PHOTOSHOP DISASTERS, INDEED

Okay, okay…..I love looking at Photoshop Disasters as much
as the next geek.

But lately I’ve been getting a bit bent out of shape, getting my
knickers in a knot, about one aspect of that site. Namely, the
comments.

(As an aside, I must tell you that I never get angry on the job,
I find it so counter-productive. As well, since my near-death
about 3 years ago now, I’m much more likely, when confronted
with plain stupidity, to just shrug my shoulders, giggle a little
and wonder at how funny people are. Having said all that, I must
also tell you that getting righteously pissed off from time to time
can be great fun…….just so long as you realize being pissed off
pretty much turns you into an arsehole.)

Anyway……far be it from me to tell you what to be interested in,
what to get excited about, what to spend your time on. But……

Okay, here’s the genesis of my feeling:

This image has elicited 87 comments. Yes! 87. And it’s not just
this particular post that gets the punters riled, it’s pretty consistent.
It would seem that there are all kinds of folks out there who have very
weird ideas about what’s interesting in photography.

Some of the comments are funny, in a snide way, some attempt to
bring humor but (for me) fail, and many, many of the comments
are arguments about whether or not this is, in fact, a Photoshop
disaster. Some have gone so far as to draw in where the models
thumb and fingers would be.

Then people started arguing about that. Boy-o-boy.

Come on, this isn’t what photography is about. Is it? Stupid
arguments about stupid pictures. Geeks versus geeks.

Now, I’m totally aware that by getting sore about such an
inconsequential thing as these comments puts me in the
same category as those who I’m dissing here. So be it.
drool has always said that it embraces it’s contradictions.
But let me tell you, those of you who spend your time picking
apart little bits of crappy mass media fotos, get a fucking life.
Try looking at life and fotos, not for the small errors you can
find, but for the larger beauty of endeavor and struggle that
can be found in the world and in the impulse to understand it.

Photography is not about Photoshop Disasters. I hope you
know that.

CAPITAL CAPERS

A couple of things to bring to your attention if you’re going
to be in Ottawa next week:

SPAO OPEN HOUSE

This coming Friday, from 3:00 p,m, onwards, SPAO opens
it’s doors to the public. Always seems to be a good cross
section of students, alumni, parents and foto-industry folks
on hand to support their work and community. Drop by and
see for yourself.

NAKED IN THE CAPITAL

Based on the Dan Couto thing, that happens in Toronto. This
year Ottawa climbs on the bandwagon. At Arts + Architecture,
this Thursday. (If they do it again next year, I hope they get a
better poster.)

WEB SITE UPDATE + QUESTION

Been working on a web site update. A new gallery called “RECENT”.
Should be up in a week or so. 30 new(ish) pix on 16 pages for your
perusal. Here’s what they look like really, really small.

There’s one page, though, that I can’t decide about. I can’t figure
out whether to add it, or not. Some tell me that putting stuff like
this on your web site will alienate clients. After all…..they look at
the site at work and these aren’t really safe for work.

On the other hand, I think that they’re kind on interesting shots
and, for me at least, beautiful, not offensive.

So let me ask you, you droolers, for your opinion. Especially if
you’re a client of mine or an AD or a PE. Should I or shouldn’t I?

Everyone who responds will get a chance at winning a print of
one of these shots. Random draw, you’re choice. So, let me
know, will ya?

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Man, late October and November have to be the most brutal months
in Ottawa. Overcast, drizzly, colorless. These days there’s (almost)
nothing I like more than building a fire in our back room, watching
the rain and leaves fall, watching the color drain, feeling just toasty,
thank you very much.

Back room with fire, dog and view

Desert Hot Springs, Cali, top down