I was always fascinated by Steve Jobs’ story, vision, and the company he co-founded, Apple. He influenced business, technology, and had a tremendous impact on the world. In his short life he has changed the way people live with useful tools starting with the creation of the personal computer, and created products we thought we never thought we wanted or needed like the iPad.

Learn more about this influential man on Bloomberg’s 2010 documentary about Steve Jobs (5 parts in this YouTube playlist):

His Stanford commencement speech was one of the best I’ve heard…

And one of the best Apple ads, oldie but goodie…

On 8/23/11, while I was scouting locations for shooting the Baltimore Grand Prix I was on the 8th floor of the Intercontinental Hotel when the famous 5.8 earthquake hit the east coast. The hotel shook, rattled and rolled like a floating disco ball… twice. Quite an amazing and eerie feeling. Fear didn’t even set in, instead I went out to photograph the pre-race course preparations. I even captured some images of the large groups of people that evacuated their office buildings. It was an interesting day.

I finally got an invite to the highly anticipated Google+! I’m so cool now aren’t I? Friend me, invite me, or whatever they’ll call it on Google+, ARMIN DEFIESTA.  This camera dad is so on top of it.

So what is Google+? Honestly, after spending less than 30 minutes on it I am not understanding the point or value of it. But to be fair, it’s still in its infancy. Not to mention it’s hard not to compare this to Facebook or Twitter – two apps that are already dominating social media. They are also challenging for me to keep up with, especially since they play a large role in my photography business. So what will Google+ have to offer that’s different, better, and valuable to my business and everyday life online?

THE GOOD:

• Clean user interface
• Easy to set up
• Seamless integration to your Google/gmail account and contacts

THE NOT-SO-GOOD:

• Anti-climactic user experience
• Limited social access defeats the purpose
• What IS its purpose??

I understand Google+ is probably testing out initial response by limiting access to invites only. But I think they need to open the flood gates as soon as possible because social media and networking is about socializing. The way Google+ is set up now you must be invited first. What a pain in the ass if you ask me.  Keeping access limited could spell doom for Google+ but time will tell. And there’s little time left in my opinion. People want things fast, now and yesterday. The limitations and less than stellar offerings of Google+ so far could turn people off.

But hope is not lost… continue reading.

PREDICTION FOR GOOGLE+

If Google Plus ingests feedback, applies lessons learned and creates a more organized and less cluttered user interface and user experience than other social media, then it’s anyone’s game. Heck, they might even win.  Is this THE Facebook killer? In my opinion, not quite yet in its current state. However, if Google ramps it up to a level with a clean and seamless user experience that sets it apart from Facebook, it’s going to be an all-out war. If Google+ can create a new and unique user experience that enhances social networking and actually add some value to ones life then I believe it stands a chance against Facebook. Because, as a friend reminded me today, Facebook is a bit messy at times as far as layout and usability. Maybe Google+ will be the solution to those shortcomings?  Then again, are they really trying to compete with Facebook or are they offering something completely different in the online space? I predict Google+ will be providing something new for us and I am so darn curious what that might be.

In any event, going against the social media giant is a huge challenge. And I will be watching the battles closely! In the meantime, find me on Facebook or Twitter 

I was inspired to write this after getting some emails from new and upcoming photographers asking for advice lately on tackling this increasingly difficult industry. It is a tough market indeed, things continue to change fast.  Believe me, you are not alone, I’ve been feeling the pinch myself! I thought I would go ahead and share a few of those business tips that you might’ve seen in my contribution to the Sekonic Blog. Wait, some of you don’t know who Sekonic is? They make light meters, you know, the device you see fashion photographers hold up to a subject to get a light reading and determine the right exposure? Anyway, check out the Sekonic light meters on B&H Photo, definitely takes some of the technical guesswork out!  Moving on, some of these thoughts are what help me refocus and recenter to get back on track. They also inspired me to create my talent reality show SHUTTER WARS.

1. Never underprice or undervalue your work in this changing and competitive market. But do try to price appropriately. With the ongoing rise of SLR owners entering the market, the competition is growing exponentially. At the same time many of these new SLR owners are marketing themselves as photographers and undercutting the professionals in pricing. Truth be told, some of their work is actually good, some are very good. And some are very good in understanding the customer and market better than you can.  In such a market it’s easy to consider lowering your fees and making concessions just to stay in the running. In the end, that could potentially hurt your brand and value in the market place if you do not learn to adapt to ongoing change and your customer’s needs today. So in most cases the market will drive your pricing, but only if you are just like the rest of the market! Are you getting it yet? It’s time to get introspective and think about why you’re holding that awesome camera in the first place.
2. Customers are seeing so many more choices these days of photographers to choose from that it’s becoming a bidding war among photographers. Who cares if the other photographers are just part-timers with secure day jobs. That to me should NOT be an excuse anymore. If you want to try to continue making living in photography, do your best to understand market trends and find ways to adapt your business and set yourself apart from “stock” work and your competitors.
3. Shoot what you love and sell it because it’s easier to sell what you love and are passionate about than faking it. Otherwise you will burn out faster than you intended to. And be patient because the process may not happen overnight. I happen to love cars by the way…

   

   2011 Jeep Cherokee Overland photo shoot | Shot with a Canon 5D Mark II with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Edited in Instagram applying its Tilt Shift effect using my iPhone 4. Thank you Mr. Jobs!

