[photo-3d] Re: CGI

[Michael Watters <michael.watters@xxxxxxxxx>]

I personally don't see a problem with CGI images being 
entered in competitions (to answer the obvious question, 
no, I don't do CGI stuff at all).  The argument -against- 
CGI images that I'm reading from people is more or less 
"That's a manipulated image", with the implication being 
that their images are NOT manipulated in any way 
whatsoever.  Unfortunatly, I don't think that point of view 
is valid.  ALL photography is manipulation.  Should we ban 
the use of anything but 'normal' lenses?  After all, wide 
angles and telephotos distort (ie manipulate) perspective.  
Should we ban the use of any filters?  I haven't seen 
anyone complain about someone using polaroids to get punchy 
looking blue skies.  Do we demand that images be taken with 
exactly 65mm interoccular?  (Or should we make that 55mm?  
or 70mm?  After all, our built-in interocculars (eye 
spacing) is extremely variable.  Are we banning the use of 
MOST modern slide films since they punch-up the colors?

Again, I just don't see the difference.  Doesn't matter to 
me if someone manipulates a picture using optics or if they 
manipulate it using a computer - it's manipulated either 
way.

It also seems to me that people are putting too much 
significance into competitions (the only venue I'm reading 
complaints about regarding CGI).  My personal opinion is 
that the folks who are getting all hot under the collar 
about this should 1) relax and 2) worry more about making 
images that please themselves and less about making images 
they think will please some judge.  I sincerely doubt that 
judge will want a copy of your image to treasure forever.  
YOU will have that image.  Please yourself.

Mike

-----------------------------------------
Dr. Michael Watters
Email: Michael.Watters@xxxxxxxxx
Valparaiso University