2011 Buick Lacrosse Spy Photo.

I wish I could have gotten a better shot but I had to keep driving.

This is another reason why you should have some type of camera on you at all times. You never know what you'll run into.

(Click on the pick to see full image)

House and Snakes

This is a pretty cool video of a shoot that involves the main actor from "House". It really doesn't show too much lighting setup but still worth the watching.

Here is the link...

Snakesonacane.com.

Photo a Day!

Take a photo a day to keep the lazy away, okay?

I posted a while back to take a least one photo a day to help keep the photographic wheel in your mind turing. I don't care if you think there is nothing to shoot. Take some photos anyway! Even if you don't think your photos are coming out any good. Take some photos anyway! Now remember you don't need to have your big SLR with you. Your camera phone will work just fine. Recently I just received an older point and shoot camera for free. So, I have been in the habit of carrying that around everywhere that I go.

When I was leaving a shoot I seen nice patterns so I took a photo with my P&S. Is it the greatest photo ever? No, not by a long shot. The idea with a photo a day is to keep your mind thinking about photography through out the day. Look for patterns, textures, shadows, interesting people, the list goes on. The more you look for these things the easier they will be to find. This will also improve your photography.

I believe that a photo a day is such an easy way to keep your mind in motion. It was worth another post.

Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Bag Quick Review (long term)

Crumpler bags, what can I say? Oh, I know! They are the best bags to grace our planet!
A while back I was looking for a well made photo messenger bag. I ran across a company called Crumpler, while their website is not all that great, their bags sure are. The thing I like about Crumpler and their bags, including the "7 Million Dollar Home", is that they are different. The company is in their own world, (a VERY good thing), and their photo bags don't look like your typical boring black photo bag. Because their bags don't look like a typical photo bag, theives might over look them.
Ok, now to the 7 Million Dollar Home. I had the bag for a few years now and all I can say is his is a great bag. The years that I had it nothing has gone wrong with it. Although I did notice when I moved my padded dividers around a lot, some of the velcro "hooks" came off and where stuck on the inside lining of the bag. I think these "hook" came from the ends of the velcro where it was cut. This is a very minor complaint though.

This bag can hold a lot of gear. I can put my trusty Sigma 50-500mm, upright in this bag. (Without the camera attached) A camera body with lens attached. My flash and another lens or two. There are also pockets to put memory, filters, wires etc... Those pockets are big but they don't have little holders for your stuff. So it can get a little messy.

This bag does seem to be somewhat water resistant too. You do have to be careful though. Where the flap folds over, it leaves two holes on each end on top of the bag.

It a very durable bag and you won't be disappointed if you get one. In fact you'll be so happy you bought one of these bags that you'll want to spread the word. From your rooftop, at 3:00AM, on a Monday.

Side Note: Photo's are on their way.

Also I have plans for a review of the 2009 Land Rover LR2. I told you I did a lot of testing in the small luxury SUV market.

2009 & 2008 BMW X3 Review and Opinions

I have no problem with people calling me names or people telling me they hate me. It doesn't bother me because I know those things they call me aren't true or the person is just worked up and is letting off some steam. Now, if someone tells me they are disappointed in me, I feel horrible. Them being disappointed shows that they where expecting good things from me and that I let them down. They figure I am capable of so much more than what I did. This is kind of how I feel about the 2009 BMW X3. The two main disappointments with the X3 were interior quality and cost.

First lets go over the good points.

Personally, I think the X3 is a good looking SUV. While, others might say it reminds them of a plate of sick. There is decent cargo room and passenger room. Although not as good as some other rival's.

Perhaps the only exciting feature of this SUV is it's handling. For starters the X3 has near 50/50 weight distribution. The suspension is on the harder side, for some it might be too hard. There is also a very good all-wheel-drive system. All three of these things combined make for one very good handling vehicle. The X3 is a blast to drive. It stays planted at high speeds and goes through corners as if it was on rails. The only down side is that the X3 is a horrible off roader. For the record buying a BMW for off-roading is like wiping before you poop, it just does not make any sense. (gross huh?) The X3 will get you through the snow all right, you might want to invest in snow tires though. To go along with this great handling you get an inline 6 cylinder engine. While it's not the most powerful engine in the world it is still fun.

Now onto the bad side of this BMW. The interior is not greatest, it seems to be below BMW standards. The fit and finish OK, just the quality of the materials used is worse than other BMWs.

The worst thing about the X3 is the price. The base price for an X3 is close to 39K and you don't get anything. No leather, tinted windows, heated seats, metallic paint, NAV, or even an alarm system. Lets just say the thing is barren. I am very surprised BMW lets you have fog lights standard. Let me correct myself, you do get something for all that money. What you get is an SUV that handles like a sports cars. This is the SUV for driving enthusiasts. Unless money is no object, the only reason I can see someone purchasing an X3 is for the driving experience.

If you want a good, comfortable, mid-sized luxury SUV go with a Lexus RX 350/400h. Don't forget with the Lexus you get a nearly fully loaded SUV for a little less than the X3's base price.

The bottom line is if you want an exciting and fun to drive SUV go with the X3. If you need a little more cush' for your tush or want a better value for your money, go with the Lexus RX 350.

BMW X3 Main Site

Cars and Camera's Review of the Lexus RX 350