TYPOGRAPHY from the APPLE WWDC

Every so often, the powers that be at Mac have a HUUUGE get together in the form of their Worldwide Developer Conference. While it could be argued that this is a conference primarily for Apple Partners (especially their developers), they have incredibly informative and educational seminars and presentations.

Not that the practical type user thinks about the issues of TYPOGRAPHY in their everyday work life—but those in any graphic communication discipline ought to.

While this presentation goes near the half-hour mark, it includes an incredibly rich introduction to basic TYPOGRAPHY as it is used practically within applications. If you are at all curious about the discipline of typography, and are willing to listen to this introduction, you'll be rewarded with a very good basic introduction to typography (with a bit of application development and the integrated usage of fonts in the mix.

Check it out
[click image for link]

Going Mirrorless

I am switching to a mirrorless camera. I'm doing it with baby-steps (entry-level APSC size…although the full frame is only a few hundred extra, outside of ISO and CROP, the difference are becoming less impactful for basic image quality, and I can always upgrade).

There is, however, a learning curve with this. I find I am much more comfortable shooting with a traditional DSLR--even though the resolution and IQ are lower on them—I don't yet feel comfortable shooting (and it shows at this point). I find that the images I shoot with the DSLR look like I am more comfortable. It's hard to articulate fully, since its not just one thing (composition, technical, etc.) but things look a little stiff and safe.

There is SOOOO MUCH to learn...The menus (and sub menus, and sub-sub-menus, and hidden menus; and of course the options and sub-options for all) are dizzying. The fact that the lenses take a bit of getting use to, as well as the exciting prospect of using old lenses from a variety of manufacturers on the camera and using "assisted manual focusing" are also part of the curve.

But I KNOW that the payoff is very real. The advantages will be well worth the growing pains.

We (the human animal) love the familiar, and often have an initial fear, suspicion, or confusion associated with the new. When we move to a new location, when we get a new car, or new television (etc.) with sooo many new and unfamiliar features, we need time to assimilate.

So I will continue watching videos and reading up on the new technology. I will ignore the part of me that tries to push me backwards technologically, and push forward and embrace the new (while maintaining an objective viewpoint about those items that are not necessarily better).

Kinda like life, no?