Smart Pills and Epicurean Knowledge

In running Photo News Today, I see and read what other photographers are doing. What's also fun is to see how many other photographers post information in the form of tutorials and general how-to articles/blogs.

When I was starting, many years ago, in the age of film, we "protected" techniques, including marketing ideas. That was a different time and a different way of working.

At PhotoPlus Expo in New York last week, I had an opportunity to speak with Derrick Story about this very subject. First, I have to tell you that Derrick is a lot taller than I expected; a lanky, well over six feet something (I'm a short 5' 10").

Derrick said he sometimes has to find the time to sit and write or produce podcasts. Any successful professional would be hard-pressed to add new tasks to an already busy schedule and, that they do, bodes well for us; after all, a rising tide lifts all boats.

The global encyclopedia of the Internet has become a master course of photography and imaging--no photographer can afford to be without Internet access.

There are some photo bloggers I need to read everyday, because their content usually contains some nugget worth remembering. David Hobby, with his Strobist blog, who has almost single-handidly bootstrapped using hot-shoe flashes (strobes) off camera. I bet David could teach you how to back-light the sun!

Another is Scott Kelby. How the hell does this guy have the time to blog, I don't know. Scott runs NAPP (National Association for Photoshop Professionals), writes books, teaches, has a band, shoots, and probably has a secret identity, where he saves the world.

Add to the above many more professional photographic bloggers, such as David Tejada, John Harrington, Chase Jarvis, Dave Cross, Matt Kloskowski and on and on and you have some high powered talent sharing themselves.

There has never been a better time to be in this industry and never a better time than right now to improve your skill set and then pay it back, by creating your own Internet presence--be sure to include a blog and then let me know where I can find you.