My Steemit Travel Vlog Begins Tomorrow - Gear Preparations for Italy and Croatia

in photographers •  7 years ago  (edited)

Hey Steemians! I've been busy the past three days preparing for my trip to Europe; I'm sorry it's been a few days since my last update. A lot went into preparations for equipment and software, etc. I also have been shooting in between all the prepping. It's going to be a crazy next two weeks! But super stoked to make some video blogs just for Steemit!

In this post I go over gear and plans for the next three weeks

If you didn't already know I'm planning on Vlogging specifically for Steemit during my trip to Europe over the next couple of weeks. I wanted to give a quick update and let you know that I leave tomorrow and I also wanted to show you some of the gear I'm bringing along.

My first stop is Venice, Italy. I'm there for only three nights but I do have a shoot with TV/film personality Chiara. We are going to do some artsy photography one evening; I'll tell you more in a Vlog post :)

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Chiara from Venice, Italy

For those who didn't see my teaser intro for Steemit Croatia Calling

_Croatia Calling_ teaser video
Short video explaining the gear and the Steemit Vlog

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3 Camera bodies: Canon 5D and Nikon D800 for video. Nikon FE 35mm film camera for some artsy stuff.

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Here's where the magic all comes together: my MacBook Air and Western Digital 2TB external hard drive. I also got a copy of Adobe Premiere installed so the editing will all take place on the Air...hopefully no hiccups; I'm testing out this editing rig for the first time right now. Update it appears Premiere and Youtube is working fine off the new drive and software!

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"Hey Mikey, which camera do you shoot with....Nikon or Canon?"
"BOTH!"

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Above Here's my new ThinkTank StreetWalker HardDrive that they graciously sent me when I emailed them about my project this summer. Video for Steemit!! I love their gear, an awesome company.

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The bag loaded and ready for travel. It took my a few hours to figure out a home for each piece of gear in the bag.

Here's a list for those gear heads:
ThinkTank StreetWalker HardDrive - camera bag
Canon lenses: 50mm 1.2, 135mm 2.0 (so sharp!), 16-35mm 2.8 (for video)
Nikon lenses: 50mm 1.4G, 24-70mm 2.8 (it's a tank but most versatile lens in my kit)
Rode shotgun mic for interviews
Nikon FE 35mm 1979 camera body
Film: Tri-X 400 and Ilford Delta 3200
Blackrapid camera strap - I like the skinny version
Yungnuo speedlight
Pocket Wizard Plus III triggers
Gordon Strap - my design
gaffer tape
Western Digital 2TB hard drive
compressed air for cleaning off gear
64GB Sandisk cards
5 in 1 reflector
Westcott Apollo 28" (not in photo)

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The side profile. Notice side pocket for laptop and photography reflector : )~

A lot of preparation went into making all of this happen. I'm using my Steem to pay for the gear and trip...it's a new social experiment for me. Hopefully this will be a success so I can do more trips like this and inspire others to do similar projects.

Also, if you know anyone in Croatia or Italy shoot me a comment, it's I'd love to meet some new people during my travels. Steemit Meetup in Croatia? I'll be there July 1-8 - Porec, Croatia

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I am also saving money to go travel Europe ! Good to see steemit helps you to achieve this and of coz one day I can be success as you do. Preparation works are really important and I hope you will have a great time there! Please be aware of you belongings tho, I heard theres a lot of thief!!

I would love to help fellow Steemians out if they visit my region in France. :D

I have been dreaming of Paris lately and the French countryside. Looks like a beautiful place. :smile:

Fantastic! Are you also a film maker? Let me know when you are about to embark on Europe. I've traveled around the world with lots of gear...I've had gear stolen and encountered a group of guys with knives. It doesn't stop me...just travel on! Good luck and thanks for the kind words

There are no thieves in Croatia! I have been there.

yeahhhhh ... agreee and as Slovakia does.

No worries. Thieves are in every country that can't be avoided. Be mindful and make sense will do. Hope ur dreams come true!

Followed! So excited for your trip!

so fun)

It should be fun! Thanks for inspiring me to make this Steemit trip awesome.

