The Changing Definitions of Art
Does the changing definitions of art change the way you think about art? Seth Godin recently outlined many changes in his recent blog post – Now it’s ruined. How many times have we heard this?
- Photography is a cheat, the death of painting
- Photoshop is a hack, the death of photography
- Instagram filters are crap, the death of Photoshop
- eBooks are for losers, stealing the magic and majesty of the printed book
- Blogging is impermanent, the end of thoughtful word processing
- Tweeting is stupid, the end of intelligent blogging
- Video is too easy, a cheap shortcut that destroys the essence of film
- YouTube has no curators, the end of quality video
- Selling by phone is for losers, closers show up in person…
Seth argues that “Technology almost always democratizes art, because it gives us better tools, better access and a quicker route to mediocrity.” So in our case, it’s exponentially easier to be a decent photographer given all the great tool on the market today, but, in our opinion, it’s just as difficult to be a great photographer as it ever was. To be great, just as always, takes hard work. As Ashton said, “Opportunity looks at lot like work.” Seems fair to me.
Seth sums it up well “… all this ending is leading to more and more beginnings, isn’t it? It’s not ruined, it’s merely different.”
Definition of Experience
We found this quote and feel it really captures our message:
“[Experience] is a matter of sensibility and intuition, of seeing, and hearing the significant thing, of paying attention at the right moments, of understanding and coordinating. Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him.” – Aldous Huxley
Perspective makes the day go smoother
Although brides and grooms plan their big day just once, those of us who have spent some time in the wedding industry have tasted more cakes, sniffed more bouquets, and photographed more crazy dancing than we care to remember.
But this is good for you—and it’s good for us too. This gives us a certain perspective. We can tell you that a midnight round of vodka and Red Bull shots may not be the best plan at your reception. Or that hand-making each and every one of those 450 special party favors may not be worth the damage to your eyesight and relationships with those you roped into helping you.
And, because we’ve been around a while, we know more useful stuff! Such as what venues are up and coming in our area, what’s hot this season, and what you can do to choose the very best professionals, which will help make your day as smooth and fun as possible.
In addition to imparting our wisdom (because who can’t get enough of that?), we at Ocken Photography want to talk about what it takes to be a professional wedding photographer, why it’s important to hire someone who’s an industry pro, and what does experience have to do with it anyway.
We’ll be chatting with some of our favorite people to work with and telling you what they have to say. We’ll be sharing different perspectives, as well as our own, in a series of blog posts over the summer and fall, so plan to check back regularly for the latest in wedding trends and insights for all aspects of your blessed event.
Senior Portraits – if only I was that trendy
The 2014 seniors are excited about their portraits from Ocken Photography and so are we. Bob have been busy making all the graduates look amazing in there pictures for them so share with their family and friends. Meet Madison, a member of St. Mary’s Academy, we are quite fond of her and her beautiful photographs.
Erin + Jay on Be U Weddings
We are very excite to have another post in Be U Weddings! We love this blog and have been working closely with them this year on their WONDERFUL bridal guide. We are so excited to show you what we have been doing. So stay tuned! We will show you as SOON as we can. In the meantime check out Erin and Jay fabulous fall fete over on Be U’s blog.