Ordinary photos of dull subjects do actually sell, but the dramatic shots generally have an unusual element that makes them stand out from the crowd. They are well-composed and they carry no excess baggage.
One of the best photos I've seen was taken many years ago in New York Central Station (1928) It's quite famous and you've probably seen it. Sunlight streams in through the windows dominating the scene, while people mill about the expansive floor in a hustle-bustle atmosphere.
Photographers of yesteryear were past masters of judging the best exposure for a dramatic shot, without the benefit of modern gadgetry. I just wonder about that when I hear the death knell being tolled on the use of film.
We're told that 60% of the income of Kodak UK came from digital cameras last year, as Kodak announced big job cuts. Immediately, the media produced a knee-jerk reaction that claimed film is dead. True the public are totally won over by the short-term gains of the digital camera, but what about the professionals?
Many studio photographers may well switch to fitting a digital back on to their Mamiyas, but what about fieldwork? Big shots with view cameras and 6'9's, not to mention the use of long lenses for wildlife and sport, will still be dominated by film rather than digital.
Digital cameras are great for the mass market, where shots are generally taken with the subject a close range. Some of the photos of flowers that I've seen for example, are quite exceptional. In many cases, using film for these shots would be beyond most average users because judging the best exposure would be too difficult.
The public are happiest when they can they can just point and shoot. The modern digital camera allows them to do this and produce exceptional pictures of family events, so they're happy. However, put these same cameras to a stiffer test and film wins hands down. Even the latest, best and most expensive cameras still fall short of the best that film can produce, especially where the subject is at a fair distance e.g. most landscapes.
Coming back to old-time photographers, I just can't see anyone producing, or rather reproducing the same quality shots of say, Ansell Adams, using a digital camera instead of film. For Ansell Adams, substitute Man Ray, or a host of other cult photographers and you'll soon catch my drift.
Regarding photos that sell, the type of camera used is irrelevant when the client looks at the final result. I'm sure that Michelangelo never crossed swords with Leonardo about who had the better brushes. It's the masterpiece that counts, not the tools used to produce it.
And yet this epic battle between digital and film cameras is important, because a lot of time and effort can be wasted, trying to produce shots that sell with equipment that just isn't up to the job.
Without being prescriptive or dogmatic, it seems to me that any prospective Freelance photographer must weigh up the pros and cons of digital versus film carefully. It is the nature of the photograph being attempted that should decide the matter rather than personal prejudice.
Another key factor is, of course, the preference of the client. Where the customer is happy with small digital images then convenience may suggest using digital. So, for someone who shoots a range of photos it seems sensible to become conversant with both. Digital and film cameras are totally different beasts, especially with regard to exposure ' rules of thumb'.
After excellent composition, shots that sell need perfect lighting - so the modern freelance photographer should use the best tools, digital or film to achieve the perfect shot of his chosen subject. That's the kernel of truth I've yanked out of the splinters of this hoary old chestnut for you.
About The Author
Robert Hartness
One of a series of articles by Robert Hartness, successful freelance and author of an hotlinked, flip-over, e-book, published on the web in October 2004. It offers a step-by-step guide to those on the threshold of freelance photography and is illustrated with 40+ published photographs. Acclaimed as a great reference source for serious freelancers. More information and order link - http://www.cashfromyourcamera.com
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carProbably one of the most common problems you will be... Read More
If you are in the market to purchase a digital... Read More
Point and click. The new life of digital cameras gives... Read More
If you use a digital camera (I use a Canon... Read More
Digital photography promises much. Store your photographs on your computer,... Read More
So you have this great digital camera and you've taken... Read More
With such a fantastic device as the digital camera for... Read More
Get a good face shot: Use Higher quality cameras at... Read More
Did you know that in many cases digital photos are... Read More
Good wildlife camera equipment on safari can make the difference... Read More
Using a tripod is essential when taking photos - and... Read More
There are major obstacles to overcome to get into nude... Read More
I love panoramas. There's something very appealing about their shape.... Read More
You will need an underwater camera housing to keep your... Read More
You may have already started to make money from your... Read More
Basic CompositionNow that you are beginning to understand how your... Read More
Your lens is an essential element to good photographs. It's... Read More
STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.Making your own digital photo... Read More
There is one simple technique any body can do to... Read More
Too many people have the idea that being paid to... Read More
Digital Camera Basics? The VocabularyShopping for a digital camera can... Read More
So, you have taken lots of pictures with your new... Read More
Quite often I will have clients bring in old photographs... Read More
Using a digital camera to take pictures is great. It's... Read More
The digital camera is a wonderful device that allows a... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..You've read all the "best digital camera" articles, got the... Read More
So you have bought a camcorder and have shot some... Read More
At a Photo Club meeting I attended recently, the President... Read More
1. Pet photos - advertise a Pet Photography business where... Read More
The digital camera is in reality a great possession with... Read More
Are you having megapixel envy each time you walk by... Read More
Get a good face shot: Use Higher quality cameras at... Read More
Night photographs express a special something that cannot be seen... Read More
Have you read the manual that came with your digital... Read More
When my old Olympus digital camera got broke while caving... Read More
I've been practising wildlife photography on safari for over twenty... Read More
Babies make the best and the worst subjects to photograph.... Read More
As it is a fact that digital cameras are comprised... Read More
Point and click. The new life of digital cameras gives... Read More
How many of the birthday party pictures you've seen are... Read More
The vast beauty and richness of the desert can be... Read More
One of the biggest debates in the photography world is... Read More
Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all... Read More
IntroductionModern cameras are highly automatic in operation. They have auto... Read More
You arrive at your photo shoot excited about the images... Read More
Let's get something straight right out of the box. If... Read More
Digital SLR Camera or Digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera is... Read More
One technology that hasn't kept up with the rapid pace... Read More
Here's the challenge. You have to photograph small items for... Read More
I once heard a lady say to a photographer that... Read More
Photography |