The visual media has been fully ramped during SXSW this week.
We have seen more image capturing devices in one place in ever before.
But where do all the images go?
Shared with friends on a social networking platform, emailed, print pubs, or maybe just on a site like this.
This is becoming the norm.
Every photographer carries the sharing tools: still, video, laptop, smartphone.
The bag gets heavier and the designs have to change.

The question of what is essential does arise, though.
Is this photographer’s gear creating any lesser of an image?
[photopress:_SXS1677.jpg,full,centered]

Or should the working pro be fully loaded like these guys?

[photopress:_SXS1629.jpg,full,centered] Jay West
[photopress:_SXS1633.jpg,full,centered] William Dunn

Well, the answer is actually tied to your usage.
Last night, we were at an event when an internet superstar showed up. The point and shoots, cell phones, and yes, a few DSLRs went off like crazy.
The crowd, who would be accessing these photos, will be perfectly happy with their lower res, slightly dark, probably unsharp images.

And why? Because they are authentic. They were there, and these photos prove it.

The point here is, as we said, usage.

We’ll be rocking our Nikon D700, with a sweet 24-70 2.8mm. Because we want to bring you the goods. And let you know how that rig works in a setting like this. Mixed light, fast moving opportunities, lots of humanity.

Yep, the blended media usages, are fast shifting sands.
What’s in your tool box?