[photo-3d] Computer imaging and photography

["Harold R. Baize" <baize@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm a little behind in my Photo-3d reading and missed 
this thread. Just the same here's my opinion, I hope 
I don't simply echo the remarks of Boris. 

I must categorically reject the statement made by 
Bob Maxie: 

  Well, it is simple..... computer generated images are NOT photography. No
  Way, No how. So it seems clear that anything generated by the computer
  should be absolutely rejected." 

This is just not true for the following reasons. 1) 3 Dimensional 
computer image creation involves a virtual camera that embodies all 
the characteristics of a physical camera-- focal length, depth of 
field, focus, and even lens flare if so desired. 2) The final image 
is transferred to photographic emulsion by a physical object that 
can only be described as a camera. All the "film recorders" that 
I have seen involve an actual camera body. The artist creates the 
world and uses a virtual camera to compose and set the recording of 
the light, then uses a camera to put it to film. In the final analysis 
it is "writing with light" which is the very definition of 
photography. 

So computer stereoscopic slides differ from those taken with a 
traditional camera in two respects, first the artist has to 
some extent created the objects in the image, and secondly a 
computer was involved in this creative process. In effect the 
only difference between a computer generated stereo slide like 
my "Looks Like Rain" (Best New Exhibitor, Hollywood International 
2000) and a table top photograph is that the image was mediated 
by a computer. 

Where do hybrid images belong, like my "StarChild" (a PSA Gold 
and Silver winning image) and Boris' "Pixie"? These images combine 
computer generated environments with images taken with traditional 
cameras. Should they be disallowed just because parts are mediated 
by computer? 

I think people object to technology they don't use themselves. Is it 
cheating to use a computer? Is it fair to enter my Kodak stereo 
slides in the same competition with those taken with a $3000 RBT? 
If these computer creations are not allowed by PSA then it will only 
deprive some people exposure to the art. A narrow and tradition based 
definition of photography will only accelerate the current decline in 
interest in the hobby of photography. 

Harold