Over 550 likes on this album within 2 days. I do believe thats a record! I cant even fathom what the actual reach of these photos must have been. Not everyone clicks the like button. Ive been consumed in this whirlwind of response to this since posting the album Thursday night. A couple things I wanted to say. Regarding my experiment of asking for donations via Bitcoin and PayPal... Ive received some modest but appreciated contributions, totaling $235. No complaints at all, thats more than Ive received from shooting conferences in the past where I never asked, but clearly Im not doing this for the money. The best event photographers at this quality level are wedding photographers, and good ones charge between $4000 and $10,000 for an event, and they dont deliver this many edited and arranged photos. Though at that price point they certainly deliver stunning work, that will be cherished forever. Absolutely nothing wrong with working for money, but Im obviously doing this for other reasons. Id like to explain those reasons. One reason is that I had a vision, of something I wanted to create. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I knew it could be great and could impact a lot of people. So I traveled, then I sat in front of my computer for a few weeks, and I did it. Another reason is that Im growing. Always. I first picked up a decent camera in the summer of 2010. Thats when the OCD obsession started. Many of you who have photos from me from a few years ago know how much Ive grown in photography. I enjoy improving my skills. I dont know if I can top what Ive been putting out lately, but I hope I can continue to grow and improve. Another reason is that the more impressive my friends are, the more impressive I am. I want you to look good because I want to look good ;) Another reason is a lesson Ive learned long ago. Being valuable gets you access; and right now Ive got access everywhere, because Im bringing gifts. I get all these amazing free trips and I meet all these incredible people like you guys. Important friends that Im grateful and honored to know. Another reason is that while Im trying to do more than document these events, I am fully aware many of these people here will go on to achieve amazing things. These photos will spread far and live forever, and someday will be looked back on fondly for capturing giants when they were much younger. And lastly, a big reason for me is to do what Im capable of to contribute my small part to the liberty cause. Its become clear to me that we are hopeless if our movement only resembles a Star Trek convention. Like it or not, we cant debate our way to victory, we actually have to attract people into what were doing. The intellectual battle is important, but limiting our focus to the 2% to 5% of the population that are intellectuals, a small population that happens to be about 90% hostile towards us, thats going to keep us where weve been for the last several decades: disregarded in the corner. I think it would help us to market beyond the realm of intellectuals. Beyond even those with shared interests. It would help us to simply be a more attractive higher achieving group that others are excited to join and be a part of, or at least hold in higher regard. The political world is mostly angry and hostile. Its war. I dont want to argue for my vision and debate it with anyone, that will only add to the negative energy; Id rather just show you. Activism can be a lot more beautiful and exciting. With some decent photos weve: 1) Improved our status among friends not in the scene, and perked their interest in us and what were up to. 2) Strengthened the bonds and friendships of those who are involved. 3) Brought people from warring factions within the movement a little closer together. 4) Presented ourselves far better to donors small and large, where excitement and morale are so crucial. 5) Enjoyed ourselves, which is not only enjoyable, but a necessary precondition to getting a lot more people involved. Libertarian involvement cant be a sacrifice. We need to feel comfortable knowing that we are actually doing our friends a huge favor by getting them involved in this. I dont see any other way. So heres my gift to you. What I really want you to do in return is be welcoming, be understanding, and push yourself to be amazing. Of course, if you love your photos, support what Im doing, and would like to send a small contribution my way, it is appreciated! My Bitcoin address is: 16KrWHAbB4APqYaBbG6gZqbN5Bb481d1uK My verified PayPal email is: judd@weissinvestments Love you guys!
Posted on: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 00:10:16 +0000
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