Are we getting stupid using the G3?

[pradeep1]

Is it something with the instant feedback we get from digital cameras that is pushing us to become more stupid. I've found recently that I will take more "stupid" photos (thoughtlessly composed, poor exposure, bad choices in color, contrast, etc.) and I don't care. I just take them and delete my mistakes and show the world my good stuff. But I've found that when using the G3, it is good enough in most situations that I don't need to take it out of 'P' mode for general photography. Is this adding to my stupidity? Do I need to go back for a weekend every few months and use my manual camera with forced limitations to maintain my sanity and photographic intellect?

Am I selling out to the tried-and-true photography methods that I grew up with and learned the art from?

I am any less of a photographer?

Are all current generation photographers growing up in the era going to be learning using this "stupid" method?

Is this "stupid" method going to make a whole new generation of photographers smarter, since they can do more and learn more in less time?

How does one slow down when using digital?

Any thoughtful and not-so-thoughtful responses appreciated.

Pradeep

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=329507

[civis]

I still use my Nikons (F and F2) periodically, because there are some things that my G3 just can't do.

Do you have an automatic transmission in your car? If so, do you feel that automatic feature dimishes your ability to drive well, or to learn about driving?

Do you suspect that everything more full-featured that the first cardboard box cameras are just too much technology? There's nothing stopping you from using one of those, you know.

[elgenper]

Well, if I am any judge of my own work, I feel I produce far BETTER images using digital! (Apart from the first month of euphoric snapping, of course). I used film for 30 years, ending up with Hasselblad and Leica gear, being reasonably satisfied with the technical quality, but not with the images... Bought a Nikon 990 and found digital had potential, upgraded to an Oly E10 and sold my Leicas. Then the D60 made me sell my ´Blad... Added a G3 for when the D60 was too big, and find I use it more and more.
Before getting flamed: none of the digitals can touch the ´Blad for sheer technical quality when working carefully with a tripod, but they are easier to carry and use, seldom need a tripod, and far less scary for live subjects. So I shoot a lot more, and see ALL my shots on a large monitor the same evening (culling fiercely, of course). Quite a few of the images go for more careful Photoshopping, which teaches me a lot about mistakes I made (PS can never save a crappy shot!).
Unless there´s a ban on digital (or Apple stops making REAL computers with REAL OS´s), I´ll never shoot another roll of film!

Per

[Man-Fai Wong]

Interesting discussion. But I think as w/ many other things, it'll always come back to the person who's using the tools (and from/with whom he/she learns and grows).

It's the human factor in the equation, not the tech factor, that's "stupid" or "lazy" or what not. And as long as that same human factor truly wants and is committed to growing and not just settling, then I think all will be good.

BTW, I often wonder the same things about software development since I come from a background that's actually more than just a vocational training ground for all the mediocre software out there in this busily "growing" computer age of ours. And yes, I'm probably just about as guilty as anyone when it comes to mediocre programming techniques. :D

_Man_

[pradeep1]

You guys are all correct in your own ways. I don't know what it really is that is bothering me. I guess this is something everyone faces when they are confronting something new.

I guess I am still in the euphoric phase, even after thousands of photos later. Although, I have to admit that my photography has improved markedly since I've gone digital. And yes, once I get a dSLR, I am going to put away my film for good.

I wonder how that will feel when I don't have film to fall back upon?

Pradeep

[civis]

pradeep1 wrote:
I wonder how that will feel when I don't have film to fall back upon?

Film will still be around long after you've gone toes-up.

[Man-Fai Wong]

civis wrote:
Film will still be around long after you've gone toes-up.

Hey! Was that some reference to digitoe? :D

_Man_

Note: Bold/italics added for emphasis in above quote.

[sdommin]

Is this "stupid" method going to make a whole new generation of photographers smarter, since they can do more and learn more in less time?


The exact same argument came up when we went from 8X10 glass plate view cameras to 35mm cameras (and no, I was not there - I'm not THAT old!).

Digital won't make us "stupid", but it may make us "lazy".

[elgenper]

Another aspect: just look at Pekka´s stunning images on this very site!
There cannot be any doubt that they are the work not only of an accomplished photographic artist, but also of somebody working very consciously, intelligently and diligently to master his tools and to make them "speak HIS language".
I dare say he would have reached the same artistic level had he used film instead, but obviously he chose digital. Clearly this decision cannot be influenced by anything called "laziness"...
Moral: only a true artist can create true art. His/her choice of tools and medium are up to him/her. The rest of us should realize that no choice of tools will guarantee success. Hard work just MAY help us...

Per

[pradeep1]

After I've gone toes-up. I prefer belly-up, but toes-up will do! I love it!

Thanks for all the comments.