Now that every phone has a camera, and many can shoot video, I begin to wonder whether it’s okay to be camera-shy. In the age of Flickr and YouTube, could those who don’t love the lens still be relevant?
Now that every phone has a camera, and many can shoot video, I begin to wonder whether it’s okay to be camera-shy. In the age of Flickr and YouTube, could those who don’t love the lens still be relevant?
I have a confession to make. I am webcamera-shy. I know, I know – I’m an actor. So I’m supposed to be comfortable in front of the camera, right? And sure, when it comes to the Big Camera or even candid photographs, I’ve managed to get over my reservations. But when it comes down to sitting in front of a webcam, I’m just not comfortable.
My good Twitter friend, @Nonglin, has twice invited me to a tinychat – a web service that hosts simple webcam chats, like a video IM. While I’ve been genuinely busy both times, I couldn’t deny the feeling of relief I felt when I realised that I would not be sitting at my laptop in front of that camera. It got me to thinking: in today’s camera-connected society, is it still acceptable to be any kind of camera-shy?
While there are plenty of people on Facebook and MySpace without abundant, candid photo collections, it seems the vast majority offer a complete still-life story to anyone browsing. Add to that the number of people with Flickr, Photobucket/TinyPic, Picasa, and – dare I say – YouTube accounts, and the idea of avoiding a camera begins to feel rather back-country and old-fashioned.
I can’t say I’m surprised. Every phone, computer, and gaming device can now snap pictures and will soon be able to shoot video. Each of these can manipulate the captured media and instantly upload or broadcast it online. This accessibility has transformed picture and video into just another tweet stream. What are you doing now? Show us.
So back to the webcam. Gone are the days when video was taken on your terms, as in business videoconferencing and filming movies. Impromptu video chats (along with surprise iPhone video clips) demand that you either always be prepared or relinquish the need for control of your image (eek). As webcams and their streaming services proliferate, I imagine my old-fashioned insecurities will make me stand out like a stick in the mud.
Is it time to change with the times?
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Photo credits: Matching our decor like chameleons by tizzie
Demi by αℓℓ тнє яσѕєѕ ;
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Guest says:
March 23, 2010 at 11:27 pm
I love this post. Thank you for writing this article.Wade, if you don’t feel comfortable doing something, then don’t do it. Perhaps I’m not as bright as you, because I’m on the other side of the spectrum. My natural inclination is jumping into my “un-comfort” zone. @Krystynchong and I wanted to tinker with TinyChat just for fun. We invited @Terrinakamura, @Ctkscribe and you because we thought, the more the merrier. Since you posted a candid snapshot of yourself, it’s only fair for me to reciprocate your gesture. I hope I don’t break the intertubes with my photo. Your friend,Nong
Wade Burch says:
March 24, 2010 at 12:28 am
Nong,
You are beautiful.
And the truth about life and especially about my job is that you always must be stepping outside your comfort zone.
Hopefully, I’ll get another chance to join you, Terri, and Christina sometime soon. =P
Thank you for the reply,
Wade
Wade Burch says:
March 26, 2010 at 8:59 pm
>Nong,
You are beautiful.
And the truth about life and especially about my job is that you always must be stepping outside your comfort zone.
Hopefully, I'll get another chance to join you, Terri, and Christina sometime soon. =P
Thank you for the reply,
Wade
Rachel Noonan says:
April 4, 2010 at 1:16 am
can i just say that i love you used demi’s picture.
Wade Burch says:
April 4, 2010 at 7:31 am
Heh, it fits! And I love that you commented. Miss the simple days, Noonan =P. Thank you for dropping by!
Rachel Noonan says:
April 4, 2010 at 1:18 am
>can i just say that i love you used demi's picture.
Wade Burch says:
April 4, 2010 at 7:31 am
>Heh, it fits! And I love that you commented. Miss the simple days, Noonan =P. Thank you for dropping by!
Guest says:
January 4, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Miss you, Wade. Happy new year! Love, Nong