2X,
ISO200, 1/250 at f4, Nikon 17-55mm Lens, WB 7000K, Lexar 4G
Flash Card. |
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Image#9 Once campers have scaled the
wall they earn the privilege of a fast ride on the Zip Line.
Nikon D2X, ISO100, 1/40 sec at f5.6, Nikon 70-200mm G VR
Lens (VR on Normal Mode), WB 7100K, Nikon SB800 Speedlight
(power output +1) on the hot shoe and Zoomed to 105mm, Rear
Curtain Sync, Lexar 4G Flash Card.
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Image#10 Sunset on Trout Lake at International Sports
Training Camp. The camp boasts a fleet of Wave Runners that
campers of all ages use from sunrise to sunset. I wanted to
find an iconic image that would lead into the evening activities
section of the brochure and felt the serenity of the lake
with the silent Wave Runners was a nice transition. Nikon
D2X, ISO100, 1/60 at f6.3, WB 10,000K, Nikon 12-24mm Lens,
Lexar 4G Flash Card. |
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Image#11 When the sun sets and the day's
activities are over the campers have some time to socialize
at the camps central facility, the Boathouse. Nikon D2X,
ISO200, 1/4 at f4, Nikon 12-24mm Lens, WB 7000, SB800 Speedlight
(power output +1) on the hot shoe, Rear Curtain Sync, Lexar
4G Flash Card. Young people are in constant motion. The
use of a slow shutter speed and Rear Curtain Fill Flash
creates a slight ghosting of these girls as they leave the
Boathouse. I felt this effect would emphasis the fun and
energy that young people at camp have.
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Image#12 S'mores for everyone! The day is almost over
and the evening campfire at each cabin provides a great opportunity
for the making of S'mores...a camp tradition. Nikon D2X, ISO500,
1/4 at f4, Nikon 12-24mm Lens, WB 7100K, Nikon SB800 (power
output -1) on the hot shoe with the Warming Gel attached,
Lexar 4G Flash Card. I set the exposure for the ambient camp
fire light and let the SB800 help freeze any movement. The
warming gel that comes standard with the SB800 helped balance
the warm fire glow and helped capture a successful image to
end a wonderful day at International Sports Training Camp. |
Well, I hope you all have enjoyed
this edition of On The Road. During this week long assignment
I also covered the sports aspect of these camps but chose to illustrate
the recreational and social side to the summer camp experience
in this article. This kind of work requires versatility and familiarity
with many photographic techniques and a solid understanding of
my equipment. Too often today's sports photographer can get wrapped
up capturing only action images. It is my feeling that with a
broader base of photographic knowledge I will be of value to a
broader base of clients..........and that helps my clients.
Many thanks to Bruno, Cheryl, Brent, Kara and
Mark for having me back. This is a wonderful family run business
of which I feel very welcome and a privilege to be a part of.
Adios,.............Dave
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2008 (click here)
Memory Lane
November,
2008 (click here
Gone Fishing
October,
2008 (click here)
National Geographic Adventure Photography Workshop
September,
2008 (click here)
Olympians, Weather and Workshops
August,
2008 (click here)
Camp Life
July,
2008 (click here)
Lightpainting the Southwest
June,
2008
The Kentucky Derby
May,
2008 (click here)
A Southwest Tour
April,
2008 (click here)
The Endless Winter
March,
2008 (click here)
PMA Show in Las Vegas!
February,
2008 (click here)
At the Ballet
January,
2008 (click here)
One Week of Work
December,
2007 (click here)
A Look Back at 2007
November,
2007 (click here)
Traveling
with the New Nikon D3
October,
2007 (click here)
High Country Journey
September,
2007 (click here)
Walking
On The Road
August,
2007 (click here)
Speedway
Thunder from PA
July, 2007
(click here)
"Arlington National
Cemetery"
June, 2007
(click here)
"Kentucky Derby Day"
May, 2007
(click here)
"Mexico Trek"
April,
2007 (click here)
"Egypt Trek"
March,
2007 (click here)
Transit Mix
"Images From the Air"
February,
2007 (click here)
Ice Climbing in Ouray
January,
2007 (click here)
2007 Year in Review
December,
2006 (click here)
People of Willoq, Peru
November,
2006 (click here)
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October,
2006 (click here)
Training for the Mr USA Title
September,
2006 (click here)
"The International Golf Tournament"
August,
2006 (click here)
"Tour of Champions Documentary"
July,
2006 (click here)
"Northern California, the FBI and Clint
Eastwood ..."
