YouTube is fascinating. For whatever reason, my view count is up. Maybe it was the time off, or perhaps it was the starvation diet I created by accident. The views are up. Consequently, trolls are all hot and bothered. I’ve said this from day one. I love trolls. I believe they are the best part of being on YouTube. Trolls say what many people feel but are afraid to say, so I think the honesty of those living in their parent’s basement, using fake screen names to hide their identity, far outweighs the negativity they attempt to spread. Lazy trolls are scum, but those who work at it are providing a service, and a valuable one at that.
Berlin was nearly perfect. Hamburg too.
The workshop went as well as a workshop can go. The students were good, to begin with, and only got better as time progressed. Each a unique angle from a unique perspective on a unique story. The weather was perfect as well. No rain, lots of sun and comfortable temperatures. We even spent a few hours in the Berlin airport lounge, which was so far beyond any American lounge I’m reluctant even to explain it.
Now I’m in London. Yesterday was the Photo and Video Show, one of the best shows I’ve attended, and also better than any current American show. By a long shot. This was reflected by some of the bigger brands who heaped praise on the event while admitting we have lost all of the major shows in America. Still seems odd to me, but I was happy with my experience and was introduced to several new brands and options when it comes to my photography/teaching/Blurb life.
Today is another Blurb day, as is tomorrow. Thursday is my first “free” day in three weeks. I have goals for the day but no pressing meetings or appointments, which means I get to screw on my own brain for a day and see what I can dream up. My writing is coming back to me, finally. This morning I crafted a piece about tea and coffee drinkers. I’ve noticed a few things. I had both this morning for you inquiring minds. I also need to mock up a few covers from the Berlin trip. I have images and titles in mind, and I need to create a mock portfolio for an upcoming Blurb Create With Me event on the 27th. I have ten days after I return but I like to create when things are fresh in my mind.
This was also my maiden voyage with the Fuji X100VI which is rapidly growing on me. I find this series of cameras to be rather limiting, but for the kind of picture they are designed to make they are nearly perfect. The resolution is astounding. Several of my images required serious cropping, and I felt like the camera just kept giving and giving and giving. I’ve also been using the built-in strobe for slight fill here and there. And my neck hasn’t been impacted at all. I miss the Nikon for many reasons but I’m learning how to use the X100 and getting to love it more and more in the process.
I just spent two hours in the hotel lobby meeting with local photographers, seeing their work and talking books, both traditionally published and self-published. Our Blurb photowalk is later today. I just purchased my ticket for tomorrow’s book fair, and also bought my ticket for Brighton on Friday afternoon. My brain is attempting to turn from teaching brain to Blurb brain to Milnor brain. This happens slower than in once did, but the process is always entertaining. More later when I get some time.
Comments 9
What about the stripe out of the “Photokabine”? Will we see it or will it take a place in a journal?
Sounds like a broken record but, I am also interested in the X100VI. I normally carry a Nikon Z6 but, really would like something smaller and lighter (Neck and Back issues) that I will want to carry all the time. My Z6 isn’t that daily carry camera anymore. Really my biggest worry is the fixed lens. I shoot everything so I can’t say that I am any one style. I just like to record things as they come at me.
Author
It’s not a camera that will do anything. Your Z6 or Zf or Z8, sure, but they are larger, heavier. My neck is so bad that this was my only option, and I’m glad it was. I love this camera. Does it do everything? No, but what does do it does nearly perfectly. And the Fuji color science is second to none. Will I go back to my ZF and Z8 when i return home? Yep, but this might take over as my daily thing because it’s smaller and lighter and I’m tired of being in pain. (fingers numb while I write this.)
Author
It’s in my journal….
When you talk about the Fuji x100vi and you say “… for the kind of picture they are designed to make…”, can you expand and explain what kind of pictures you think the x100vi is designed to make. What would you use it for and what you would not use it for?
Author
This camera is good for one thing. Small, quiet, documentary style moments. Would I use this to make portraits, shoot an action sport or anything requiring fast autofocus? Would I use it for a video centric project? Nope. It’s just not meant for that. Could I use my Zf or Z8 for all of those things? Yep. But this camera is SO small and light and compact and is a joy to use. And the files are fantastic.
I’m interested to hear more about your X100 experience: the on board ND filter, the versatility of the flash, the compact size that camouflages a photographer, the light weight allowing you to hang your camera arm out the window…etc. I find a camera’s limitations work to fan the creative flame by making a photographer actually be a photographer. Find an angle that works, use your legs to zoom sort of thing. I found the X stands as contrary to the flagship rigs of the big boys that produce homogenized, soulless, hi-def perfection coveted by the backlit world.
Author
You just summed it up. I love this thing, but would I choose it for a portrait project or shooting the Baja 1000? Probably not. Most importantly, it’s effortless to carry.
I understand what you meant. 100% agree with you.