I do think the approach here offers a transition for some wanting to switch it up (from film to digital or vice versa). I also applaud the nobility behind this post. I just think it's best to avoid bringing two different mediums into comparison when they have been pitted against each other for far too long. I see them as no longer related in my mind. Film does have soul and a photographer can reach for it, like any tool, when the occasion calls. And digital photography also has soul if the photographer is able to be intentional in the moment. It's just another tool. I love that this idea of intentional thought is included in this post. In the end though, both mediums offer a lot of pros and cons and can be enjoyed simultaneously with intention, depending on what tool is needed for the occasion. Thanks!
I liked your post and I agree, even if your opening line made me go 'oh no, not again' in my mind. But luckily I kept on reading and saw you were making very good points, that might be of great value for those never having shot film or just getting started. To me, the difference between film and digital is relatively unimportant, but that's easy to say having grown up with film. There is much to be said for a film-like approach to digital photography, and you said it well.
I started shooting on digital but when I was a small boy, on one holiday I had access to a film camera. I can't remember if I shot anything worthwhile but the images, the wait for the film to be developed and printed was a bigger experience.
I'd love to start shooting film if the stars line up correctly - until I can get to that point I'll have to settle for this type of approach : )
…love the dichotomy and as a film enthusiast do believe the gods intended us to be practically effected (read as real costumes and explosions, not cgi)…as a.i. pollutes the pool further, and as someone largely digital as a photographer, i think the push for physical tangible is honest and good and real and proof that the future can be better than it looks to me…
Thank you Alicia : ) I 'feel' this mindset more when I go out with my XE-2 but lately regardless of which camera I use I try to focus on quality of shots VS quantity of shots.
Thanks Richard for sharing this post! An excellent comparison that many of us can still learn from: do you take photos just to get as many likes as possible, or because you enjoy the experience regardless of what others think of the result?
In my post ‘36 digital frames like film’ I share how I use an SD card with space for only 36 photos to relive the feeling of shooting film. It perfectly ties in with what you describe in this post!
When I started photography as a hobby it was more geared towards the likes and what I thought at the time would be an easy way to become popular & known as a photographer. As time progressed me mindset shifted and I started to realize the value photography adds to my life and the folly of chasing likes on social media.
I will have a look at the post you mention : ) Hope you have a great Sunday and thank you for your thoughtful comment!
It’s the same journey I went trough. But at some point I lost my fun in photography completely. I sold my full bag with Canon gear and bought a compact Fujifilm camera and started with a new approach on photography; I would no longer chase for only ‘perfect pictures’ and social likes. From that point on I appreciate meaningfull scenes and the ordinary unseen much more. Have a nice Sunday evening!
Thank you Richard! One of my least favourite sounds is that of a person holding a finger down on the shutter button, causing the camera to make a sound like an out of control machine gun. (Come on, there has to be a good one among the 190 photographs I just made!!)
It really helps to think first, slow down - like you say - and compose your photograph properly. It is not a race, it is a journey... or some such drivel. Joy comes from what you put in to get there. Photography is no different.
søren thank you for the thoughtful comments : ) It is an approach I try as often as I can.
With the power and presence of mobile phone cameras it sometimes feels as if digital photography can lose its purpose. Being able to take photos anywhere at anytime removes some of the mystery around photography, to me anyway.
Film photography is no different but I feel the film photographer is often more circumspect with their resources knowing they are limited.
Hi Søren, I think an approach completely changes according to the genre. When I'm shooting events, there are moments in the span of 8 seconds where one shot may be better than another. If I can offer my client a better looking photo, one that depicts the moment in a more compelling way, then I will shoot in burst mode and feel good about it later. If I'm photographing wildlife, sometimes that burst shot can make the difference of a heron with its eyes closed or open. On the other hand, if I'm shooting street, I never shoot burst mode because that genre to me, is about a different pace entirely. And the joy is there in all these cases for me! Again, I hate to sound fanatic about it or boringly repetitious as I have been in recent posts, but ... it truly is about which tool is best for the job. :)
Hey Juliette, I replied to your comment this morning, but it is not showing up... You put to bed the digital vs analogue debate very nicely. This one is more about gear. If I am photojournalist-ing, then for sure you do what you have to do to get the shot. I am not a pro, just an amateur who is quite happy to take my time and if the photograph isn't there any longer when I am ready... move on. No harm no foul.
This does not take away from the fact that I detest the sound of a motor drive (analogue), and/or a DSLR set to sound like a machine gun. Surely, that has to be a setting, given that the digital shouldn't make any sound at all. Well, almost any. 😃
Understood. I have good news for you. There is an "SL" setting on Nikon Z cameras now. Not a sound can be heard with this setting. I'm certain other mirrorless photographers are using the same feature. I do remember the machine gun sound of older DSLRs though and I get it!
Of course. I am sure commercial photofgraphers have completely different needs. I am just an amateur who likes to play, and I think part of not getting the shot is part of the game. I don't mind. But, if I was making photographs for a living in a case where redo is not an option, I would be right there behind you firing away. Very fair point, Juliette!
