paul_mchenry

I took in a great deal of equipment including my EOS 3 with power booster and a couple of relatively large lenses to an Oakland A's game at Network Associates Coliseum with no problem at all. The security guard who checked my bag simply commented that I was "well prepared." On the other hand, the security at Dodger Stadium is much more anal about what can be brought into the stadium. It would appear that it depends on the venue, as the A's go out of the way to make their park fan-friendly while the Dodgers were so tight during the Murdoch regime that the ballboys were told they were not to toss fouls that came their way to fans in the stands. If someone tries to tell you it's MLB policy what can and can't be allowed in, they are lying.

I'm new to shooting swimming as well, so take my advice with a grain of salt, however I've found that my best swimming shots come when the swimmer is breathing. This is because having the swimmer's face in the photo makes it more engaging, and the arms are generally in a position where they tend to emphasize the action of swimming. I've found when shooting butterfly my best shots come when I'm lying on the deck opposite the starting blocks and waiting for the swimmer to come toward me and breathe. One of the benefits of having a zoom is you can follow the swimmer while waiting for him/her to breathe, then fire. Good luck.

Stop by a local sporting goods store and check out the Under Armour heat gear. These are undergarments that are designed for football players, etc. who spend a lot of time sweating in the sun. They wick away the sweat from your skin and keep your clothes from getting soaked. I swear by mine!

I've never had a problem getting a hand inspection if I ask nicely. I generally pull all of my film out of the boxes and put the containers in ziploc bags. Be sure to allow for extra time though, depending on the screener they may choose to swab and test each roll individually.

 

The FAA regulation can be found here: http://www.vad1.com/photo/faa-regulation-108.pdf

I prefer the route via Medford. It qualifies in the "easier" category, and the drive is nice, especially going up the Rogue River gorge. There are some nice photo opps once you get off I-5 as well. As an FYI, I have found gas to be significantly cheaper in Oregon than California, so it might be worthwhile to wait to Ashalnd or Medford to fill the tank if you can.

As one who buys and sells frequently on Ebay, I can say that I have rarely been disappointed with a transaction. There are several safeguards in place, and most sellers are honest and trustworthy. Those that aren't have negative feedback that reflects their status. Some cautions: read item descriptions carefully, ask questions if you have them, and be wary of dealing with sellers with little or no track record. In some cases I've seen items go for more on Ebay than at B&H, so know your market, but I've also picked up some remarkable bargains!

I've had the same problem at Costco with the same films. I've taken them back for reprints. When the lab tech who actually knows what to do is there they come out fine. Apparently it has to do with matching the settings on the machine to the film. Needless to say, I don't take anything important to Costco.

Part of the "price" is the granting of a license to use your images. The following is from the Club Photo website:

 

"Users agree that CP is granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license, with the right to reproduce, distribute, transmit, display any materials and other information you submit to the Service (the "Submitted Materials") for the purposes of (i) display on the user's personal sites and (ii) in the Gallery or public site as submitted by the user and (iii) production of personalized photo finished products or reprints ordered by members or their guests. CP disclaims ownership of "Submitted Materials" and will not resell or otherwise convey these rights to any third party. You also grant to CP the right to use your name in connection with the Submitted Materials."

 

Caveat emptor indeed.

I would have to echo Craig's advice. Cutting out the LA Basin will save you a good 2-3 hours, more if there is traffic. One other route you might consider as you make your way north is US 395, which runs along the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. It is certainly more scenic than 5 or 99, but weather may play more of a factor along this route. Taking highway 50 over the summit will not only take you past Lake Tahoe, but also through the gold country on your way to Sacramento and then Chico. Have a safe journey.