Value of photography
Jan 6, 2019 22:33:45 #
It seems many if not most of us on here are intrigued by and seeking better quality images. However, on reflection, there’s other values in photography. Having just been going over some family photos I was struck by another aspect, our ability to record history or change. Regardless of the quality of an image, images do record a time and place. An example of what I’m thinking, our granddaughters:
Jan 6, 2019 23:12:48 #
Jan 6, 2019 23:25:58 #
That's always what photography has been to me. It's what's in the photo that's the most important. How sharp and the positioning is a nice option if you have the time but disposable if it means missing the recording of something important or interesting.
Jan 6, 2019 23:36:18 #
Chaostrain wrote:
That's always what photography has been to me. It's what's in the photo that's the most important. How sharp and the positioning is a nice option if you have the time but disposable if it means missing the recording of something important or interesting.
Good set.
For myself the photographs that really count are the ones that bring back memories, either for our family or for other people.
Jan 7, 2019 06:35:54 #
Chaostrain wrote:
That's always what photography has been to me. It's what's in the photo that's the most important. How sharp and the positioning is a nice option if you have the time but disposable if it means missing the recording of something important or interesting.
A valid observation re a type of photography that's the opposite of the very deliberate/camera on tripod/study light/study composition/come back at another time/etc type of photography.
Sometimes we forget that "grab shot photography" can also produce valuable and memorable images. (As long as we don't pixel peep! 😊)
(Edit: This was intended as a response to the OP as well as Chaostrain)
Jan 7, 2019 06:38:47 #
Jan 7, 2019 07:09:08 #
Jan 7, 2019 07:31:07 #
“I have a photograph. Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you”.
Jan 7, 2019 07:32:05 #
And the changes are subtle if they live with you/you see them all the time.
Jan 7, 2019 07:46:01 #
Jan 7, 2019 08:03:10 #
And that is why I have 35,000 photos on my computer. I think I have documented every aspect of every kids’ life (4 kids). And I haven’t even begun the grandkid thing yet. Are all the photos outstanding quality? Absolutely not. But they all bring back memories and smiles. And really, that’s what photography is about. The feelings and emotions...not whether it’s composed correctly or the lighting is perfect. My family thinks someday 100 years from now someone will look at all these pictures and wonder what I looked like since I’m not in any of them. Lol. But those people in the future will certainly get more info than they need with all the photos of kids and every pet we’ve ever owned, right down to the 3 hermit crabs currently residing in our home. If it wasn’t for me, there’d me no documentation we even existed. At least that’s how I’m looking at it. Really, I just love my camera and taking pictures!
Jan 7, 2019 08:23:13 #
Agree with all above. Another viewpoint is video. I have made family videos of all events for 20 years.
Stored on all types of menus. Recently put together parts of Christmas videos and sent DVD's to family.
The only way to really see people in real life as well as voices and backgrounds. Obviously some of the old
VHS are not the best quality but wouldn't trade for anything. Of course still photography is my first hobby.
I'm a great believer in putting the raw results into completed movie's. Raz.
Stored on all types of menus. Recently put together parts of Christmas videos and sent DVD's to family.
The only way to really see people in real life as well as voices and backgrounds. Obviously some of the old
VHS are not the best quality but wouldn't trade for anything. Of course still photography is my first hobby.
I'm a great believer in putting the raw results into completed movie's. Raz.
Jan 7, 2019 08:34:26 #
Such photographs we call snapshots. No doubt they make up the bulk of all photographs since near the beginning of photography. Because uncontrived, they record the passing moment as found. These photographs carry meaning and memories for the photographer and others with a similar interest.
Yet, a critic will note that even the snapshooter may wish to improve the quality of these special photographs just because of their value to others. The passage of time gives these photographs even more value.
For example, the photograph of the two children has one of them in shadow, and so less flattering than possible. The photographer could have posed the children in better light for an improved exposure.
As another example, the photograph of the standing female has a bright window directly in the background, causing an underexposure of the main subject. Reframing the photograph without this backlight would very likely have improved the exposure.
These issues have simple solutions for a better result. It seems almost a duty of anybody recording the precious moments involving their loved ones to know and follow the simplest techniques for taking a good photograph.
I blame experienced photographers in part for this continuing ignorance among snapshooters for gaining a better result with snapshots. They use too many words, and they belabor the advice. Any description of a simple technique should limit itself to 25 words or less, as above. Then snapshooters might take heed.
My 2 cents.
Yet, a critic will note that even the snapshooter may wish to improve the quality of these special photographs just because of their value to others. The passage of time gives these photographs even more value.
For example, the photograph of the two children has one of them in shadow, and so less flattering than possible. The photographer could have posed the children in better light for an improved exposure.
As another example, the photograph of the standing female has a bright window directly in the background, causing an underexposure of the main subject. Reframing the photograph without this backlight would very likely have improved the exposure.
These issues have simple solutions for a better result. It seems almost a duty of anybody recording the precious moments involving their loved ones to know and follow the simplest techniques for taking a good photograph.
I blame experienced photographers in part for this continuing ignorance among snapshooters for gaining a better result with snapshots. They use too many words, and they belabor the advice. Any description of a simple technique should limit itself to 25 words or less, as above. Then snapshooters might take heed.
My 2 cents.
pesfls wrote:
It seems many if not most of us on here are intrigued by and seeking better quality images. However, on reflection, there’s other values in photography. Having just been going over some family photos I was struck by another aspect, our ability to record history or change. Regardless of the quality of an image, images do record a time and place. An example of what I’m thinking, our granddaughters:
Jan 7, 2019 09:18:54 #
One of my most cherished photos is one of four HS classmates I took more than 50 years ago with a "Hit" camera (Tiny tin Japanese camera using "Bolta" sized roll film.) Most photos were wretched.
Each person in the photo died way too soon, in some cases within a few years of the photo being taken.
Happily I souped the film and printed the photo myself. I swear the places that "developed" the film for a dollar just dropped the roll in fixer.
Each person in the photo died way too soon, in some cases within a few years of the photo being taken.
Happily I souped the film and printed the photo myself. I swear the places that "developed" the film for a dollar just dropped the roll in fixer.
Jan 7, 2019 09:25:50 #
I agree fully. That is why I never delete the bad photos if it was of families or friends. I can look at them as time goes by and may wish I did a better job but I still get the memory of the time and people back.
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