Saturday, October 6, 2012

Pick a Card

Digital photography to me is not something I am fond of.  It has nothing to do with the fact that it is digital either.  To be honest, I love the look.  Clean, clear, crisp, sharp, vibrant and detailed.

Nor is it that the equipment is horribly expensive, because compared to cameras of yesteryear, it isn't.  A brand new camera in 1995, such as a Canon EOS ELAN II would be roughly around $1500.00 today for the body alone.  That is right in line for purchasing a new Canon EOS 7D.

My biggest quip about Digital Photography actually is more to do with the ever-changing world of the dSLR.  As if more MP and newer is better.  Or going from a P&S camera to a dSLR will suddenly make your images, not just better, but make you a better photographer.
Personally, I believe that starting out with film, using a manual mechanical SLR or Rangefinder will do far more to make you a better photographer than Digital ever will. 
Sure, it's nice to have all the AUTO features that are available today, like switching your camera to "AUTO" mode, or "PORTRAIT" mode for portraits.  But then it takes the thought out of the camera side, and just leaves you having a glorified Point & Shoot camera that has a changeable lens.

For me, it's about making the image from the start to finish and having full control. 

But I digress from the main point. 
Digital photography allows you to explore a different venture.  For those looking for instant feedback to see the image how you were hoping without taking the time to develop the film, it is definitely a blessing.  But I feel you lose a bit of the magic along the way.

Pick A Card - Pre-Hallow's Eve ShootSo instead of relying on the magic of film and develping, you have to work with the magic of vision.

So for today, I give you a vision of beauty, of elegance, and of soft light.

Wearing a "Playing Card" costume, where Hearts is the main suit, naturally, the selection is slim.

Pick a card, and see how fortune favours you.

2 comments:

  1. "For those looking for instant feedback to see the image how you were hoping without taking the time to develop the film, it is definitely a blessing. But I feel you lose a bit of the magic along the way."
    It's chemistry and (sometimes false) nostalgia, not magic.

    "Personally, I believe that starting out with film, using a manual mechanical SLR or Rangefinder will do far more to make you a better photographer than Digital ever will.
    Sure, it's nice to have all the AUTO features that are available today, like switching your camera to "AUTO" mode, or "PORTRAIT" mode for portraits. But then it takes the thought out of the camera side, and just leaves you having a glorified Point & Shoot camera that has a changeable lens."
    Wow, you really hate digital... Don't tell me you can't set a DSLR in manual mode. I have one and most of the time I shoot full manual. I only use shutter priority when shooting wildlife and auto with family. And just because fully manual mechanical cameras work for you doesn't mean it'll work for most other people.

    Also fully manual cameras attracts mostly a certain counterculture group(*cough* hipsters *cough*).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, I forgot I wrote all that too...
      And no, I don't hate digital..
      Actually, quite far from the truth there...

      I never have hated digital at all.. What I mean when I am saying "AUTO" mode is specifically using the "Auto" feature on the camera, or the non-creative modes, like PORTRAIT that tells the camera to "AUTO EVERYTHING" from ISO to Shutter Speed and Aperture, albeit biased toward a wider aperture to blur background, to Landscape that looks to aim more at a narrower aperture for more focus depth.

      A lot of modern 35mm SLRs have this same feature and I disagree with using it on those as well, as it really leaves too much in the hands of the camera. However, for those that don't know their way around a camera that well it's not that bad to use.

      Yes you can run the dSLR and SLR in full manual mode and many do that. I usually use my dSLR in manual mode, as I prefer to use it that way, however using it in Av mode is also a chosen method.

      Most times my dSLR is used for Realty photography...

      But again, I do not in any way shape or form hate digital photography. It has its purposes and uses...

      Delete