This is a very good discussion, crossing technological, technique and philosophical lines. I thought I would weigh into the fray a bit and articulate a couple of points that need to be a bit more explicit from my perspective. I am just an amateur, wanting to spend some time having a hobby that I feel good about so my perspective may very different from the pro's on this forum.
I view the technology as an enabling factor, not necessarily a determining one, in doing good photography. It enables in at least two ways: (1) in helping to quickly review, reflect and criticize one’s work (images) in a way that was not possible in the film era—when it took 10 days to get processed slide film back; and (2) in allowing one to be a bit more creative and do some things that were very difficult with earlier technology—such as shooting in low light with limited noise or doing the panning that msmoto discusses. The technology builds confidence in what one can do, and allows critique and conjecture on how to do something better.
I have only taken a couple of photography shortcourses, but those were focused on composition. As a result when I am serious about my fun, I ask myself what story do I want to tell in a particular image. That story influences what technique I use, how I use the technology and how I build the composition. The technology allows the execution of these three to be more efficient and to learn. But, as with every other area of life, the execution is not necessarily perfect.
So my feeling is that the equipment does not make a person become a better photographer, but may enable a person to do so. At some point, a person may feel that the technology is limiting, and thus desire a more advanced technology to improve.
Have fun!
Fallacy: Better Gear = Better Photos
(52 posts) (24 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
-
@Yetibuddha.... Yup, agree...
One of the great advantages of digital is the ability to shoot hundreds of images, and throw them all away. Thomas Edison said after 1000 attempts to create an electric light bulb which did not work, "We now know a thousand ways that do not work." And this is what digital allows us to do so easily, try a thousand times to do something, and if it does not work, we at least have learned. And, when you get as old as I am, you have done a million or so shots which have not worked. And so we keep trying. And e keep improving. Most of us need to keep a couple things in front of us. Keep and open mind. If you think it may be a shot, take it. Then simply throw away what you are not pleased with. It is in our head and our heart what determines if we are a good photographer. The equipment we use are simply the tools.
Posted 1 year ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.
