We live in an incredible time when it comes to photography. The old photographers, Matthew Brady in the War Between the States, Ansel Adams of landscape fame, and Larry Burrows of Life magazine, to name a very few, would be amazed with what we are doing in these modern times in the realm of capturing and storing images.
Today, some of our most inexpensive cameras are capable of capturing stunning images of everything imaginable from portraits to landscapes to still life to action shots. Not only are the images stunning, the process is incredibly simple.
In the “old days,” I remember how expensive it was to shoot anything with film. Not only was it expensive, it was a time-consuming pain. It was also cumbersome to carry all the equipment necessary for a good image. I remember on flight in the 1980s when I discovered a Russian submarine just coasting along on the surface. And I did not have a camera and the reason was in part, the space required to carry it in the airplane.
There were also issues of running out of film. Now, with digital photography, you can shoot as much as you wish and if the image isn’t good, delete it and reuse the storage space on the data card. Try that with your old film cameras.
Not only are cameras used in shooting digital photos, most of the cell phones we carry today take photos that are almost as good as those shot with a standalone camera. Everyone should keep in mind that almost anywhere you go, someone is ready to record events, both good and bad, forever. Basically, someone is always watching.
Additionally, these new models of digital cameras can make almost anyone capable of shooting as well as a pro. What’s more, if there is a mistake in the frame, Photoshop can fix it in a heartbeat. PS is also capable of fixing old photos – in other words, anyone can take old, faded or damaged photos and make copies that look brand new.
Another great tool for photographers today is the Internet. As a means of selling, showing, and sharing photographs with family and friends, the Internet has no competition. With a somewhat decent computer and a high speed connection, friends and families as well as business associates can have instant access to any photographer’s artwork.
The bottom line today is this: take photographs of every facet of your lives and share them with those you love and if you’re in the business, sell your images for profit.
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© 2010 J. Clark
I still remember the excitement of dropping off film for developing and then waiting for what seemed like weeks to return and then the disappointment of pictures that didn’t turn out.
I love my digital camera!
I can relate – sometimes I miss developing my own work, but I don’t miss being around the developer and fixer… And I, too, love my digital options.
I am surprised by the people who just don’t take photos. My husband and I take a camera everywhere. I have a friend who has a 1-year-old and has taken about 3 photos of her. She’s going to forget what her baby looks like! I couldn’t bear to miss those special moments.
I am with you – I don’t go anywhere without at least my cell phone. You never know when you might be the one shooting that Pulitzer prize winning photo, just because you’re the only one there with any kind of a photo-taking apparatus.