The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

I guess this is a philosophical question for better minds then I to answer, BUT -

Over many years, cameras have gone from the most simple box to a complex computer with a multitude of adjustments..... supposedly aimed at providing the photographer with the "best picture ever".

Has the art of photography (or enjoyment of photography) been lost? Is more time spent dealing with the hand held computer (the camera), then with the art of actually taking the picture?

Just wondering

Clemens Loc: Maryland

You can ignore all the features your "camera" offers and set everything on manual and focus on the art of actually taking the picture.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I don't think so. However, though I drive a Prius, I still get a thrill out of driving a standard shift, no power brakes, no power steering, no A/C, no power windows, carburetor-aspirated, premium burning British sports car (a friend's Sunbeam Tiger) on a twisty mountain road.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

It depends on the photographer and the situation. I sometimes wonder why I buy upscale cameras. (I have a D300 and two D7100s - not the top of the top, but certainly nothing to sneeze at.) Because most of the time, I turn off all of the automation and go manual with exposure and focusing control. But when I need the speed - such as with sports photography - I will turn on all of the computerization and just shoot the action. No, the art is not lost; it is in fact, enhanced by the advances. The ability to turn the gadgets off and on is at the option of the photographer.

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

I am certain that when the pencil was invented there were those who bemoaned the demise of the chisel.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Back in the days of the first Kodaks, the shooter had to unfold the camera (in many cases), set shutter, aperture, and focus. Film was slow back then, so getting a blur-free shot was not easy. As time went on, camera technology improved, making it easier for people to take better pictures. Today, virtually every camera has point and shoot capability. How simple is that? Many people here like the technology of modern cameras. Despite cameras being totally automatic, many people prefer to select settings themselves, the same as photographers did one hundred years ago.

Regardless what kind of camera you are using, you still have to select the subject and frame it for the best composition. That will never change.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

No it has not been lost, but folks are naturally lazy by human nature and society today demands instant gratification. The more automated sophistication built into devices the less folks are going to take the time to really enjoy the basics... Only those that are really interested will take the time to cultivate a relationship with a manual focus lens and use spot metering.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Not for me!!!!!
The camera allows me to do what I cannot do with pencil or brush.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

The simple box as you described it is still essentially the same as it has been since the 1980's except the image sensor, film, has been replaced with an electronic sensor that requires a processing unit to function. Everything you did with a film camera you can still do with a digital camera. Sure, the digital camera with its computer controlled image sensor and computer controlled autofocus lens offers the user features and functionality a film camera with manual focus lenses did not but, it's still the person pointing the camera and pushing the button that makes the photograph. Plus, as has already been mentioned, set the digital camera completely on manual, you set the ISO, the white balance, the shutter speed and aperture and manually focus and your back to not so simple, simple box.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

The funny thing is we are paying for advanced mineraturized computer circuitry and a device that can apply complex algorithms to capture a photo but we bypass all the expensive technology and operate the device manually in Manual mode.

BebuLamar

I do enjoy and use the camera in its most basic mode (i.e. fully manual, not using the meter and focus manually) however I don't see if you use the camera in full auto you will be any less artistic.

Jim Bob

The answer would depend on the individual. Personally, I do find the vast array of options available on modern DSLRs daunting and, from time to time, stressful. I used film SLRs for over 20 years before going digital and never felt the learning curve was anywhere near as steep as that on the digital counterparts. But once gaining a grip (tenuous as it might be) on DSLRs, I am constantly amazed at the things these cameras can do. So overall, I guess I feel a net gain with this "new" technology and my love of photography has not diminished. I feel pretty much the same about the differences between vinyl lps and cds.

JeffL Loc: New Jersey

When I started my photography journey, back in the mid ‘60’s, everything was manual, and 35mm cassettes only allowed 24 or 36 exposures. So, my Minolta SRT 101 with a built in light meter was heaven! Just line up the aperture circle wth the meter needle at any reasonable shutter speed and you had a decently exposed picture. Tough shots with high contrast required more closeup metering, but adjusting shutter speed and aperture, while considering depth of field, angle and direction of sunlight and effect (like flowing water) made each shot a thoughtful process. Today, I can set my D5500 on auto, use my 32gb card, and “spray and pray”. If, by chance, I get one really good shot out of the 100 time I hit the button, I’m doin’ good. Or, I can post process and make something out of not so much. Based on what I have seen on UHH, with some truly artistic exceptions, most are post processed snapshots, or right place at the right time snaps. We are replacing artistry with technology. Please challenge these cynical comments, and tell me why I am wrong. I really want to be. Funny thought: as much as I get really bored with huge number of bird photos, they are mostly the ones that show the incredible patience a true photographer has to choose the right subject, the right lighting, and the right moment to make a memorable photo.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I don't see it as an either or. In the old days, we still had to contend with hand-held light meters. I used a Pentax 1 Degree spot meter. Today's enhancements offer more convenient camera operation, freeing you up to take pictures, and likely get better, more consistent results. Nothing is stopping anyone from taking their time to carefully and thoughtfully create some art with their camera. But not having to flip a two-sheet film holder, look at a dark, reversed and rotated image under dark cloth to check composition, while staring through a loupe to check focus, then coming home with 20 or 30 images, and having to wait a few hours to see the results, in black and white - certainly has it's benefits.

Having cool camera features and creating art are not mutually exclusive. In fact, creative people are constantly searching for new media, or ways to use existing media and techniques to create new and fresh art. I just attended a presentation earlier this week that was given by a photographer/fine artist that created art with cut paper, made it full-sized, had people wear it, used a combination of light that often included moonlight, restaurant-style led Tea Lights, and a Luxli Viola tunable LED light, and shot long nighttime exposures. His stuff was very good. Not to mention that he could instantly view the results and make exposure adjustments as he shot.

In this case, technology, including camera stuff, made his images possible, and accessible to others.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

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