Insta360 X3
The Insta360 X3 is an interesting camera to tinker with. I want to innovate with new ways of producing media. “Me mode” is a very fun way to explore video using the invisible selfie stick, so maybe I can explore more possibilities with that. I am also curious about 360 photography. Perhaps I can try to learn how to embed 360 photos on my website as a creative way to showcase Philadelphia.
Innovation
The history of photography is interesting to me, but I want to push with new ways of doing things and consider the future more. I believe that there is so much potential with the medium. I like to think of photographers as mad scientists with a camera. It’s interesting to consider that the first photograph made by Nicéphore Niépce was through experimentation with science and radical innovation. I picked up the book Dear Mr. Niépce by Daido Moriyama in Paris which has been on my mind recently.
Lifestyle
I believe city life has a lot of upsides. The main problem with city life is that I believe that people spend way too much time indoors. The more time you spend indoors, the more unhealthy you become. During the pandemic, I worked from home. I installed a standing desk and a home gym, but still became unhealthy after a year at home. Perhaps being indoors is the root of all problems in modern life. My biggest gripe with modernity is the fact that a lot of the jobs require people to be stationary and indoors. The greatest thing about Philadelphia is how walkable the city is. It’s the most walkable city in the USA! There’s no need to drive and I can basically walk the entire city everyday. The benefit to living in the city is that there are plenty of people on the street, beautiful parks, a great river trail, and lots of potential for my street photography.
Photography
The beauty of photography is that the camera becomes a passport or an excuse for you to go outside and explore the real world. I believe the power of photography can change the world. The fact that photography is so accessible now with the cell phone cameras in everyone’s pockets is a great thing. We can transcend and go beyond as humans through the creation of new art.
The future of media is in the hands of the citizen. Consider the bystander as the ultimate media producer. Whether you’re making photos, videos, audio, etc. your perspective and unique voice matters. The collective can thrive together through our perspectives being shared. I believe the world would be a better place if more people share their art with the world.
I believe innovation is the future. Whether it’s in the world of art, science, technology, etc. I am currently interested in the intersection between fitness and photography. I believe that the physical nature of making photos and art connects in a unique way.
Workflow
I found the perfect workflow that works for me.
In the past I would use RAW files and external hard drives. The process was always slow because of the lag. Now that I use small JPEG files, I have a way faster and smooth process. I believe the goal is to make more pictures and publish right away, although I believe it is important to detach from the work and let it marinate for a while. I think perhaps at the end of the year I will go through my archive and select which photos are successful. I like considering the photos I make as a stream of becoming. The new work I am making is simply exploring my consciousness. I allow my intuition to guide me and let life to flow towards me. Perhaps looking at photos in consecutive order as a slideshow is a good idea. Ultimately, the goal is new photos. It’s always onto the next one.
Video
I am interested in using video as a way to explore my mind and let my thoughts flow freely. I want to use video like a writer would use a pen and paper. Perhaps it’s much faster and effective to use video as a tool to share thoughts. I believe the thoughts that we create can be art.
Social Media
Social media becomes a problem with censorship and the fact that nothing on social media will last forever. Durability is a concern for longevity. Owning your own website seems like a much more robust solution. Consider your legacy. The art that we create is as if we are giving a birth to children. Would you let your children be raised in somebody else’s home?
Forget everything you think you know, just get out there and let life flow.