What is photography
Jun 3, 2021 22:11:34 #
Everybody - thanks for you thoughts - For the record I began my hobby over 65 years ago. I did my own black and white processing, enlarging etc. Worked on High school and college newspapers and yearbooks. Somewhere along the line I was taught that what I see through the viewfinder is what I print. If I want a different atmosphere then I work with the lighting. other words - I set the picture up before I snap the picture - and what I get I print - other than adjusting contrast or lightening or darkening the picture.
then in the early 80's I entered some exhibitions and had several rejected because of "extensive manipulation" of which I never even thought of doing. Today I see programs that alter the sky, among other things and completely change the nature of what you are shooting.
Yes the results are pleasing and works of art and can be enjoyed by everyone - but something is being lost. We are losing our skills as photographers.
then in the early 80's I entered some exhibitions and had several rejected because of "extensive manipulation" of which I never even thought of doing. Today I see programs that alter the sky, among other things and completely change the nature of what you are shooting.
Yes the results are pleasing and works of art and can be enjoyed by everyone - but something is being lost. We are losing our skills as photographers.
Jun 3, 2021 22:36:25 #
FRAV wrote:
Everybody - thanks for you thoughts - For the reco... (show quote)
Me too, I built my first dark room just about 65 years ago. I don't exactly agree with you. You have to understand how the tools work to get the results. The technology has changed but the rules of physics and image capture still apply. I am so very impressed by the new generation of photographers. We can learn a lot from them. Have a great day. Keep shooting :)
Jun 4, 2021 02:32:55 #
Photo image manipulation is just about as old as photography itself. Take for example, spirit photography in the 1800's using double exposure trickery.
Jun 4, 2021 05:52:56 #
There is magic experienced in viewing a picture which is a recording of reality.
It is such a shame that we photographers have spoilt that magic, having been encouraged (conned) to do so by the manufacturers of AI apps bent only on emptying our wallets. I am as guilty as the rest of the fraternity.
I hope that we soon become sick of this self delusion and strive once more for purity in our photography.
It is such a shame that we photographers have spoilt that magic, having been encouraged (conned) to do so by the manufacturers of AI apps bent only on emptying our wallets. I am as guilty as the rest of the fraternity.
I hope that we soon become sick of this self delusion and strive once more for purity in our photography.
Jun 4, 2021 07:11:09 #
If Ansel Adams was the photographer worthy of that name, he'd do a better job Straight Out Of Camera like a Real Photographer.
Jun 4, 2021 07:30:00 #
FRAV wrote:
When I first started photography as a hobby, the r... (show quote)
I think about the only 2 places that "exhibit" photos not manipulated or untouched are at a jail or drivers license bureau.
Jun 4, 2021 08:47:25 #
l-fox wrote:
Photography is the step that transforms my observations into my visions.
I like that!
Jun 4, 2021 09:02:23 #
Ysarex wrote:
There are ethics in photojournalism such that phot... (show quote)
You show the Louis Daguerre photo and state that other people who were there and carriages were taken out. You do realize those other people and carriages do not appear in the photo because the photographic process at that beginning time required extremely long exposure times. Anything moving entered and left the scene during the exposure time and did not register on the emulsion. If you look closely at the man having his shoe shined you see definite blurring from subject movement.
Jun 4, 2021 09:44:59 #
Most of the "contests" (shows, exhibits, etc.) I have entered have pretty strict rules clearly stated. Some have separate categories for "manipulated" (and they describe what they mean by that) photographs and they are judged separately. Some do not.
I know most folks here will probably attack me for this, but I'm a realist when it comes to my photography. That comes from years of being a photojournalist. Even in my "artistic" work, my desire is that someone can actually go to where I took an image and see exactly what I portray in the image. That precludes my changing skies or moving objects. If I were to do that, I would not call the finished piece a "photograph," but perhaps "digital artwork." I do not deny that folks have the right to do any manipulation they see fit, but I do hope they will own up to it. I admit to being disappointed when I see a beautiful capture posted, only to find out that it is a composite. I don't mind that it's a composite. Many of them are beautifully done, and I admire the originator's ability to do that. What I mind is that someone claim to have captured that image as one click.
I know most folks here will probably attack me for this, but I'm a realist when it comes to my photography. That comes from years of being a photojournalist. Even in my "artistic" work, my desire is that someone can actually go to where I took an image and see exactly what I portray in the image. That precludes my changing skies or moving objects. If I were to do that, I would not call the finished piece a "photograph," but perhaps "digital artwork." I do not deny that folks have the right to do any manipulation they see fit, but I do hope they will own up to it. I admit to being disappointed when I see a beautiful capture posted, only to find out that it is a composite. I don't mind that it's a composite. Many of them are beautifully done, and I admire the originator's ability to do that. What I mind is that someone claim to have captured that image as one click.
Jun 4, 2021 09:45:34 #
Jun 4, 2021 09:56:22 #
Wuligal
Loc: Slippery Rock, Pa.
FRAV wrote:
When I first started photography as a hobby, the r... (show quote)
Think of post processing as a dark room without chemicals. You are helping to save the planet.
Jun 4, 2021 10:19:31 #
Jun 4, 2021 10:27:31 #
FRAV wrote:
When I first started photography as a hobby, the r... (show quote)
You are referring to standards for Photojurnalism, the other Art forms of Photography have always allowed some form of manipulation. I know this is tiring, but Ansel Adams manipulated his negatives a lot to get the prints you've seen.
Jun 4, 2021 10:38:16 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
As for "What is photography?" people see... (show quote)
agreed Doing what makes "you" happy is what it's all about in recreational photography, or else it wouldn't be such fun.
Jun 4, 2021 10:41:21 #
Photographs have always been altered from film to print, in hue, saturation, etc and B&W has always had dodging and burning. In the past only a slide really qualified as unaltered and even that can be manipulated in developing.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.