By now you know that Steve Jobs died yesterday at age 56. A modern-day Edison, Jobs' inventions and creations literally changed the world.
The Apple homepage today.
Those of us who work in the visual arts—particularly, photographers and videographers—owe a huge debt of gratitude to Steve Jobs and Apple. The emergence of graphical computing, which gained its first commercial success with Apple, helped drive the digital revolution. Workflow, which used to consist of negatives, loupes, markers and darkrooms, now can be done with super-powerful computers that you can bring with you, wireless connectivity, software with capabilities we couldn't have dreamed of in the film era, touch-screen tablet computers with independently developed applications that make your life easier, and so much more.
Let's hear from some of our Facebook fans about how Apple has affected their lives as photographers:
Patricia Owen-Evanson writes that “both my professional and personal life were deeply influenced by Apple. Every bit of my professional work as a Graphic Artist has been executed on a Mac. I own a Mac at home, and an iPhone. I have always been a fan of Steve, and loved his Vision.”
Dane Stephenson praises the iPad2: “It has opened up many new avenues for my photography. The very least, just having my photos in a portfolio form with me at all times.”
Carol Black Bradley says, “Apple products made me love computers because they are so easy to learn and use! My iMac, iPhoto, and my Nikon—Wouldn't want to live without them.” For equal time, Colby Pickering exudes: “MacBooks+Canons=Success!”
Mark Holloway writes “I recently purchased an iMac for my business that replaced a PC. My productivity dramatically increased. The quality and stability of the product, regardless of cost, is far more advantageous for my photography business. I hope The new Apple leadership does not sell out to cheap inferior products for profit.”
Jennifer Heigh adds “All the computers/laptops I have ever personally owned are Macs. I have been delighted with the ease of use with all of them. I use my iPad2 for my portfolio when meeting clients outside my office.”
Michael Vu says “My iPhone provided me with the means to take gorgeous pictures and video wherever I go. So many memories were saved. I owe Steve Jobs so much because of that.”
Simon Pollock tells us he was hesitant at first about the iPhone. “I held out on the iPhone for as long as I could... I wanted to be different. I bought a 3Gs but took it back; the sales person was astounded when I said "I don't like it." Then the iPhone4 came along.. The ability to capture and share half-decent images with friends, pretty much immediately changed my creative lull into a creative busy beehive. Always thinking about images whilst out and about. Then I got my iPad, and a MacBook Pro to boot. Now backing up in part to an Airport Extreme... I won't go back... It's just easy. (And I was a windows support / server support guy who said "I'll never use Apple!")”
Finally, there's Ray Hull, who talks about he was won over. “I used to make fun of my wife's Mac until I got a new job and had to use one. There is a benefit when the hardware and software come from the same place ...... They work! And work well. My prayers go out to Steve and his family.”
Yes, some Apple products used technology or ideas that had already been developed and in some cases (unsuccessfully) brought to market. But just as Blood Sweat and Tears took Laura Nyro's “And When I Die” and made it their own, the Beatles made their interpretation of the Isley Brothers' version of “Twist And Shout” the apex of their live concerts, and Janis Joplin turned Kris Kristofferson's obscure “Me and Bobby McGee” into her biggest hit, Steve Jobs had a knack for mashing up things that already existed with tweaks, innovations and high design concepts that made them work to their fullest potential. The results were, in his words, insanely great.
(All of the above-referenced songs, by the way, are available on iTunes, one of Steve Jobs' world-changing innovations.)
The final word, from Steve Jobs himself: Inventor, marketing genious, master showman...and as this video shows, a well-spoken philospher.
Namaste, Steve. Rest in iPeace.
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