4. Always take the time to photograph for yourself. I know it’s important to find the next job, book the next wedding, or submit the best photos to your editor so you can pay the bills. But don’t forget why you got into this in the first place—probably because you enjoy the art of photography! Taking time to shoot for yourself is good for the soul, whether a personal project or just something fun to do with a group of fellow photographers, it helps avoid burn-out. Not to mention you might get some great photos to add to your portfolio which could lead to paying jobs anyway.

Those were some great tips right? Well, whether you agree with me or not, it still might not be enough to survive or make photography a full-time job. Relax though, there’s still light at the end of the tunnel.  Here’s why I think the term “photographer” might be refined in the coming years.

MY THOUGHTS  AND OBSERVATIONS MOVING FORWARD – THE END OF “PHOTOGRAPHERS” AS WE KNOW THEM

The days of print photography are numbered as the digital consumer base grows in power and influence every year. Sites like FaceBook, Flickr

Now with cloud based apps and services potentially being the future of photo streaming and sharing, it’s evident we’re at the cusp of yet another major shift in the photography business. The global market has elevated the technological ante yet again with an even stronger dependency on computers, mobile devices and the apps many have come to love – the customer wants and expects fast easy access to their photos, music and other files anywhere they go.  And companies are listening. Just look at Apple’s new iCloud coming this year, and a new photo sharing cloud-based app called PASS.  Both have the capability to let users enjoy and share their photos in a way that compliments their mobile lifestyle.  Google also launched a music beta app called Google Music for streaming your songs in a cloud-based system. Then there is RackSpace geared towards large scale cloud computing, files and servers.  There are probably many others that I don’t know about yet. If you know of some, I would love to hear about them in the comments section!

Combine my observations with the lowered barriers to digital photo technology, and the result could indicate the final blow to what we know as photographers are today. Some would agree this shift began a few years ago.  Devices are becoming more and more technologically advanced, and more and more affordable. Just look at YouTube or Yahoo, sites where folks can tell their stories and deliver content fast with good quality video and photos. Everyone’s a photographer in one way or another these days.  The various experience levels in the show Shutter Wars is indicative of that.  Many photographers used to fight the notion of  ”shoot-and-burn” service (e.g. digital files), when in actuality, that is what the customer wants.  And what they want will drive most of your business and the direction it goes.  The days might be numbered for the handful of commercial, fashion or wedding photographers dominating a market region. The same goes for when a photo could cost in the thousands to buy or license. Today, clients have their pick of the litter when it comes to finding someone with a nice DSLR to shoot some editorial or commercial work on the cheap. Better yet, many license photos from Flickr

It is the end of “photographers” as we know them?  Maybe so in a way, but I like to start thinking of it as “photographers redefined”.  We (photographers) are not just “drawing light”, we are beyond that now.  I believe the photography process moving forward will evolve into an even more creative artform.  I believe photography will reach a plateau in which each photographer must push past their own rules and comfort zones and discover the exact reason why they love photography and what it means to them.  Not an easy journey, but a possible one.  The information on how to grow as a photographer, coupled with the affordable and user-friendly tools to do so, is making it easier for many to learn, discover and express a creative side they never knew they had.  Photography is exciting again! Retailers report DSLR sales have been consistent and their popularity have taken over the point-and-shoot cameras. Look around at the next wedding, travel or social event you’re at and see how many DSLRs are toted around. The entry-level DSLR market has changed everything with popular cameras such as the Nikon D5100 and the Canon Rebel T3i.

WHAT I THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS | PHOTOGRAPHERS AS WE KNOW IT WILL CHANGE

Amateur or professional, it really doesn’t matter at this point does it?  Like my show Shutter Wars demonstrated, it’s anyone’s game! Anyone can be a photographer, whether amateur, professional or a hobby. But if you want to make a living at it, this is an environment where the gregarious and the extroverted have the advantage. In a crowded and exploding marketplace, we remember the big personalities and they tend to be the ones people seek for various reasons. I’ve mentored some photographers in the past and have very happily seen them grow their businesses and experience successes. But I noticed the key to their success is their strong understanding of themselves, their customer and their brand. But understanding those elements is half the battle. Implementing a business plan based on these elements with an undying motivation to hustle will attract people and potential customers. Work will not find you, you have to create opportunities to stay in the game. Otherwise, you’re just among the thousands upon thousands of photography businesses and services out there.

