It can be most flexible and versatile. We can change backgrounds, blend images, swap open eyes for closed eyes. In general, we have total creative power over the image from start to end. This is good.
There are many good things about digital, and I do not regret going digital earlier than most.. some 11 years ago, prior to 911. Cameras need a fraction of the light they used to and are getting more sensitive each year. Generally, I can shoot today, with 1/32nd the amount of light needed a dozen years ago. It is mind boggling and makes possible things that were unthinkable then.
So a skilled photographer has far more options than ever before. But a skilled photographer has abilities, that supersede some digital conveniences. Skilled photographers, use their skills. One of the most valuable and advanced skills is the ability to pre-visualize the results based lens – camera settings, and environmental conditions.
Using film, the best photographers had developed the ability to pre-visualize based on the scene’s lighting, color temperature, contrast, exposure, and other variables, then vary the lens and camera settings or introduce additional lighting, to get the results he wanted. That is what made his photography great. That is what the goal was. That is what he strove to master. And the satisfaction and rewards for mastering these skills is what motivated others to get into, study and become photographers.
Unlike film, with digital cameras you can immediately see the image. This means that anyone knowing nothing about photography, simply from trial and error, can find settings which get acceptable results. He wouldn’t know exactly what to look for and what results are most desired, but Joe Public would be able to make the image lighter or darker, focus or not focus, center, or change composition, and simply get by while fooling the client into thinking he really knows what he’s doing. Instead of getting a photographer, you simply have someone operating a piece of equipment. This is bad.
Digital technology allows for lots of corny, special effects which will mask and hide the real image. Digital effects are very popular now at mediocre studios who suggest albums filled with graphics of flowers, hearts, borders, picture frames, backgrounds, etc… It’s a way of making bad photography seem more exciting, but unfortunately it won’t make bad photography any better and it makes better photography look tacky. This is ugly.
Most ugly is the sad reality that the majority of working professional photographers may no longer know, care to know or have any understanding, of all that goes into making great photographs.
Gary Rabenko may be reached at gary@rabenko.com. Rabenko Photography & Video Artists is located at 1001 Broadway in Woodmere.