Monday, April 20, 2009

No Second Chances...

There is an interesting article and comment thread on "A Photo Editor," about the harsh world of editorial photography. The gist is the main reason to not get a call back is a screw up and once you're done, your done. That is probably true with a given client, and especially with higher end clients. But, I don't think one screwed up job ends your days as a photographer. And, I would like to meet the photographer that has never screwed up. Of course, the best way to get a call back is consistent good work, but it takes practice to get there... A wise man once told me, never believe anyone that always tells you your pictures are awful, and never believe anyone that always tells you your pictures are great.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Non-profit Newspapers?

An interesting article in the Boston Globe on the future of dying newspaper industry.

Get out and shoot!

Occasionally, I start to feel complacent, thinking I'm doing a good job, making a decent living, taking nice pictures. Then, I come across someone with really powerful work and I doubt myself. I remember my journalistic roots, and my dreams of shooting something really meaningful. This happened recently when someone forwarded me a link to Aperture's "Photography with Purpose." In particular, I was moved by a story on Rwandan children born of rape (follow the link below to see some of the photos).

http://www.torgovnik.com/

The photographer -- Jonathan Torgovnik -- is very, very good. Every time I see images that affect me on such a visceral level, I feel like I just need to get out and shoot, and not worry so much about making a living.