Can you see yourself becoming complacent and bored with the same career or job for your entire working life?

How do you think you would feel about that at the end of it all?

What would you point out to others as what you regretted?

Why Professionally Document Your Vintage Coin Collection?Vintage coin collectors invest countless hours and resources building their collections, yet many overlook the importance of professional-quality photography. Here's why photographically documenting your numismatic treasures with proper equipment and lighting is worth considering:
Preservation of Details
Coins deteriorate over time, however carefully stored. Professional photography captures intricate details, mint marks, and patina at a specific moment, creating a permanent record of your collection's condition and appearance.
Insurance Documentation
Should disaster strike, detailed photographs provide crucial evidence for insurance claims. High-resolution images that clearly show distinguishing characteristics and condition can make the difference between fair compensation and significant loss.
Enhanced Appreciation
Quality photography reveals details often missed by the naked eye. The micro-textures, subtle color variations, and minute design elements become apparent under proper lighting, deepening your connection with and understanding of each piece.
Sharing and Education
Whether you're creating a catalog for potential buyers, sharing with fellow collectors, or educating family members about your collection, professional images communicate value and significance far better than casual snapshots.
Easier Appraisals
Professional coin dealers and appraisers can provide preliminary valuations from quality photographs, saving time and reducing the need to transport valuable coins to different locations.
Good coin photography isn't just about expensive equipment—it's about understanding how to capture these metallic objects properly. With some basic lighting techniques and attention to detail, you can create a lasting visual archive that enhances the value and enjoyment of your numismatic collection for years to come.

Have you heard of the technique for making adjustments to your business and your life by applying the 80/20 principle?
If I can recall the name of the person who came up with it, I'll update my blog. Essentially,  you look at your business, life, garden etc, whatever the case may be, and you analyze what portion of your situation produces the most/best/worst (insert adjective) outcome.
If you're a gardener for example, and you calculate that 20% of your garden area produce 80% of your best beans, then you use that data to plan your planting for next year. (Italian economist, Vilfredo Pareto -1896)
And so it goes.
The ratio can be different. It depends on the situation and the area of study.
Personally, I'm applying the 80/20 ration to the business outcome from each area of my work. 

I've looked at the past client activities and have calculated that 80% of my jobs come from 20% of the types of work. Specifically, from product photography. I rarely photograph people for profit (even though I really enjoy it)

With this knowledge, I am revamping my portfolio accordingly and spending more time pushing my product photography services.
I also feel the need to expand those services to include some motion work. Cinemagraphs and possibly some Stop-Motion Animation. Both are unique in the marketplace and don't require any additional special equipment.

With that in mind, I am realizing that I may have to jump ship and source a  new, upgraded website service provider. Sorry Weebly.  You've been good to me for a few years, but we may have to part ways in the coming weeks.

I'm looking towards new markets. It's time to wake up and smell the whisky. Growth requires sacrifice.

I still imagine that I will be involved in photography far into my twilight years. But, over the past 2 weeks it's looking more and more that my body is planning something different.

A pinched nerve in my left shoulder has been plaguing me relentlessly. It makes for a clumsy day of not knowing what I'm capable of.
We'll see what transpires next week after my doctor visit.

​Stay healthy as long as you can.

Once again I find myself spending way too much time surfing the various social media options.
It's weighing me down.

There is so much nonsense, crap, advertising, irrelevant garbage no matter where you go. Facebook is probably the worst. I dumped it for a year a while back. Didn't really miss it except for the connections to family far afield.
I do have a phone mind you.
Facebook, you may see my shadow once again.

