APAD Bloggers Wanted

I've always thought of APhotoADay as a community -- a listserv and a website shaped by the people, for the people. Sometimes, sadly, it feels like it's dominated by one -- me -- and that's not my intention.

So here's my cry for help. I'm looking for a few good bloggers to help add some interesting and relevant content to the APAD blog. The reason for this is primarily selfish, I'm looking for some inspiration too. I get tired of looking at my own links and reading my own words. I want some new ideas brought to the table. I want to see things I may otherwise miss.

I've really appreciated the help of folks like Pete Kiehart and Peter Hoffman lately. I think their words add more depth to the coverage. I think the posts they've made have had an impact on not only me, but also on the larger photo community.

So, where are you? I know you're out there. There are over 1,100 people on the listserv now and thousands of people that look at the site each day. I know there are some sharp people who are plugged in, and constantly exploring the web for photo-related stuff. My question then is simple, why aren't you here, with us?

If you're interested, contact me: m [at] melissalyttle [dot] com and I'd be happy to sign you up.

Shut Down

My identity is tied up in this. I am a photojournalist. It's not just what I do, it's who I am. I look at friends of mine that have lost their jobs recently due to the current economic climate, and, honestly, I have no idea what I'd do if I was in their shoes.

I love working for a newspaper. The objective line on my resume has always stated: i'd like to work for a newspaper that places the interest of the community above the bottom line. And I really believe I do.

I'm not a freelancer. I don't identify with it. I don't have it in me. I can't sell myself. I want to focus more time and energy on making pictures than trying to convince people that they should hire me to make a picture for them. The thought of that scares the shit out of me.

Though the thought of being shut down scares me even more.

What The Duck

Funny when they resonate.

Monday's Rant

The problem with photojournalism today is that not enough people have something to say. They're simply pushing content, devoid of meaning or feeling, out into the universe. Let's be honest. There's a lot of crap out there. So much that it's cluttering up my head space.

There's no such thing as objectivity. Everything you do, every choice you make is subjective. Go with that. When will you learn that by having a point, by taking a side, you will find a way to deeply connect with someone. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Say what you want to say, how you want to say it.

Find your voice. Then, use it.

Hibernation

It's like I'm waking up from a long winter's nap. Shaking sleep from my eyes. Opening them wide. Ready for what lies ahead. Ready to come out of hibernation.