I agree. It doesn't have to be this way if we don't let it, though. OTOH,
one can think of the syndrome you're describing as simply a really easy way
of bracketing.
I think the term 'better photographer' as used in the orginal post is a
loaded phrase. Does it help one produce *better photographs* may be a more
pertinent question.
The answer to that is not definitive either because it depends on 'better
for what'. I think it can help one produce better results but does not do
so necessarially,
For me, as said earlier, it has created a change in mindset where I think I
finally recognized what many already realized. I needn't tie myself in
chains to *THE* recorded image. Within the bounds of my conscience I can
adjust, crop, saturate, destaurate, etc., in order to produce a better image
than what was recorded originally, the same way as a skilled darkroom person
can.
For me, it's been liberating in that respect and I can now apply the same
mindset to film images.
Tom C.
From: "William Robb" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net
To: "Pentax Discuss" <pentax-discuss@pdml.net>
Subject: Re: Have digital cameras made us better photographers?
Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 08:39:45 -0600
<snip>
Too many exposures made, too many exposures to look at to be meaningful
anymore. The product of a mind becoming less disciplined, less thoughtful,
more willing to take a mad bomber approach to photography.
This is a complete change from my work in large format, where every
exposure made was at a cost, both in money and time, but also in ability to
make another exposure later that session.
When one is limited to making no more than a few dozen exposures before
taking a time out to reload film holders, which may not be conveniently
done, one looks hard before tripping the shutter.
When one is putting out a couple of dollars every time he trips the
shutter, he thinks a bit about doing it.
When every frame has to be put into a tank and processed, one thinks about
how much time will be spent doing the mundane task of film processing, and
thinks about how many tanks of film are ahead of him.
<snip>
It enforces nothing on us, it requires no discipline in approach, and no
skill in operation; the two main ingredients in becoming a better
photographer are missing.
William Robb
