The Laughing Wolf

Quick Thoughts On Photography And The Net

A few weeks ago, I had to do some photo research and ended up calling up Usenet to do some searching. Curiosity got the better of me, and I dug into many groups including some it probably is not safe to visit. Did so anyway, just to check on things and am glad I did visit all of them.

I found some pictures that were truly moving; some that were truly funny, and some that were truly beautiful. I very much would like to find the people behind some of them, to ask how they set some of them up, and to buy them a drink for an outstanding job. Having done a photographic internship at Playboy and loving to do photography, I can appreciate the effort that goes into some.

It was also good to see some where the models were quite comfortable with the photographers. A relaxed model that trusts you to do right by them in all ways will always give you better shots, and it is fun to see some of the stuck-out tongues and such posted. That is one of the blessings of the net, in that you are not as limited and can publish “fun” shots as well as the good ones. Indeed, one photographer who’s work I have watched on the net for some time has proven that you can make as much money off your mistakes sometimes as you can with the “good” shots.

Spam has destroyed so many of the Usenet groups it is not funny, but it is good to see some of the groups fighting back. More power to you. I don’t want a federal law on spam, unless it is to declare open hunting season on spammers: the mailers and the businesses who use them.

There were also some photographs I saw that I really, really, want to meet the people responsible for them: photographers, directors, set designers, and anyone else involved. I want to express my thoughts on their work in person, preferably in a remote and soundproof location. Think a week ought to do it…

As for me, if I have to keep going back will probably sign on with a news provider, as the retention (or just getting all the posts) at my ISP is terrible.

It is amazing the depth and breadth that is out there. Watch out for the slime, but enjoy the rich bounty of images and more that are available.