Hi from Mojave Desert

Rocket Rick

New member
My user name is Rocket Rick...I'm a 'retired science teacher' that missed students so much that I've been volunteering to mentor university aerospace students for over 10 years. I normally take 50 to 1,000 pictures at rocket events (launches or static testing motors).

I first started taking pictures when I got a Hawkeye Instamatic back in the 60s. That same year I found my dad's darkroom stuff that he didn't use anymore and I was hooked. Bought a used Agfa 35mm and started taking pictures for the school newspaper and yearbook. Over the years since, I've had several 35mm SLRs, Exacta, Nikon F, Pentax Spotmatic, Minolta SR-7, Konica Autoreflex, and then Olympus OM-1 and 2.

Stopped doing film when I got a free Intel digital camera (VGA) that I used extensivly on search and rescue missions with the sheriff department. Since the chances of camera getting damaged or lost, no one wanted to bring their cameras on missions. Taking photos with it was a big hit since no one wanted to risk damaging/losing their cameras.

I then got a better Casio digital and have been going digital since having used Nikon, Sony, Canon, and Casio pocket digital cameras.

I currently use:
Nikon D-3400 for my general photography (and rockets) with a 18-55 and a 70-300 that came with the camera kit.
Casio Exilim EX-FH20 for doing high speed pictures of our rocket stuff
Casio Exilim EX-FS10, also for doing high speed but in an inexpensive 'expendable' pocket camera for close to rocket motor video
GoPro 4, also for rocket wide angle video
and assorted cameras I don't use much anymore.
 
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hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Welcome, Rocket Rick. :) Sounds like you've been involved with photography for a long time.

You mentioned taking photos of rockets. Have you seen the work of Erik Kuna? He's the only photographer I've heard of who does rocket photography. When I was a kid, I used to watch a lot of the space launches. Bet it is fun to see and photograph rockets in person.

https://erikkuna.com
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Welcome to Nikonites.com, Rocket Rick. Do you have a site where your rocket photos and videos are shared? I'm looking forward to seeing them.

WM
 
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