It's Camera Season ...

If you know me, you know I love Photography as both a personal form of artistic expression, and as a professional, visually-communicative endeavor. I try to do both as much as possible.

You also know that photography ain't cheap (although I am a little bit cheap).

Every fall (run up to Xmas) Canon has big sales on their refurbished cameras and lenses. Nikon does as well, but since I have the APSC-sized Canon lenses, I amtypically looking towards Canon. [BTW—If I potentially switch to a full-frame camera, Nikon may be a MUCH bigger part of my life– a new investment in glass would be in order anyway, and Nikon's price point on both is lower]
Whether FF or ASPC, I am always looking to save on equipment.

One of the biggest ways to save is FACTORY REFURBISHED equipment. I was always hesitant to buy refurb until I met one of Canon's CS managers from Virginia. She had shared that her son ( a pro PJ ) shoots a 5DIII (the mac-daddy of Canon's line) that he purchased refurb. She mentioned that they inspect and bench test each unit thoroughly (as compared to new where every fourth or fifth off the line is inspected). They also carry a warranty.
At any rate, I have not (with 2 cams and 2 lenses through the program) yet had any issues.  I have also saved a ton over retail and even some "used" sellers.

I have NOT had any refurb dealings with Nikon yet, but heard similar praises from colleagues who have.

Some of the Cameras you may be interested in:
Canon Full Frame:

• the 5DIII (their "top-of-the line") 
• the 6D (less cross-focus pts and different build)
• the 5D II (a few years old now, but still excellent)

Canon APSC ("crop sensor"):
The 7DII is driving the prices down a bit on their upper-tier APSC, and I may wait for the 7DII personally.

• the 70D (which, while it is APSC, has more cross-focus points and is preferred by many "general subject shooters")
• the 7D (sports, and bird shooters... I am a bit leary as the 7D had some issues, but it is a really affordable Camera with the 7DII release, and with a lot of nice features. I heard that on some a simple firmware update eliminated early issues).

NIKON FF (FX):

• the D800 or 810 line (if I did go full frame, I would seriously consider Nikon for features/price ratio)
• the D600 or 610 (the prices are dropping in October on all their refurbs btw)

NIKON crop sensor (DX):

• the D7100 or 7000
• the D5300 or 5200

 

[click on the appropriate image to go to the Canon or Nikon sites]

NOTE: I have NO AFFILIATION or interest with either Nikon or Canon USA, just sharing... 

Do you REALLY want to Visually Communicate?

I think many who go into this field are frustrated fine-artists in their hearts. That's not necessarily a problem as long as you can differentiate the practice of fine art from the profession of visual communication.

Many folks know how I feel about the discipline of being a "Visual Communicator." I shy away from the popularized 1980's term "Graphic Designer," which (beyond being a bit dated) tends to look 'inward' versus 'outward.' Visual Communications feels like a richer and more diverse term for what most professionals in the field engage in.

It's also pretty concise— you are communicating using visual language versus purely written words. Written words are a part of the arsenal, but they are not necessarily the first line of attack.

You are also communicating "on-task" versus self-indulgently. That doesn't preclude you from inserting your unique personality or style as long as you can stay on the communicative message, and be the most effective advocate for your client's message. In fact, that is the primary objective on any assignment. Like a Realtor legally entrusted to represent the best interests of the seller, we are ethically bound to be the best advocate for a client's message.

In my opinion, the actual "verby" activity of the whole process is brand communication; as long as you don't get too bogged down by defining brand in an overly restrictive sense.
I always tell my students to think of brand simply as personality. That can be a person, a product, a company, a service, or even a "sense of ______."

If you are not encapsulating what the assorted target audiences of your communication messages need to know about the brand, you are off the mark.