Bob Crum

Photo by Bob Crum

I should know better but... sometimes even I miscalculate. You'll see.

I received an email from Sespe Creek Mermaid Chantel telling me that she was swimming in from Hawaii and appearing at the Ventura Harbor Village on the 11th. Beautiful as ever and I could tell from the unmistakable aroma of her breath that she enjoyed a lunch of sardines and anchovies. Indeed.

In line were dozens of children waiting to chat with Mermaid Chantel. The Village put her in cramped quarters severely limiting a shooting position. My miscalculation? I had the 18-135mm STM lens on the camera because, please note, I planned to shoot video later. But for such close quarters, the 16-300mm lens would have been better. The difference between 16 & 18mm at the wide-angle end in such situations is often significant.

Though I had my camera bag, a great photo op was happening right then and there upon my arrival. I was ready to shoot but no time to change lenses. Rule #47: A photo op never waits for a photographer! Get some photos any way possible or go home. Going home not an option.

Did you know that mermaids are such fashionistas... seaweed-green tails are 'in' this year along with lovely tops of Tahiti beach sea shells. Very interesting.

Back to business. You now know that I have just five zoom lenses. They also work very well for all my beloved outdoor photography. To enhance landscape and nature photography, I often use a screw-on polarizing filter to reduce glare and/or enhance color. On occasion, for creative affects, I also use neutral density (ND) filters of varying strengths... screw-on types as well as slide-in 4” X 6” NDs in a Lee holder. You are listening, I hope.

Here's another mistake I made once. Not all lenses are suited for outdoor photography. Bought a zoom lens whereby the front element turned when zooming. Mount a circular polarizing filter and every time you adjust the zoom to adjust for composition, you have to readjust the filter. #Frustrating. Immediately sold that clunker.

Another issue is that all of my lenses require a different size screw-on filter. #Expensive! One size fits all is the cheap alternative. My Tokina ultra-wide 11-16mm lens requires the largest size filter of 77mm. So, all my screw-on filters are 77mm. For the lenses that require smaller filter sizes, I bought cheap step-down, or if you prefer, step-up rings. Thus, for about $32.00 for four adapter rings I can use all of my 77mm filters on ALL of my lenses saving me hundreds of dollars. I like frugal... not to mention the extra money with which to... ahem... wine and dine mermaids.

As you might imagine, mermaids need a minimum amount of water to frolic in. Lacking a snow pack on Ojai's Topa Topa Mountains (again!), there's no chance of a spring melt sufficiently filling Sespe creek. So, the infamous Sespe Creek mermaids can't return to Fillmore this spring. So sad! Wait... what if..... hmmm... I might have a plan. Stay tuned.

Ariel fans, take note. You know, Ariel, the mermaid princess who makes a bargain with an unscrupulous sea-witch in order to meet a human prince on land. Well, not Ariel herself but a look alike will appear this Saturday, 3/18, 1-4 PM at the Ventura Harbor Village. Very cool!

Happy photoing.

Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com