I believe over the next few years the dust will settle and a new breed of professional photographers will rise again. I’m already seeing signs of that shift today. Photographers as we know them today will shift towards digital artistry, or those who can combine the fundamentals and their own digital uniqueness to create the final result. I believe in 10 years time or less (just a nice round number) a large number of photographers will be part-time data gatherers, while a select few in their regions will be full-time professionals and photographic artists, or should I say digital artists.

Here’s why–

• In 10 years time or less (just an estimate of course!) the shift from the “au-natural” look will shift into more creative expressions through digital tools. Adobe Photoshop (or similar app) will be the differentiating tool of expression and creativity.  It will cease to be a crutch, instead becoming a true digital paintbrush.  Some are already doing this today, but it will take a much more advanced software application to execute new and innovative ideas for the future photographer. Think multi-touch editing, painting with gestures, holographic editing, four dimensional imagery, adding professional lighting IN POST production! Yes, I’m thinking of some far-out-Star-Trek-like thoughts, but stranger things have happened right? I believe the technology is present, just not necessarily available to the public or still in development.
• The one who can combine content, fundamentals, and amazing digital art will be the one in demand for specific and professional jobs and assignments that match the artist’s digital style based on market demand.
• In the future, the masses will have a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of photography and DSLR technology. By then you might even be able to create your own lighting scenario within the DSLR itself.  I have no idea how, but would you really be surprised if that were the case?
• In the future, the fundamentals of photography will still hold – understanding exposure, lighting, and composition.  By then the knowledge has been circulated countless times it might be common knowledge among the masses.  Just look at the photography industry today, so much knowledge is already being shared and circulated. Ever heard of David Hobby? At this rate, we can only expect this knowledge to spread exponentially over the years. It’s what you do with this knowledge that counts! So those who have a unique blend of creative savvy and business acumen could have the advantage.

So do I believe it’s the end of photographers as we know them?  No, not exactly.  As I mentioned earlier I believe it’s coming to a point of implosion and a new breed of photographer will rise.  That could be you! So continue honing your craft, discovering your art, growing your brand and really find ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Not everyone will be able to succeed at doing this as a business, but that is fine. But think about what I just shared with you. Perhaps that crazy idea you have going on in your head isn’t so crazy at all. Maybe you’ve already discovered something new and innovative and just need the right tools to execute. True, not everyone’s meant to be a rock star or astronaut, but maybe you are? We each will find and have our own place and contribution in the photographic universe.

This is an interesting, exciting and fast-paced market to be in as a photographer. Companies like B&H Photo and Think Tank Photo continue to support their photography communities around the world bringing them the best in education, products and the latest technologies to help customers take photography to the next level. Photography technology is moving fast, and the art and the process is evolving. See if you can keep up, better yet, stay one step ahead!

We recently stopped by the National Arboretum so I could see if anything was in bloom. Unfortunately it appears funding and political issues have impacted the upkeep of this usually beautiful place. Nonetheless, I snapped away as the kids had fun running around the famous Capitol Columns.

The harsh shadows from the high sun called for some fill light.  While I usually prefer off-camera lighting, I attached the Speedlite onto my 5D Mark II, switched it to Manual mode at 1/2 power, and adjusted the Speedlite zoom to narrow its beam (e.g., 80 to 105mm).  I also had my Hoya PRO1 Circular Polarizer Filter

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Our oldest son, Nathan, used to love going to see the airplanes fly over our heads when he was a toddler at Gravelly Point park near Reagan National Airport. We took our younger ones to the park for the first time and they enjoyed it as well!

March 19, 2011 was the date for the super moon.  It wasn’t as large as I thought it might be, but some did say it would be brighter which I have to agree with.  I missed the moonrise but was able to snap a few shots later in the evening.  I shot these with my Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens, both of which can be purchased at B&H Photo. Click on the banner ad and start shopping, that place is addicting!

It was a fun time in Davidsonville, MD where we took the kids to see Santa Clause at Homestead Gardens just down the road from our house. The kids told Santa to buy me a new lens for Christmas… just kidding! I think they were just happy to chat with the jolly man =)   Homestead Gardens is not only a great nursery but has some of Denise’s favorite Holiday ornaments and decorations. Not to mention the amazing train set they setup for the holidays. Check out the iPhone 4 video that includes stills also taken with the iPhone 4.

Now for some iPhone 4 photos: