[Leica] LEICA SEMINAR! 2004 :-)

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (Ted Grant)]

ted said:
>>Thank you for the kind comments on my digi prints, as I do them as simply 
>>as I shoot digital. The more I do everything on "automatic whatever", the 
>>easier it's become and the results have got better! ;-)  I know it just 
>>drives the techies crazy! Love it! :-)


Tina Manley responded:
> But your "automatic" is everybody else's "think about this and then set it 
> the way it should be for the light"  I speak to college photography 
> classes all the time and you would be surprised at how many of them have 
> no idea about exposing for light, waiting for the decisive moment, and not 
> altering the truth. So many have the idea that everything has to be 
> manipulated and altered to be weird or express their "artistic vision". 
> <<<<

Hi Tina,
I think one of the problems of digital and PShop is, people forget one still 
must use basic elements of photography to produce good pictures....., 
"LIGHT - EYES - ACTION when photographing people situations. And the 
understanding of light is far more demanding for successful scenics, than PS 
modifications.

>>>I speak to college photography classes
> all the time and you would be surprised at how many of them have no idea 
> about exposing for light, waiting for the decisive moment, <<<<,,

That's another thing I see with students also. As the emphasis appears to be 
shoot it, whatever you want, and fix it or change it in PS seems to be the 
norm. It's as though they don't realize they must understand the taking of 
good pictures technically first and apply the "electronic stuff " not for 
fixing, but for enhancing an already well taken photograph.

One of the early things I learned about Digital and Photoshop is they wont 
make a lousy photograph better, if its lousy in the first place. Digital 
only allows you to see it sooner! ;-) And PhotoShop can create a false sense 
of being a good photographer without skills of seeing.

You mentioned "artistic ability" and I realize good, bad and ugly is in the 
eye of the beholder, but I'm sorry this past week I've been looking at the 
work of a number of Photo students and it's garbage!

The first thing I asked them face to face was. "who do you think would buy 
this stuff?" And, "Do you expect to make a living doing this kind of 
manipulated material for the rest of your life?" They're shocked to hear me 
question their ability as photographers and what they consider will be their 
life  ahead of them.

I'm not sure where this lack of photography basics is coming from, unless 
it's the instructors in the photo schools are at an all time high of 
"techies" who aren't photographers in the true sense. But they're wizards at 
diddling PShop manipulations very well. Therefore the "fix it in the 
computer" talent is the in thing and not photographic talent.

> But your "automatic" is everybody else's "think about this and then set it 
> the way it should be for the light"<<<<<<<,

Well sure in the beginning of my photo career I had to learn about light 
like everyone else, how to recognize it and make it work, what did and 
didn't. Due to my interest in the great painters of the past, I'd been 
partial to the paintings of Rembrandt and how he used the "available light" 
for depth, shape, contrast and beauty. So he was a great influence in how I 
still make use of light. But I suppose much of the success of today is due 
to the length of my photo involvement without thought, but primarily gut 
feeling.

Those who feel the moment without thought, do it. Those without feeling it, 
think about it too much! ;-)

A subject for hours of conversation.

ted













manipulation ability of digital shooting and Phtoshop is great where one is







I get really upset
> at gallery shows, especially some of the "installation" examples that I 
> saw at PhotoPlus Expo!!  Did anybody see the corncribs or chiffon 
> scarfs???!!
>
>>Well you never know what the Great Spirit may have in mind for me a year 
>>from now. ;-)
>
> This has been a terrible year for photographers, but you will be with us 
> for a long time, Ted.  You take care of yourself (other than the 
> occasional Lagavulin!)  and you certainly don't appear to be in your 70's!
>
>>Anyway who knows what can happen during the next twelve months and as I 
>>said only the Great Spirit can answer that.. Hopefully we'll have another 
>>opportunity to say hi and hug again. :-)
>
> I'm sure we'll meet and hug again, but until then, hugs and kisses on the 
> LUG!!!
>
> Leically,
>
> Tina
>
> Tina Manley, ASMP
> www.tinamanley.com
>
>
> http://www.pdiphotos.com
> http://www.workbookstock.com
> http://www.newscom.com
> http://www.americanphotojournalist.com
>
>
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