hotography has created an interesting divide between two schools of photography. There are the old-school film photographers who dismiss all things digital as inferior, not the same as ‘real’ photography. Then there are the wholehearted digital converts, who think film photographers are living in the dark ages.

For the record, I use film. That is not because I don’t like what digital photography has to offer. There is a very simple reason why I am sticking with film for now; after 20 years of photography, I have a thousands of images on film that have yet to be put to good use. If I switched to digital now, those photos would probably be neglected for another 20 years and finally be thrown out. That’s a lot of memories wasted.

However, as a gallery owner, photography teacher, writer and club member, I am among digital photographers every day. Having lived and worked through all the years when photography has accellerated into the digital age, I have observed something that will surprise many people; not much has really changed.

The skills of traditional photography are as important as ever for the digital photographer. You need to be able to work with aperture and shutter speed, understand depth of field and know how to handle moving subjects. A digital photographer requires sensitivity to light and contrast, and must develop a talent for creative composition.

In teaching and writing about photography, I have been amazed by just how much things have remained the same. In some instances I have been certain that the new technology would create new challenges – only to find that for all practical purposes, nothing has really changed.

Here is one example that is so similar it’s spooky. In the days of film, you could buy film that was rated at different ISO speeds, relating to how quickly the film reacted to light. Faster films were great for allowing quicker shutter speeds in low-light conditions, but there was a sacrifice in quality. Photos taken on fast films had a grainy appearance, making them less suitable for printing big enlargements.

Digital cameras have adopted the same ISO system. You can adjust the ISO setting on your camera, changing the speed at which your exposure will react to light. As before, this can be a great benefit, especially in low light. But here’s the spooky part. When you set a higher ISO rating, your images become ‘grainier.’ Some people tell me it is pixellation, others tell me it is digital ‘noise.’ I don’t know and don’t really care. The point is, here is a whole new technolgy, recording images in a completely different way – and the outcome is exactly the same!

Of course there are some major differences. The most obvious change, and certainly a change for the better, is the elimination of film and developing from your list of expenses. Add to that the convenience of being able to delete your mistakes and print your own photos, and your hobby just became a lot more cost-effective.

That, however, has nothing to do with the actual skill of the photographer. Neither does the other revolution in the photography world. That revolution is software. With the aid of computers, people can work digital magic on their photos like never before. This has both positive and negative elements. Positive because the almost universal fascination with computers has seen a whole new generation take a real interest in photography. Negative because people too often rely on the technology to correct their mistakes, instead of learning to take better photos.

Software can be wonderful. It can add a little ‘zest’ to a slightly flat image, or it can completely trasform a photo to portray colours and details that never existed in the real world.

But software cannot overcome all the problems caused by bad technique. It cannot focus an out-of-focus image. It cannot correct a blurry photo caused by using the wrong shutter speed. And while cropping, cutting and pasting can solve some issues, they are no substitute for developing a real skill for composition.

So, to return to my original theme: despite the worldwide migration from film to digital photography, in practical terms not much has really changed. That which is new is largely peripheral. While there are some advantages in terms of cost and convenience, most of the changes won’t make you a better photographer.

So here is my advice to photographers on both sides of the divide. Film photographers; don’t be suspicious of new technology. Embrace it, make the most of its advantages, and you may be surprised just how easy it is to make the switch.

Digital photographers; don’t sneer at your more old-fashioned counterparts. The skills they have grown up with are the ones you really should be learning.



By: Andrew Goodall

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Wooden Storage Sheds

Digital photography backdrops are very important as they provide an attractive background that can enhance photographs a great deal. More digital photographers than ever have turned to digital photography for many reasons, which include the convenience, cost, and ability to make photos unique looking by enhancing the images. Available in a wide range of styles and colors, finding the perfect digital photography backdrops for every image or photo is easier than ever.

In today’s market there are several different digital photography backdrop types available for both amateur and professional digital photographers with a different application for each type. The basic background is certainly one of the most popular and best-liked types of backdrops. These use the digital photography backdrop types to conceal the background in the photograph behind the subject with a more satisfactory one. A digital backdrop is also an excellent way to take an average digital portrait and, using a good digital photography backdrop, change it into a quality photograph that resembles one from a professional photography studio. Digital photography backdrops of this type have both commercial as well as personal applications. There are innumerable types of digital photography backdrops geared toward family, friends or children and intended just for entertainment and fun. Some of the many include:

• Image enhancing blocky letters

• Fanciful creature backdrops

• Bright color backdrops

• Island themed backdrops

• Sports themed backdrops

• Holiday themed backdrops

• Landscape backdrops

• Abstract themed backdrops

Compatible with numerous photo-editing software types, digital photography backdrops are very easy to use. Although you can use digital backdrops with practically any image and background, images or pictures taken against the green or blue backgrounds seem to transfer the best to digital backdrops. It is very easy to use photo-editing digital photography backdrop software. Simply open the image, using photo-editing software, onto the same chosen backdrop screen. Render the prior background transparent and then paste the image onto the backdrop, using photo-editing tools. Photo editing programs include tools that edit and smooth any rough edges when using photography backdrops.

The internet is one of the best places to find good digital photography backdrops as online retailers often have a far larger selection of backdrops. Many online retailers are professional photographers themselves, so along with selling digital photograph backdrops, they will share their extensive expertise with you if required. These online retail websites permit customers to look at the digital photography backdrop types they carry before purchasing any and provide customers with troubleshooting tips, easy to follow instructions, and answers to questions people may have about the product.

For a digital photographer looking for backdrops or props to use when taking photos, thrift shops are an excellent place to start looking, as you often find inexpensive and unusual items that will work great. Camera shops and computer stores often sell digital photography backdrops. Very low cost backdrops include using tape and rolls of seamless paper or low thread count, sold color sheets that only need ironing before using. For a photographer that is shooting something small, cheap fabric, curtains and tablecloths work well.



By: Terry Roberts

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Wooden Storage Sheds