All is well, is it?

 

It has been over a year since I touched this blog, and I apologize to viewers for not making the trip here before, more so because I visit my amateur radio blog periodically in the same time frame. The pandemic has changed many thing for all of us, but the photo industry seems to have taken it all in stride, not saying that they had an early warning of the inevitable. The world is supposed to be slowly recovering, and we sometimes have to wonder if photography will be adversely affected, seeing that the image makers in some countries have personal challenges which could affect their composure in front of the camera. Some may not even wish a camera to be pointed in their direction. Photographers have developed strategies to deal with the mood swings of subjects especially when they begin to exert themselves in public places. We hope and pray that it does not come to this, but you never know.

Over the last few months I have not seen pictures from many of the local photographers. Not reading anything into that. For the season that we are in staying at home is the order of the day. There are only a handful of local photographers who may qualify as professional, that is, photography provided their income. For all the other photographers this is a hobby, that bring in extra income to their regular day job. My usual advise to all aspiring to professional status is to think like a professional, and act like one as well. Update all areas of your photography. Of course there is always the odd aspirant who will drop through the crack, but we should offer them all our help and assistance to improve their offerings.

It was not my plan to talk about this minor matter but it just came out. Today I was nudged to update this blog when I visited my Instagram. I have never sought to place photos there even though it is in service for a few years. I was sticking with Facebook, but I am beginning to see a falling off of the quality of service that I received over the years from 2009, and I plan to slowly make a shift to the other popular platforms.  I am open to receiving any ideas from viewers, constructive and otherwise.  Over the years my focus has always been walkabout SKB, so that people, especially Nationals overseas, can get a glimpse, a view, and a good look at SKN as it develops, day by day. SKN is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, if you take the time to notice it.

I have not travelled the world, but from my overseas visits I recognise that SKN  is not far behind anyone, and in some areas SKN is ahead. We hope and pray that our leaders will keep SKN heading forward and upward. We are all hopeful for the continuance of the Tourist Industry after this pandemic. With all the changes to be made SKN need everyone on board, at home and overseas, to make this new move successful. The SKN leaders have to develop a real love and interest in Saint Kitts-Nevis, put the country FIRST, themselves on the back burners, set their sights over the horizon, and blast off. Some feel that this is just wishful thinking, given the attitude and nature of today's leadership. But we will see what happens in the near future, and I really hope that I am correct.

Everyone knows that I am a Canon person. Around 1999 to 2000 I considered whether or not I should stay with Canon or move to Nikon, who seemed to be offering more innovation. It did not take me long to decide that I should stay with Canon. In 1968 I started photography with the Pentax camera brand and from then to 1988/9 I uses all the Pentax 35mm single lens cameras. In 1988/9 a friend offered me a Canon T90 camera, and it was just what I needed to take my Black and White photography to another level. I invested in another T90 camera a few month later. Then I moved to the Canon EOS 1 model, these are all 35mm film cameras. Color was done in Montserrat, but I sent my film up to Dale Labs in Miami, Florida. Dale Labs is still operating today. Those days A.M. Losada/TDC sold Kodak, and Skerrit Dug Store sold Agfa, both film and chemicals. In 2014, I received a wedding invitation from my neighbour, so off I went to Rams and Boolchands in St. Maarten to invest in my first Canon Digital SLR. 

In the last couple years Canon has marketed a few cameras that no other camera manufacturer can out do as yet. Every few years I have a camera that needs Canon service, and that is almost a no brainer. I do not loose any sleep when my faithful camera is overseas, and within 30 to 60 days its back home. I have shared my Canon Camera Repair Center's address with who requested, but I never got any feedback from them, sometimes I wonder if they ever sent the camera for repair. Smart folks always have 3 to 4 cameras. These days your latest Iphone is as good as your camera, so you can get away with one camera. And since photography is only a hobby, you have nothing to worry about. So when you are in the market for a camera, DSLR or Mirrorless, Check CANON, you can never go wrong. 

So where is your photography going when things are back to normal, if it ever reaches there. We need to keep optimism in our side pocket. Nothing stops photography, but us. We either make it happen or we don't. If you need to update or upgrade your hardware, do that now. This is not the time to be watching how everything will pan out, for when you have it figured out, and begin to make the move, it will then be too late. Plan your next move now, and begin to march forward. Modify your steps and pace as you go. It is only after you start moving forward that you will see your real direction come into sharp focus. 

[to be continued]