Dear ,
Change is in the air. Politics, the economy and technology are all in the midst of a massive change. While the end result of these changes will
most likely be positive, being in the flux of the change can be scary.
In the past month, I've spoken with photographers throughout the country who are seeing their business model erode and income disappear as customers
cut costs by purchasing stock or generating photos in house. I've spoken with educators bewildered by the rapid pace of technological change who are
finding it difficult to keep pace with the technological savvy of their students. And I've spoken with bankers who feel the greatest impacts
from the economic crisis are yet to come.
There is no doubt these lean times make it an especially difficult time to be a photographer or visual artist. But
despite these warning signals, I am optimistic. After all, history has shown that trying times lead to creativity essential for short-term survival,
yet it forms the basis for long-term growth and new
opportunities.
I am reminded of a quote alternately attributed to Abraham Lincoln and Peter Drucker. "The best way to predict the future is to create it."
The winter months, when assignments are slower, are a great time to reflect on what these changes will mean to your business and how you'll
adapt to this new environment. In the coming months, on my blog and in this
newsletter, I'll highlight opportunities for photographers to diversify their experience, broaden their offerings and take full advantage of
digital tools available to us.
I hope you'll help us start a dialog on change. Collectively, I believe we can thrive, even in the most difficult
times.
-- Jay
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