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, capturing audience attention is more challenging than ever. Enter cinemagraphs—the sophisticated, subtle video technique that can transform your social media marketing strategy.
What Makes Cinemagraphs So Powerful?Cinemagraphs are subtle, seamlessly looping animations where most of the image remains static while a small section moves continuously. This unique format creates a mesmerizing visual experience that:

• Stops scrollers in their tracks with hypnotic movement
• Communicates brand messaging more dynamically than static images
• Generates higher engagement rates compared to traditional photos
• Appears more premium and artistic than standard video content

Practical Applications Across IndustriesWhether you're in retail, hospitality, technology, or professional services, cinemagraphs can elevate your visual storytelling:

• Restaurants: Show steam rising from a coffee cup or a fork delicately cutting into a perfect steak
• Fashion Brands: Showcase fabric movement or subtle model gestures
• Tech Companies: Highlight product details with elegant, minimal animation
• Travel/Hospitality: Create atmospheric scenes that evoke destination emotions

Engagement and Performance MetricsStudies show cinemagraphs can:

• Increase click-through rates by up to 60%
• Boost social media engagement by 40%
• Reduce ad fatigue through visually compelling content

Implementation Tips

1. Keep animations subtle and purposeful
2. Maintain high-quality, professional production
3. Align animation with brand aesthetic
4. Use strategic placement across platforms

By integrating cinemagraphs, you're not just sharing content—you're creating an immersive visual experience that resonates with your audience.

Have I mentioned how much I wish to move ?

Well it's true. I'm looking to make a change in my life and focus that change on where I can make a mark with my photography.

After doing a lot of introspection and sending out emails etc etc, I've decided that I'm going to make a move towards working in the museum, arts, govt and heritage sector in our fair country of Canada.

I like the idea of 1) shooting a variety of subject matter throughout the week and 2) being able to rely on a steady income for the first time in my life.
Am I crazy?  Am I making a huge mistake ?
Hope not (on both accounts)

It's been 23 years that I've been based in this town, and I have next to nothing to show for it. The same ol grind just isn't grinding anymore. I figure, I have another ⅓ of my life to go. I don't intend to spend it pushing the same rock up the same hill.

Thanks for reading this far. 
I'll probably have more to report in the near future.
Party on Wayne.

A number of years back I went on a foray into the world of experimental portraiture.

I had volunteer models, just regular folks, come in to The Tiny Studio Peterborough for an hour or so. 
We tested lighting, colours, textures, motion and all that sort of thing. Sometimes it worked as intended, and sometimes not.  But that's just part of the game.

I'm planning a revisit to experimental portraits. Portraits that mean something to me.

 Product photography, by it's very nature is the photography of a manufactured product. An item that is (probably) created to be sold. 
Your run of the mill socks, garden gnome, salt shaker, dump truck, airline hanger etc. You get the idea.

Having the skills to shoot images of said products usually (not always) involves years if not decades of learning and practice. Product photography can involve shooting in a dedicated studio space, and it can alternatively involve shooting in a separate location, more suitable to the product in question.

I've done most of my product shoots in a small studio space, but I've also had the opportunity to shoot in an airport hanger. It all depends on the subject matter and how much control is allowed. Kind of hard to photograph an airplane in my studio. I wouldn't even try. In most cases, not all, I try to shoot in a style that is unique to my vision as an artist. I want my viewers to ultimately look at my portfolio and say, "that looks like Mike's work". I want to be memorable. To be identifiable.  I think that is an achievable goal. I think that every shooter with an ounce of business sense, should strive to be memorable.
At the moment, I would describe my style as "dramatic minimalism".  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
​
My foray into the world of product photography stems from my interest and desire to have control of the situation. It also helps that the products never become disinterested, whine or complain or feel the need to blink.  Have you ever seen a bottle of scotch blink ?  Me neither.

Studio photography is unique in that it gives the control to those within. I prefer it that way. It makes me the boss. And yet, it also makes me a collaborator on each project. I hope to keep collaborating for as long as I can here in Peterborough. As long as they keep calling, I'll keep shooting.

The book by Seth Godin.
Purple Cow.
If you are in any kind of business, especially if yours is similar to others in your area, you NEED to read this short and brilliant book.

You'll will be thanking me later. 
I've had my copy for a few years and I go back and read through it every 6 months or so. There is so much value in this little book, that I would not be surprised if it is required reading for every business and marketing curriculum across the world.
It should be.
Purple Cow. Go get your copy today.