You may have realised by now that I don't like photographic vlogging much. For me these people are (mostly) parasites filling the photographic internet with their 'moving selfies'. In a world where shops that allow us to try out gear to see if it works for us are becoming more and more difficult to find (at least in the UK) there has to be some kind of way for photographers to get an idea of what a camera, lens or accessory might be like. However vlogging, with its narcissistic premise, amateurish production, subjective analysis and aura of undeserved self importance is most definitely not the way to do it. With todays social media it is unfortunately all too easy for these pests to promote their flawed vision to us all, giving the impression that they actually know anything about photography and / or its means of production. What I see is actually a group of people with an inflated belief in their own skills and analytical acumen attempting to mug us for money and transitory internet 'fame'. Most produce mediocre photography, awful clumsy video and a prose style that makes most tabloid journalism seem articulate and insightful, There is also a huge amount of inaccuracy, bias of a spectacular kind and unwelcome unmerited arrogance.
The format is now depressingly familiar. Close up headshots of unattractive people pontificating into a camera, spouting nonsense as if they were actually some kind of journalist, when in fact they are little more than peddlers of cliche and plagiarism. I am constantly amazed why photographic manufacturers send them gear to review or invite them to their junkets where they do little except flaunt their ignorance in our direction and make fools of themselves. Their only virtue being a thick skin and an unshakeable belief in the significance of their mediocracy.
