First off, I’m not a writer. I like to write, but I’m not a writer. Does that make sense? My fingers just peck and something comes out. Just don’t expect good grammar, punctuation or sentence structure. ’cause you’re not going to find it here. Even on my best day! 
. But I will however, try to convey my message as honest and sincere as I possibly can. If you have issue with anything I say, please let me know. I welcome constructive criticism.
I’m opinionated. That’s okay. Everyone has an opinion. Why do people make that such a bad word?
Having spent 25 years in the technology industry has given me inspiration to push the boundaries of my photographic equipment. I’ve been teaching Photography and Technology for many years in many venues. This is what also inspired me to start “Burn Barrel Media”
Outside of my work as a geek, I photograph portraits, sports, landscape, wildlife and many others. I do however shoot frequently for recreation.
Having an IT contract with an historic railroad system in Alaska with over 100 years of photographic archives, taught me the importance of management. I understand the frustration most people face with the archive and retrieval of their work. This has been the focus of my teaching for the last 10 years. I have taught data management, digital archiving and workflow at schools, workshops and also private instruction.
I still work in IT management, I am slowly migrating out of the field. As the industry shifts to micro technology, my passion has also shifted.
The world is shrinking.
What do I mean?
Have you noticed in the last few years that desktop computers really haven’t gotten a whole lot more powerful?
Well, in years past, the technology industry was concerned about bigger, faster and more powerful. Sadly, things have changed.
More people today are concerned about portability and accessibility, not power and usability.
Things like smart phones, netbooks and iPads are replacing powerful desktops and laptops. The industry is weakening (although yes, technically it is shrinking and some people equate that with power).
By weakening, I don’t mean becoming less useful, I mean people are more satisfied with less powerful technology in the interest of portability.
Small. low powered processors are outselling large powerful processors.
It’s almost as if a backwards step is necessary in order to adjust to things like the internet and easy, almost instant communication.
This is not my passion. Cell phones and tablets (I have both) serve a useful purpose, but as a geek, This is not where my heart or desire is.
I enjoy processing large video files and printing billboard photos. Things you can’t do with a phone or tablet.
It’s not my age or nostalgia that makes me feel saddened by it, but rather a need for power over portability, size over simplicity and RAW vs JPG (technically speaking).
If I was really nostalgic, I would still be using 35mm film or large format and my hands would still smell like developer and hypo. (darkroom terms).
I welcomed the digital age with open arms.
On my site, you will find lots of info regarding not only help in photography or videography, but lots of DIY builds (I like saving money).
I like to create using new ideas and techniques. If you have any questions or comments, please visit my youtube channel, twitter or Google +. Or send me a message
right from my site.
So on days you don’t find me sweating over a computer network somewhere, you’ll find me in the woods shooting animals or at the track shooting athletes.
Wait….. Did I just say I shoot animals and athletes? LOL, you know what I mean!
Although my passion is helping others understand and hopefully master the art of photography and computers, I like to create using new ideas and techniques. I try to visualize the final product before I snap the shutter. For me, shooting the photograph is only the beginning.
I have never been satisfied fitting in with the norm. that’s not to say I’m abnormal (I think). When I look at a photographers work, I ask myself “Can I take that one step further”? and then wrack my brain trying to push the limits. In doing so, many times I’ve failed. But the thought of giving up, irritates me and inspires me to try harder.
I have two philosophies in life
1. Don’t “DO” something with your life. “BE” something with your life.
2. Don’t be a “Dreamer”. Be a “Doer”
3. The above two are contradictions.
Thanks for visiting,
Tom
