Hi All!

Here is your weekly round up of what I’m pondering and exploring. Feel free to forward along to a friend if you think they might enjoy.

First movie shoot

Last week I was fortunate enough to get to help out with production on a real movie set, and even got to play as an extra. The entire experiance was very interesting and opened my eyes to the immense ammount of work that goes into the production of a feature length film.

I can’t say what the movie is right now, but I’ll be sure to share it when you when it comes out next year so you can see me dressed up playing as a police officer.

However, on another note, as much as I love film and intend to dive deeper into that world, I find it frustrating how slow production moves, and the fact there are so many factors, and variables that go into bringing a single idea to life.

Which is why writing a novel has a very warm place in my heart, because you don’t need to deal with the personalities of hundreds of people, and can instead just paint entire worlds ideas using just words, completely for free.

Nipsey Hustle

Nipsey Hustle was one of the most entreprenurial rappers of our time. He showed indepedent artists that they don’t need support from the system, and can instead build their own system.

Not only does this let artists control their distrubition, but it also allows them to reap the financial upside of being an owner, and not just a product for other people to sell.

The video below explains more about how Nipsey pioneered new methods of distributing his music, started his own restraunt chain, and created a successful clothing line, completely indepedently.

Also, keep in mind when I say indepedently, I don’t mean he did it literally by himself. I mean he did it outside of the existing system in his own unique way.

Your brain on AI

Here’s an interesting study that might make you think twice about outsourcing all of your tasks to AI.

Price disparity in camera pricing

Lately I’ve been noticing an emerging price disparity between the modern, compact, mirrorless cameras and the trendy digital point and shoots, with their older, overlooked cousin, the DSLR.

For those of you who don’t know what a DSLR is, they are those big cameras, that look like cameras, if you know what I mean.

Here’s a picture below so you know what I’m talking about.

The camera above is a Canon 5D Mark III.

At the time of it’s original release back in 2012, it was one of the best cameras money could buy, and retailed for over $4000.

They are a workhorse of a camera, and are built like tanks. These were the choice of not only night club photographers who’d take these things into dark dens and have drinks spilled all over them, but photojournalists who ventured into active war zones, because the camera was so reliable.

Now, why am I telling you this?

Because right now you can buy them on the second hand market for less than $1000.

However, most people don’t care, because right now DSLRs are considered untrendy, and old. Which is why you see people spend hundreds of dollars on shit digital point and shoot cameras because they’re currently in the trend cycle.

It’s unfortunate, but it’s also good if you can spot value where others aren’t currently looking. Because, I’m certain that in five years time, DSLRs will become cool again, and people will be carrying them around as accessories once again, trying to recreate an older time.

However, I’m not saying that you should buy one of these cameras because they will be cool in the future. I’m saying that they are severely undervalued for what they are, compared to the modern day mirrorless cameras that have overtaken the market.

Understanding price disparity is also how I managed to buy one of my dream cameras, the Contax T2 for ~$500, years before they shot up to ~$2000, all because I was looking where others weren’t.

Disclaimer: I recently sold my consumer grade Sony A6600, and lenses to purchase a MINT condition Canon 5D MK III, with a Canon 50mm 1.2 lens, for exactly the same price I sold my A6600 for. Because in my opinion, the 5D is significantly better for photography, and is a funner shooting experiance, versus the tiny, silent, mirrorless camera that looks like a toy in my huge hands.

And finally, understanding when there is a disparity between public perception and underlying value, applies not only to cameras, but investing, career moves, oppurtunities, and almost everything else you come across in the world.

And as you’d expect, eventually, the market will correct itself.

My headspace right now

Lately I’ve been feeling very grateful for the headspace I’m in. I know what I’m doing, and can clearly see the way forward. I’m also enjoying every step I take as I savour each and every moment.

As always, if you’re reading this, thank you. There is lots happening in the background I’ve yet to speak on, but when the times right, I’d be delighted to tell you more.

Also, this is the song that’s been playing on repeat as I write this weeks newsletter, lol.

Oh, and this song aswell.

Hope everyone enjoys their week.

Love,

Jet Williams

Like what you read?