Very hote

Have a safe trip and looking for more of your work.

come Malaysia

All this gear viewing makes me drool... ;)

Thanks for the heads-up! By the look of it, you are set and a half for some serious travelling and blogging too! I look forward to hearing and seeing the results of it all.

Namaste :)

yeah man! it's actually a lightenupandshoot rig! Minimalist approach to gear.

Efficient and more readily available on the spot. You've been around too then. Namaste :)

Good luck on your trip, Venice is unbelievably beautiful. Are you planning going up to the Dolomites?

I'm doing a night shoot when I arrive. Then hanging out during the day...I'll google the Dolomites...thanks for the info

Nice, no problem :) Google Lago di Carezza and Lago di Braies too, breathtaking sceneries in the Dolomites you definitely don't want to miss while going around northern Italy

I've been to Italy a few times. It's absolutely beautiful there. I've never been to Croatia, but my neighbors are from there. apparently it's just as beautiful. Don't feel guilty at all about the rest of us stuck here in the states. You run off and have fun while the rest of us toil away under the yolk of oppression. Just kidding, Have a great time.

I'm just excited that this platform exists...I wouldn't be having this adventure if it weren't for Steemit.

You lucky bastard!

That looks like an amazing journey. Your hardware promises some brilliant shots. I expect to see some stunning pictures. And look how viral your post goes to support your travel. Brilliant!

It should be interesting....let's see how my photography and video skills unfold : )~

best GIF ever :smile:

Oh man those cameras are freaking amazing to look at.
Can't wait to look at some pictures that you take with them.. I'm drooling over an Olympus cam and saving AND for it right now but it's ages away.
Have fun on your trip friend and best of luck to you..

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

You are doing jutice with your camera: great job. Italy is a wonderful place to visit and I hope you will be successful there.
Keep steeming and stay in touch. Upvoted and following you in order to send in my support and stay in touch.

Have you seen the free fall in all cryptos today? see https://steemit.com/cryptocurrency/@charles1/the-fears-in-crypto-currencies-big-losses-in-steem-etherium-bitcoin-et-al

nice trip, shot some amizing pictures please!!!

I will Carla...you know I will : )~

Now that's funny.

Very nice pack you got
i want to see more STEEM Vlog Traveling this is great .

^_^

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Hey where can i get some of those camera gear to buy like the bag, I video motorcar race in Jamaica and upload to my YouTube Channel. you can take a look at my work. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv5eMHzT84w6UtcFKOv3zoA

Have a safe trip girl! Followed

Wow sounds like da shit! Have fun

enjoy your trip! Hopefully you can capture amazing shots and share it here in steemit. More power!

really surprised seeing you here Mike, i have been following you on yt from my pre-pro photography days....you tought me a lot, thanks.

Travel advice - i live near Venice (Padova) but im originaly from Pula (near Porec) - when youre there, go visit Rovinj - its a beautiful little city (much prettyer than Porec), and Pula is also very nice if you like Roman ruins. Oh and dont eat the icecream in Croatia - its really terrible!!

Would love to hear a coment on my work posted here if you have the time sometimes in the future. Thanks and enjoy your stay

hmm good to see that you are travelling Europe with those gadgets. This what I really want from my life Travelling, photography and Music.. good luck

Have fun and be safe!

I'm a simple man, I see a hot girl I click.

I'll be sure to keep things simple around here.

Great, in august 7-13 i will be in Greece, i decited to let home my Canon 5d mk 3 camera and all my bag and travel lihgt with my Fujifilm xt10, i see this challanging!

Verry cool! Sound like you will have a blast. And I spotted the real film in your bag. Looks like Illford and Kodak. Millions of years ago I shot 35mm with a Pentax ME. Mostly used Kodak Tri-X BW but I liked shooting Ektachrome slide film. Now that I shoot digital I get the results immediately. But the limitations of having 30 exposures on each role teaches you to go slower and try to get it right each time.

I shoot both, but I also get certain results from film that digital just can't produce. If it weren't a pain in the arse, I would shoot exclusively with film.

Yep, I remembering doing an event shoot for a friend and finding out the film did not advance in the camera. Also loading the BW film in development reels and developing by hand. On my Pentax I changed film all the time but only changed batteries once a year. Now I shoot hundreds of pics on a card but change batteries.

But that grain....mmmm...that grain.