June,
2006 (click here)
"The 2006 Kentucky Derby"
May,
2006 (click here)
"Off the Road Picture Sales"
April,
2006 (click here)
Ladies Olympic Figure Skating
March,
2006 (click here)
Torino Italy and the 2006 Winter Olympic Games
February,
2006 (click here)
"Hey Dave, are you going to the Winter Olympics in Torino
and What Equipment Do You Take?"
January,
2006 (click here)
The Holiday Tea with Tchaikovsky
presented by Colorado's Classical Youth Ballet
December,
2005 (click here)
Landscapes at Pebble Beach:
a look back at 2005
November,
2005 (click here)
Lightpainting Landscapes
NFL Football
October,
2005 (click here)
3 Day Photography Workshop
Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, North Carolina
September,
2005 (click here)
Michelle Kwan
August,
2005 (click here)
International Gymnastics Camp
July,
2005 (click here)
the Men's US Open Golf Championships
June,
2005 (click here)
The Kentucky Derby
May,
2005 (click here)
Nevada Photojournalism Day
April,
2005 (click here)
John Bolin's "The Thorn"
March,
2005 (click here)
Indoor Track and Field
UC Irvine's Paul Spittle and
the Sports Shooter Academy
with Nikon's new DX2
February,
2005 (click here)
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Denver vs Indianapolis
the US Figure Skating Nationals
Portland, Oregon
College Basketball:
Colorado State vs Air Force
January,
2005 (click here)
Broncos Football:
Broncos VS. Dolphins
Assignment work:
Wrestling
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A look back at 2004
November,
2004 (click here)
Rich Clarkson's Photography at the Summit Workshop &
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October,
2004 (click here)
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Gymnastics and more
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2004 (click here)
The 2004 Summer Olympic Games
Athens, Greece
August,
2004 (click here)
A look back at some wonderful Olympic moments
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2004 (click here)
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US Olympic Training Center - Swimming and Gymnastics
June,
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Last Month the Masters, this month The Kentucky Derby......I
love my job
May,
2004 (click here)
Masters at Augusta National
April,
2004 (click here)
The American Cup Gymnastics
NIKON COLLEGE WORKSHOP
March,
2004 (click here)
Indoor Track and Field
Women's Freestyle Wresting
Rhythmic Gymnastics Nationals
The Glass Flower Ceiling at the Belagio Hotel in Las Vegas
February,
2004 (click here)
College Basketball
Women's Waterpolo
Olympic swimmers on their way to Athens
January,
2004 (click here)
NFL Football
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals
A look back at The Greenbay Professionals
December,
2003
Monday Night Football the Sports Shooter Workshop and Luau in
LA
November,
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Photography at the Summit workshop
October,
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September,
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Lightpainting in Banf
The World Gymnastics Championships
August,
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International Gymnastics Camp
July,
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Thunderbirds
Gymnastics
The Sports Photography Workshop with Rich Clarkson
Velodrome Cycling, More
June, 2003
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White water kayakers
The Champions on Ice tour
May,
2003 (click here)
PBR Rodeo
Chris Shivers and Little Yellow Jacket ride for $1 Million
April,
2003 (click here)
Nikon's featured speaker at PMA in Las Vegas
American Cup Gymnastics
USAFA Women's Basketball
USAFA Swimming
USAFA Boxing
NCAA Fencing Championships
March,
2003 (click here)
USOC's Titan Games
February,
2003 (click here)
Air Force Basketball
Pro Football Pre-Superball Stock Sales
Swimmers train at the Swim Flume at the USOC
Much more!
January,
2003 (click here)
Diving at the Air Force Academy
Denver Broncos VS. The Arizona Cardinals
Olympic Hopefuls Lenny Krayzelberg and Tom Molchow practice
at the USOC
