This weekend is the Tillman Crane photo retreat in upstate NY. Been very busy with clients, too busy to deal with the long drive up and back to the Erie Canal — so after a run of three consecutive years, I took a pass this time. As of last night I had no photo plans for the weekend, that still applied as late as 6:59AM today. I woke and grabbed my iPhone this morning, it blinked back 7:00AM — random synapse... "do I recall a photo op this AM at the National Catherdral?". Up, in what passes for a flash these days and on to the mac, yep, 8:15AM. Hmmm that is an hour away and well... it actually starts at 8:30. Do I want to go, can I make it? Task list: SSS, well forget the last S, sign-up, pay-up, drug-up, get dressed, get some camera stuff, a week old bagel, get in Charlotte and JET! On the road, after two false elevator entries, first car keys, then the tripod. Ok — got everything else, camera bag, brackets, Husky hex key set, sort of charged batteries, memory cards. On the road at 7:32AM. Parked on Wisconsin and first shot fired at 8:31AM. FIFTY-NINE minutes, Pratt Street Baltimore to the WNC — here's hoping the mail doesn't bring any cost enhancers from the DC and Chevy Chase radar cameras.
Good thing I brought the Sony and lens adapter as a backup to the 5DSR becuase the Canon was still sitting on the bar counter when I got back home. Grrrrrr. Luckily, had enough to work with without handicap, so all was good but was a close call..
Spent most of the time trying to get in as much of the Behind the Scenes locations as weren't roped off. All in all pretty good, some with very good light and plenty from places Ted used to spend a good deal of his time — around the choir ranks.
Click on the snap above to see the rest.