Some thoughts by Genevieve Shiffrar, College of Letters & Science web developer, May 2001
There is incredible freedom with Digital Cameras, and that means that the novice will take better pictures. There are lots of other advantages and there are some disadvantages compared to film cameras, and these are discussed in an upcoming BCC newsletter.
Henri Cartier Bresson--The Decisive Moment
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| Dessau, Germany, 1945, 1945, Henri Cartier Bresson |
To Henri Cartier Bresson, photography came down to the decisive moment, when "instant recognition and visual organization of an event at its most intense moment of action and emotion to reveal inner meaning." (Gardner's Art Through the Ages). In this photograph, he is in a camp for displaced persons right after WWII. He takes the picture at the exact moment that a refugee exposes an informant.
If Cartier Bresson could have, he would have worked with digital cameras. They increase the likelihood of getting a great picture.
Fewer worries
"Film" Issues
--With most, the photographer doesn't have to be concerned with having the proper speed film in the camera.
--Less likely to run out of film, or the digital equalivent (storage devices hold hundreds of images).
No Photo Lab woes
Less worry about how the photolab ruining the film or leaving you only with a sub-optimum final product.
Composition
Less worry about composition. It is easier to crop digital photographs, especially if they come from a camera with 2-3 megapixels. It is easier to compose an image in the digital LCD image display than it is the viewfinder.
Social intrusion
Generally people don't like their picture taken, especially if caught unaware. Cartier Bresson put black tape on his camera so that the metal parts did not catch the sunlight.
-- Given that you can hold a digital camera farther away from you to see to
LSD display, the act is less threatening.
-- Turning off the beep also helps in non-portrait situations.
-- Greater light sensitivity allows you not to have to use the obstrusive flash.
Fewer lighting problems
--Less worry about getting the right color balance (digital cameras can compensate automatically for the yellow-orange hue of incandescent light or the bluish tone of florescent light).
--Can have more flexibility in existing light situations. Use anything available as a tripod, such as a door jamb, a knee.
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| Subjects illuminated only by the laptop and ambient light. |
Digital cameras allow you to play more with motion.
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| Low light with motion. |
Composition Page Photoshop Tips Page
Photo credits: For better or worse, I took the color photos. Most black and white images from the catalogue of the corporate collection of Consolidated Freightways, Inc. (Truckers rule!)