Research Three

"It it Photography Anymore?"
In the recent essay by New York Times columnist David Pogue, a puzzling question was brought to our attention. “If you were running a photography contest, at what point would you draw the line and say ‘That's not photography anymore?’” There are many factors to think about. From the beginning of photography, we have been making modifications to enhance our photos. We add lighting, we add props, we control what lenses we use. This tool to preserve memories and display artistic visuals has been changing over time with technology. I had a grand opportunity to tour Kodak in Rochester New York in the early 90’s. The age of digital storage and capture were just being introduced to the public. It was predicted that this trend would replace film and the general household could store their photos onto CD’s. I was amazed and so excited . I had been used to the drum scanner in industry and knew of this large expense. To think of the affordability and portability. Could this really happen? Technology has a way to change the process. We have been forced to go with the flow. We all “need” cell phones and MP3 players. We have learned to accept change, speed and now multi-task. We have become familiar with Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and the list goes on. So with all these changes, can we really continue to limit what we can do, with what one must do? Do these boundaries still need to be applied? If the technologies exist, I think we should push the limits. I think we should explore, grow, and achieve in photography. The gray areas have never been so cloudy as they are today. Where do we draw the line? I think we should be allowed to make changes using Photoshop, however, it would best serve those who have the talent for the true photo to identify when it is original work. I think the most important question we have not asked is…“Does this photographer have a natural artistic talent?“ Most people can copy and paste. I find it hard to believe a high quality product of any sort might come from someone who does not have an idea, imagination or some training. I do believe that with any contest there needs to be some guidelines. There may be a category for Digital Photo, Conventional, and then Digital Enhancement. It would be no different than an art contest for 5-12 and 13-18 year olds. The skills, and projects will be different. In the end the reality of photography is what we make it, and how we use that technology to get there.