Is the knowledge of photography increasing or decreasing with the boom of digital cameras? What does this mean for the craft?…

Well, I’m currently in Germany by the way…

The internet has become one of the major sources of information on photography technique, no doubt. But once in a while a more “philosophical” question arises, that should lead to great debate amongst people who are interested in the subject. These questions I give some voice to in here are not just to gain site popularity, but are questions that I really have and input from others is always welcome. The exchange of ideas will always be a part of this site.
And thanks for coming back…

In German speaking countries (I don’t know if you have that as well), there are also photography clubs. These and many internet forum discussions are, to my mind, to a large degree focussed on equipment and technical questions. What I’m looking for is discussions about composition, meaning, and interpretation of photographs.

That’s someting I like about your blog, by the way :-).

Thanks for your insights.
Of course it’s an honor for me to have a visit (and a comment) from the founder of the newest buzz in the digital photography world: PhotographyVoter.com

Thanks for dropping by.

I think you are probably right… Maybe the ratio of snapshots:photographs just has changed a lot due to the cheap and easiness digital cameras brought. The overwhelming amount of snaps on the web shows this for sure.
From here we could speculate that the amount of people that are pursuing knowledge in photography has even increased.
What do you think?

Liked what you just read here ? Vote for it on Blogmemes ! Is the knowledge of the photography craft being lost due to digital cameras? The tendency for point and shoot might be minimizing the need to learn the theory….

I also agree, on second thoughts, that the distinction between snapshots and photographs does not work. Most of the photographs which made Henri Quartier-Bresson, for one, famous where snapshots. They were simply extremely good snapshots.

That only goes so far though. Digital is no different than film in the sense that the output is only as good as the creative mind behind it. Compound that with the technical knowhow and you have a very challenging art form.

From the business perspective digital has definitely made an impact. The barrier to entry has been lowered by the introduction of this new format. It’s changed the behavior and thought process of those seeking to purchase photos for commercial use. In addition it has most certainly changed for ever how photographers do business individually and through agencies.

If anything I would say that digital photography saved photography in general. Film was played out and expensive. General consumers have been set fre e by it. Conversely on the commercial side it’s killed the old mode of doing business and lowered the value of images sold due to the flood of images hitting the market.

Jim

I would also use an entire film when trying out a new technique, then 95% of the shots would be useless!

What if the manufacturers educated the consumers? Megapixel count is still what consumers look for when comparing cameras. What if we could change that to lens performance? Would we get major advances in lenses with plummeting prices?

Now _that_ would be nice!

Cheers, Dan