The death of photography...

[five40]

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBULANCE

 

[ArchCenturion]

I borrowed my friends digital camera for my Yosemite trip, an I used it on our Half Dome hike.

I am very very pleased with the pictures that we took. It seems to me that half of photography is just in what you are taking pictures of. Maybe take pictures of somthing that is cool and/or beautiful, and people will like your photography better.

Me Pwn Half Dome

 

[Number1]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Number1
Is it taking anything away from you?

Here is a pic I took this morning in my yard. I like it.
Bird.

How'd you get it to sit in your hand?

It flew into the window and knocked itself out. It took a good 10 minutes before it came to its senses and flew away. Hopefully it will be OK. That was my wife holding it.

 

[Number1]

Originally posted by: ArchCenturion
I borrowed my friends digital camera for my Yosemite trip, an I used it on our Half Dome hike.

I am very very pleased with the pictures that we took. It seems to me that half of photography is just in what you are taking pictures of. Maybe take pictures of somthing that is cool and/or beautiful, and people will like your photography better.

Me Pwn Half Dome

Cool pic. Looks like you?re committing suicide by jumping off.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

I fall into the 100:1 shooter catergory, however I don't try to sell myself as a 'photographer', adn certainly not as an 'artist'. I don't have time for that!

 

[alkemyst]

before digital, people were running around with 35mm and 110mm non-SLR cameras thinking they were pro's too.

 

[virtuamike]

They had this same debate when 35mm hit the scene. It gets messy before it gets good, but ultimately photography will benefit from the huge influx of new shooters. Just shoot and don't worry about what other people do.

Here's to realizing vision.

 

[ultimatebob]

Shouldn't we be happy that millions of newbie photographers are buying digital SLR's now? Mass production and increased product competition are bringing down the costs of camera bodies and lenses for everyone.

Do you really want to go back four years, when a 6MP D-SLR costed $4,000 and only the most elitist camera snobs could afford one?

 

[Shortcut]

Wow, the OP is awfully pissed at the sea change. Does the hobbyist photographer pose THAT much of a threat to you?

And why are you even indignant that "folks who take photos" call themselves "photographers"? Who the fvck are you? Noah Webster?

 

[T9D]

You're totally wrong.

If anything is has opened up photography to more people. made it much much more accessable. Now more people than ever can let their talent shine through.

And now it can be more of a fun hobby instead of devoting a rediuclous amount of time, money, and space.

Also these people enjoy what they do and may just be getting their photography wings. Let them have fun and enjoy it.

The fact is there are a LOT more people able to do what only some serious photographers used to be able to do. You are just going to have to accept that your work or the next guys is going to be common place anymore. Photographers wont seem as "elite" or anything anymore. Because many many people will be able to get amazing shots with the new digital tools we have to work with now. Just going to have to accpept it.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: Shortcut
Wow, the OP is awfully pissed at the sea change. Does the hobbyist photographer pose THAT much of a threat to you?

And why are you even indignant that "folks who take photos" call themselves "photographers"? Who the fvck are you? Noah Webster?

It's not about people posing a threat. It's about the development and preservation of photography as a whole, and to an extent I sympathize. Just look at the recent drama over the Reuters photos in Lebanon.

Still, I don't let it worry me. Eventually things will sort themselves out. Ranting makes me bitter.

 

[destrekor]

i agree with this. the darkroom is where half of the process is at. that part is skipped in favor of photoshop, which NO tool gives the same abilities as someone who is highly skilled in the darkroom. thats why I wish I had a darkroom in my house because I really want to continue my photo work.

Originally posted by: tk109
You're totally wrong.

If anything is has opened up photography to more people. made it much much more accessable. Now more people than ever can let their talent shine through.

And now it can be more of a fun hobby instead of devoting a rediuclous amount of time, money, and space.

Also these people enjoy what they do and may just be getting their photography wings. Let them have fun and enjoy it.

