Jeremy Neal Fischer is a very talented photographer and traveler. He managed to capture wild and gorgeous shots during his recent backpacking trip throughout Northern Europe. One day he met another traveler who was using the XShot camera extender, and it all started like that…We were very curious to hear what such an amazing traveler/photographer would take in his travel bag, let’s find out!
1. Why did you choose your path and how did you get started?
– In August 2011, I bought a video camera and filmed my 4 1/2 month journey throughout Northern Europe. Upon returning home and uploading this short video to YouTube, I was offered the opportunity to create a video for Norway’s Tourist Bureau. With these two videos, I received a great deal of positive feedback, including a message from a Lithuanian girl who said that I inspired her to quit her job and follow her dreams of moving to Norway.
Knowing that I had been an inspiration was an incredibly rewarding feeling. And it was this kind of feedback that helped me realize that I would do whatever it takes to fully pursue this path. I am currently planning and building a website with the goal of inspiring others to seek out experiences and self-discovery through travel.
2. How did you hear about the XShot?
I was resting at a hostel in Norway, taping my broken tripod together, when I met another traveler that was staying in the same room. Surprised that I was going through so much trouble, he showed me his XShot and explained how much simpler and more convenient it is to use.
3. What do you always carry in your camera/travel bag?
– Camera Bag: When it comes to footage, some say that I carry way too much, but I feel that I can never be too prepared.
I always have my XShot and small digital camera, my DSLR camera and intervalometer, and my video camera and external microphone. I also make sure that I have my tripod, extra batteries, extra memory cards, and the related plugs and chargers to recharge the batteries.
– Travel Bag: I tend to travel with a large amount of gear. I always bring my tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, and hammer for the tent stakes. This allows me to sleep pretty much anywhere. I also carry a small pot, utensils, and gas stove to cook as I go. I also carry water bottles, a compass, flashlights, a first aid kit, a swiss army knife, a pen, a sharpie, a small rope, and a towel. I also carry clothes of course, but as little as possible.
And my favorite items to carry are duct tape, trashbags, and plastic bags. These three items have been lifesavers. Duct tape can fix just about anything. By the end of my last trip, my tent, tripod, and pants pocket were all held together with duct tape. By placing trashbags underneath my tent, rainwater was kept from soaking underneath. And plastic bags waterproofed anything that could fit inside.
XShot self-portrait in Las vegas <3
5. Can you share an anecdote or funny story you encountered while using your XShot?4. Where is your favorite location to take pictures?
– Anywhere with a beautiful view, whether atop a mountain, fjord, canyon, or just about anywhere high up. I will happily go out of my way to seek out a breathtaking view with my camera equipment.
– I also love taking pictures at night. Using long exposures and painting with light is definitely high up on my list.
I was using my XShot in Las Vegas when a drunk man excitedly approached me, “Wow! How did you do that?” “Do what?” “How did you make that?” He was convinced that I had modified a golf club into a camera extender. Even though I explained to him that it is not a golf club, nor did I modify it in anyway, he refused to believe me. He proceeded to tell me that I was the smartest person he had ever known, and he actually asked if he could take a picture with me. My XShot not only gave me better pictures, but it also gave me a fan.
6. How do you think you will use it the most?
– The XShot is incredibly convenient, and I will mostly use it for this convenience. I can take the XShot out of my pocket, attach my small digital camera, extend the XShot, set the timer, and take the picture, all in under 30 seconds.
It takes about three minutes for me to detach my tripod from my backpack, set up the tripod, pull my DSLR out of my bag, attach the desired lens, mount the camera to the tripod, frame the shot, attach the intervalometer remote to take the image or set up the self timer, and snap the picture.
In the time that it takes to capture one image with my DSLR and tripod, I can capture several images with my small digital camera and XShot. Therefore I will mainly use my XShot when I don’t have the time, or don’t want to take the time to set up my tripod and DSLR, and then pack it all up again.
7. Tell us about your new exciting trips and projects to come.
– Projects: I am currently planning and creating a travel website that will feature written content about philosophy, travel advice, and true travel experiences. The website will also feature travel photos, travel-related videos, and “How-To”/ Advice videos. The goal of this website will be to promote travel outside one’s comfort zone. I am hoping to have it all up and running within the next few months.
– Trips: Once my website is up, I plan to get back on the road. I have four trips that I am very eager to experience. Hiking throughout Patagonia is at the top of my list, and exploring Mongolia is at a close second. I also want to camp and trek through New Zealand, and experience Finnish Lapland in the winter time.
More about Jeremy Fischer : “Traveling, filmmaking, and photography have been my biggest passions for as long as I can remember, and I often embark on backpacking journeys with my camera equipment. I have traveled to more than 25 countries, studied in 5, and worked in 3. I am also a Film and Television graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and have worked on three Feature Films. I am now in the process of starting up a travel website/blog that will feature true travel experiences, philosophy and advice, travel photos, and travel videos. Until it is up and running, please feel free to visit my personal website at jeremynealfischer.com, my Flickr Collection athttp://www.flickr.com/photos/jfisch322/collections/, or my Youtube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/jfisch322.