Great Grey Owl Winter (Strix nebulosa, Chouette Lapone) Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds http://www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D Mark II, 100-400mm @ 400mm. ISO 800, F8 1/400s Manual Exposure. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE AN IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION. Image presented with both a visible, and invisible digital watermark by Digimarc.

Let’s face it: digital cameras are responsible for more people being more successful at making great images than ever before. The instant feedback from the image and histogram displayed on digital camera's LCD screens has revolutionized how we take picture and is responsible for the astronomical volume of pictures captured every day – many of them great images.
The gap between the professional and amateur has narrowed. The biggest difference between a professional and amateur today, is their ability to edit down the number of similar images, and a professional's ability to leave some gear behind. If you head out into the woods to look for owls, consider packing less for speed, ease of movement, comfort and your back. You really don't need to lug around every lens you own in the biggest of camera backpacks. I’ve seen it countless times out in the field: great images missed while the photographer was selecting which lens and camera to use from the arsenal they had just hauled through waist deep snow into the woods. Imageless, out of breath, dripping sweat, shaking from the physical exertion, they are left to pack-up their photographic assets, while I quickly chimp through the images, stow my single camera and lens and carry-on looking through the woods for owls.

Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds with Think-Tank Photo's new Digital Holster 50 V2.0 and Digital Holster Harness V2.0 looking for owls December, 2010, Rockburn, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright and courtesy ©Julie Morrison All Rights Reserved. Image from my Canon S-95.

Think-Tank Photo Digital Holster 50 V2.0

My friends over at Think-Tank Photo are at it again. This time, they have redesigned their Digital Holster line. I was thrilled to receive the new Digital Holster 50 V2.0 with a Digital Holster Harness V2.0 and put them to the test recently while out in the recent Canadian winter looking for owls.
I threw my 70-200mm F2.8 IS II onto my Canon 1D Mark IV, extended the hood and slid it into my new Digital Holster 50 V2.0 after un-zipping the “pop down” lens compartment extension on the case – a terrific design that reduces the holster’s size when you travel with the lens hood reversed. Next, I quickly installed and adjusted the Holster Harness (they have even found a simple way to stash the left-over ends of straps so they don’t get in the way or blow around in the wind) and quickly loaded the rig over my huge coat and onto my chest. I threw an extra battery and some extra memory cards into the built-in side pocket and was off to try my luck at finding any owls that may have been out in the fresh snow. The new version even has a built-in side attachment system compatible with modular Think-Tank Photo pouches if you need a little more room. Built materials and quality are first rate, as expected from Think-Tank Photo and there is even a built-in padded flap to cover and protect the camera’s LCD screen.
The Digital Holster 50 V2.0 and the new Digital Holster Harness V2.0 worked flawlessly and proved to be the key to mobility and agility while safely protecting my camera as I navigated around the forest in the fresh snow. As mentioned, the material is durable and it’s built well, I only wish the fine folks over at Think-Tank Photo would stop including waterproof covers that take away storage space when stowed in the bag, get in the way and then become lost, and instead produced a weatherproof line of gear for the outdoor crowd – don’t get me wrong, they are almost weatherproof now and I have yet to find a better alternative. I am just hopeful we will see an “adventurer” line from them in the future; a line designed by and for the outdoor photographer.
Order yours now and get a free bag HERE while helping to support this site.

Great FREE Gear Giveaway Continues

Sign-up for my newsletter before Dec. 15th, 2010 and you will automatically be entered to win some amazing prizes. Simply fill-in your name and email address in the form in the column to the right of this post and you are entered automatically (only sign-up once please). Tweet, Like or Share this blog entry on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a meaningful comment here for additional chances to win. Don't forget to tell your friends or fellow camera club members about the prizes.

WH-200 Wimberley Head version II (retail value of US$595.00)
Think-Tank Photo Urban Disguise 50 (retail value US$169.00)
Nik Software Viveza 2 (retail value US$199.95)
Digimarc for Images Professional Edition 1 year subscription (US$99.00)
One of eight Canon Long Lens Rain Covers (US$125.00 each)

Dec. 15th PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY

I'm hosting my first annual PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY at the ROCKBURN PUB 2461 Mtee Rockburn, Hinchinbrook, Quebec J0S 1E0 (450) 264-2239. All amateurs and hobbyists welcome! It's an à la carte menu and there is no fee (other than paying for your own food & drinks) - John Zimmerman (President, Montreal Camera Club) has graciously agreed to pass the hat for Missing Children's Network / Enfant-Retour Québec; donations are optional but encouraged (Tax receipts will be issued for contributions greater than $15.00). Come on out and meet me, my friends and make new contacts while networking and showing off a few of your favorite images from 2010. Feel free to bring prints, iPads or laptops with your favorite images. RSVP required - email me at chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com (please type PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY in the subject line) to reserve your spot. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve soon. I will be drawing some great prizes for the Great Gear Giveaway Contest and you get another name in the hat @ the party. Special thanks to Joann for opening the pub just for us!