Hello ,
Things have changed.
Cameras have changed a lot since I learned photography during the 1980s.
And the way we learn photography has changed dramatically along with the cameras.
Here are a few "Then" and "Now" comparisons of what I think are some of the most significant changes.
The Camera
Then:
Film cameras were straightforward mechanical machines that were simple to operate. And the only thing that needed a battery on those cameras was the light meter. So, the camera wouldn't need a battery if we had a separate light meter.
Now:
Digital cameras are complex electronic devices that require a battery to power everything.
Light Sensitive Recording Materials
Then:
The light-sensitive material used to
record a photograph was film, and that film needed to be processed/developed. And, unless using a transparency film (aka, slide film, reversal film, or positive film ), the negative film needs to be printed to see the image as a positive photograph.
Now:
The light-sensitive material used to record a photograph is an electronic sensor. The image is stored as a digital file on a memory card. It can be displayed immediately on an electronic output device and printed for display from almost any printer.
Learning Photography
Then:
When I learned photography, our fingers got sore through writing with dozens of pens and pencils because we had to take meticulous notes while
making pictures.
Now:
Everything we need to take notes about, except most of the unseen specifics of the subject we're photographing, is embedded in the EXIF metadata of the digital picture.
The changes are a double-edged sword.
While the cameras have become more complex, it's the complexity of the camera that's made learning more accessible.
Some people have asked me If I can teach them photography on a film camera.
I can, but I wouldn't recommend it because, although the specifics of digital camera operation have become more complex, the learning part has become simpler.
If you've got a digital camera and want to learn photography, now's the time.
What if you want to try working with a film camera? In that case, you'll be well prepared to take excellent photographs with it because you learned how to make thoughtful, expressive pictures using a digital camera.
The camera doesn't matter because if we understand photography well, we can use whatever we have and make the best picture.
Another way to put that is that the camera doesn't make the picture; the photographer using the
camera makes it.
The January Introduction To Photography classes are
scheduled, and one starts Friday, January 5.
The other two start Wednesday, January 10, and Sunday, January 14.
The January 14th class has two spots left.
Classes are small, at most 5
participants and me.
When you need help with your studies and practice, you know where to find me.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture today.
That's all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? If that's the case, let's
schedule a one-time lesson or a series of in-person or online private instruction that covers the same things as my group classes.
Ways to work with me are listed below.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? If that's the case, let's schedule a one-time lesson or a series of in-person or online private
instruction that covers the same things as my group classes.
Ways to work with me are listed below.
