P3D Re: Computer Generated/Enhanced slides

[boris@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Boris Starosta)]

>From: Derek Gee <73157.2172@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
...
>Boris replied:
>>The user of a 5p Realist has just as much opportunity to create an
>>innovative, artistic, deep stereoscopic image as has the user of a
>>computer.  Instead of complaining about computers, they should revisit
>>their own work with their own camera, and see if something is not missing
>>there.
>
>What a crock.  Boris, you know that a computer is capable of
>generating imagery that is IMPOSSIBLE to create convincingly with
>traditional methods.  That's why Hollywood has chosen to go the

And I have seen many a fabulous photograph, that would be IMPOSSIBLE to
create convincingly using computer generated methods.  So what?!  The key
is to create images that show a full utilization of the technology at hand.


The Realist camera does still have advantages over the computer, and will
continue to do so probably indefinitely!  I could never create a candid
shot of a kid with my computer, like Dr. T can with his Realist!  Or even
create quite the right kind of mood in a landscape... (although I'm
trying.)  I could never create the subtely of color, the level of detail,
the depth of texture, or the intimacy of a truly human portrait...  Crock!?
I fully stand by my statement above!  (And not only that, I will back up
my claim by continuing to exhibit both computer generated and photographic
works).

The reason that Hollywood is doing things with computers is cost and
novelty.  They realize that some of the public wants novelty (landscapes on
distant planets, starships blowing up, etc.), and it is now cheaper to do
those things with the computer.  The point being that you do what you can
given your tools and medium.

But if Hollywood were to go out today and shoot a toy rocket, with smoky
sulfuric flames shooting out one end, the whole thing being carried through
some set by a thin black wire...  they'd get hooted out of the theater!
(Unless it was an independent film that explicitly did not take itself too
seriously).  That kind of filmmaking was the state of the art in the
fifties.  And I have seen that level of photography get high marks in the
present PSA Stereo Division...



Let me summarize my remarks, and adapt them a bit to the comments already made.

I'm glad that PSSP invited me to judge, although I had few obvious
qualifications - Andrea Blair took a chance.  I am thankful to her.  But
let's not blow things out of proportion - it's not like she risked people's
careers by inviting me to judge.  It's seems there is agreement here, that
one out of three judges is not going to do too much damage in any case,
right?  I propose that you are going to have a hard time moving forward
without taking some chances, and the the PSA Stereo Division has a long way
to move forward.

My comments as to the "backwardness" of the Stereo Division are based on
what I have seen win awards, and on my judging experience at the PSSP.  Not
a large body of experience - but you may take it for what it's worth.  Also
I have received anecdotal evidence to the effect that many of the people
judging Salons are... are... in the golden September of their years, shall
we say.  I propose that this has something to do with it.

The funny thing is, I'm not even that young!  Compared to the cutting edge
of art and photography (as defined by the New York scene, MTV, Vogue, Spin,
other magazines), my own sensibilities are downright stodgy.  By the same
token, the sensibilities of the typical PSA SD Salon judge defines what is
accepted as good stereography - and here it appears to me that if you shoot
in a really conservative, old-fashioned, non-abstract, representative
style, preferably of familiar and non-challenging subject matter, you are
going to do well!

The PSA Stereo Division is not going to attract much youthful talent in
this fashion.  That's all I'm saying.

I hope this is submitted respectfully enough,



Boris Starosta            boris@xxxxxxxxxxxx
                          http://www.starosta.com
usa 804 979 3930          http://www.starosta.com/3dshowcase



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