My First Philanthropic Photography Project

by Kristina

About two months ago I contacted the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford to inquire about volunteer opportunities.  I have really wanted to do something philanthropic with my photography and thought that maybe they could use my photography skills. 

I love this organization and feel that the work they do is so important.  If you are not familiar with the Ronald McDonald house what they provide is a home-away-from-home as well as support for families of children with life-threatening illnesses who are receiving specialized treatment in area hospitals.

Anyway, as it turned out they were having their big fundraiser this month, The Randy Cross Invitational Golf Tournament, and they needed several photographers to help capture this event.  So off I went to the Stanford Golf Course to help out in this small way.

I had a fantastic time capturing the details of the event and riding around in a golf cart with my own personal chauffeurs, David & Sean, catching golfers on the greens.  

It was a fantastic day and I hope to work with the Ronald McDonald house again in the future as well as seek out other opportunities to use my photography in a philanthropic way.  I'd love to know if you have worked with any charities in your area and if you have any recommendations on other organizations.

Here is a gallery of photos from the day. 

Capturing A Week Full of Milestones & Reflecting on the Past

This week was full of milestones for my family.  My son turned 16 (eek!) and my daughter graduated from 8th grade (double eek!!) and is now moving on to high school.  I know these words have been uttered by many, but I can't believe how quickly my kids are growing up.

While I'm excited for all of that lies ahead for my son and daughter, I wish that I could push a pause button.  Well, maybe not a pause button....I want them to continue down life's path......but how about the little turtle button used to slow down film when making movies in iMovie?  If only we could slow the passage of time.....just a bit.

It truly seems that only yesterday my son was the cherubic red-haired baby with big blue eyes, lying on the floor pushing his cars around and carefully watch the wheels spin.  Or that my daughter was the chubby-cheeked toddler with tight little curls framing her face, teetering around the house with her binky attached to her sweater.

Thank goodness that even though I didn't have a fancy DSLR during those early years, that I was always taking photos.  That my trusty Panasonic point and shoot was always in my diaper bag.  And because of my love for photography that I now have albums full of  pictures that bring back these moments so vividly.

These days the diaper bag has been replaced with a camera bag and although my kids are not willing participants in my quest to capture photos, I won't let that stop me.  For I know that in the not so distant future, I'll be thumbing through photo books (note to self:  print more photos!) with tears in my eyes, wondering where did the time go?

ClubLocal--A Smarter Way to Book Home Repairs

Today instead of sharing a photography tip or trick, I am excited to tell you about a new service I was recently introduced to called ClubLocal.  While this may seem a bit off topic, it really isn't because ClubLocal is a home repair service that saves you loads of time and allows you to get back to things that you really want to do (like taking or editing photos, as was the case with me last week).

Yes,  last week I had several shoots that I needed to edit and as it so happened my bathroom sink was leaking non-stop.  After a couple of day, I realized that I could no longer stuff a rag in the sink to catch the drips and stifle the annoying sound at night and that it was time to get it fixed.  Rather than spending hours trying to find a local, reliable and affordable plumber, I used the awesome ClubLocal app and booked a pre-screened, A-rated, licensed and insured service pro from my phone in a matter of minutes.  

The best part was that I didn't have to wait a week for the repairman to show up.....he came that day within a 2 hour window (don't you hate those 5  hour windows that most companies offer?).  AND I didn't even have to wait around during those two hours because ClubLocal texted and emailed me 15 minutes before he showed up at my front door.   How fantastic is that?

The other cool thing about ClubLocal is that everything is done electronically.  Payments are made through an iPad, your invoice is sent to you via email and are saved into your online account.  Oh and your repair has a one year warranty!

I loved the service so much that later in the week I booked a car detailing service.  We had just come back from a camping trip at the beach and my car was full of sand, dog hair, and food crumbs (our no food in the car rule went out the window).  Rather than having to sit at the car wash for a couple of hours while my car was detailed, I was able to hang out at home and get work done while the awesome guys that I booked through ClubLocal worked in my driveway!  

I can't tell you how much I LOVE this service.  At this point, ClubLocal is only available in the San Francisco Bay Area and Dallas/Fort Worth area but they have plans to expand to other cities soon so keep a look out.  

