I hate baggage handlers...

[Greg Syverson]

My first job in Alaska was a fishing guide. Alagnak River was one of the rivers I guided on. I was based out of Illiamna. Out on the rivers I worked with many film crews and photographers. Watching them gave me the desire to shoot video and take still photos. I really learned a lot. Met some big players in the fly fishing industry. After three years I got tired of catching fish and started to do underwater photography and then video. I like the fact that the rivers are shallow and clear. This really helps with ambient light.

What do I do? I was real active in video for a few years working with a good friend from Germany. We did a show on Bears that Animal Planet picked up. Most of our work plays over seas. I made my own video DVD called Alaska Up Close and have been selling it. Went through a divorce. Now I am on a break and just having fun. I spend every dime I have on going places and enjoying life.

Last year I was invited to shoot for a two year project all over the world. I turned it down and took a real job. It is now paying off. I only work two weeks out of the month and make enough to buy new equipment so I can shoot my own projects.

When I grow up I plan on getting serious again and I would like to do it with the RED CAM

Greg

PS funny we are talking about airlines. I just recieved an email from US Air giving me a $200 voucher for a problem on my last flight to Mexico.

I't will come in handy next week when I head back down

 

[Steve Sanacore]

Very sorry to hear about your equipment but I found out long ago never to use soft cases. But as has been said already, the airlines will find a way to destroy the contents of any type of case on occasion.

For the past few years we have been using cargo companies to ship most of our gear internationally. I find they are much more careful than the airlines. The cases are stacked on a palate and shrink wrapped before it leaves the cargo company's drop off location. It then gets unwrapped at customs in whatever country it's going to. Airline baggage handlers don't get anywhere near it.

In the US Fedex is also a great way to ship gear safely. We just ship gear in Lightware, Tenba or Pelican cases without a problem.

 

[Mark Thorpe]

Not glad to see it but Imadickitis seems to be an occupational health risk in the airline baggage stewards business. sadly this was the first, and last, time I ever checked my housing in. The problem was that flying with BA now one can only have one carry on item instead of maybe two small ones. I normally placed the camera inside the bare core housing box with the carry handle so it was no bigger really than a small grip bag. This time however I opted to put my camera in the new Tamrac backpack which would also allow me to carry my laptop with me. I will revert to using the housing / camera carry on combo from now on.

A replacement part is on the way. Thanks guys.

Cheers,
Mark.