“I don’t think I became a real photographer until I made a real acquaintanceship with music. That’s why I make my layouts the way I do. Photography happens to be my means of communication. But I do not feel I am a photographer singular. I feel that my art or my necessity is communication, and this could apply to many branches of the communicative art — whether it be writing or photography. Since I am somewhat adequate as a photographer, I remain with it. I am probably more in command of it than any other medium. I respect it highly as a medium. It has its own very definite purpose.”

Eugene W. Smith (via photographsonthebrain)

(via photographsonthebrain)

A charming video from Vaudeville Pictures showing off a little bit of Beantown during the holidays…

Why should photographers get paid to do something they love?

Answer from Diane Meriwether on Quora:

There’s a story out there…

Nikola Tesla visited Henry Ford at his factory, which was having some kind of difficulty.  Ford asked Tesla if he could help identify the problem area.  Tesla walked up to a wall of boilerplate and made a small X in chalk on one of the plates.  Ford was thrilled, and told him to send an invoice.

The bill arrived, for $10,000.  Ford asked for a breakdown.  Tesla sent another invoice, indicating a $1 charge for marking the wall with an X, and $9,999 for knowing where to put it.


No doubt apocrypha, but  the point is clear — professional artists charge because what they do and see is hard earned and valuable.  

To pay for art is to celebrate your own capacity to be surprised and moved.  It lets you participate and share in what you cannot create.  It stands as visible proof that you have faith in your own abundance.  It’s a way of voting for more of what you love in the world.

Believing that creativity should not be supported is a poverty that wealth cannot cure.

“Occupy!” by the International Center of Photography

Exhibition on Governor’s Island will be ending this month!

 

“The Ninety-Nine Percent” by Mathieu Asselin

reblog from photolia

Exhibition: “Occupy!” organised by the International Center ofPhotography
Location: The Governors Galleries on Governor’s Island (Map)
Dates: 18 August - 30 September 2012
Opening reception: Saturday, 18 August 2012, from 3 to 5

“Make sure you have the backing of your family and friends.” “Surround yourself with the right people.” “Call in all favors.” “Build a wide base of support.” “Promise everything to everybody.” “Communication skills are key.” “Don’t leave town.” “Know the weaknesses of your opponents — and exploit them.” “Flatter voters shamelessly.” “Give people hope.”

Cicero’s advice to candidates – how little has changed in 22 centuries. (via explore-blog)

(via explore-blog)