We are excited to be giving away a $250 credit at ClubLocal to a San Francisco Bay Area Moms Who Click fan.  To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below with your email address letting us know what you'd like to get fixed.  A lucky winner will be picked using random.org on June 25, 2013.

*Due to the current availability of ClubLocal's services, only San Francisco Bay Area entries are valid. 

@thinkTANKphoto Airport Navigator Review: Awesome

by Tina
We love camera bags.  Whether we create our own DIY camera bag on a budget or splurge on a stylish red hot Epiphanie bag, this piece of photography accouterment is as essential as a great prime lens.  Great bags store, transport, protect and organize our gear which is key to a photographer.

I recently got my hands on the thinkTANKphoto Airport Navigator to take on an upcoming trip.  In the past I stored my equipment in a very nice traveling backpack.  But with multi camera bodies, big lenses and accessories my back was beginning to shout obscenities back at me.  Or maybe that was actually coming directly out of my mouth - OUCH!

Not anymore.  It's clear this bag was designed by photographers for photographers.

Rugged Design - Easy to Travel
First, check out the nice lean design.  With a smooth telescoping handle that has 3 levels of adjustment, it glides nicely and feels extremely rugged for the most uneven terrain.  Whether you're pounding the pavement, rolling across an airport aisle or the mojave dessert, this bag will withstand the shock.  At least it performed well in my trial run outside our brick and bumpy sidewalk.

About half the size of a rolling suitcase, the size is perfect for storing in an airplane overhead bin.  That's essential because you never want to check your photography gear when you travel.   No way.

In addition to the telescoping handle you have a suitcase handle and a well-padded shoulder strap.  This bag definitely thought of every possible scenario you'd need to carry your bag wherever you go.

Camera-Ready (Rapid Access)
This bag is definitely camera-ready.  What does that mean?  It means it was designed to store your camera gear with the lenses intact so you can quickly get your gear out and use it within seconds.  I was amazed that I could easily and conveniently store two camera bodes attached to (1) 24-70mm lens and, (3) 70-200mm lens, my two work horses.  Plus I have room for my (2) 580EX Speedlite.  There's room for two smaller lenses (my Lensbaby Spark and 50mm nifty fifty.  I also carry spare batteries, rain gear, extra CF cards and a battery charger.

Easy Access
The Airport Navigator has two openings. The one above and this one, from the top looking into the bag.  Here you can see the two camera bodies neatly tucked away protected by thick foam dividers that can be shifted to suit your varying needs.  There's plenty of the velcro-foam protectors.  I had 4 pieces left-over once I configured my gear.  In the top of this photo note the two mesh pockets where I keep my extra CF cards and extra battery.

Attention to Detail
It seems thinkTANKphoto thought of everything. When you open the lid there are two security straps that allows access but prevent the lid from opening fully.  This is super convenient when you have your laptop and/or iPad and don't want to accidentally have it spill out.  But you can detach the strap for full access when you need it.

There's a velcro latch in the laptop compartment to double protect it from falling out.

Super rugged zippers, a shoulder strap that has a "pass-through" to insert the telescoping handle, and lift it to piggy back with your other rolling luggage is a cinch.  There are also two external side pockets where you can fit a water bottle and a Speedlite.

Wheels of Fortune
The thinkTANKphoto Airport Navigator smoothly glides across the terrain with these durable custom in-line skate wheels.   They are quiet, rugged and glide so smoothly it will make you want to upgrade all of your luggage to wheels like these.  These wheels are replaceable should they become damaged.  Also the fabric is water resistant with an polyurethrane undercoat to provide even more weather-proofing.

These wheels are carrying your photography fortune so invest in the best protective gear you can.

I am excited to be an affiliate for thinkTANKphoto.  If you're going to invest in this bag or one of their other great bags be sure to click on this link or the photo below to get a free gift if you spend $50 or more.  Also be sure to check out "Share the Moment" where you can submit a photo of yourself with thinkTANKphoto gear in action and get a 'thank you' gift from thinkTANKphoto.

thinkTANKphoto bags to protect your photography investment.