Charles Gupton

Thinking

How safe is no risk?

It is somewhat amazing to observe just how safe most people attempt to keep their lives. And how safety appears to be more important than anything else to them. Even though there is a great need in humans to grow, the “need” or desire to maintain safety seems to be greater.

Our economy and our times require that people grow and adapt. Everything is moving at an incredible pace and people are afraid. I understand that.

I also realize that we can’t afford to remain static.

As I meet people one-on-one and in larger groups, I often feel more energy is focused on pushing back against change rather than accepting the need to incorporate change into our comfort zones.

Trying new approaches as a means of challenging our existing patterns feels very risky as we’re doing it. We often get very little support or encouragement in the early stages of a new venture. But the greatest risk we face is not the risk itself. It’s avoiding the risk.

Charles Gupton

Altered Image for Microsoft?

Because I monitor a number of blogs that are directed towards the communications industry in general and photographers in particular, I see a fair number of posts and articles discussing mistakes and PR blow-ups over the use or mis-use of photographs. Many of them seem to occur through the use of royalty-free or other cheaply sourced stock photos. Often, it seems, that in the interest of trying to do too much with too little, the ultimate cost for a company is much higher than if they simply hired original photography which fit their needs exclusively.

Obviously, I have a self-serving interest in getting hired for assignments, but I earn a good portion of my living from stock images, too. My primary desire is to work with my clients to find a solution that fits their need for the best value that they can get. That is the foundation of a lasting relationship in my book.

Altered photo in Microsoft ad
Altered photo in Microsoft ad

In this ad, Microsoft used a poorly altered head-swap for racial considerations, an Apple computer on the table and a cord to the monitor in the foreground was left unplugged. So, what were the savings versus the costs for Microsoft?

Just food for thought…


Charles

http://www.charlesguptonphoto.com

On Twitter @ http://twitter.com/CharlesGupton

Sorting emotions

My mom died last week.

Her impact on my life was, of course, profound. I learned from her an attention to detail that is firmly in the camp of perfectionism, to always work hard and to always try to do the right things, morally. She also possessed an unswerving commitment to serving other people.

My mother was known for saying what was on her mind. If she thought it, she mostly said it. Without much thought for the impact it might have on the people around her. That’s a trait I’ve been working to un-learn for many years. I have come to see that truth spoken without kindness is seldom heard and, therefore, seldom helps anyone.

What has surprised me in the course of her sudden decline and death was the avalanche of thoughts and emotions that I could not sort and process. I couldn’t write. I wasn’t able to focus my attention to read. I’ve found myself needing to take care of lots of small details. Getting little things done seems to help put perspective on the larger issues.

Charles
www.charlesguptonphoto.com