Redefine Professionalism
This is a picture of my cat, Brie, on my – excuse me, on HER – office chair. Because nothing sets up a discussion of professionalism like a cat on a chair. Ok, so you know I’ve got my reservations about the word “professional” when it’s set up against the word amateur. But the word “professionalism” where it applies to …
Woulda ~ Shoulda ~ Coulda?
I think there are two kinds of photographers among those who are honest enough to admit they compare themselves to others. The first looks at the work of another and says, “I wish I could do that.” The second looks at the work of another and says, “I could have done that.” So because I’ve been, alternately, both of those …
Craft and Vision
Got in late last night from a long weekend in Seattle. We went a little under-the-radar and I know there were people that would have liked to have connected but I really needed some time to hang with my wife, and eat some great food. Sorry. We had relaxing to do, and the moment you start making too many plans… …
We Need More Obsessions
The cover of Paul Nicklen’s new book, Polar Obsession. I’m captivated by Paul Nicklen and his work right now. His book, Polar Obsession, is on its way from Amazon and I can’t wait until it arrives. I haven’t been this excited about a book coming my way for a while. I might even be more excited about this one arriving …
What’s A VisionMonger?
Early this week, my second book – VisionMongers, Making a Life and a Living in Photography, was released. Holding your own book in your hands just doesn’t get old. Neither does running to the bookstore to put my books in front of Kelby and McNally’s 🙂 Hey, they started it. By now y’all know I’m addicted to the question Why? …
Big Love for Small Light: Quadra
Me. Kiboko Bag by GuraGear, Canon 1Ds MkIII, EF 300/2.8L IS. I told you I’d picked up an Elinchrom Ranger Quadra (B&H link HERE). It came a week or so ago and I’ve finally had a little time to play with it. Product reviews are always a dicey thing. So because I’ve not had much more than an afternoon to …
Quoted: Richard Avedon
Richard Avedon, Self Portrait. 1923-2004 “I hate cameras. They interfere, they’re always in the way. I wish: if I could just work with my eyes alone. To get a satisfactory print, one that contains all that you intended, is very often more difficult and dangerous than the sitting itself. When I’m photographing, I immediately know when I’ve got the image …
JUST?
At least a couple times a week I get a great email from someone with something nice to say, some piece of advice they’re seeking, or just a general “hey how are ya?” and that email will say something like “I’m just an amateur photographer, but…” Just? That word elicits some pretty mixed responses in me. It makes me angry …
Get A Life.
There’s this great story about William Shatner ( aka Capt Kirk aka the Priceline.com guy) at a Star Trek convention. Clearly a bit put off by his fans he yelled at them to “Get a life!” Ok, not much of a story, more like a cautionary tale about biting the hand that feeds you, but I’ve always liked it. And …
The Power of What If…?
I’m reading an article right now on creativity; it’s from the December 2009 issue Psychology Today (as is the picture above). My wife, who loves me more than she fears being arrested, stole accidentally borrowed it from our chiropractor’s office so I could read it. I plan to return it. Probably. You should acquire a copy, though by more legal …