So, I sit here typing this blog with arms and legs that are so sore they’re actually shaking. These are the after effects of my morning workout. It dawned on me during this shaky recovery from my workout session that remaining still is pretty important when shooting images. That can be particularly challenging when it means remaining perfectly still while perched at a precarious angle trying to grab that awesome shot.
Being in shape helps me to get to the right location at the right time.
Me at a better than 45 degree angle
There is also the issue of the amount of gear I carry with me. My current camera bag that goes everywhere with me is nearly 60 lbs. Yes, it really is that heavy! Technically, you should never carry anymore than 1/4 your body weight, which makes this bag about 15 lbs. heavier than I should be carrying. Lucky for me, I work out everyday. I may not be the strongest looking guy in the crowd, but when push comes to shove, I can hold my own. This makes me able to do things like hanging my body over the edge of a sailboat to grab a shot I see; or running up a 12 foot studio ladder to get a bird’s eye view for a production photo; or being able to run down the street and grab shots of the bulls during Denver’s Stock-show parade; or even scaling stadium seats before a baseball game to get some family shots.
The best thing about doing this is… that at my age (don’t ask), I can do more than most guys half my age.
So, get in shape, stay in shape, and enjoy all the cool things you can do because you are more fit than everybody else..
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