Over the last few weeks I've arrived at the decision to phase myself out of the portrait photography vein, and move toward the use of Corel's Painter program to transform my subjects into more painterly and stylistic renderings. I expect the transition to take from 18-24 months, or so. Digital photography has changed so much of how things are done, especially how customers regard the images. Digital photography has been a mixed blessing to photogs. While it freed us from the need for chemistry and silver-based materials, it also gave our customers a tool that they often use to usurp our power. It's not uncommon for a wealthy customer to have better cameras and lenses than some photogs. Even those not-so-wealthy ones look toward their digicams as devices that will eliminate their need for professional photography. The Painter program lets me take the photos further, helping me to assert my unique vision in a way that is still beyond the reach of most of the customers who darken the door. This is not to say that I will stop doing photography, or at least, the photography that I love to do. I'll just spend more time doing it for my own satisfaction, which is how it was meant to be.