Artists have a particularly difficult time when the economy is headed south, since art is usually a luxury item. For Ketchum photographer Thia Konig, integrating technology has become a useful business entity and as a bonus has become another form of expression. Konig has found creating a blog is not only fun, it serves a multitude of purposes.
"You have to have a reason to blog," Konig said. "It is a great resource. When I hired a second shooter, I did a post and sent them to the blog."
Konig had a Web site established before she added a blog, but it's the blog that gives potential clients and interested photography seekers a chance to get to know the artist. In addition, the blog allows Konig to document her experiences as she travels the world. At the publication of this article, Konig is traveling South America and has been posting items at thiakonigblog.blogspot.com as she reaches new destinations such as her posting on reaching Quito, Ecuador, on Oct. 7.
Konig has been recognized for her work by Photo District News magazine, which has given her a merit award for photography as part of its 14th annual Pix Digital Imaging Awards contest. In addition the magazine has recognized her Web site in its contest as a merit winner in the travel lifestyle category.
"It is a combination of an adventure blog with sound bytes, and it is connected to my wedding photography work as well as my own editorial," Konig said. "The blog is a way to get valuable links with friends and other Web sites. It's like a hive—it keeps growing and it's powerful."
Konig was born with a sense of adventure and has become quite savvy about preparing herself for travel. She carries a fake cell phone and uses it to make herself anonymous in public places when she is a bit fearful. She carries lots of compactable items for space and always carries her lap top, hard drives and cameras on her person.
"I met a Danish guy in Nepal who taped his entire camera in order to disguise it from robbers and thieves," Konig said. "It is best to have things hidden and to put them in disguise. Don't let anything look new. I have decoy pouches, which look like purses, and I always walk with a purpose even when I'm lost."
Konig said that plans are made to be broken and always assesses every situation when traveling abroad because she never wants to miss out on an opportunity. Her list of adventures is endless and includes scuba diving in the Artic with sea lions as well as a visit to every continent.
"Most of the world is not like here," Konig said. "I love the buzz of going somewhere that I have never been before and sharing it."
Thia Konig celeates the Holi festival with friends in Jasalmer, India.
Photo by Thia Konig
