There’s so much angst these days in the “photography” community and not just the photo community but everywhere. People are almost paralyzed from fear – fear of the future.
I don’t think we ever get anywhere if we let “fear” take over our lives. Certainly not if we live and work in a creative field. The fear seems to creep up when what we are “used to” is no longer there. Anyone who works for newspapers can relate to that statement. But we can’t change “what is”. I don’t look “back” often but when I do – I do it to get perspective. And when “fear” of the future manifests itself so strongly – to quote Jackson Browne “it seems it’s easier sometimes to change the past”.
We all know we can’t change the past – so why do we dwell on it? Because it’s really scary to face a future where all the rules have changed. Technology has forever changed the game. We can moan that our clients don’t respect us and that they just want work that is “good enough” and worse yet – coming to terms with the fact that maybe, just maybe “good enough” is good enough for their needs. As we communicate visually over electronic platforms like the “web”, do we need an image file that is 8000 pixels in its longest dimension with 300 res – like we did for those glossy brochures?
On the other side of the table is that nagging notion that we all must learn to shoot “motion” and “video” and we’re intimidated by it because it’s not what we know. I guess I’m an oddball because I’ve never really been too intimidated by what I don’t know – I’m actually drawn to it and excited by it. Sometimes I rush to the unknown almost carelessly without even considering the consequences. And there’s always consequences – many times negative ones – or ones that may seem negative at the time. But every now and then – if you just “let go” of holding on to what may not be working anymore in your life – you’ll find that you’ve opened yourself up to wonderful possibilities. I keep my eye on those possibilities and it’s so much better than holding onto the past.
Journeys of a Hybrid 
Thanks Gail, words we all can use to help us navigate these troubling waters.
I personally have been taking the approach that there is great opportunity out there right now. My modo ……. “When is an opportunity a great opportunity”? When no one else is looking! I’m looking! Thanks again for your inspiration.
Agreed and well said. Again, I am was not trying to imply that people shouldn’t be out there pursuing changes or supplements to their careers, It just seemed naive that LBDA at http://www.asmp.org/strictlybusiness/2009/09/still-only-still/ would think that you can just go out and experiment and be ready to jump into the video field. It’s evident you (gail) have plenty of experience in both fields. I’ve climbed the ladder slowly myself in the film world, starting as a PA 10 years ago and then onto an electrician,gaffer and most recently a DP. Though the two mediums share many of the same characteristics, they are worlds apart in the way they are executed. I urge everyone to consider the switch as it’s inevitable that we are headed to a world dominated by video or something more (3d?), but if you really want to learn how video is made it takes more than purchasing the camera.
Thanks for the response and I like your website. Pretty images, both still and motion. well done.
-mpo
Michael,
Many times I tell still photographers, depending on their interest level in motion and where they are at in their careers that forming partnerships with motion shooters is a win/win. Thanks for you kind words.
Gail
I don‘t know If I said it already but …Cool site, love the info. I do a lot of research online on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks, 🙂
…..Frank Scurley