Anywho, here are some still shots from my second day of  the 2011 MGM Ironman:

PWS asked me to shoot video and still photos 2 of the days.  Arriving in Parma at 6:30 am I was just in time to capture the first stage for the 5 shooters PWS had at the MGM Ironman.  Almost all of the stages the shooter is required to use all 3 of their guns (Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun).

One Stage looked something like this:

1.  Climb up to an elevated position (about 50 feet up) and using your rifle to engage targets between 10 and 400 yards away.

2. Slide down the biggest slide in the world (after clearing your weapon) engaging more targets between 50 and 300 yards away.

3. Run to the next stop (leaving your rifle) grab your shotgun and engage targets 100-150 yards away (shooting slugs).

4. Run down an embankment (with your shotgun cleared) set your shotgun down on a table, pick up your pistol, strafe to the left engaging targets from less than 3 feet to 25 yards away.

5. Run back to the table (with your pistol cleared and holstered) pick up your shotgun and walk a course apx 30 yards engaging stationary targets and flying clays.

6. At the end of the course, pull out your pistol and engage targets 3-25 yards away (some moving).

That is just one “Stage”.  The PWS shooters participated in 4 on Sunday…and will finish all 10 by Wednesday.

• The other stages consist of:engaging targets while hurling down a zipline
• Clearing a pitch black cave
• Breaching doors
• Using a fully auto MP-5
• Engaging targets from a moving vehicle

…and the list goes on.  This is a true test of focus, concentration, will power, physical ability and stamina.

Here are a few shots from Sunday’s matches.  Remember, I was shooting mostly video.  I will be headed out in the morning to shoot a Nationally ranked marksman.

Please feel free to call Ben if you have any questions. 208.412.5216
We are currently taking bookings for individual or small group photo sessions specifically for fitness competitors. Slots are filling fast -don’t hesitate to call…you do not want to miss out on capturing this time in your life.

This was a LONG day of shooting as this episode featured 3 photographers and a slew of other artists.  The subject was two krazy ladies that have a knack for saving a ridiculous amount of money http://thekrazycouponlady.com .

I was tasked as the “assistant” and helped in any way that I could. I took TONS of behind the scenes photos…and got to witness how the show was shot and produced.  The [FRAMED] crew is an amazing bunch…I don’t think there was a 5 minute period without any laughter.

Here are just a few of the behind the scene photos I took:

More photos will show up as soon as possible, and an order page will arrive soon too.  But for now, here are the photos:

I will get the photos completed as fast as possible. Feel free to call or email me with any questions.
ben@benpeterson.net
208.412.5216

The weather turned out wonderful.  I had such a blast on the shoot.  We probably walked 4 miles downtown, but didn’t notice as great conversation and lots of laughter filled the time.

Here are just a few of the shots:

Check out the photos.  If you want prints, just contact me: 208.412.5216 or ben@benpeterson.net

So, without further ado:

The Manfrotto Joystick Head (222): http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.31708.76901.0.0/222/_/Joystick_Head

My first experience with this head was a few years ago when I worked for a Creative Development firm.  There was camera and video gear everywhere.  On my first assignment to do some behind the scene photography of a video shoot, I was told to grab a camera and tripod.  As fate would have it I grabbed a Manfrotto tripod with the 222 head attached.

To be quite honest I had no idea how it worked and why it looked so weird (compared to other tripods I have used).  It only took about one minute to fall completely in love with the 222.

Do you remember the Ron Popeil rotisserie oven? “Set it and forget it”.  That is the best way to describe the ease of use for this head.  Just squeeze the “trigger” and move the camera to which ever angle/position you want, and that is it. It just sticks there.  Not quite centered?  No problem! Squeeze the trigger move and within a second, it is set and ready to go. Nothing to tighten or unscrew…it really is that easy.

So, when I made the jump into full time photography myself years later, this was one of the first things I purchased.

It is made from cast aluminum so it isn’t too heavy, it has a bubble level so you can quickly check your …level (duh).

Some things to be aware of:

1.      There is only one section that you can go a full 90 degrees, so if you are planning on doing both portrait and landscape shooting, you just need to make sure where that section is.

2.      This does not make a good head if you need to do any panning while shooting video.  I have shot a ton of video with it, and this is definitely not smooth panning head.

3.      The 222 does add a significant height to your tripod, I view this as a good thing…but it is something to be aware of.

I think that about wraps up the first review.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.