Re: Photo-Literacy

[P3D Gregory J. Wageman <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Dr. T. wrote:

>I saw quite a bit of statistics and comparison of photo-behavior between
>the two sexes.  I that OK with our local "stereotype police"?  :-) :-) :-)

At least they claim to have done a survey first, George. :-) :-) :-)

>There are those who believe that it is exactly these modern technologies
>that have taken the control out of the photographer.  Now the camera will
>decide everything for you.  Take exposure for example.  How much control
>does the user of a fully-automatic camera using print film has over
>exposure?  How can you learn using such camera?

I think you're missing the point?  The camera doesn't choose the subject,
doesn't choose how to compose it in relation to foreground and background,
doesn't choose the time of day, doesn't choose how to frame it, doesn't
choose the location of the photographer, or whether he or she is standing
or kneeling...  There's lots more to photography than getting proper
focus and exposure.  If your average snapshotter has to worry about getting
exposure right, they're never going to even think about the aesthetic
aspects of photography, which seemed to be the point of the article.

It seems to me that by making the mechanics of picture-taking completely
foolproof, you free the photographer to concentrate on the artistic
aspects of the shot.  You know, like WYSIWYG?

Personally I like having manual overrides on the automation so that I *can*
be in control when I want to.  There will be people who WANT to know about
the technical aspects and take their photography to the next level, and that's
definitely a Good Thing.

And on the other tentacle there are always going to be some people who
remain clueless about what makes for a good photo, no matter how easy you
make it for them, and some who will still immortalize their index finger
in every other shot.  Can't be helped.

But I don't see how making people who DON'T WANT TO KNOW have to learn
about f-stops and film speeds and exposure indices and shutter speeds and
all the technical stuff is going to help them take better pictures.

	-Greg W.


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