One of the best things about being a writer is that no one knows what you look like. Which means one’s appearance doesn’t distort one’s message. If a writer’s words resonate with the reader, then the reader will simply invent some friendly, benevolent mental image of the writer — one that is likely far more generous than their actual visage.
Those who peruse this site thoroughly have probably seen the small self-portrait sitting on my About page — a portrait that’s been there since the day this site began. I don’t believe its presence has substantially damaged my credibility. After all, web stats confirm that the bulk of my readers have never visited this page. But for those who did make the journey, I made certain to shoot a portrait that was as bland and innocuous as possible. The more I could resemble Mr. Potato Head, the easier it would be for readers to plug their own imagined features into my face. Also, as time passes, the advantages of having a photo that doesn’t age (while I do) are not to be discounted.
Because I enjoy both the relative anonymity, and the inverse Dorian Gray affect, I’ve been struggling with whether I should direct my readers to a video interview I gave last fall to the International Leica Society (and which was just recently published by the LHSA).
Truth is, I don’t recognize the guy in the video. It’s purported to be me. But the dude being interviewed has a beard — and my mirror reflects a clean shave. Plus, I’m reasonably certain I’m a suave, youthful, handsome, debonair, articulate and captivating raconteur. Yet the video portrays a fidgety, bumbling geezer with a distracting multi-regional accent of obscure origin.
Ultimately, I decided to go ahead and point my readers to this interview — he has a message that echoes my own, and I’m still pretty sure the guy isn’t actually me. And if he’s not me, then my anonymity is preserved. However, if he really is me (as some who know me have confirmed), then maybe it’s time to face the fact that I’m no longer the guy on my About page.
Whichever is the case, the warning remains the same: “Viewer discretion is advised.”
©2017 grEGORy simpson
ABOUT THE PHOTOS:
All the photos shown in the video interview have appeared previously on this website, so there’s no reason to regurgitate the technical info surrounding them. The video was shot, edited and published by the International Leica Society — an organization for whom I had the pleasure of addressing their annual meeting last fall (if you think 7 minutes of me is over-the-top, imagine watching me speak in front of an audience for an hour!). Anyway, Leica fans and aficionados should definitely check out their website. You kids with your new-fangled social media might prefer their Facebook page. This article’s sole new shot, “Lucha Libre”, was snapped with a Ricoh GR and is included as a literal representation of the title’s figurative meaning.
REMINDER: If you find these photos enjoyable or the articles beneficial, please consider making a DONATION to this site’s continuing evolution. As you’ve likely realized, ULTRAsomething is not an aggregator site — serious time and effort go into developing the original content contained within these virtual walls.
Good tips. I often go places in my mini-motorhome (16-feet long) that contains its own bathroom. Takes the pressure off. It has a ladder to climb up on the roof in case I need to get high (as in elevation). I tried your wiggle finger technique with my Nikon J5, but kept getting my finger in the shot. I hope you’re not talking about cameras that take film. That is so 1990s.
Doug:
You are to be commended for your fortitude. It’s obvious from your insightful comments that you actually endured the entire interview (and even a few of my earlier articles)! You are also to be commended for your most elegant solution to the all-important but rarely-discussed “washroom” issue… though it’s my belief that this era’s greatest essayist, David Sedaris, may have long ago discovered the ultimate (albeit “buggy”) solution:
I loved that video Egor! You are exactly like my mental picture of you (and yes, never been to the about page). Good tips too, the first one obviously and the twist on the abused quote from Jay Meisel.
I turned it off at the 54 sec mark
🙂
And still the same hairdo.. Don’t you remember what makes a star?
Yeah, I remember: “it’s all about the hair.” But honestly, at my age, I’m just happy to still have all of it…
Have enjoyed your writing so it was great to see you. Thanks for this video, fun and useful