Editor's Letter
by Jim Caldwell

From what I'm hearing, most of us will be glad to wish "good riddance" to 2002. The photo economy in Houston, like the larger economy, limped along, with most of us paying our bills and dreaming of better days ahead. Not a great time to plunk down big bucks for the latest digital, but technology marches on, and quickly -- you gotta get on that moving train or get left behind. And the Holy Grail of the full-sized CCD is about to become reality. What will a D1X be worth in six months?

Stop me if you've heard this one. Do you know the difference between photographers and puppies? Eventually, even puppies stop whining. But I'm not naming names, mind you. So I'll stop worrying for a moment and wish all of you the holidays you wish for and a better 2003.

Thanks to our brave contributors, Paul Hester, Joe Robbins and Terry Vine (in alpha order). They braved the call of the mall, interrupted their holiday shopping, and sent us three great articles, and some very illuminating stories to accompany them. As should be clear, there are many ways to succeed in photography.

Let me know what you think, bouquets or brickbats. I'd particularly like to know of personal projects you'd like to see published (or republished) by the WebLetter -- and it doesn't have to be current either, or commercial, or even normal. We're just looking for interesting work. Nash Baker spoke at a recent board meeting of a photo project on Insect Reproduction (to put it politely) -- what about it, Nash? Know about a project by your buddy who's too modest to promote it? We can help.

Happy Holidays!