Where do you draw the line?

[littlethunder]

Where do you draw the line between what you like, what is proper and what is going to far?
Let me explain. I took photo lessons from a local professional years ago when 35mm was still a big thing, no digital at the time. Three things he told me.

1. stay away from flash photography as much as possible, use natural lighting. IF you use flash do so bounce style.. ie shoot the flash towards a wall or ceiling. Thus I advoid the flash even some thirty years later
2. He also said take shots of things you like yourself. Things you would want to see on the mantle.
3. Crop your picture as your taking the shot. Or use things around to make a natural frame.

Do these rules still apply even in todays world of digital photography? Or have we crossed the line into a different era?

[Eileen]

I don't think rule 1 was ever a rule except for people who didn't know how to use flash well. Certainly it is easier these days to take good flash images but it was possible 30 years ago also.

Otherwise it's generally a good idea to take pictures you like yourself and to aim to get everything right in camera. But I think it's always good to do different things sometimes just to stop yourself getting bored. Personally I often take picture that I think I'll crop squarer than in camera because I like that shape.

[JohnDoyle2]

Before digital, editing was limited compared to now, so, it was best to get everything as near perfect in your camera. Sure, it was possible to do some correction in the darkroom. Flash, well I guess that is a matter of choice for the photograper, if the existing lighting conditions will allow. In some situations without flash, two choices
(1) Use fllash
(2) Walk away.

[BenBirchall]

Agree with Eileen as far as flash is concerned. He must have not known how to enhance a picture with flash. Maybe you are confusing the advice? Outside the studio (and complex outdoor lighting rigs to some extent) never use flash as the main source of illumination, only as fill or a creative tool.

Shoot what you like? I see that very much alive in today's photographer, possibly more so with the advent of digital. You won't find a single shot in my brothers portfolio that he hasn't had an interest in photographing. It's very much like writing a novel, writers write about what they know, photographers photograph what they like.

In-camera cropping? Hmmmm, I reckon it works both for and against photographers and it hasn't changed a jot since early printing days! It's sometimes better to not shoot so tight so it leaves room to crop into later. However, there's probably far too much post production cropping going on digitally now. Some images you'll see on websites wouldn't even print up to a 6x4 they've been so heavily cropped & shopped. Look stunningly award-winning in online galleries, but wouldn't even entertain a shortlisting in a print competition.

Ben

[Robster]

I dont think there are any rules with photography in this modern world we now live in.
There is so much you can do in the digital darkroom.
My personal view is if you like it that is all that really matters.
Robster

[thermosoflask]

here's a simple line, 35mm is photography. digital, is artistry due to the heavy photoshopping that goes on, even seen a so called photo made up of 4 seperate image's stitched together and entered in a comp.....thats just like a painter putting a picture in a photography comp, its just not photography.

[ether]

Originally Posted by thermosoflask

here's a simple line, 35mm is photography. digital, is artistry due to the heavy photoshopping that goes on, even seen a so called photo made up of 4 seperate image's stitched together and entered in a comp.....thats just like a painter putting a picture in a photography comp, its just not photography.

I remember Sandwiching Negs together dodging, burning, tilting and not to mention fogging, in the darkroom and that was after you had selected the grade of paper glad no one messes with their images like that now

[BenBirchall]

Originally Posted by thermosoflask

here's a simple line, 35mm is photography. digital, is artistry due to the heavy photoshopping that goes on, even seen a so called photo made up of 4 seperate image's stitched together and entered in a comp.....thats just like a painter putting a picture in a photography comp, its just not photography.

I have to say that it's not that clear cut! Explain photo documentary work or scientific photography?

Ben

[thermosoflask]

Hehe just thought it would make a simple line, afterall doe's every photographer have a dark room? i know i dont, only time i get near a dark room is when im at college, but i bet almost all of them have computers.Still this debate will go on forever im happy just trying to capture the moment as i see it, if i mess it up then i'll have something else new to learn and a challenge. this is just my own opinion just shareing it, doe's not mean its right, its just right for me lol ** Hugggssss** John.

[chris-p]

"Where do you draw the line?"

I don't. Why should I?