It certainly is getting close to “the day”. The day that we try to slow down, reflect on what happened over the past year… and well spend, eat and drink ourselves into a state that we might later regret. But does it have to be that way? I don’t think so. This year, more than last I think is going to be much harder on families than last. Last year was about uncertainty, this year is about getting through after the hard times have hit and uncertainty. But all that is too heavy… so the lighter side of things.
This time of year is all about tradition, and one of those that seems to be starting up quite well in my family is going to the Festival of Trees. This year, I must say that the trees, while well decorated, were not really as “wow” as last year. There were only a few really creative ideas for ornaments, themes and toppers. The cakes on the other hand, were quite well done this year.
This shot however was in the gift shop. I thought it was somewhat odd that someone might want to buy anthropomorphized deer. But there must be someone out there who wants them. But then it struck me. With all the auctions that are held now to raise money for this cause and that, including the dating auctions, these two deer, if posed just right could look like they are checking each other out at an auction. And being deer, they could use their antlers to hang their prices. So, I quickly set up the scene.
As there wasn’t much light, I knew I was going to have to shoot close to 2.8, but that would give me barely any DOF. So I forced 4.0 and got the DOF just about right on with some nice bokeh in the back. All this is complemented with a very simple color palette.
This week, I also had my first “table show”, and while I didn’t sell any prints, I did learn another interesting lesson. It may very well be that the biggest barrier to growing as an artist, or any manner of creator is being too attached to your own work.
Online, many people toss up their images and other content in a copyleft manner. But in the physical world, that is not the case. Letting go of a physical object seems much harder. This gave me an interesting insight into why instructors are so reluctant to give up their courses. They likely have a similar connection to their course materials as other creative individuals do with their work. Knowing they have to give up their work to put food on the table, instructors guard their content the same way creative individuals price their work in an effort to protect it. If it is given away for free, both sides feel that the value of the work to everyone involved is zero. But if a price is placed on it… even if the price is attribution, there is something that suggest that there might at least someone who cares. But “care” isn’t enough for many people… so other compensation is needed to help encourage the release of the work.
This could also lead into an interesting comment on the walled gardens and pay walls that contain peer reviewed research – a world where attribution is all important, and now perhaps, all the creator will ever receive as payment. Profs will give up their papers to journals who will charge for access with only credit in return, but they won’t give up their courses for any cost… and like other good artist, won’t use the work of another without modification… ok I’m rambling now, but some interesting photo and non photo ideas for this week.
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