Adventures In Advertising - The Camera Store

I read a fair amount of photography blogs (when I'm not reading about politics or the news, natch.) As such, I end up being snookered into watching a lot of videos that are, well, lame. Granted, a lot of them are actually inspiring to watch, and can be quite educational. But more than a few are lame.

This isn't anyone's fault, really. If my camera did video, I'd be contributing to this trend. But you know what? I bet I'd think that my videos were awesome. Others, of course, would think they are lame. The important thing is that people are creating videos that they want to, others be damned. I like this mentality.

This video has all the makings of being lame, but it isn't. Well, to me at least. If you don't like photography, you'd probably hate any photography video, since they are either a) extremely dry; or b) extremely lame. This video I think manages quite well to capture my attention. Though, I couldn't watch it too many times in a row.

As for being an advertisement for a camera store? It's amazing and works really well. Someone who likes cameras will appreciate it. Someone who doesn't know what they want will probably be amused enough to check them out. And I bet they had a blast filming this, so it's win-win-win all the way around.

It really makes you realize though just how similar camera equipment is to various articles of war.

Camera equipment is often put into waterproof, airtight, crush-proof containers. I imagine guns are put into similar containers. Some of them are even shiny and metal making them look extra illicit.

I like that these guys took advantage of the similarities and did so in a fun way.

Besides, my favorite way to make Krissy laugh is to hold down the shutter release; she can't resist the click click click click.

Adventures In Advertising

I don't think anybody denies the fact that Disney knows how to advertise (or cross promote), but their ads don't usually jump out at me. Yes, they are executed flawlessly and look perfect; but that doesn't really do anything for me. Generally, ads (and theirs are no exception) seem flat. Too perfect, not enough panache.

I'm not saying this ad is particularly ballsy, but there's a certain subtle emotion playing through it that isn't the usual overtly happy that Disney tends to go with.

Star Tours has always been one of my favorite rides. I like simulators, but this one had something special to it. Needless to say I was rather disappointed that it'd be closed for Krissy and my post-wedding vacation at Disney.

And the feeling Darth Vader gets when he sees the "Coming Soon" sign is exactly how I felt.

Of course, the rest of the ad is fun and quirky too, which is great, but what makes it for me is how jarring the commercial is. Everything stops. Drama.

I approve. It get's a stamp.