Hi Kevin,
Your feelings about our art is a bit surprising, considering your
recent reviews of the digital medium format cameras. I thought you
were about to go "all-in" on digital.
But of course an investment of this magnitude makes you think twice
and more in any case, doesn't it?
I understand your sentiment very well, and have met several outdoor
photographers thinking the same way. Some of them are the best in the
trade in my country. For them, it's not the creative control in
post-processing that matters, but rather the working rhythm in the
field. Film, manual light meters, maybe large format cameras, all is
part of the creative process for some people. Take it away from them,
and the joy of photography goes with it.
One of the privileges of having a creative profession is to enjoy what
your'e doing. Without the joy, it's like any job you would endure for
a paycheck.
Pack as much joy into your working process as you possibly can!
Whatever process. I'm sure your future digital results with the *istD
will benefit from returning focus to film for a while as well.
Best wishes,
Jostein
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Waterson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 2:14 AM
Subject: Bailing out.
In recent times, I seem to have lost the joy of photography.
What started over 20 years ago as a small concern has grown to an
enjoyable and profitable lifestyle. Then along comes digital. Not
that there is anything wrong with the new technology per se, I was
in fact one of the first kids on the block with an *istD and now
own three of them.
My problem is that photography has become more of a production line
than an art. Many have argued that only the capture mode has changed
and rather than a darkroom, everything can be done on a computer.
Wrong.
All these things can be _simulated_ on a computer, which is an
entirely
different technology. Sure, there is an 'art' to computer
enhancement
and digital manipulation, but what of the art of photography. It
seems
to me it has been replaced by 'digital workflow' and other
buzzwords.
Capturing images with digital still maintains an artistic approach
where
composition and an eye for a good photo are important, but what
then?
I imagine the same dissilusionment was suffered by painters with the
advent of photography, but like the painters of old, many stuck to
thier art and it still flourishes today.
To this end I have decided not to play the digital game and instead
spend my time on furthering the art of photography. Whilst film is
still
available I can use that, perhaps I will pick up an 8x10 or 4x5 and
go
back to the good ol' days of coating my own plates (provided the
chemicals
used are not classified as WMDs and I am arrested as a terrorist).
I will still maintain a digital camera, perhaps pick up a new MF
digital
when Pentax decide one is right for release. But for now, I figure
on
sticking to film and the darkroom. Perhaps there is a niche for me
in the
world because I will stick with the old technology, perhaps not. At
least
with a good negative, some of history will be maintained and not
lost in
a pile of decaying discs.
So for now, my MZ-S, my array of K-1000's and my 6x7 will rule the
roost.
The *istD's will still be used, but not nearly as often.
Kind regards
Kevin
--
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for
lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