Grain is the brushstroke of photography! (I didn't think of that, a photography teacher in college said that.)

envy for the cameras ...wow ...

Yes, DSLR's and a film camera. Maybe I can use some of the Steam money to purchase a proper camera for video.

well have lots of fun cheers ..

You have a new follower! I'll be looking forward to seeing all of the pictures and video from your trip! Short, digestible videos are key. I think your first video was a great start!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Thanks for the suggestion...not sure of the format yet. I'm going just be creative and let my gut tell me what's right. Steemit seems to be a place to stretch the creative mind without restrictions.

Sounds good to me! I'm looking forward to it :)

I followed, Can't wait for the trip if you gonna be vlogging it i would love to ride along on the journey with you!

That's the idea...comment here and I'll make adjustments to my videos based on comments

Followed and up-voted.

Are you visiting just the Croatian coast like most of the tourists?
If you are planning to visit Zagreb or maybe even further east - I live in Osijek and I can show you the city.

I don't have any immediate plans for Croatia. I have a little over a week. So it's possible I might go east. I'll let you know.

This is travel vlog GOALS @lightenup
Help a new girl on the block out and take a look at my travel post? :)
https://steemit.com/travel/@kellyjaneturner/travel-video-1-brisbane-australia

Enjoy Italy!

I'm so excited to shoot Chiara...wow! And my first time in Venice.

Really Really Enjoy it!!!! :))))))

@lightenup
Your name is quite significant as you through your post has already lightened me up! Keep sharing the light great Steemian....
Love your narratives and quest for details. You have the key to make it in steemit and you are using your concept well...Wish you successful tour and do send us updates at all times as I am following as an admir. Supporting your trip with an upvote which is the least i can do...
Success dear...keep up the good work!

Thanks for the kind words. You're an Admir? New to steemit, but what is that exactly? I plan on updating with a video daily, but every other day have a nicely edited piece. For example: Day 1 - I will explain my day in detail and the next day I'll have an edited piece. Thanks again! I haven't been this excited about social media in a long time.

Wish you success and hey, steemit gives all reason to be excited as we socialise and make money from it as well...do check my blog for an interesting short family story. You will surely love it...thanks

Damn chiara is steeming hot!!

Dude...tell me something I don't know...please!

she looks old balls tho lol

Got my upvote Save your trip.....we await some excited moment pictures from u... #Team #Success

Good job my friend:)

Thanks Misley

Good stuff bro. Following you.
Let me know when you're back in LA. Let's catch up.
Trying to find like minded people around here.
I'm an audio engineer working and studying at the Musicians Institute.
Cheers! :)

Fantastic! I'm an audio geek myself...did you check out Sound City? Let's connect middle of July. Maybe we can make some sort of video...collab!

I'm down.
I've seen the Dave Grohl documentary about it but I've not been there yet.
Would love to visit one of these days.
Anyway, middle of July sounds good. Let's connect then.
See you.

Check this out when you get time. A video from my hometown. :)
https://steemit.com/music/@makshay5/music-from-the-hills

lightenup followed! Good luck on your trip.

you just gotta lightenup! and shoot, steemit, or whatever!

Looks like your trip might end up getting paid for just by your pre-trip steemit post....haha that's very impressive and you have a lot of people excited to see your content.

I hope your trip goes well, and you got lots of awesome shots <3

It is amazing! The plan is to put the money back into the project - create content worthy of this amazing community.

Enjoy your trip!!!

Twirble exciticated!!!!!! Have fun!!!!

My artist friend in Gig Harbor, Washington is in love with your work.

Thank him or her for me...and get them on Steemit!!!

Buen post!!! mi voto!

que rico mi amigo! De donde eres?

Followed! Have fun!!!

very fun

enjoy your stay here in Croatia

You're in Croatia? Where? I arrive in Porec July 1st. I have one week to goof off and make videos! Let's have a Steemit Meetup!

i would love to but unfortunately i am near Karlovac (200km from Porec) and don't have time to go over there :/

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

how u have 900 dollars in 31 upvote , all your upvotes have no steem power, there is something seriously wrong with steemit,

: (

LOTS OF LUCK! Looks like you're ready to go :)

It's been a lot of work but super stoked!

