A few of you may have read the article “The Cloud is Falling” that discussed my outlook for the photography industry in some detail, less than half a year ago. That article was the impetus behind this blog in fact. My overall thought back then was that the still/print industry was fundamentally changing – both due to technological advances and market forces – and that still photographers needed to embrace new ideas and technologies.
A lot has happened in the past 6 months – most notably the economy (and on a more positive note, game changing technological advances such DSLRs that shoot 1080p video.) My outlook for the print industry is now quite dire – in many ways this economic downturn may lead to an incredible series of layoffs and failures in the upcoming year that our industry has never seen before. What I assumed would happen over the next 3-5 years – may happen in the next year or two – precipitated by this economic downturn that we’re experiencing. (The stock market (INDU) in case you haven’t noticed – is approaching its lowest level in more than a decade.) The purpose of this post is to make sure that all photographers are aware that 2009 may be an incredibly tough year for everyone – and for you to make sure that you prepare yourself for it. Read the rest of this entry »
For years now, I’ve been waiting for someone to take full advantage of the web and to allow photographers to better connect with their audiences. I’ve always found that traditional media rarely offer up a way for photographers to connect directly with their readers/viewers. Photoshelter has just recently released a little widget that allows anyone to embed flash galleries in their (and other people’s) websites. This tool allows photographers to easily share their images – and perhaps to generate some income. In this case – you can simply view the photographs within the widget – and if you’d like, you can purchase a print as well.
I think this has a tremendous potential – so much so, that I’m going to try to encourage you to embed this gallery into your personal sites (or publications!) by applying all of the profits from these print sales for the next 30 days to a student internship/scholarship… Read the rest of this entry »
Had a really close call with a very very close family member today – as close as it gets. Could have been fatal – but turned out ok. Head traumas are so dangerous, and when mixed with internal bleeding can turn on a dime.
Any way. All is good. Everyone is fine. (Broken skulls excluded.)
Things have been incredibly busy for me over the past few weeks – and the outlook for things has been awesome. And just like that all could have come crashing down.
I’m being cryptic on purpose because I really don’t want to get into personal matters on a public forum.
The point of this post is simply to remind me (and you) to always keep an eye on what is important in life: family, friends – and all else is far secondary – if even on the radar. Be safe out there. Always make a point to “seize the day,” but make more of a point to spend as much time with your loved ones – no matter how crazy busy you are.
Being busy is a voluntary thing. So is spending time with family. Make a point of doing the latter.
Family and friends are all that matter in the end.
A few of you may have read the article “The Cloud is Falling” that discussed my outlook for the photography industry in some detail, less than half a year ago. That article was the impetus behind this blog in fact. My overall thought back then was that the still/print industry was fundamentally changing – both due to technological advances and market forces – and that still photographers needed to embrace new ideas and technologies.
