The Pursuit of Duende

My concept for Duende Arts is continuing to take shape. 

Targeting the market of mobile devices was the theme of the last two NAB conferences I attended. Back home I became excited after shooting models that I focused the business on model shoots. 

On July 11, Apple released the 2.0 version of its iPhone OS, its new online hosting, and the App store. I was caught up in the problems caused by the switch from .mac to mobileme. I couldn't update my Apple-based website. I ended up starting with a new site from scratch which admittedly was a mixed blessing. The new website is better. I focused it on photography and eliminated my blogs that could still be accessed with a link on the Welcome Page. With the work I had to do rebuilding the site I didn't appreciate what Apple had done.

Tech gurus are hailing Apple's release of its new OS for the iPhone and iPod touch as a pivotal change in the market. Apple has opened the new system for third parties to develop software for these mobile devices. OS V2.0, unlike similar smart-device platforms like market leader, Blackberry's RIM, is actually a full-featured computer OS. The iPhone is a small computer in itself with full access to the Internet. With the App Store, Apple has turned the page. It has opened its software to third-party companies to develop programs for it. 

With access to the Internet, mobile device owners can access not only my public folder on iDisk but also the download galleries I make for each model or photo shoot subject. 

The other day, I was talking to the mother of one of my models. She had accidentally trashed the message I sent her through mobileme.com giving her access to her daughter's image download website. I located the portfolio on her Windows laptop. The photos were blurred and not sharp as they appear on my Mac monitors. I had my iPod Touch in the car but didn't think of showing her the images there. 

We are limited by shibboleths that no longer hold. I need to think about photography along with my other interests like videos, Apple and Adobe software so that I can create my market niche. Unlike many photographers I don't do weddings or other family events. I don't do corporate videos. At the outset I wanted to use the Internet as basis for creating media products, for displaying and for distributing them. I also have a long-standing interest in text products.

I have always described myself as an outsider. I don't join mainstream groups well so I need to create my own place in the Internet-driven, digital-media marketplace.

Launching myself into photography was not the reason I took this sabbatical from clinical work. My main interest was to develop creativity. I even say that in my mission statement.

Walk the path and you'll encounter companions with whom you can make new realities. I have to break with the shibboleth holding me to what has already been done. I need to stay creative while gaining focus. Taking time away from the daily grind is actually helpful. When I come back I can look at what I'm doing with refreshed eyes that I define my own unique vision.