For 32 years Kenji Yamaguchi has been National Geographic’s resident mad scientist camera engineer. He's been modifying all sorts of camera gear to enable Nat Geo’s photographers to capture the spectacular images that they do. His workshop, located in the depths of Nat Geo’s basement, is filled with frankenstein camera equipment that only exists in the form of dreams to the average photographer. Motion-detecting flashes and modified wide-angle macros are just a few of the contraptions that emerge from Kenji's workshop - frequently called upon by the world’s best lensmen. David Ehrenberg at National Geographic recently gave a peek into the workshop and mind of the master.
“Sometimes photographers come to me and sometimes ideas just pop up in my head, so I just try to do whatever I can do to create” Kenji says in the interview. He is very passionate about his craft, having helped create countless remarkable images, he cherishes the thank you’s he’s received more than anything, “It’s not really a certificate or things like that, but ‘Kenji thank you very much for your help’ is the best thing I’ve ever got.” The brilliant, humble man has played a crucial role on the National Geographic staff for the entire 32 years he has been there, and will undoubtedly continue to into the future. To watch the video on Kenji head to the article on National Geographic.
Video stills by David Ehrenberg
[via National Geographic]
What a dream job! You get to play with gear and experiment and get paid for it. You sir are the real MVP!
Great article about a humble but incredibly skilled individual! I wish I had 10% of his knowledge when it comes to fixing cameras.
I want that wide angle macro.. :P
"just a thank you for your help is the best thing I ever got" Best part of the video for me.
That part really got me. He does so much to make some of the world's most incredible photos possible, and the biggest reward for him is a thank you.