This weeks post is about computers. I wish to make my blog inspiring concerning Photography, however a lot of my constituency seem to be having problems with their computers. Honestly? I don’t blame them!
Let me explain… I’m pretty computer literate. My contacts with my Apple Business team are well aware that my computer knowledge is a might stronger than a Certified Apple Genius Bar Technician. One of my key strategic partners is Aamer Sajwani who is the Manager of Computer Doctor BG, which is the only Apple Certified Repair Center in Las Vegas. Aamer will tell you I know a few things as well.
I am NOT tooting my own horn here… what I am stating is the average everyday person out there is challenged by all of the choices available now a days! Just when they think they have it all figured out? The industry changes something! You are all well aware of this just with the amount of updates that hit you every day!
You Do Not Need The Latest And Greatest!
That statement is true for your camera AND your digital darkroom. However… know this to be true concerning both pieces of equipment… the less you buy, or the more entry level you purchase, the more you need to know. It’s actually that simple.
If you buy an entry level camera, with proper knowledge, you can obtain some pretty awesome imagery. The computer you own will assist you to manipulate that image immensely. Now If you are new to both Photography and the Digital Darkroom? Your challenges will be great…that is, to start with…
After a short time of making mistakes and gaining knowledge, your results will improve exponentially! The only problem with this equation? People do not wish to wait. This is why YouTube is riddled with videos that address the topic “what camera should I buy”… honestly the answer to that question relies upon your answer to the question, “what would you like to shoot?”
Entry Level Photographers Seldom Know What They’ll Shoot
At least right away. The entry level Photographer does not really know specifically how to answer the question, so most of the time their answer is “everything.” More advanced Photographers know what they enjoy shooting, and consequently which camera fits their requirements.
In my personal situation? I shoot a Nikon D 850, in two versions, one standard light and one infrared. Am I in the market for Nikon’s new Z8 or Z9? No because for what I shoot I do not need either of those bodies yet. In the future? Well maybe, when my 850’s no longer work. I’ll have to move to a different body then, but not now.
I just went to YouTube and searched “best computer for editing Photography”… the list of videos was huge and naturally full of opinions. Most of those opinions reflecting towards laptops, which I personally would not recommend.
The laptop as a suggestion fits though… Why? Because who watches YouTube Videos? Globally a little over 54% of users are between the ages of 18 & 34 years old. That age group grew up with the laptop and that is what they are most comfortable with. That and their smart phone.
YouTubers make more money with more followers and more views. Also the length of time you view their channel. They really do not need to “know anything”… they simply need to be entertaining, or engaging, and have their followers and viewers “think” their way is “the way.” As the viewer you get to peruse though many videos in an effort to make your own decision.
PC vs Mac?
You can also find a slew of opinions when it comes to PC vs Mac. Windows is still the most widely used system world wide. Why? Because most business platforms were written for that system “back in the day”… and now? It would cost companies huge sums of money to upgrade away from those systems. The old adage applies here… If it ain’t broke? Don’t fix it!
In 2015, IBM…literally the father of the PC started the conversion of their entire workforce over to the Macintosh Computer. Over 200,000 machines! IBM stated their workforce was happier and more productive on a Mac vs a PC after testing. They also reported it was far cheaper for their IT department to keep up with maintenance, with a 186% savings in IT costs alone.
I find this to be true in my own systems as well. In my days of using Windows I was always having to fix something. Now? My systems seem to take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’! However this is my experience! It might not be yours! Just like I choose to drive Ford Diesel Trucks… you might like Chevy, or Dodge.
So What Does All Of This Mean?
Well lately I’ve been a little frustrated because I seem to teach more about computers than I do Photography. Upon reflection? I might need to chilax. Back in the film days, Photographers for the most part took their film to a lab to be developed. Now? The Photographer is the lab. It’s part of the gig. After all this IS digital Photography!
Your computer is your darkroom. Yes, you can pay someone to do your editing, but this can get quite expensive. In the film days, did you wish to learn how to develop and print? Most would say no. (if you shot film) Now? If you wish to achieve the level of awesomeness you find looking at imagery on the internet? You will have to learn both Photography and Computer Skills.
Also? If you were the type of Film Photograoher that wanted control of the entire process and you also developed and printed your own work? Now you get to learn entirely new skills with digital!
I Wish To Be Different As Well!
My teaching style is to reduce complicated things to simplicity. Well guess what? The reason other educators do not do this when it comes to computers is because there are so many variables. If I’m going to take on this challenge then I need to chillax about the computer stuff, and try and show you a way to make it simple.
Everyday I personally see people willing to spend huge amounts of cash on the latest and “greatest” camera, or a new super lens… but stop dead in their tracks when is comes to investing in both their digital darkroom (the computer) or their knowledge.
I’m trying to change that with my online learning center.
ByWinslowCampfire.com
I set up this platform for many reasons. I’ve received excellent feedback from my Legacy Members! I value these members like you would not believe! They have told me that there’s TONS of information in my videos. Members that are very advanced have stated they have already learned more than they thought possible.
Guess what? I have learned as well! I’m now shooting some video, and editing that as well. After being a still Photographer for more years than I care to admit, I’m having a lot of fun with a medium I never thought I would get involved with.
Am I good at it? Nope! Welcome to the journey… But I know me. I will be improving my video and my sound quality very quickly. Why? Because I am a tenacious S.O.B. This is constantly on my mind! How can I improve this, and how can I improve that? What about the sound? How will I make that better? And ya know what? I say “um” too much!
The Day You Stop Dreaming Or Learning Is The Day You Die!
I don’t know about ya’ll but I’m not quite ready to go yet! Miles to go before I sleep! So! All of us have things to learn. Isn’t that awesome!?! I mean how boring would it be if we were all the same? No personalities… walking around exactly the same. Robots. How boring would it be if we had nothing left to learn?
Even Minions have personality!
Think about that! Nothing at all left to learn. Zero curiosity. Personally? I’d be devastated! I would not be able to exist if I had zero curiosities. I see people all of the time scared to ask a question… afraid of what others might think of them if they asked a “stupid” question.
Personally I think this is sad. The only stupid question is the question not asked. Personally I’m also not worried about what others think of me. I am what I am. I is what I is. I really only need to satisfy myself. Ya’ll do you. Isn’t that cool?
Embrace The Journey!
This could be the journey of learning your camera… or the journey of learning your computer… or the journey of learning LightRoom and Photoshop… or many other journeys! Embrace them all! Windows or Macintosh?… It does not matter! Just like I does not matter what camera you use. Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus… they are all tools. None of them are perfect.
Learn to use what you have! Buying something new will not make you a better Photographer! Investing in your knowledge will make you far better at anything you choose to do. Invest in that!
Also be thankful. Your journey could be learning how to walk again after a debilitating injury… or how to live with severe burns about your body. Or Yoda forgive for all of us Photographers… what if we had to learn to “see” again after losing our eyesight?
