articles/Profiles/speakerscornerronthomas-page2

Speakers' Corner - Ron Thomas - part 2 of 1 2

by Ron Thomas Published 01/11/2010

Are you excited by the evolution of imaging?
I am very excited about the way things are evolving. On the downside, many people think that because they can set their camera to Auto and get a printable result, they can call themselves "photographers". Plumbers and plasterers do not have the same difficulty with arrogant amateurism.

Is it getting harder or easier to make a decent living?
It has always been difficult, the graph goes up and down but I think the same can be said in most spheres

How do you stay ahead of the game?
I read about the latest equipment/techniques and trends in various magazines and talk to those in the business whose opinion I respect.

How do organisations like The Societies helps?
The Societies help by being a source of accurate information; it brings together the best in experience and expertise.

Why is The Convention such a big deal for photographers?
My experience of the Convention has been extremely positive. Improvements are difficult to suggest as it is talked about the world over, if people travel from other continents to attend then it must be good.

If you could pick just FIVE seminars to attend at the The Convention: whose workshops would you attend?
I lack the business head that I need to really make my business do as well as it could do. I would attend as many seminars that helped with this.

What do you think will be the next big thing in the industry?
The integration of stills and video. In wedding photography there could be a demand from brides for stills for the album to be taken from the wedding video. I have already started to use video (produced on still cameras such as the Canon EOS 5D MkII and the PowerShot G10) as an aid to illustrating wildlife photography techniques

Would you want your own children to take up the reins of your empire (or have they)?
My son is an ecologist and a fine photographer in his own right so the matter is in hand!

Your plans for the next five years?
To get used to this idea of running my own business and to expand what I do and to do it better. Above all, to make a contribution and help others to enjoy making images.

• Speakers' Corner - Ron Thomas page 1
  
• Speakers' Corner - Ron Thomas page 2
  

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