Re: [Leica] The perception of photographic quality

["Joe Stephenson" <joeleica@flash.net>]

- -----Original Message-----
From: Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 1999 6:51 PM
Subject: [Leica] The perception of photographic quality


>It is amazing to me. Every time I look at photographs, along with members
>of the non-photographic public, I am appalled at what they will accept.
>
>They haven't a clue what "dynamic range" is. They don't know that black is
>supposed to be black. And highlights should have detail. Low contrast color
>photos or extreme contrast color photos don't seem to get even a query.
>
>Last year, at an "Embedded Controller" trade show, the "SUN Microsystems"
>corporation was showing a scanner/copier that utilized SUN's Alpha chip.
>They were scanning an 8x10 color photograph. I picked up one of the
>"copies" and nearly puked. I then opened the lid and retrieved the
>original. My wife and I looked at it, and reached for our barf bags.
>
>The photograph was of a one or two million dollar mansion with a Rolls
>parked out front. It was on a "bright" sunny crystal clear day. The house
>was in direct sunlight and the Rolls was in deep shadow. This was a
>straight color print made from a transparency so I believe you can see, in
>your mind, what it looked like. Blown out highlights on the building front,
>and an almost unrecognizable automobile in the muck of the shadow. This was
>the epitome of a horrible photograph. You can also imagine what the copy
>looked like.
>
>The SUN staff member that was fielding questions about their boards, chips,
>etc, walked up. I said to him, "why don't you get a good photograph, one
>that will show off your ware."
>
>And his response was, as he took the 8x10 from my hand, "why... what's
>wrong with this photograph? !!!"
>
>I said nothing. Just swallowed, and walked off.
>
>Good grief!
>
>This area of California has a proliferation of "Art & Wine Festivals",
>"Fine Art in the Park", etc... There are usually between six and ten
>photography "gallery" booths in these fairs. One is always "exceptionally"
>good. John Gavrillis. Uses a 4x5 Linhof Master Technika. Also has an R7 and
>some R lenses. I've purchased some of John's work. It is absolutely
>outstanding. John makes his living by photographing the US landscape and
>selling framed Cibachrome prints. From 8x10 to 30x40. He has also published
>a book of his photography, sold through private sales only. John is also
>providing LightJet 5000 prints now, as well.
>
>Having said that, there may be one other "good" photographic booth at these
>fairs, but the rest are dismal! It is unbelievable to me what some people
>call good and "saleable" photography. B&W and color. Yuck! But as you stand
>there and watch, they sell tons of this stuff. To the public at large.
>
>Good grief again!
>
>It's as if those qualities that we all strive for, sweat over, argue over,
>and buy Leica equipment for, are wasted on us.
>
>Jim
>