Anticipating Change

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Digital media (such as photography & video) is and has been a fast growing field, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. Technology is making it easier and easier for the average joe to take a good picture. So how would the professional photographer be able to survive in an over-saturating field like photography or video?

My prediction is since photography & video is becoming easier to capture, soon (if it hasn't already happened) there will be an expectation to be able to do both. There is a consistent reoccurring pattern, as technology grows so should the skill sets of industry professionals. Besides having my own personal reasons, this is why I strive not to just master photography but video as well. Professional photographers are dying, professional media generators are thriving.

In addition, I anticipate a hunger for people to learn how to capture better images since more people have the ability. I'm currently honing my teaching skills to so I can be a better instructor to those who want to learn to capture quality media.

Anticipate where trends will go, think hard about where people will be in the near future and how you can hone your skills now to accommodate them. In a fast moving field like digital media; if you wait until the new standard is set to catch up, by the time you catch up you have fallen behind.

Interview with Doubilet

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing renowned underwater photographer David Doubilet. The color, intimacy, and high standard for quality in an extremely difficult environment found in his imagery has always been an inspiration for me. Simply put, his work magically reveals a world hidden world to most. (photo courtesy of daviddoubilet.com)

I have listed some of my favorite nuggets of advice he gave for any budding photographers like myself to digest.

"Have a really good grounding in art, don’t just study your field."

"Know all the techniques and technical skills that you need to know [to get the image you want]."

"Know all the tools; light... moment... color... gesture. Above all... Intimacy and light is what counts"

“Dream, think, shoot… but above all shoot”

"...The hardest part [of being a professional] is getting the job"

"The only reason you should want to become a professional photographer is, you’re a little crazy and very passionate."

"Keep shooting, aim for a frame you see and keep trying. Anticipate."

"Everybody is shooting pictures now, so you better really think about what your shooting."

"Follow your interest and heart, photography is a way of expressing your interest visually."

"...Great pictures transcend... and become a piece of art... they have a poetry to them."