What have we come to? OR: What really matters?!?

Let's see . . . I was 16 years old when I started my junior year at Lebanon High School and joined the Bittersweet photography staff. I was 17 when I borrowed my aunt's 35mm Pentax camera, loaded up with 40 rolls of slide film, and left for a summer tour of 6 countries in Europe. I must admit . . . I fell in love! The sight of those beautiful slides that showed EXACTLY what I wanted to capture was quite addictive. That's the way it is with slide film: it is the actual "positive" you exposed (kind of like a negative, only in reverse) so it tells the whole story. You get to see how good or bad you actually are. Oh wait, most of you don't get it and don't care, right? Digital has increased convenience 10 fold, and made photographers exponentially stupid as well!
I'm not really griping, as I LOVE the convenience and control of digital as well . . . Just stating fact. Technology changes everything, but is NOT an excuse for amoral behavior.

Today I have been negatively reinforced that most of this does not really matter. Technology has brought many new and exciting possibilities, and some problems as well. Its made it much easier to COPY everything from photographs to music to art. Somewhere along the way, we've lost something much more precious than the experience gained through using slides, film, or even developer, fixer and rinse. This time it was someone I thought was a friend, but last time it was a client from St Louis that stole from me . . . It hurts worse this time, yet I'm pretty sure neither thief cares. I am learning that INTEGRITY is in extremely short supply in this 21st century world. Does anyone know or care that THE PHOTOGRAPHER owns ALL rights to the images he / she creates. The client / friend who stole from me has brazenly copied several of my images onto a glossy 4x6 with the word "Senior" on it. Two things I want to mention 1) It looks like ABSOLUTE CRAP . . . I mean, I'm embarrassed and horrified that someone will think I did this! . . . And 2) I could easily take this glossy 4x6 to my lawyer and sue for BIG $$$$$$. I would win, no doubt. But what would I win? Lots of money, and shame for myself and for my "friend."

I will NOT sue. I am a Christian, and I love my Lord and His commands too much to drag this person through court and all that nasty mess. Suing will always be a last resort for me. Money is not worth selling your civility and your witness. However, policy changes are in order. I have much to think about, and NO I will not harbor hate or a grudge - I would only lose even more. Sorry for the rant . . . I just don't have much faith in humanity anymore. Thomas Jefferson once said (loosely quoted) that democracy could only be sustained if its citizens have moral convictions . . . I'm not seeing it.

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Social media overload

Bad, bad Doug! It has been a LOOOONG time since I have posted an update here. Blame it on Facebook and Twitter! No, not really . . . It is my fault. However, if you wish to follow me on FB, I am at Images By Doug Goodwin

To follow me on Twitter, I am @photo4art. I will plan on adding some photographs and commentary here in the near future. Hey, I certainly can't blame it on the weather. My birthday month of January was just AWESOME.

I hope your 2012 has started with great things as well. May God bless your family and strengthen your faith this new year. - Doug


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Location:@ Ha Ha Tonka state park