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Digital
vs. Traditional
By Kevin Hoffman
There seems to be quite a controversy over the use
of digital photography equipment as compared to traditional photography
methods. We have heard time and again comments such as; “Digital photos
aren’t as clear as traditional photos.” or “The ability to manipulate
digital photos has taken the art out of photography.” and even “almost
anyone can take a decent picture if they use a digital camera.” Well, if
we are discussing the average person who goes to their local department
store and buys a new point and shoot digital camera, then we couldn’t
agree more. Today’s digital equipment has made it faster, cheaper, and
easier than ever before to take a decent snapshot at the local football
game or family function. However, if we are discussing professional
equipment and professional expectations, then we feel nothing could be
further from the truth.
The image qualities of today’s professional digital
cameras can far surpass those of traditional cameras. For comparison, it
is estimated that the image quality of a 6 mega-pixel camera is the
equivalent of a traditional 35mm film. With today’s professional digital
cameras averaging in the 10 to 12 mega-pixel range, a traditional 35mm
film camera pale’s to compare. More often than not, the degradation of
quality in a digital image is in the methods or materials used to
replicate the image, not in the image itself. For instance, a photograph
taken with a professional grade camera but printed with a low quality
printer will appear no better than a photograph taken with a low-grade
camera. However, that same photograph professionally printed on
high-grade photo paper would be virtually indistinguishable from a
standard 35mm photo.
Today’s professional digital cameras are no less
complicated, sophisticated, complex, confusing, or whatever word you
would care to use, than traditional photographic equipment. ISO,
aperture, shutter speed, and exposure are all still very important
factors in creating a good photograph, as are lighting, composition,
depth of field, and many other so called traditional considerations. And
all are still left to the discretion of the photographer.
To say that a digital photograph should not be
considered quality or art-worthy because it may have been manipulated by
software would be the same as considering a traditional photograph to be
nothing more than a cheap copy of an artistic situation. To many people,
the strength of a photograph is not in the image being captured so much
as the ability of the photographer to display the feeling and essence of
the moment. In traditional methods this is accomplished through the
adjustments made by the photographer at the moment of capture. By
choosing the lighting and composition of a scene, and through changes in
aperture, shutter speed, and the like, a photographer manipulates the
appearance and impact of each photograph that he or she takes. Indeed,
is it not the ability of a person to choose the proper portrayal of an
image that defines their worth as a photographer?
Through the use of digital technology not only can
a photographer manipulate the image at the moment of capture, but
through the use of software they can further enhance the true emotions
meant to be displayed in the image. Many people are under the belief
that through the use of software or digital techniques, any image can be
manipulated into a work of art. Unfortunately this is not the case.
While you may be able to make a poor photograph look ok, or an ok
photograph look better, true quality in a photograph will only be as
good as the image upon which it was founded. Digital technology should
not be thought of as a replacement for a photographer’s skill, but
rather as a tool to help enhance the impact of a visual image. |
