Terminal E, Gate 18. In a chaise lounge made up of my roller case and an available chair, I await my flight home. The last three days have taught me more about myself than I believe I have taught others about photography. This time the only absent item was the camera, sharp irony considering I was speaking for a camera company. However, even in the absence of my D3X, I have a newfound pride in Nikon. This one is based not of some technical number measuring depths of sensor latitude, but of a very apparent value that often goes unnoticed in a camera purchase. I am talking about the people behind the curtain that make it possible for us to tell our stories, for me, they are the people at Nikon.
Over the last few days I have learned what it is to be a part of a team, and what it’s like to have real pride in my equipment. I can never again say I shoot Nikon, it’s not fair and too topical a comment. With shots and lighting planned around how much the sensor in the D3X can deliver, it is only fair to say that Nikon is truly a part of my image, my images, and will be the future of my imagery. The sensors that lie at the heart of their cameras are the heart of an exposure and in practice have given me the ability to create the images that have marked my style for years. The sharpness of the 24-70 has been equally as important as my eyes in pulling out every last detail a campaign requires.
The request from Nikon for me to speak on their behalf was an honor and a surreal feeling. While on stage, I felt more like someone talking about why they loved their family rather than a photographer talking about a piece of camera equipment.
Twelve years ago today a dad gave his son his very first Nikon, today that kid just spoke for the company.
… a dream realized
Awesome story Blair ! Thanks for sharing! It just goes to show, it’s not just pressing a shutter but the heart you put into it. Thanks to your dad for having the insight to buying you that camera! Dads biggest asset is the time we put into our kids. It’s the single most item that pays the highest dividens!
Enjoyed your blog. I never realized when I gave you the camera that it would someday have been a major piece of your life’s puzzle which helped you become the professional that you are. A father always tries to do the right thing for his kids and never really knowing at the time if he did.
Your mom and I are so proud of you and proud of the contribution your making to the world through your images.
Through your eyes images become art and creating art is a gift which is limited to the few which have the god given talent. You have that talent!!
PS. We’re glad you decided on this occupation and not becoming a Ghostbuster.
Talent and tenacity. AND there are damn few ghosts left to chase anymore. It’s a dying field…
Well done!!
Hey Blair, I witnessed you speak at Imaging USA…job well done! Keep it up, you do great work…even the snakes are sharp!!!
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