P3D it's okay, let's all get along

["Andrea Blair" <asblair@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>>>>Tom Deering wrote (in part): Here's the crux of the problem: Even a 
monkey can take a great picture. Entirely random settings, (and random 
composition for that matter) will eventually yield a small number of 
splendid photos.  So if these "rules" aren't much more than a wild 
guess, a couple decent photos will certainly result just by luck 
alone.<<<<

Yes, and enough monkeys, with enough typewriters, and enough time would 
eventually turn out the works of Shakespeare. So what? Where do get the 
idea that anyone is using "entirely random settings" all the time (or at 
any time, for that matter)?

>>>>Which makes me think. At least two very vocal proponents of the 
"what, me worry" school of photography have also stated they take 
upwards of 80 or 90 rolls of film a year! Could there be some nice 
photos in 2000 totally random images? I think so. And a lot of wasted 
film. I mean, you would need a drawer eight feet long to store that many 
stereo slides, every year. What percentage go in the trash?<<<<

What is your definition of wasted film? What is your definition of a 
"keeper" image? After studying stereo photography and building your own 
stereo cameras and doing all the math, do you get *perfect* stereo 
pictures on the entire roll every single time? What is your percentage 
and why?

Again, who is taking "totally random" shots? You are using some very 
strong, specific wording here, Tom. Support it. Show me the facts!

Let me tell you that almost none of my images go in the trash. My 
photography can be put into "categories": Competition, Publish or Sell, 
Nice, Memories, Shouldn't Haves, and Crap. Some of these categories 
overlap. I don't go out to shoot a whole roll of competition winners. It 
would be nice {:>) but that's not my goal. I enjoy photography because 
it's creative and expressive, among other things. I can capture a moment 
in time that will never be repeated. What power! {;>) I enjoy looking at 
my images and sharing them with others. Just because it's not a 
competition winner, doesn't mean it gets chucked. Just because it can't 
get on a cover of a magazine doesn't mean it's *useless. I have a lot of 
memories recorded on film. These are the Nice and Memories categories. 
They remind me of where I was and what I did. Some are just for fun - 
you know those goofy shots of your family clowning around? The 
"Shouldn't Haves" are learning tools. What did I do wrong? What do I 
need to do to improve this type of shot next time? The Crap is just that 
- pushed the shutter when the camera was pointed at the ground, flash 
wasn't powered up, etc. And usually these stay in as well, just as 
reminders to "be alert" and pay attention to what I'm doing!

I have a lot of bookcases, so I'm not worried about storage space. I 
just have to buy lots of archival pages and books!

Now let's hear your story, Tom.

Andrea S. Blair
asblair@xxxxxxxxxxx

p.s. I have to agree with George T., why was stereo photography so easy 
6 months ago?



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