The fact is there are a LOT more people able to do what only some serious photographers used to be able to do. You are just going to have to accept that your work or the next guys is going to be common place anymore. Photographers wont seem as "elite" or anything anymore. Because many many people will be able to get amazing shots with the new digital tools we have to work with now. Just going to have to accpept it.

you just stated the artform is going to die, in a nutshell.
it isn't art when everyone has 'cheater' tools and overwhelm the art community. not everyone can paint, although the tools are readily available. Its because there isn't really an easy solution. its still all 'analog', in that sense.
photography has always been about the devotion to quality and the creation of art, both in the field and in the darkroom.

 

[DurocShark]

I'm glad I was able to spark a discussion on the issue. Reading my post again I realize I was sounding elitist. Like the B&W guys when color was becoming commonplace.

And I apologize for that. It really wasn't my intention.

Destrekor did a better job of describing my position than I did.

The rant (ok, whine, if you must) was triggered by yet another coworker who just dropped $2k on a dslr and asked me to teach him, in an afternoon, how to take professional quality photographs and what lenses he should buy besides the kit lens his camera came with. When I pointed him to some books and websites to LEARN photography he said he didn't have time for that.

Sigh.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
The rant (ok, whine, if you must) was triggered by yet another coworker who just dropped $2k on a dslr and asked me to teach him, in an afternoon, how to take professional quality photographs and what lenses he should buy besides the kit lens his camera came with.

Charge him

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
The death of? How about the rebirth of?

The fact that people are even interested in firing off those 100 shots to get a good one should make you happy.

There will always be a need for professional photographers, current technology has simply made it more accessible for the amateur.

Viper GTS

I completely agree.

 

[kalster]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I'm glad I was able to spark a discussion on the issue. Reading my post again I realize I was sounding elitist. Like the B&W guys when color was becoming commonplace.

And I apologize for that. It really wasn't my intention.

Destrekor did a better job of describing my position than I did.

The rant (ok, whine, if you must) was triggered by yet another coworker who just dropped $2k on a dslr and asked me to teach him, in an afternoon, how to take professional quality photographs and what lenses he should buy besides the kit lens his camera came with. When I pointed him to some books and websites to LEARN photography he said he didn't have time for that.

Sigh.

would you mind pointing me those books and websites actually, I DO have time to read and research, just got a DSLR and am very interested

 

[jpeyton]

Sounds like more photographer elitist BS to me.

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: kalster

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I'm glad I was able to spark a discussion on the issue. Reading my post again I realize I was sounding elitist. Like the B&W guys when color was becoming commonplace.

And I apologize for that. It really wasn't my intention.

Destrekor did a better job of describing my position than I did.

The rant (ok, whine, if you must) was triggered by yet another coworker who just dropped $2k on a dslr and asked me to teach him, in an afternoon, how to take professional quality photographs and what lenses he should buy besides the kit lens his camera came with. When I pointed him to some books and websites to LEARN photography he said he didn't have time for that.

Sigh.

would you mind pointing me those books and websites actually, I DO have time to read and research, just got a DSLR and am very interested

Here's what I sent someone else in a PM:

First, don't buy any more stuff. You have 2 solid lenses to work with. Stick with them until you find a situation you ABSOLUTELY cannot shoot without buying another lens. Don't get "GAS" (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). It will confuse your artistic sense and you'll end up just being a guy with lots of good gear.

Ok, all that said, http://www.photo.net/learn/ is possibly my favorite site.

Another great site is http://www.photosig.com/ . I don't recommend posting right away, but register and read other people's comments. You'll get an idea of what is and isn't good. I have a bunch of stuff up there myself. Not my best work, but things I wasn't sure about and wanted other people's opinions. Those critiques helped me shape what works and what doesn't.

And go to the library and check out the Time Life photography books. Nobody gets those anymore because they're pre-digital. And the information on framing shots, lighting, etc, is outstanding.

I hope this helps.

 

[Kwaipie]

Reminds me of when only computer professionals had/used computers. Now freakin photographers use them.

I'll tell you what. Ditch your Macintosh and I'll ditch my camera.

 

[DainBramaged]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
While I partly agree with you, I also think you come across as feeling threatened.

