Episode #217: Daniel Milnor: Creative Evangelist With Blurb Inc. / Photographer / Blogger / YouTuber
Dec 6, 2022
auto_awesome
Photographer Daniel Milnor, creative evangelist for Blurb Inc., discusses his journey in the photography industry, the impact of social media on photography, and finding one's creative voice. He shares his experiences as a photojournalist and the changes he has witnessed in the field. Milnor emphasizes the importance of storytelling and individuality in photography. He also talks about his unconventional approach to photography, the value of personal projects, and the challenges of planning and creating long-form work.
The importance of understanding and appreciating the diverse cultures and perspectives found in different regions of rural America.
The value of staying true to personal beliefs and values in photography, rather than solely pursuing commercial success.
The negative effects of social media on creativity and the benefits of detoxing from it to pave the way for personal growth and artistic exploration.
The drawbacks of social media in the photography industry, including diminishing artistic value and making it difficult for photographers to stand out and be recognized for their unique vision.
The significance of print and tangible photography in a digital age and the need for photographers to focus on creating original and meaningful work.
Deep dives
Growing up in rural America
The speaker reflects on their childhood in rural America, moving back and forth between Indiana and Wyoming. They describe their experiences of not fitting in and having acquaintances in different social groups. The speaker emphasizes their love for the rural lifestyle and their deep connection to nature. They also discuss the misconceptions about rural America and the importance of understanding and appreciating the diverse cultures and perspectives found in different regions.
The desire to pursue a different path
The speaker recounts their unconventional career journey, moving away from traditional paths and not fitting into certain genres. They highlight their preference for being in the field and the importance of capturing the moment rather than focusing on publication. The speaker notes their experience of working as a photojournalist and the need to cover a variety of assignments regardless of personal preferences or beliefs. They also mention their time working for Kodak, which allowed them to focus on their own photography and long-term documentary projects.
Not fitting in and being a contrarian
The speaker reflects on their experience of not fitting in throughout their life and career. They describe their tendency to be a loner and prefer being by themselves. The speaker discusses their ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds and their affinity for the outsider perspective. They emphasize their distinct views and approaches in the photography industry, often going against the norm and not feeling like they fit in with any specific genre or group.
Influences and inspirations
The speaker mentions being influenced by a family friend who was a former photographer for the Dallas Times Herald. They learned about the legendary story of the photographer capturing the moment when Jack Ruby shot Lee Harvey Oswald. This story sparked the speaker's interest in photography. The speaker also hints at looking up to Magnum photographers and being drawn to the documentary aspect of the craft. They acknowledge the challenges of pursuing long-term documentary projects in the American market but maintain their passion for the work.
Finding Authenticity in Photography and Social Media
Photography and social media have undergone significant changes over the years, with social media platforms becoming increasingly saturated and inauthentic. The focus on consumerism and gear reviews has shifted the conversation away from the deeper aspects of photography. Success in photography should involve knowing oneself and staying true to personal beliefs and values. It's about engaging with others and creating meaningful work, rather than solely pursuing commercial success. Social media, while addictive, is not built for deeper conversations and often promotes facades and surface-level interactions. Building an authentic and genuine relationship with photography is more important than chasing trends or gaining large followings.
The Detoxification from Social Media
The addictive nature of social media platforms often distracts and detracts from the creative journey. Detoxing from social media can reveal its negative effects and pave the way for personal growth and artistic exploration. Platforms like Instagram can create a false sense of reality and lead photographers away from truly meaningful connections and conversations. Choosing to focus on authenticity and engaging with a smaller, more genuine audience can be more rewarding and fulfilling.
The Impact of Social Media on Photography
Social media has changed the nature of photography, with an emphasis on consumerism and image cultivation. The pressure to constantly share and seek validation through likes and followers can diminish the artistic value and genuine connections that photography can offer. Social media platforms have become saturated with generic content and have made it difficult for photographers to stand out and be recognized for their unique vision. Recognizing the drawbacks of social media and finding ways to cultivate a genuine and authentic approach to photography can lead to personal and professional success.
The Importance of Authenticity in Creativity and Career
Daniel talks about his journey of finding success by staying true to himself and pursuing his passion for photography. He explains how he rejected traditional career paths and embraced personal projects that he was truly passionate about. He emphasizes the value of creating work that is meaningful to oneself, rather than conforming to external expectations or trends. Daniel also discusses the importance of keeping photography as a private conversation and not getting caught up in the pressure for constant online sharing and validation on platforms like Instagram.
The Power of Print and Tangibility in Photography
In this part of the podcast, Daniel highlights the significance of print and tangible photography in a digital age. He explores the resurgence of film photography and the appreciation for physical books and zines. Daniel expresses his belief that photography as an art form will continue to thrive and that tangible mediums will hold a special place in the creative industry. He also emphasizes the need for photographers to focus on creating original and meaningful work, rather than simply producing content for social media or popular trends.
On this episode of the podcast I'm joined by photographer and creative evangelist for Blurb Inc. Daniel Milnor to talk about his journey from photojournalist, to magazine editorial photographer, to Kodak employee, to wedding photographer, to the public face and well spoken voice of Blurb Books where he has been for many years while continuing to pursue his own personal long-term projects, as well as work on his YouTube channel and blog at Shifter Media. During our conversation Daniel talks about what it was like growing up in rural America and how feeling like an outsider would end up leading him to the world of photojournalism and the life long search of finding his true creative voice and what he actually wanted to say with it. We also talk about all the changes he's seen in the photography industry through his many different incarnations as a creative, how he thinks the world of social media is homogenizing the photography space and preventing some very talented shooters from pursuing what could actually set them apart as memorable photographers and filmmakers, what gives him hope as he looks towards the future of visual creation, and the advice he gives to others trying to find their own voice as artists and as human beings.
