Fotoartist wrote:
I think a lot of people need to back off a little. We couldn't do what the OP does if you held a gun to our heads. Are you comfortable dismissing new imaging technology like everyone did to digital 25 years ago and missing the bus again?
I'm sorry, I don't see it. When digital first emerged I think a lot of people saw the writing on the wall that it would eventually give film a run for its money. Computers were doubling in speed and storage capacity at an amazing rate and prices were falling as it happened. It was easy to see the trend would eventually lead to great digital cameras at an affordable price.
This technology on the other hand is hell bent on eliminating the model. I don't care how much knowlege is required to do it well, it's not photography. My son taking screen shots of video games he is playing is not photography. I thought this site is about taking, viewing, and improving photographs. I thought this particular section was about taking photos of the human form. A real human.
Imagine this scenario. I'm a pro using this type of technology and have all the latest gear and software. I book a very attractive model for a "photo" session. I bring her into my studio, which is the size of a normal bedroom and have her stand on a turntable. Over the next 20 minutes or so I have her hold different poses while the table rotates and I do a detailed 3D scan of her form. Is she naked? Why would she have to be? I just need to get a really good rendering of her facial features and basic outline for her body. I might also get her to read a predetermined script while I image her mouth and jawline from several angles. In less than an hour I'm done. I pay her her minimum fee and send her on her way.
Now, over the course of the next few years she becomes a feature model in explicit images and films that she didn't sign up for. In a few years, those stills and films may be almost indistinguishable from real film. Is it her? No. Are those derivative works photography? Hell no!
What is the world coming to? Will people go to a "photo creator" and have their wedding portfolio done. I can imagine the questionnaire.
1. where would you like to be married?
2. would you like any famous guests in attendance?
3. that double chin on the groom, are you marrying that too, or do you want me to take 20 lbs off of him.
4...
I stand firm, in my mind these are not photos or photography. Your opinion may be different and if so, that's OK by me.