Following! Can't wait to go to Italy~ :-)

Italy and then Croatia!!!! it should be fun...I wish there was a better way to post images other than inside a blog on steemit.

I love Croatia just as much! I agree with the posting inside the blog... How about some video footage.

A welcome idea. Steem rocks

You have a sexy setup going on ;)

it is....so are my subjects.

Have a safe trip. Cannot wait to see your post from Europe.

dont know to keep looking at the nice selection of cameras or your beautiful abs!

Those aren't my abs mpspringer...LOL

:(

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Oh my, she's truly gorgeous! Have a nice trip, and may you enjoy yourselves :D Followed and upvoted!

☂ ⓐⓒⓘⓓ ⓖⓞⓓ ⓒⓐⓣ™

Thanks Carryon!

Following you have a lovely trip and hope you enjoy yourself

Good luck with your trip to eaurope, have fun :D
Croatia is very beautiful, it's where they filmed some scenes of game of thrones, beautiful country

I didn't know about Thrones being filmed there....wow!

yes, it was filmed in croatia, spain, czech, morocco, iceland ...

hot <3

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Sounds like a K!CK @$$ trip! Cannot wait to see the photo collection man! Enjoy !
LMAN.GIF

Nice to be able to travel like that, just pick up and go.

I made a decision long ago to follow your passion...mine happens to be the camera. It takes me down some interesting paths. Thanks!

Enjoy your trip!!

looking forward to following you on your trip !

I love Nikon D800! I still tend to use it more after buying the Pentax 645z. It's image quality is just amazing!

What!!!!? You have the 645Z? Do you love it? When will you be in LA?

Yeah, I love it for sure! The form factor is just new to me. Gotta get used to it. I live in LA are you from LA too?

Great post I gave you a follow!

I lived in Zagreb for a year. Croatia is an amazing country and I'm positive you won't be disappointed. Make sure to try some cevapis and kremisnitas, your tummy wont be disappointed either :) https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-fd1966c0a517cecda1c57651402947ec

Thanks for the travel tips!!!!! I'm writing this down.

Great Adventure

It should be. My first trip to Europe in several years.

something good to see for my morning spirit :D cheers

Happy and safe trip :)

Noticed you still use film. What are advantages against digital ?

It's just the look man! Film is where it's at. But, seriously it makes you slow down and think. Digital photographers forget to tell a story with their images.

Yes, having only 24 or 36 shots makes you stop and think :)
Hope to see some of the film shots you have taken

I'll check it out...I need some tips.

Follow me

We all shall go with you on Steemit :P

great post

Thanks John!

You are going to have fun!

i like it great

Nice set!! the old nikon is the best! have a good trip!

Thanks Erika!! I do love old film cameras...do you have one?

I had an Nikon N2000 1985" ! but it's gone broken! where are you going in italy?

I'm going to Venice for three days; I'm shooting a TV/film star. Good thing about the old Nikon bodies: they are still cheap and you can use new or old lenses

Looking forward to it, following!

thanks rawpride...is that a giant bud on your avatar photo?

Yes it is!

Hahahaha...love it.

followed/upvoted! Can't wait to see your journey! I was supposed to go to Croatia this year but had to postpone till next year. can't wait to see your adventure!

Next post is dedicated to you then!

I am very much impressed with your post :) :) If I say -- what a great post!! -- then this compliment wouldn't be great, I can say amazed, lots of love from my side.

Muchas gracias tweety. Amazed by your comment. : )~

Safe travels! Enjoy the trip, following!

Such a good equipment ! I hope that's you will appreciate your trip to Europe :p bring us some beautiful photographs :D

Photos and videos for sure...I'll also bring back some goodies to giveaway. You know...give a little something fun back to people who interact in the comment section during my vlogging.

Looking forward to see your vlogs :)

Welcome to Italy, and to the wonderful Venice, one of our pearls.... i'm proud of the art and story of that city, my grandmother came from there...

Thanks...I'm excited about the art as well. Are you in Italy?

Yes near Milan, near 300km from venice, going west.

Poreč is great! You're gonna love it ! Be sure to try the food at Gušti&Boje fast food the food there is amazing! Enjoy your stay!

