D2x & Me ... A Sorry Tale
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 12:28 pmHi! All,
I am prompted to post this as the Christmass break is just a around the corner with many of us taking off to the wilds and pursue our favourite past time. Don't do what I did and you will return in one piece, undamaged camera and with top pics!.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked to photograph an event in a remote area where a group of people were flown in for a tour, dinner / dance etc.
All went well and a good time had by all. Before leaving, I was told about a site where there was Indigineous rock art not very well known. As it was not to far out of the way I decided to check it out. The site was a gorge, shallow at the entrance and deepening as you walked in with a sandy bottom turning to rock and then a wall of "boulders" to rock hop over.
Initially I was not impressed, having seen better elsewhere, as we entered deeper the quality of art improved and I became interested.
Climbing on top of a four meter high rock to get closer to a rock over hang with artwork I was taken aback by the quality and clarity, as I lifted the D2x to compose a pic I started to lose my balance, not paying much attention I just shifted my feet on the uneven surface to end up doing a little dance before realizing that I was past the point of no return and was going to fall.
Below me was the gorge bottom, on one side a large fallen tree trunk, on the other a small rock ledge about 1500mm apart, as I fell with D2x + 28 - 70 F2.8 in hand, I twisted around to try and protect it. My head hit the tree trunk and my legs hit the top of the ledge. The lens hood also struck the tree trunk.
The result, concussion, lotsa blood, lots of severe bruising, lumps the size of duck eggs on my legs, a banged up ear and a piece out of my cheek.
I was very lucky to get away with only the damage I got and to have paramedic help from a nearby (70Ks) minesite. The D2x + lens survived, the lens hood did not as it was concertina'ed over the barrell. $400 to check and adjust body and and lens.
Lessons learn't (reinforced)
1. Change from sandals to boots when going bush from the car
2. Don't leave your $250 first aide kit at home
3. When shooting stay aware of your surroundings and personal safety
4. Be aware of complacency or "it won't happen to me" - it does and will happen
Also, I was concious of the fact that I was in a sacred site without permission and while not superstitious, have always been respectfull and sought permission, except on this occassion. So, to a degree, I got what I deserved
I hope all of you who go bush over the festive season have a safe and happy time.
Cheers Andy
I am prompted to post this as the Christmass break is just a around the corner with many of us taking off to the wilds and pursue our favourite past time. Don't do what I did and you will return in one piece, undamaged camera and with top pics!.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked to photograph an event in a remote area where a group of people were flown in for a tour, dinner / dance etc.
All went well and a good time had by all. Before leaving, I was told about a site where there was Indigineous rock art not very well known. As it was not to far out of the way I decided to check it out. The site was a gorge, shallow at the entrance and deepening as you walked in with a sandy bottom turning to rock and then a wall of "boulders" to rock hop over.
Initially I was not impressed, having seen better elsewhere, as we entered deeper the quality of art improved and I became interested.
Climbing on top of a four meter high rock to get closer to a rock over hang with artwork I was taken aback by the quality and clarity, as I lifted the D2x to compose a pic I started to lose my balance, not paying much attention I just shifted my feet on the uneven surface to end up doing a little dance before realizing that I was past the point of no return and was going to fall.
Below me was the gorge bottom, on one side a large fallen tree trunk, on the other a small rock ledge about 1500mm apart, as I fell with D2x + 28 - 70 F2.8 in hand, I twisted around to try and protect it. My head hit the tree trunk and my legs hit the top of the ledge. The lens hood also struck the tree trunk.
The result, concussion, lotsa blood, lots of severe bruising, lumps the size of duck eggs on my legs, a banged up ear and a piece out of my cheek.
I was very lucky to get away with only the damage I got and to have paramedic help from a nearby (70Ks) minesite. The D2x + lens survived, the lens hood did not as it was concertina'ed over the barrell. $400 to check and adjust body and and lens.
Lessons learn't (reinforced)
1. Change from sandals to boots when going bush from the car
2. Don't leave your $250 first aide kit at home
3. When shooting stay aware of your surroundings and personal safety
4. Be aware of complacency or "it won't happen to me" - it does and will happen
Also, I was concious of the fact that I was in a sacred site without permission and while not superstitious, have always been respectfull and sought permission, except on this occassion. So, to a degree, I got what I deserved
I hope all of you who go bush over the festive season have a safe and happy time.
Cheers Andy
Still, better than waiting to replace what went airborne with me! 
