Nexus – Uploaded by mpesce

This is a video of Mark Pesce presenting at a conference for the Independent Schools of Queensland.

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Reflection #2 – Photo’s, Photography and Photographers

This reflection post finds its origins in a tweet requesting links examining the impact of digital technologies on photography.

I have had an interest for photography since my high school days but it was during my undergraduate degree that I developed a deep passion for all things visual, especially those that included the capturing of light.  During my uni degree I studied a plethora of areas and techniques in the Visual Arts but specialised in the medium of photography and early digital media. I was fortunate that I studied at a time when Digital Art was still in its infancy and Digital Cameras were rare to say the least.  I was taught photography from a purist’s perspective using film.  Artistically, I started to explore the digital realm about 1996 when I had my first play with Adobe Photoshop V3.0. Since that first play I was intrigued by the digital medium.  The potential possibilities were immense. The limitations of this time though were computer processing speed, available memory and presentation methods. 

Where does all this sit in regards to photography and digital technologies?  For me it was the turning point.  A point where I started to realise that I was going to be one of the last of a dying breed.  That is, those that had been educated in the skills and techniques for taking photographs and using a camera.  Those that understood the light spectrum and lights impact.  I became one of those that were able to shoot what I call ‘high percentage keepers’ and finally someone that sees the difference between a digital or film sourced image.

The above may be regarded as things relating to deskilling from technological development but on the flip side there are many bonuses.  Photography has become more affordable.  Cameras are more accessible, you can shoot what you like and only keep what you want.  The idea of a taking photos to print and keep every one has gone. You can see all your pictures before working with them or getting them printed.  And printing, well you can print as many or as few as you choose.  We can share pictures globally at the click of a button.  People in general are showing better pictures (as they take 5 times more) and are better documenting their lives.

From a purists perspective I do miss; the organic feel of a film printed picture (especially in big enlargements like 40×60 inch), knowing the differences between the characteristics of film brands and types, Pushing and Pulling film, the development process, Dodging and Burning, the skill of multi-negative printing, being able to take 9 out of 10 pictures as keepers and the patience people had for others to compose and take a picture.

So the impact of digital technologies on photography…  We have more pictures than ever, we share them globally easily, we collaboratively document the world and more people have access to photographic technologies than ever before because it is more affordable.

In time I may reflect upon the impact of digital imaging, editing and manipulation, the emergence of digital multimedia, the aesthetic of sound as analogue and digital etc…