Digital BW, The Print

>... the impression I get is that most
> people feel that doing these "tricks" in PS is *much* easier and does
> not require nearly the same amount of skill, time, craft and talent to
> do as they did to do in the traditional darkroom. Many will argue that
> to be good, really good, in PS requires just as much artistry and
> skill as past darkroom aficionados. And overall I would agree, that
> is, when it comes down to a professional approach and work flow
> processing of images in PS. But we can talk all day about "how it's no
> different", etc. But it does not change the fact that to tweak
> saturation and hue, perhaps the most prominent "manipulation" done now
> in PS, is easy (at least at some level). And the many ARE feeling it
> IS different than traditional approaches of the past, and have a
> different attitude about it. And I think it may just affect a print's
> "collectability" on the downside.
> 
> Best regards,
>  Richard  
> 
> mailto:richard@c...

During the past few years of selling photographs at fine art fairs I've 
learned a bit about people's expectations. They want my photos to have 
been taken using an expensive complicated camera that's beyond their 
reach. The brand name Nikon satisfies them. I've learned never to 
mention that some of my most successful photos were taken with a P&S. 
Now I've learned this summer that the mention of digital, as in having 
used a digital camera to get that great pix, can be the kiss of death 
with some folks. The mention of Photoshop and Epson printers is also 
close to this oozy swampland as well. Best to glide past PS as swiftly 
as possible and all other process related details. Try to let the work 
speak for itself. Smile and thank the people for their interest. 

Bob Martin