How I Made Money with Filters

Let me back in to this conversation by saying that this all came about because I've been selling some of my photography gear.

As part of my transition from DSLRs to more compact mirrorless cameras, I've shed a few lenses that I'm not using anymore. A big part of my selling success is that the glass is in great condition. These optics have no marks or scratches, and I pack them in the original boxes with all of the accessories.

Customers like this because they can save money compared to purchasing a brand new lens, yet receive something that looks just as good. And this brings me to filters.

From day one, I put protection filters on my lenses. I've been through all of the discussions about how they may compromise sharpness or degrade contrast. (Of course they're telling this to a guy who regularly shoots through hotel and airplane windows. What do I know?)

But the fact of the matter is, you can buy a good multicoated filter with excellent light transmission, or you can cheap-out for a hunk of glass glued into a metal ring. There's a big difference.

For example, I just bought a Hoya 46mm EVO Antistatic UV Filter for my Olympus 17mm f/1.8 prime lens. It features: 

• 16-Layer Super Multi-Coating 
• EVO Antistatic Coating that Repels Dust, Water, Stain, and is Scratch-Resistant
• Optical Glass Construction

This is a quality optic in its own right, and I don't think my pictures are going to suffer as a result. And since I have many lenses that take this filter size, I will receive years of service from my investment. (I may sell lenses, but I rarely sell filters.)

And this leads me to how I make money with filters. When I sell my lenses, I can list them as "Like New" or "Excellent" condition. This earns me $100-$200 more in revenue for each sale. The front optics are always perfect... they haven't even been cleaned because they don't need it.

I know nobody likes to buy filters (or car tires and things like that). But photographers who are on the go can better protect their gear by shielding that big hunk of glass at the end of their cameras from the elements of the world.

It's not so much an expense, as it is an investment.

-Derrick

The $449 Watchband

Now that I'm back from my latest travels, I had planned on writing about making movies and negotiating deals. But those topics will have to wait for another day.

Today's subject began innocently enough with my having to replace the leather band on my intelligent quartz sport watch. It's a handsome timepiece that I've received many compliments on, until I told the admirer that it was made by Timex.

I logged on to Amazon and found an expedition styled leather strap with polished bucket for $12.99. My current band has lost one of its loops and is over 2 years old. Time indeed for an replacement. 

Coincidently enough, Apple was streaming their presentation about the new Apple Watch. The entry level model costs $349. I figure that it's a small computer. Fair enough. But then there are the watchbands with their own pricing structure. I went online and read the sales copy for the Classic Leather Buckle:

From the renowned ECCO tannery in the Netherlands, the Dutch leather used for this band is milled to give the grain a subtle, distinctive texture. The simple closure is crafted from the same stainless steel as the case. It’s a beautiful take on a traditional band design.

Oh brother... Price: $149

It gets better. The Modern Buckle is $249, and the Link Bracelet is $449 (watch not included).

I had just sold an Olympus OM-D E-M5 in pristine condition with zoom lens, battery, and all of the accessories for $449. A camera that is a marvel of technology made from precious metals with precision craftsmanship sells for the same price as a top of the line watch bracelet made by Apple.

Now I know about fashion and how much designer handbags can cost. I grew up in Southern California. You can easily spend over a grand for a Louis Vuitton Damier Duomo bag. 

But Apple is the company that makes the tools I use to support myself. I think their computers, phones, and tablets are the model of form, function, and yes, value. I've always felt that I got what I paid for.

But there's something that bugs me about them selling a $449 watchband. I never really respected Coach and Gucci. And who knows, maybe I'm still upset about them not honoring their commitment to Aperture users. Hard to say.

What I do know is that I've seen friends wander off like this before. I usually don't go with them. Instead, I'll snuggly loop my new leather watchband around my wrist, fasten the buckle, then smile and wave to them from the distance.

Hoping inside, that it won't be too long before they find their way back home.

-Derrick

Why Personal Projects are Important

I do a lot of work for other people. And I enjoy it. But it's the personal projects that truly satisfy.

This web site is an example. If I didn't have The Nimble Photographer, I wouldn't keep up with my journal entries. Seeing it there daily as a tab in my web browser reminds me that I need to write something with an opinion - not news, not an article, but words from the heart.

Posting to Instagram is also a personal project. Seeing its icon on my iPhone Home screen reminds me how much I love photography. Instagram is my visual journal, a place where I can share something interesting that I saw that day. 

If I hadn't established these platforms for sharing, then I know that the days, weeks, and even months would go by without me creating something that wasn't an obligation.

I have friends who do the same thing. They set up a project and tell themselves that they are going to finish it by the end of the month. And in order to do so, they often have to set aside a few tasks that would otherwise occupy their time.

There will always be tasks, but not always time.

My personal opinion is that life should be more than a checklist of duties. I value my family, friendships, pets, and personal projects.

I don't know what was on my work ToDo list earlier this month. But I do remember writing From the Bad... and publishing a photo on Instagram of a man reading a newspaper in a Chinatown alley painted green. I'm smiling right now thinking about them both.

These are the endeavors that keep me going. Because at the end of the day, I'm more than a job.

And this is from a guy who is very lucky at work.

-Derrick

Starbucks Listened (I Hope)

I'm sitting in a Starbucks right now drinking a Tall Americano - I know, the irony of my drink choice doesn't escape me either. 

This is the very Starbucks that I criticized not long ago for its terrible WiFi and flippant response to my complaint about it. I'm writing this post on my iPad mini connected to a very fast Internet. That's right, the problem is fixed. 

I spent $6 for a coffee and breakfast sandwich, not expecting a thing more. But when I checked my iPhone while standing in line, the login screen for Starbucks WiFi appeared, and it's been nothing but love ever since. 

I don't know how this came about. Nobody contacted me. Starbucks just did the right thing and fixed the problem.  

So it's only fair that I now proclaim: The Starbucks in Coddington Mall, Santa Rosa CA, presents a clean hospitable atmosphere, serves good coffee and food, and has excellent WiFi.

You should stop by if you're ever in town. 

-Derrick  

From the Bad...

I'm not even going to look at my todo list for today. Why should I? It's nearly dinner time, and I haven't been able to yet.

This has been a remarkable day. One in which problems lined up at my doorstep ready to cross the threshold without an invitation. There were technical difficulties, such as the most important podcast of the year not being served to my subscribers. And I could not figure out why.

On the personal front, my boy was so very sick with an exam scheduled that did not allow for makeups. He didn't know what to do. Then, I had a dear friend going through a tough time with what appeared to be no light at the end of the tunnel. And there was more.

It would have been an easy day to give up on people and withdraw. "There's nothing I can do about it."  But instead, in each instance, I stepped into the breach and was honest about the situation. And each time, people responded.

My The Digital Story audience rallied around technical alternatives and keep me posted on the progress of the repair. By mid-morning, we were able the fix the problem. The teacher who had a "no makeup test" rule came up with a solution that allowed my boy to stay home and get better, without failing the class. And my friend reached down inside and found the courage to overcome the challenge.

Most people would say that I had a terrible day. Yet, much like my visit to Cuba, my belief in human character has been affirmed once again.

I'm impressed that time and time again, from what appears to be the bad,

is really an opportunity for good to emerge.

-Derrick