You have any friends in Porec? Thanks for the tip

If you come to Croatia dont miss to visit small place Brsec,you can have here great shots.I can show you intersting spots to make great shots.Also you can cool down on the one of most beautifull little beach in this area.If you want you can sleep in my villa.

Sorry I don't, I went there for vacation with my family for a few years.

So excited for your upcoming vlog. Even I am traveling to Croatia after a couple of months.

Have a great trip!
Good luck :)

Do you shoot video too? Can I see a link to your photography?

I just posted an article about one of the beautiful fairylands (at least alike :D)
you can find photos there and more will follow in coming articles.

https://steemit.com/travel/@chaithrabhat/giethoorn-the-venice-of-holland
Your thoughts are most welcome!

Very heavy and expensive care!
Following to look at photo report!

wow beautiful amazing check out my country photos
hope you will love to come here
https://steemit.com/photography/@shantariq/vtqaf

I saw the pics...great colors! Sony or Fuji camera? I want to visit Tokyo! I'll make you a deal; I'll host you in LA if you host me in Tokyo.

fuji camera sure i'll host you it will be my pleasure

Dude that is soo sick! I'm planning to backpack through south east Asia in March next year, I'm going to work on steemit content between now and then but I'm finding it hard to think of content to work on. I work as a personal trainer so I'm just posting about self development haha. Hoping one day I'll mix the two.

There you go! How about videos on working out and staying healthy while traveling?

About ATM-s in Croatia. There is one in Split (haircut studio Models), two in Zagreb (history caffe and the other one is in Vrbik neighborhood), one in Rijeka (hotel Botel Marina). I hope you'll like it Croatia. Enjoy

What is the perception of Bitcoin in Croatia? This is going to be interesting

It's spreading bit by bit. There is a lot of miners and in general it's nice vibe around different forums. Mostly btc is used for utility costs and gas. There is also some companies starting to build some blockchain based apps, mostly related to tourism. As tourist destination it's a must to start more ATMs around coast, so I hope there'll be more in nearby future.

Hello!
I'm going to Croatia ion August so I will follow your VLOG with attention :)
Enjoy your trip dude!

Hallo lightenup. I´m looking forward reading a lot about your trip to Europe :) and I´m sure you can inspire me with tipps, interesting topics and ideas

Good idea! Tips on travel. I will do that. thanks!

can't wait for photo updates

Me too...I just texted Chiara and she replied...so the shoot is still on.

yeaaaaaa

I'm going to shoot some video of her too...any questions you want to ask Chiara?

not a question.. but extend my love.... do let her know shes got a big fun here.

that's one tidy bag !! well done on your neatness. great post (one photographer following another)

Dude, if it ain't neat it's a drag. Thanks for the follow.

I'm with you there bro.. It's just that I often try and take one or 3 things too many and it's all gets a bit handbaggy ;)

You don't use any GO Pro Stuff ?? only Professional

I have GoPro but didn't bring any on this trip. I can use the iPhone if I want to shoot wide.

I'll be working from Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal for a few months starting in September. I just can't wait.

Sounds like a travel vlog in the works

hahahaha. I hate being on camera. Hell, I should do it just because I hate it. Thanks for reminding me.

You certainly have a lot of gear @lightenup!

Looking for Steemians to help carry gear. Please!

Haha! Aren't we all @lightenup! I'm looking forward to the day where cameras are so light you won't even know you are carrying them.


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Exciting! The YouTube intro video looks like heaps of fun too. Happy Travels.

cant wait, following and upvoted.

Excellent camera, or the camera is very good or the girl is too beautiful! :-)

Hahahaha....all of the above mandolin. PS Do you play mandolin?

Yes, I play the mandolin, I have a post with the topic Let's Talk about Mandolin !!! Where to publish information for educational purposes, my idea is to boost knowledge about this instrument! It is more watch my post of celebration for having 100 followers, place a video that recorded yesterday, I hope you like it!

https://steemit.com/news/@mandolincarls/100-followers-many-thanks-steemit

If you have some recordings that would be fitting for my travels in Croatia, maybe I could use some in videos? That would be an interesting Steemit collaboration!

Without photography your travel is just incomplete.And the tips getting from your post is valuable...keep sharing

great post my friend! Keep it up!

Great to meet fellow video bloggers on steemit. Have a fantastic trip!