The last fews month or so, I’ve noticed a trend. While hobbyist digital photographers are still droning on about their hobby in terms of specs, instead of results, the public has largely ignored this talk. A new bubble is forming.
In the past, similar bubbles have housed arguments over computers, stereos, TVs and cars. Those in the bubble have no respect for results, just specs. They have their own podcasts, conventions, books and websites to reinforce their views. Now there’s a photo bubble.
Bubbles are usually reserved for complex products that most regular people own, and, now, more and more regular people are carrying powerful cameras (their phones) in their pockets wherever they go. The thing I’ve noticed is that they’re doing so without regard to the specs. They want a good picture (a result). That’s it. They exist comfortably outside the bubble, almost unaware the bubble exists.
Of course, Apple excels at meeting this kind of demand. While Android phones went for the specs (roundly praised within the bubble), the new iPhone concentrated on making better results. Most hobbyists will never understand this. It’s in their nature to lust after the specs.
As you look through the various award winners, people who’s work is selected for the American Photography annual or whatever contest PDN is currently pitching, I guarantee you there’s a good percentage that are nowhere near earning a living with a camera, and more than a few are working at Starbucks to make ends meet.
Think about this: How many how-to photo blogs and magazines are out there? It seems like a never-ending supply. You can spend days wrapped up in inspiring photos from the most talented photographers on the planet. Flickr can become a time suck for those of us who appreciate great technique.
But does technique matter? Or is it just like any other popular hobby/profession, jammed with publications speaking only to other enthusiasts? Yeah, that’s probably it.
Check out the nominees (in the photo-related categories) from this year’s National Magazine Awards:
National Geographic
The New York Times
Virginia Quarterly Review
Time
Style Magazine
GQ
Vogue
Foreign Policy
New York
Out
W
Now, check out the Webby Award photography nominees:
National Geographic Society
The Economist
The New York Times
Snapshots Of Provence
Hiroshi Seo
Notice any photo how-to blogs or magazines? Remember, the photography is top-notch in the how-to publications. Yet, it doesn’t rank as memorable by the public, or even ourselves, when compared to the above.
Most (if not all) of the above stuck in our minds as the best of the best because the photos told a story. In fact, most were straight-up photojournalism.
When’s the last time you took a series of photos that told a story? What would a National Geographic photo essay of your life or town look like? I bet it would be a lot more interesting than your latest set of technically perfect pics.
I discovered another use for keeping a small camera on myself at all times. While the local Botanic Gardens yesterday (which seemed to have more DSLRs per capita that any place on Earth), I found myself standing next to a certain actor/director/ghostbuster, who was scolding a little girl (not his own) for kicking pebbles.
Of course, I had my s90 in my coat pocket and snapped a pic on the sly. I shared it with my friends and family on Facebook and it was good for a chuckle. However, I’m not THAT kind of Lesser Photographer, so unless they share it, it won’t be public.
The only point is, once again - always have a camera on you. The new reason: whacky, anti-pebble kicking celebrities.
