Witchcraft

[ownimage]

This is relavant to photography so please read on ...

I believe that witchcraft is a craft that practices to create power over its subjects. To elevate the position of the witch or witchdoctor, and to create a fear and dependency in those who are oppressed. It is something that I believe many photographic manufacturers would wish to practice. The belief that all I need is the latest this, the newest that, or if I can spend more then I will be a better photographer only serves their needs and leaves many in desperation and debt.

The photographic press in the UK needs to combat this oppression and be liberators of the photographic spirit in all of us. I firmly believe that giving people knowlege of perspective, composition, lighting etc. is a way to free them. People need to pursue their passion of photography without being slaves to consumerism.

I do feel that Digital Camera magazine has become the mouthpiece of the manufacturers, recomending kit. It needs to fundamentally change to encapsulate the spirit of the photographer not the consumer. It needs to encourage, enlighten and inspire that photgraphic spark in its readers. When peoples passions are engaged they will take better photos, they will enjoy their hobby more.

Where people's enjoyment and passions are they will spend their money - and there is nothing wrong with this. When they spend money they will need guidance - which is where magazines like DCM are good. But this should be out of the overflow of reward from their hobby, not payment to the shamens.

So come on DCM, lets put the passion for photography first!

Keith Hart aka ownimage

[TheMooney]

I understand what your saying,
but I see plenty of helpful guides within the magazine as well as inspiration.
Although there is alot of adverts and recommended kits etc, I think we need to realise that without the consumerism of the mag, it would either be far more expensive on it's own, or just wouldn't exist due to lack of funding.
I see no imbalance in these factors personally.

There are plenty of "guide" books out there as well as courses which cost more but are straight to the point, magazines are a means to get up to date info on techniques "and" products.

[northumbrian1]

Well, I dunno! Magazines and manufacturers do have a point these days - after all to be a witch you need to have a strong will - the trick (maybe spell is a better word ) is to have just such a strong will yourself and resist the demi-urge to bow the knee to manufacturers and magazine editors and show your true wisdom as a knowledgeable photographer... It is important to realise that the camera is just a tool and that you, the photographer, are the sentient being that Imagines and sees in your mind's eye what you want to capture on your CMOS!


The camera can only do what you direct it at. The creativity and artistic license comes from your mind alone; Therefore it is up to you how you portray a Portrait, Landscape, Macro-photographic subject,or other field of view. "Do what you will be the whole of the law" is a phrase often used in Witchcraft - use that phrase in your photography and your hobby will be free to roam where you will, without the need for you to throw your dosh into the pockets of the Merchants of doom. Read the Lessons of your true path in your bible: "Digital Camera" - and you will be truly free! ;D northumbrian1