The Goodwill Photographer is you. The Goodwill Photographer is me. The Goodwill Photographer is a long proper noun. From here on out, whomever they are, they'll be condensed down to the GWP. Who is the GWP?
The GWP is a photog, either professional, amateur, or complete newbie. The GWP wants to know more about the art and craft of photography, wants to hone his or her skills, and wants to do so in a practical and inexpensive manner. The GWP knows that it's not the camera that matters, it's the photographer. The GWP also knows that the camera may not matter, but it certainly can't hurt...
This blog will, with any luck, serve as a resource to you... no matter your skill level. Maybe you'll learn something, maybe you'll teach me something. Maybe you'll find out something that will help you take the best damn pictures you've ever taken. That is my hope.
What we'll talk about here on the GWP:
1) Thrifting. This wouldn't be called the GOODWILL photographer if thrifting wasn't involved. Thrifting has both scored me some wicked, wicked cameras and toys (usually at or below the MAGIC PRICE of $19.99), and scored me some amazing treasures which I have then turned around and sold, often times at 300 times or more what I paid for them. The cash that follows such a sale, in turns, buys me some wicked, wicked cameras and toys. Thrifting also serves as a knowledge building exercise: you get to see history, feel, play with, understand where photography came from, and how far it's come. Never, ever underestimate the value of thrifting. I will teach you how to become a proficient thrifter.
2) Cameras. Duh. I won't delve into inane details, but I will get into finer points of usage, share some tricks I've found, and solicit for ideas.
3) Economics of photography. Despite the entire world owning a camera, so few people spend as much money on it as the 5% of the population which describes themselves as pros, semi-pros, or enthusiasts. Maybe 10% of enthusiasts actually know how to use that expensive DSLR they just bought. What's the point of spending the money if you can't actually use the gear? Finding a happy medium, between price and function is what this is all about.
So, here we go, on a cheapskate photography adventure... should be fun, eh?
