Mikes on Mics Podcast
I recently went on the Mikes on Mics podcast to debate this article [http://thislifeofleisure.com/post/18831141588/rethinking-productivity-for-creatives] I wrote about productivity for creatives. The podcast came out today, so download it here [http://www.70decibels.com/mikesonmics/2012/5/7/episode-14-clashing-on-creativity-with-cj-chilvers.html] and join the debate (you’ll
"I only really shoot family photos."
My inbox is filled with email that includes some variation on the quote above. Honestly, I can’t imagine a more important subject.
Go Ahead and Buy Expensive Gear
Constraints breed creativity. But what if the constraint that happens to bring out your creativity is a film camera? A $4500 film camera? That’s what happened to street photographer Eric Kim [http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2012/04/why-digital-is-dead-for-me-in-street-photography/] . He knew film gave him a creative edge over digital. That
"How Digital Photography School Became a Multimillion Dollar Online Business"
Just in case you wanted to know how these things work [http://www.copyblogger.com/dps/]: > “People in the blogging and online marketing world know Darren Rowse from Problogger. Many, however, don’t realize that Problogger is an industry sideline where Darren shares what he learns from his primary
On the Right Track
I looked up the definition of art today: > “Art: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.” And I was so ready to read about cloud services, “glass” and going pro.
What Film Does that Digital Can't
Lesser photography doesn’t necessarily mean analogue photography, it just means finding ways to boost your creativity by recognizing the power of constraints, editing and storytelling. For some photographers, that means choosing film over pixels. Why? There are still some things film does better, while remaining a constraint. There are
Freedom Is..
The best books get you to rethink your approach to life, career, country…you name it. Hugh MacLeod’s first book Ignore Everybody [http://gapingvoid.com/ie/] was just such a book for me back in 2009. It was the kick in the ass every creativity-driven person deserves at least
Specializing in Mediocrity
The latest excuse I’ve heard from “advanced amateurs” to justify buying expensive equipment and ignoring creativity is “I specialize.” Wow! Just like a pro (only without those pesky clients and market forces). I understand the attraction of confining yourself to a niche of photographing dung beetles or retro bottle
Priorities
If you know the difference between the Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon D4, and you’re not a pro…what exactly do you consider a good use of your time? OK, that was a bit harsh. But when I was a spec monkey, it never occurred to me
Can a Story Be Told with a Single Image?
Sure it can. But would it be as compelling as a story with a handful of carefully chosen photos combined with words? Of course, an iconic image demands attention and, often, a backstory. But such an image is rare, even for legendary photographers. The real question should be: why do