I agree.

 

[yllus]

Originally posted by: kalster

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I'm glad I was able to spark a discussion on the issue. Reading my post again I realize I was sounding elitist. Like the B&W guys when color was becoming commonplace.

And I apologize for that. It really wasn't my intention.

Destrekor did a better job of describing my position than I did.

The rant (ok, whine, if you must) was triggered by yet another coworker who just dropped $2k on a dslr and asked me to teach him, in an afternoon, how to take professional quality photographs and what lenses he should buy besides the kit lens his camera came with. When I pointed him to some books and websites to LEARN photography he said he didn't have time for that.

Sigh.

would you mind pointing me those books and websites actually, I DO have time to read and research, just got a DSLR and am very interested

Once you understand the basics of how your camera works from a technical perspective, the best book anyone can recommend while learning to shoot is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

It'll show you the general rules on picking proper shutter speeds, aperture settings, etc. in multiple settings and scenarios - all with full-colour examples. Really excellent book.

 

[kalster]

Originally posted by: DurocShark

Originally posted by: kalster

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I'm glad I was able to spark a discussion on the issue. Reading my post again I realize I was sounding elitist. Like the B&W guys when color was becoming commonplace.

And I apologize for that. It really wasn't my intention.

Destrekor did a better job of describing my position than I did.

The rant (ok, whine, if you must) was triggered by yet another coworker who just dropped $2k on a dslr and asked me to teach him, in an afternoon, how to take professional quality photographs and what lenses he should buy besides the kit lens his camera came with. When I pointed him to some books and websites to LEARN photography he said he didn't have time for that.

Sigh.

would you mind pointing me those books and websites actually, I DO have time to read and research, just got a DSLR and am very interested

Here's what I sent someone else in a PM:

First, don't buy any more stuff. You have 2 solid lenses to work with. Stick with them until you find a situation you ABSOLUTELY cannot shoot without buying another lens. Don't get "GAS" (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). It will confuse your artistic sense and you'll end up just being a guy with lots of good gear.

Ok, all that said, http://www.photo.net/learn/ is possibly my favorite site.

Another great site is http://www.photosig.com/ . I don't recommend posting right away, but register and read other people's comments. You'll get an idea of what is and isn't good. I have a bunch of stuff up there myself. Not my best work, but things I wasn't sure about and wanted other people's opinions. Those critiques helped me shape what works and what doesn't.

And go to the library and check out the Time Life photography books. Nobody gets those anymore because they're pre-digital. And the information on framing shots, lighting, etc, is outstanding.

I hope this helps.

thanks, i have been checking out fredmiranda.com dpchallenge.com etc, those have been pretty useful. the information you gave is pretty useful as well.

 

[zanieladie]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: Number1
Is it taking anything away from you?

Here is a pic I took this morning in my yard. I like it.
Bird.

Nice pic!

:thumbsup:

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: destrekor
i agree with this. the darkroom is where half of the process is at. that part is skipped in favor of photoshop, which NO tool gives the same abilities as someone who is highly skilled in the darkroom. thats why I wish I had a darkroom in my house because I really want to continue my photo work.

A darkroom is quite simple...it's not like you need to develop 100's of prints at once.

Either way though this is the same debate the 'vinyl' people made in audio.

Digital can be perfected to be undecipherable to the ears over analog.

Over video, digital can be even better. Wait a few years for movies that have totally digital actors that no one can tell.

 

[SVT Cobra]

I agree, I hate how every time someone goes outside with a digital camera and snaps random pictures that they think a professional photographer would take, and then share it with as many people as possible. Some of the shots from different people are so the same, you cannot tell the difference.

That is not to say there is anything wrong with trying to learn, or even just being an ametuer and not caring, but then call yourself an ametuer and stop trying to receive as many compliments as possible for your lame ass pictures to make you feel better (that was directed at no one in particular).

If I go buy a whole bunch of the latest high tech pro golf gear and golf everyday and then get an decent score for an ametuer, can I go proclaim myself a pro? Nahh