Ok...picture, if you will, being alone in Japan....picture being late for a train...picture carrying a massive backpack and 2 suitcases through train stations and airports.....picture being an independent documentary film maker on a solo journey into the "land of the rising sun" and needing to take pictures while simultaneously dealing with tickets, customs, luggage etc....how do you lug around all your crap and still be ready for a great photo at any moment?  That was the 64,000 dollar question I had while preparing for my trip to Japan to film for Luminary.  I was very worried that I would have to sacrifice my camera carrying because it would be too cumbersome and dangerous. I was concerned that I just wouldn't be able to have my camera out as I traveled.

Enter the Black Rapid Camera Strap!!! The Black Rapid Strap is a dream come true!  Using it I was able to carry my massive Lowepro backpack stuffed with the Canon XHA1, wireless mics, surround recorders, shotgun mic, tapes, batteries, steady stick, a tripod strapped to the outside and STILL have my D300 comfortably and safely at the ready all the time!  I am able to strap the backpack on, pull the Pelican case behind me and have the camera riding comfortably at my hip practically begging to get used.  The moment the Black Rapid Strap arrived and I put it on I was 100% hooked; I wondered how I ever lived without it.  It makes all other camera straps seem like "old technology".  The Black Rapid is a revolutionary product that immediately threatens to make all other camera straps obsolete! It's that good.  It makes me want to take pictures just to feel super cool like "Quick Draw McGraw" when I sling the camera off my hip and into position with a gliding, effortless motion.

The Black Rapid has details built into that make a remarkable difference when working in the field and in challenging fast paced shoots.  The picture above is me in the Bikan District using the Black Rapid. I was following my "subjects" through the city and also grabbing snapshots along the way.  I am using the RS-7 strap that allows you to attach accessories......The "Brad" accessory really makes the strap feel rock solid on my body.  I NEVER worried about the strap slipping of my shoulder or felt in any way uncomfortable while wearing it.  The picture you see above would just not have been possible using another strap.  The slim design allowed the strap to fit comfortably underneath the backpack straps and remain in position at all times.  When I needed to "run" I adjusted the quick release clips so that they held the camera in one place on my hip, keeping it from sliding around on the strap as I moved.

I really can't say enough about what the Black Rapid Strap has done for my work flow as a "one man band" documentary shooter.  It has literally allowed me to get shots that I would never have been able to get before as I easily transitioned from video to photo shooting on the run!  I love this product, I'm only 3 days into the 10 day trip so I'll post another article later with more examples and details about just how awesome the Black Rapid is!