I do think the approach here offers a transition for some wanting to switch it up (from film to digital or vice versa). I also applaud the nobility behind this post. I just think it's best to avoid bringing two different mediums into comparison when they have been pitted against each other for far too long. I see them as no longer related in my mind. Film does have soul and a photographer can reach for it, like any tool, when the occasion calls. And digital photography also has soul if the photographer is able to be intentional in the moment. It's just another tool. I love that this idea of intentional thought is included in this post. In the end though, both mediums offer a lot of pros and cons and can be enjoyed simultaneously with intention, depending on what tool is needed for the occasion. Thanks!
I liked your post and I agree, even if your opening line made me go 'oh no, not again' in my mind. But luckily I kept on reading and saw you were making very good points, that might be of great value for those never having shot film or just getting started. To me, the difference between film and digital is relatively unimportant, but that's easy to say having grown up with film. There is much to be said for a film-like approach to digital photography, and you said it well.
Thank you for the kinds words : )
I started shooting on digital but when I was a small boy, on one holiday I had access to a film camera. I can't remember if I shot anything worthwhile but the images, the wait for the film to be developed and printed was a bigger experience.
I'd love to start shooting film if the stars line up correctly - until I can get to that point I'll have to settle for this type of approach : )
Wishing you a great Tuesday!
…love the dichotomy and as a film enthusiast do believe the gods intended us to be practically effected (read as real costumes and explosions, not cgi)…as a.i. pollutes the pool further, and as someone largely digital as a photographer, i think the push for physical tangible is honest and good and real and proof that the future can be better than it looks to me…
Excellent post! I do love the idea of having a film camera mindset when shooting digital. I think it all boils down to intention.
Thank you Alicia : ) I 'feel' this mindset more when I go out with my XE-2 but lately regardless of which camera I use I try to focus on quality of shots VS quantity of shots.
Thanks Richard for sharing this post! An excellent comparison that many of us can still learn from: do you take photos just to get as many likes as possible, or because you enjoy the experience regardless of what others think of the result?
In my post ‘36 digital frames like film’ I share how I use an SD card with space for only 36 photos to relive the feeling of shooting film. It perfectly ties in with what you describe in this post!
When I started photography as a hobby it was more geared towards the likes and what I thought at the time would be an easy way to become popular & known as a photographer. As time progressed me mindset shifted and I started to realize the value photography adds to my life and the folly of chasing likes on social media.
I will have a look at the post you mention : ) Hope you have a great Sunday and thank you for your thoughtful comment!
It’s the same journey I went trough. But at some point I lost my fun in photography completely. I sold my full bag with Canon gear and bought a compact Fujifilm camera and started with a new approach on photography; I would no longer chase for only ‘perfect pictures’ and social likes. From that point on I appreciate meaningfull scenes and the ordinary unseen much more. Have a nice Sunday evening!
Thank you Richard! One of my least favourite sounds is that of a person holding a finger down on the shutter button, causing the camera to make a sound like an out of control machine gun. (Come on, there has to be a good one among the 190 photographs I just made!!)
It really helps to think first, slow down - like you say - and compose your photograph properly. It is not a race, it is a journey... or some such drivel. Joy comes from what you put in to get there. Photography is no different.
Excellent post!
søren thank you for the thoughtful comments : ) It is an approach I try as often as I can.
With the power and presence of mobile phone cameras it sometimes feels as if digital photography can lose its purpose. Being able to take photos anywhere at anytime removes some of the mystery around photography, to me anyway.
Film photography is no different but I feel the film photographer is often more circumspect with their resources knowing they are limited.
Completely agree!
Hi Søren, I think an approach completely changes according to the genre. When I'm shooting events, there are moments in the span of 8 seconds where one shot may be better than another. If I can offer my client a better looking photo, one that depicts the moment in a more compelling way, then I will shoot in burst mode and feel good about it later. If I'm photographing wildlife, sometimes that burst shot can make the difference of a heron with its eyes closed or open. On the other hand, if I'm shooting street, I never shoot burst mode because that genre to me, is about a different pace entirely. And the joy is there in all these cases for me! Again, I hate to sound fanatic about it or boringly repetitious as I have been in recent posts, but ... it truly is about which tool is best for the job. :)
Hey Juliette, I replied to your comment this morning, but it is not showing up... You put to bed the digital vs analogue debate very nicely. This one is more about gear. If I am photojournalist-ing, then for sure you do what you have to do to get the shot. I am not a pro, just an amateur who is quite happy to take my time and if the photograph isn't there any longer when I am ready... move on. No harm no foul.
This does not take away from the fact that I detest the sound of a motor drive (analogue), and/or a DSLR set to sound like a machine gun. Surely, that has to be a setting, given that the digital shouldn't make any sound at all. Well, almost any. 😃
Understood. I have good news for you. There is an "SL" setting on Nikon Z cameras now. Not a sound can be heard with this setting. I'm certain other mirrorless photographers are using the same feature. I do remember the machine gun sound of older DSLRs though and I get it!
Nice one Richard! Similar to my recent reflection about the same topic as well!
Thank you Raufan, I am heading over to your newsletter shortly : ) Wishing you a good Sunday.
Of course. I am sure commercial photofgraphers have completely different needs. I am just an amateur who likes to play, and I think part of not getting the shot is part of the game. I don't mind. But, if I was making photographs for a living in a case where redo is not an option, I would be right there behind you firing away. Very fair point, Juliette!