It’s a subject that continues to fascinate the masses.The disaster of the sinking of the Titanic.
(And no, DiCaprio is not part of this one.)

TITANIC: THE DIGITAL RESURRECTION premieres Friday, April 11, at 9/8c on National Geographic, streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

For three full weeks, 24 hours a day, two high-tech imaging vehicles scanned and captured the Titanic wreck and the vast debris field surrounding it.

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One of my favorite companies that create products in the mobile space is ShiftCam.
Utilizing the mag safe feature, they have created a system giving you the tools you need to make the content you post in an accessible, and well built gear set. They also make a set of high quality lenses which can be attached to your phone via an adaptor that works on all phones. The full monty!

OK, it may feel like  a commercial but I am a huge fan! (vid was from an Indigogo campaign, but lays it all out!)

One of their more recent products is the SnapStudio Light, that you saw in the video.

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The choices out there for listening to audio, and speaking on calls can be overwhelming.

When I’m working on a project and just want to shut everything out and concentrate, earpods are the way. No question. When I need to do a call, that’s when the power of the pods with their mic capabilities kick in.
I’ve tried a ton of them!
Apple, Urbanista, JLab, Sony, HP, and the list goes on. All quality, but not for everything.

And you know that none of these will last forever. The amount of times you can charge them are limited due to the batteries. It’s just science.
When those run their lifespan, where do you pivot to?
I keep a range of options on my desktop, yet each one has had failings during important calls. I have switched out 3 sets of ear pods during one long zoom, and that is no lie.  Admittedly, Over Ear Headsets made for calls have always made me feel like a telemarketer, yet allowed the advantage of being able to listen to the outside world while on a call.
Plus those are designed to be used on these type of calls.

Poly/HP has come out with a great solution in the Voyager Legend 50 UC: just about as small as an over ear pod, yet has a more directional mic, higher quality voice output, and you get one ear open to be aware of your surroundings.

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The Fuji x100v has been the camera I carry when I’m out for a simple walkabout in the city.
Fixed lens, leaf shutter, 26 MP, articulated screen, classic Fujifilm film simulations, and ability to slip it into my pocket. Keeps it simple, and lightweight.
When they teased this new camera, the GFX100RF, the hairs on the back of my neck reared up, and my wallet was ready to open.

So, it’s an interesting proposition:
102MP, Medium format, FIXED lens, and a footprint smaller than a GFX, and a fixed lens 35 mm f/4 lens (35mm equivalent 28mm).
A very specific camera, indeed, with some very unique features.

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Everyday, my inbox gets filled with info on new gear, books, exhibitions, events and more. And I love it all!

When this survey came in from Fujifilm, it was a refreshing look at the heart of photography, and how it affects us, honestly getting to the reason we all do it, or began to make photographs.

You may read this survey, and say, yep, knew that. Here is the data that should ring true with all of us.

So before I go through my photos to post a memory for #TBT on Thursday, this data gives it another thoughtful element.

Nearly 8 in 10 Americans Say Viewing Old Photos Brings Happiness and Calm with More than Half Experiencing Reduced Anxiety
New data from Fujifilm and Dr. Lauren Cook reveals photos as powerful tools in promoting positive emotions, connection and resilience.

VALHALLA. N.Y. – MARCH 19, 2025 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a pioneer in the photography and imaging industry, has partnered with clinical psychologist and mental health expert Dr. Lauren Cook to unveil findings from Frame of Mind, a new survey highlighting the profound impact photography has on emotional well-being1. With more than 3 in 4 respondents agreeing that looking through old photos brings them happiness and calm, the survey, commissioned by Fujifilm, underscores the idea that photos—whether taken, shared, or simply looked at—aren’t just snapshots: they are powerful tools to promote happiness, connection, and resilience for people of all ages.

Photography: A Portal to Joy and Connection

Across demographics, the Frame of Mind survey found that 74% of respondents look at photos to relive personal memories, often evoking feelings of joy and connection. Revealing that many Americans view photography as an important part of their emotional health, photos were found to inspire more smiles (64%), reduce anxiety (58%) and help people feel uplifted (49%).
“Photos act as emotional anchors, grounding us in moments of happiness and connection,” remarks Dr. Cook. “What we’ve found here is that taking a few minutes a day to look through our photos or snap some pics can be a great form of self-care and bring us more joy than things we’ve turned to in the past like shopping, reading, gardening or even journaling.”
Whether digital or printed, the emotional impact of photos is more profound than we may realize. Nearly 3 in 4 Americans (71%) agreed that looking at their own photos brings more happiness than scrolling through social media. 84% also said they’re more likely to laugh and smile when they see their old pictures.

The Importance of Social Connections and Mental Health

Photography’s power isn’t limited to individual well-being—it’s also a key tool for maintaining social connections. Sharing photos helps 71% of people stay in touch with friends, and 66% use them to feel closer to loved ones.
1 The Frame of Mind Survey is an online survey of US-based consumers ages 18-77 and representative of the US population conducted in November/December 2024 by Fujifilm MROC.

“Photography provides a shared language for expressing our emotions, whether we’re celebrating an achievement, sharing a challenge or simply staying connected with others,” Dr. Cook adds. “This act of sharing photos, especially in times of emotional need, can bolster our sense of belonging and community—critical components of emotional well-being.”

Additional Frame of Mind Key Findings:
*Memory Preservation and Joy: 74% of respondents take photos to preserve everyday moments, while 68% document major milestones.
*More Enjoyment in the Mundane: 71% agree that taking photos increases the enjoyment of an activity.
*Comfort at Home: 8 in 10 people believe displaying photos in their living spaces contributes to greater happiness and comfort.
*A Creative Outlet: 72% of respondents use photography as a form of self-expression, finding joy in capturing and sharing their unique perspectives.
*A Moment of Levity in Times of Grief: 65% of respondents find solace in photos during times of grief and 42% say revisiting old photos is a go-to strategy for cheering themselves up.

Fujifilm’s Commitment to Emotional Well-being Through Photography

“We are more connected through photos than ever before, and the emotional and social benefits they bring, as shown by these survey results, cannot be overstated,” noted Bing Liem, Division President, Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Photography, in all its forms, is a powerful tool for emotional well-being and our commitment to preserving memories and enhancing human connections through this medium has never been stronger.”  For more than nine decades, Fujifilm has been at the forefront of innovation in the imaging industry, driven by the belief that photos are much more than pictures—they are reflections of who we are and the connections we cherish. Fujifilm is committed to its purpose of bringing the world more smiles by fostering opportunities for personal expression, connection and joy through the power of photography.
“Whether you are capturing a spontaneous moment or reliving a cherished memory Fujifilm is proud to continue to lead the way in providing individuals with the means to capture, share, and relive moments that bring joy and fulfillment,” added Liem.

About The Survey
The Frame of Mind survey was conducted by MarketVision Research. Findings are based on a survey conducted during 11/25/2024 – 12/4/2024 among 2,014 US-based respondents representative of the U.S. general population. The margin of error is +/- 2.2 at the 95% confidence level.