Mang Freddie and the First Moon Shot of the Year

Before 2011 left the building, I got myself a new tripod, Mang Freddie (Manfrotto 190xPROB with 486rc2 head). He's what a Pinoy would call bagong luma (new-old) or segunda mano (second hand).

Of course I had to put this here; no hauntings from getting a thrifted tripod, the owner is still alive, thank you very much!

My goodness, the tripod can make a BIG difference in your shots! I didn't realize my old tripod was really shaky until I took shots of the moon tonight. 

Razor sharp photo of the January 1, 2012 moon, compared to my older moon shots (La Luna)

With a proper lens, I could probably set it up to look for ant zits. 

Getting a ballhead also meant adjusting the camera position using only ONE knob. That is a miracle for me as I used to fiddle with zillions of controls just to move the camera along different axes.

For those who have yet to buy their own tripod, here's a tip: invest in a good model. Don't settle for the cheaper ones, because with tripods, you really get what you pay for. 

Gear Accumulation Syndrome (GAS)

Every photographer has probably been affected by gear accumulation syndrome or GAS at least once, and yes, I am no exception.

Thankfully my budget does not allow me to spend on a whim, particularly on expensive photography equipment. I have been able to save up for quite some time to purchase Niko, and all other accessories have been acquired through the bonuses from work.

I'd like to present my humble collection, which pales in comparison to those of seasoned pros. These are my photography tools with which I hope to learn the art of creating beautiful images: