Notes from the Field

So I made it to Paso Robles in one piece. CHP locked on to me a few times, but my radar detector kept me safe. I must be the only person of my generation that does not own a GPS, but has a radar detector, in a HONDA ELEMENT.

This is my life and that is why I came down to Paso Robles.

I am down here helping out Syl Arena as he hosts the first, of soon to be many, workshops in Paso Robles. The first intructor is the great Joe McNally. He did a great day of demoing gear and lighting situations for the students. I have seen Joe do something similar several times at workshops and Photoshop World, and every time I see him do it, it is different and I take away so much. The students are buzzing after the demo and are ready to go on Tuesday, the first day they get to shoot.

While the title may suggest something sinister about the town of Paso Robles, it is anything but. The people of Paso Robles are so nice and have treated us so well. I can see why Syl lives here. An amazing place to photograph and live.

I also had time to run down to San Louis Obispo after the demos were done and hit Really Right Stuff. If you are looking for great, and the best solutions for tripod heads and plates you can’t go wrong. I have a review of their mid-range head in the works.

Going to bed and getting ready for day 2.

M.D.

I am hitting the road, running out the door, hair on fire and praying the CHP does not have better radar than my detector can handle. I am off to help my good friend Syl Arena at his first workshop. He has Joe McNally up to bat for the first week and David Hobby the following week. I am starting to feel a bit of the old Hunter S. Thompson, so that is the rational behind the title. More later today. And so much more the rest of the week.

M.D.

P.S. I also have to shoot a wedding in Arizona on Saturday. Hair is fully on fire.