The ‘Blame Game’
Corona-19 photography. Upsetting many. And as it lingers, pissing off even more. But when most think about whose lifestyles are being affected, most would just imagine the cab driver with no fares. The airline pilot with no passengers. The bartender with no bar. But, what about the school photographer with closed schools? Event/Wedding photographer with no Weddings? Sports photographer with no sports? Even advertising/commercial photographers? How do you get a “team” of stylists, make-up, art directors, models, assistants, etc., etc. together for even high end shoots? You may be able to wear masks, but certainly not stand 6 ft. apart. (or whatever) Point is, only the most creative of photographers, (and certain genres), will be able to do their ‘photo’ thing.
Made in China?
And what about China? Will Nikon still make lenses in China, or have we seen the end of “Made in China” on the Nikkor 50mm lenses? Japan’s government will now spend upwards of $2 billion helping its multinationals leave China. (BTW, the Japanese and Chinese never particularly liked each other,…but I won’t get into the 1000+ year disdain for each other) In fact, it is even affecting shipping between Japan and the US, UK. (an extra ‘mint’ F4s I’ve ordered from Japan is stuck in customs,…sh*t) Hey,…I was bored. Not that I NEED another Nikon F4s. 😳 (“But,dear,…it’s MINT!”) Luckily, (or not), I have no “dear”. 😏 Addendum: I received my F4s and, as usual, samurai-camera0912 Ebayer exceeded expectations.
No Pedicure?
The pandemic is taking over everything. Like an alien invasion. I can’t even get a pedicure. (OK,…I’ve never actually had a pedicure,…but…) Photography shows,…cancelled. Trade shows,…cancelled. Even Nikon’s new D6,….delayed! Not to mention all those stupid, (my opinion), mirrorless, high priced pseudo “smart phones”. (Hey,…they’re just smart phones to me,…but I’m a luddite) While most people have never heard of Wuhan, it is, in fact, a transportation hub for many exports from other provinces. Since this is NOT a political site, I’m not going to get into who did what and when. But I do worry about some of the awesome Hong Kong film camera stores. Not the least of which is the one owned and operated by David Chan. Literally an icon. Just entering the shop gives me “the vapors”. And I’m neither female or Southern. (US) See video below. Will all the factories start shutting down? Will Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar return manufacturing to their home countries? Will Nikon and Canon move their entire external supply chains to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.? I don’t know. I do know there are a lot of countries around the world, including the Americas, Europe, Australia, Japan and other Asian countries, that are more than just a little peeved.
Not a Fan
While I stopped ordering from China some time ago, (ripped off twice,…not a fan), the fact that I just have an iPhone keeps me linked to China,…like it or not. While I don’t particularly look at everything I buy to see where it came from, I’m sure a large portion of it is Chinese. But, that may change. There is a bill in Congress right now that wants to mark EVERYTHING with point of manufacture. Will people just forgive and forget? Some will,…some won’t. On top of all that bad “health” news, most professional photographers are independent contractors, and don’t qualify for any public assistance/unemployment. Luckily, MOST photographers, in general, are amateurs. So their income is not tied to their photography. Nevertheless,…camera companies depend on amateurs. Especially amateurs with G.A.S. (gear aquisition syndrome) As they are the singular group most responsible for keeping down new camera gear prices. Professionals love them! (although they are also the group most responsible for increasing prices in film gear)
Embrace Humanity
While a myopic vision of those most effected may stop for you at a country’s borders, it must be understood that this is a world issue. Including Asian countries. My point being, this is also affecting Asian countries. So, first,…let’s fix the problem. We have plenty of time to get pissed. While your cancelled weddings, birthdays, party events, sports events, and our income may reduce to near zero, as creatives and communicators, (not to mention human beings), there is much we can still do. Maybe documenting our heros, (nurses to truck drivers), maybe documenting a ravaged population, (the elderly and sick), or maybe exposing the lack of “elective” surgeries,….that aren’t elective after all. Or maybe just look inward to what you now have time to accomplish in the darkroom,…. or on the computer. (I still have over 40 rolls to develop,…I’m one lazy SOB) 🥱
Silver Lining
But, what about the last country that’s able to support true craftsman? Chamonix? (like I said, there’s good and bad everywhere) Or do you just become a lone travelling Todd Hido, exploring the homeless or countryside or back alleys of your heretofore unseen beautiful environment? There’s always a silver lining. You just have to find it. I’ll shut up now. 🤐 In the meantime,….keep shooting, but,….keep safe,….you nasty film hipsters. 😁 Just one more thing,….FREE HONG KONG!