Postmen. Leica M-Monochrom, 35/1.4 ASPH FLE
One of those times where color would actually have been better. The bright blue and red uniforms of the motorbike postmen in this shot stood out well against the gray tarmac…I reached for a camera instinctively, nailed focus and exposure, but didn’t realize I was holding the M-Monochrom instead of the M9-P! Still, the geometry of this shot is its saving grace, I feel.
Today is going to be a busy day. Many people wonder what photographers do in the time they’re not shooting – well, here’s my schedule:
1. Client meetings
2. Test prints from M-Monochrom, 50 APO and D800E for clients, and if I have time, a quick article/ note on the site about relative print quality
3. Have to buy a light, strong, compact tripod in preparation for a trip (did I mention those are all oxymorons?). Tripod choice is another minefield I’ll probably write about at some point.
4. Retouching work for another client
5. Chase payments once Europe wakes up
6. Intersperse with replying email and comments to the site – between the two, I get an average of about 100-150 per day, which eats up a good couple of hours in replies. My laptop keyboard is now mirror smooth! 🙂
I think I need an assistant. MT
Ming Thein | Photographer 
Depending on what you mean with “compact”, I can recommend, in order of size, the Leica Tabletop Tripod, Gitzo GT1542T or Gitzo GT2542L.
I landed up with the GT1542T, though the Gitzo Safari was tempting – though ultimately too long to go in my carry on.
I know a friend who has a business that rents out Personal Assistants. Very very good, all pro executives who wouldn’t be out of place as a CEO’s PA; means they can follow instructions and work without supervision. Might be a good option, hire one when times are rolling with lots of work. Let me know if you want to me to make the introductions.
Interesting…problem is I can’t subcontract most of this stuff unless the people have as much expertise as I do in the specific areas (say photo agent, retoucher etc).
Or you could use them to handle your non-photographic work. Billing, accounting, scheduling, etc.