Robb at the Fair

Any day now I'm going to walk into Christian Photo and lay down a couple of thousand dollars for equipment. My needs for quality still photos and 1080p video — including stereo remote sound recording — means that I'm going to need either a Canon 5D or 7D.

In the mean time, I've been directing people (with needs that aren't as critical as mine) to buy the Canon 60D.  It is fast, high quality and very versatile. it is the answer to the question, "What's the best digital SLR available if I don't want to spend a small fortune?"

Robb Origer did just that, here's the proof below. Love the Fair!

Mit Romney and Dick Christian

Sorry for the long delay, I've been traveling quite a bit.

The last week in June I was laid off by the Des Moines Register, which probably brought my full time photojournalism career to an end after over 30 years. All good things come to an end at it has been a great ride.

Now I'm freelancing, looking for work and trying not to get too emotionally caught up in the "I'm unemployed" thing.

So, I'm exploring, trying to find a new way. I was at the Iowa State Fair yesterday, photographing Republican presidential hopeful Mit Romney. For the day, I was using some equipment out of the consignment case over at Christian Photo, 6721 Douglas Avenue, in Des Moines. (515) 270-8030.

To back track, I get messages all the time from people looking to get into a digital SLR, without spending $2000 or more.

Dick had a Nikon D70, coupled with a Nikon 18 - 70mm zoom. PEFECT!
The camera is $300 and the lens is $175. So, for under $500, you can have it all. I shot the photos below at 200 ISO in the daylight, and 1600 ISO inside the dark Varied Industries building. They all came out great.

I don't think these two items will last long. I get nothing from Dick for this promotion, he's just one of my favorite people!

Here are some photos of Romney at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.