Fotobug - Elusive Image Photography

Ben Geier just published a photography book called Viewing Hours which contains his photos of Americana roadside attractions, hotels, restaurants and more!  His book is now available on Amazon and all the major book stores.  Ben agreed to sit down and discuss his book on The Fotobug.  Ben's website is www.bengeier.com and we recommend checking out the images on his website!

We reviewed the original Hoverair X1 some time ago and recently two new drones were released, the Hoverair X1 Pro and the Pro Max.  The difference between them is the Pro Max records in 8K video and has visual cameras for better collision avoidance.  Jim and Fred take the Pro model out to show off the increased range and the fact it has more and better manual flight modes, as well as a beacon to improve the 'follow me' modes!

DJI has recently come out with the Mavic Mini 4 and will soon release a Mini 5, which means the older Mini 3 can often be a bargain!  There is a difference, however, between the Mini 3 and the Mini 3 Pro.  The Pro model has additional obstacle avoidance and  has higher resolution still photo capture.  It also has the ability to track a moving object and the Mini 3 does not.  However, there is a 'hack' that will allow the Mini 3 to track a moving object - such as a walking person and Jim and Fred demonstrate how to make it happen!

We are always delighted to have Ron Wyatt on our podcast!  Ron talks about his bucket list photo travels places and upcoming workshops.  Ron is planning trips to Cuba, Indochina, Italy and lots more.  To get more information on Ron's workshops and photography go to www.adventureswithron.com

 Check out The Fotobug on our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/thefotobug and don't forget to subscribe!

Ian Plant is a professional photographer and workshop leader who has just created a new photography course for astrophotography.  This is the second time Ian has appeared on the Fotobug!  Please go check out Ian's website at www.ianplant.com and www.Photomasters.com. 

Be sure to check out and subscribe to The Fotobug YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/thefotobug! 

Bryce Way recently contributed to a photo book about Los Angeles from Trope Publishing (www.trope.com) and the book with be available on all the major book sellers beginning November 2024.  Bryce sat down with The Fotobug guys to talk about his photography and future travels.

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to The Fotobug Youtube channel - www.youtube.com/thefotobug 

Jim and Fred recently took a road trip to visit several springs in central Florida near Gainsville and near Orlando.  In this episode we explore O'Leno State Park where the Santa Fe rive vanishes into the ground to reappear 3 miles late in River Rise State Park.  In addition, they visit Blue Springs State Park where Jim used to scuba dive back in the late 1960s and where Jacques Cousteau filmed one of his special on manatees.  In fact, there were several manatees in the Blue Run!

Bal Bhatal is a London based photographer know for his amazing night street photography.  Jim and Fred sit down with Bal (known as Mr Whisper) to talk about his photography and his new book "London After Dark".  You can check out Bal's website at www.mrwhisperstudios.coml and be sure to check out his Instagram page MrWhisper

M&M Photo Tours have offered to put together a discounted photo workshop with the Fotobug guys and have offered the following possible locations: Tanzania, Kenya, Indochina, Japan, and Italy.  In order to help us choose which one, please visit The Fotobug Facebook page and respond to the poll - or send your choice to [email protected].  You are under no obligation to sign up for the trip - just help us decide!  

Also - don't forget to check out our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/thefotobug. 

The new GoPro Hero 12 has added a couple new features: 5.3k video, 1/4-20 tripod socket (finally!) and bluetooth audio!  However, they have removed the GPS capability.  Jim and Fred decided to check out the various audio capabilities including the in-camera microphone, the media-mod microphone, as well as the media-mod with external microphones and of course the new bluetooth audio with earbuds and a bluetooth mike.  We suggest you listen to the audio with headphones to get a better sense of the quality of the various audio tests.

Check out The Fotobug YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/thefotobug 

Fantasy of Flight is a classic aviation museum located in Polk City Florida, Near Lakeland   They have dozens of vintage aircraft from WWII models to racing and aerobatic planes.  Highly recommended if you are in the area!  Keep in mind they are only open Friday through Sunday 11:00am to 3:00pm and we recommend checking their website https://www.fantasyofflight.com/collection/ to make sure they are open.  Great place for some nice macros of airplane mechanics!