Comments on: What is the point of Photography these days?

By: thecotswold

thecotswold — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 10:25:31 +0000

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your kind words and comments. I believe todays ‘influencers’ would sell their granny for the right price. The hideous way that they advertise products really gets on my nerves. There’s a great (rude but funny) guy on Youtube who says exactly what I’m sure most of us are thinking a lot of the time when we see these vacuous souls. I think his name is Joey B. You know what, I just quickly found the link for you. Sometimes, when I really want to scream at these people I give him a quick watch for a laugh and to be reminded that we’re not all like that 😀 https://youtu.be/iik6btbRXsw

By: Chris Nagle

Chris Nagle — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 00:35:36 +0000

Well said – in all aspects. I was born only 15 years after the end of the Second World War, 1960, just about when (Sir) Donald McCullin started his career. A few years ago I saw his exhibition in the Tate and found it unspeakably moving and emotional to see some of the utterly dreadful events that have happened in this “modern age”, my lifetime, innumerable wars and conflicts, droughts, famines, neglect of those who need etc, etc. There is true power in photojournalism. As most of us all post the same old, same old inane stuff online, the hard truths of the world are slowly becoming less prominent and I’m sure there are collections of “elite” humans in governments everywhere who like it that way.
I really worry about our grandchildren’s futures and those of the peoples of a slowly but surely changing planet Earth. We all could learn from Sir Don, Sebastian Selgado et al, but today’s “influencers” seem to me to have a sadly different motive.

By: thecotswold

thecotswold — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 03:19:59 +0000

In reply to J J.

Hi JJ,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I very much appreciate them.

I couldn’t agree more that politicians should have to experience the realities of their decisions. I’ve said for a long time that they are so far removed from the reality of the average persons life that they are entirely unqualified to make decisions which impact them. A perfect example of this can be seen at the start of lockdown where they immediately approved legislation increasing their allowances to enable remote working, yet thought that patronising NHS workers (the ones really affected with increased workload and strain) with a round of applause every Thursday would suffice rather than a pay rise. Next time the politicians increase their pay I think we should instead offer them a round of applause (wholly undeserved) instead. Perhaps in their lucrative second jobs they would also prefer a round of applause instead of huge salaries.

Our education system does not encourage failure to be seen in a positive light. At the age of 6-7 children are already being exposed to tests and examinations which segregate and categorise them as successful or not, smart or not, the top of the class or not etc. In my opinion, failure in life is key to success because those who fear failure do not dare to reach for success. I always tell my daughter that getting something wrong is fine (as long as you learn from it), in fact it can be good because it teaches you another way that something doesn’t work which will enable you to find what does work.

I think the X100V is an excellent choice for your intended purpose. I’m sure with your guidance he will develope an understanding and appreciation for photography along with the ability to see images that others cannot. I used an earlier model X100T for a year or two as my only camera and never felt limited by it. The removal of lens choice freed my mind to concentrate on composition etc.

I wish you and your grandchild many happy and enjoyable moments together in the future.

By: J J

J J — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:26:36 +0000

Wow, what an emotive, thoughtful statement.
I’m 28 years older than you and experienced much of what we see today 50 years ago. I grew up in and still live in Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland. For thirty years from 1968 – 98 we endured ‘The Troubles’. In twentyfive years of peace we have not moved as far as we could and should. In many ways we are still polarised along religious grounds. This has been the norm here for centuries but we have to keep moving forward, even when we regress, because we can never stop striving to eradicate the pain and suffering we inflict on each other.
I use this as an analogy of what we face in the wider world.
As long as there are people like you in the world then there is hope. I’m extremely lucky to be a Grandfather and have just the most amazing relationship with our nine year old grandson. We share a passion for photography. So much so that we’ve bought home a Fujifilm X100V which he will get on his next birthday. I chose that model specifically because I wanted him to have a self contained camera that he does not find daunting. One that is not about more and more lenses. One with analogue controls that will allow him to appreciate and understand the actual process of taking a photograph.
My philosophy is that children should be encouraged at every opportunity to feel no fear, to have confidence, to know its okay to fail and start again.
Our current politicians in Government serve us abysmally. Millionaires telling us what families can live on is worse than disgraceful. I firmly believe that every elected MP should be required to live on that sum of money for the full five year term of Parliament in social housing that they deem acceptable for those at the bottom of the social strata to occupy. Give them a taste of the realities of life.
Freedom from the EU will inevitably see Britain’s place in the world diminish over time, as will our influence. Even the might Roman Empire imploded.
You are so right in everything you say and there is so much that I could add but I would be here all night.
By all means do what you can through your photography. There is much in this world hiding in plain sight that needs addressing and promoting that others might become aware of injustices, inequalities, suffering and starvation.
You daughter will.learn by your example to never give up, never stop trying, never stop striving to make this planet a better environment for us all.
Never, ever doubt yourself.
Stay safe.