I have increasing rage levels recently. That’s not a bad thing. It feels good. It feels like the old Gonch. The younger Gonch. The Gonch who softened somewhere between there and here. Not sure why. I just know it feels good to be pissed off, cynical, angry and suspicious sometimes. I’ve found that big middle finger creeping back into my life more and more over the past few months. It’s a good time to be Gonch.
Some ideas from friends blogs I’d like to touch on:
1. Shitty Photos & Why I’m Out – Neuski
Add me to the list of shitty photographers who make money off of it…unabashedly even.
I think a lot of what Tyler says is true and have the similar thoughts. Examples:
I believe a the shallow depth of field and tight composition attributed to his attitude but I didn’t go into that detail.
Oh, absolutely! Easiest trick in the book. Zoom in and open up the lens. 9 out of 10 people you show the photo to will rave. The 10th will most likely be someone who knows something – anything – about photography. But I have no problem playing to the lowest common denominator. If that’s what people like, then here ya go! Hell, I’d have been in the Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC if I had thought of it first. The masses generally like pedestrian fare – that’s why they’re the masses. The only problem here is that with equipment so damn cheap anybody can do it. That’s the real complaint. There’s always been hack photographers, now it’s easier to be one. (which I suppose it the gist of the blog post Neuski linked to in his blog post)
She admittedly doesn’t focus on technical details but instead looks at the visual details…
This is a phenominon I only discovered once I did start trying to be pseudo-serious about my photos. When I go to photo sites or blogs or Facebook or whatever, it seems like photos that make me cringe get tons of “nice photo” comments while ones I really appreciate get nothing. I’ve even noticed it with my own stuff. Some of the photos I’m most proud of get no reaction at all and some I’ve taken with my phone get tons of attention. I want to be annoyed by this and intially was, but it taught me something – subject matters most. A technically shitty photo of a great moment or thing will beat a perfectly executed photo of something that doesn’t elicit interest every time.
Like Neuski, I’m not sure I have a point to my reactions to his post beyond agreeing with most of it, but not being discouraged or annoyed by it. I think in hindsight of the revelations, it’s kind of obvious that any average schmoe can take a photo that’s good enough for any average schmoe. But can they take a photo that impresses a photographer who obsesses over technical details? Of course not. Luckily (for the masses) that technical minded photo pro isn’t the customer base. Your customer base will always be people with less skill than you – otherwise they could do what they’re paying you for.
And that’s true of anything you do for money.
2. We’re Not Some Lame 50′s Couple – Jeff
Semi related thoughts ahead.
Hell, I’ve never understood the idea of separate finances once you get married. That’s not a union. I can split the bill with anyone, it’s doesn’t make us any more than acquantances. I’ve had roommates who I shared life with more than some married people I know. What’s the fucking point in that? If you’re willing to give so little to the marriage, you’ll get equally little back in return. Spilt the bills and fuck? I’ve done that with people whose name I didn’t even know. That’s not marriage. That’s a cocaine fueled one-nighter.
If you can’t merge something as meaningless as money, what chance do you really have anywhere else? What’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine. You’d better have my back no matter what because I have yours. We’re not just agreeing to got similar directions for now, we’re agreeing to a full blown merger. We will come out a stronger single entity. I guess I’m old-skool when it comes to marriage…unabashedly so.
3. HowStuffWorks “July 25 Birthday Astrology” – Carrie
You know I had to follow and find my own.
We all know astrology is crap, but we also know it’s irresistible. I’ll click a link every time. I don’t think this one hits the mark on me much, but one little bit really resonated and made me think a little beyond the normal throwaway astrological stuff.
As parents, they prefer to let their children have an incredible amount of leeway. They believe in discipline, not punishment.
I read that and read it again. And I thought about it. And I’m thinking again as I type this.
That’s all, really.
Satan’s work is never done.