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amateur

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Advice on Turning Pro

Or, better put, why to think twice about turning pro. This is a painting by John Baldessari made between 1966-1968, informing artists on what sells (via Signal vs. Noise [http://37signals.com/svn/posts/3405-john-baldessari-american-b-1931-tips]).

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Photographers and Phashionistas

Here’s to the Phashionistas: * to the ones who wear a camera to compliment their scarves and skinny jeans * to the ones who agonize over the number of compartments in their bags * to the ones who wouldn’t be caught dead with black lenses on their Canons * to the ones

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Declare Independence

Independent thought is the most scarce resource in photography today. Not talent. Not money. Not technical ability. Blogs, books, magazines and even workshops parrot each other - and always have. Which photographers have remained interesting throughout? The ones who were doing what the others hadn’t considered. It’s, by

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"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.

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The Value of a Photograph

If you believe the value of a photograph is measured in monetary terms, you live in an ever-shrinking bubble. Photography is now just a tool used to express a story. That story can be used to sell something, connect with someone or document something. The story is what holds value.

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Why Pros Like Lesser Photography

Going amateur is better for your creativity than going pro. However, those photographers who have been pros for a while tend to embrace the philosophy of using smaller, simpler cameras (even camera phones) much quicker than amateurs. How can this be? It’s true. It doesn’t seem to make