Digital BW, The Print

Interesting post Steadman.


snip
> POINT OF VIEW: 
> Taking a "stance" here for esthetics (which is a personal choice) I think the
> "trendy" "arty" looking "sloppy borders" look is...in a word....ridiculous
> (anyone feeling offended?)

The look is definately trendy, that is the whole point is it not... it must
sell because I see it everywhere... but I think the look is on the decline.

> I mean if you take a look around you will see it everywhere.  In many cases I
> just don't see the justification.  And with "digital" images and "digital
> edges" available, it just seems ludicrous (getting anybody's goat yet?).

I actually like the look of some of my "sloppy edges" but I do not use
filter effects or purchased effects, nor do I digitally produce mine. I use
my own edges when I feel so inclined... it totally depends on the image.
Same goes for my texturing techniques, I do not use anything premade or
purchased. I just prefer my own unique look.

I too am tired of the same edge technique used on so many images, this is
one reason I have always used my own... no one else has them. ;-)

Now, If a photographer uses the edges of their whole scan and it represents
their look or style then I find it  suits their work and the effect is
lovely...  

I personally love the look of a gum or other alternative print framed in
it's full glory with the edges (if the whole paper was not coated) of the
coating visible.

> I suspect that the desire to have the "look" of full frame..."just like those
> pros use with big contact prints" is what is driving this.  What gets me is
> that in many cases the "effect" is so noticeable that it encroaches on the
> image to a point where the image would probably not make it on its
> own...without the "effect."

There are different looks you are referring to in this post... the look of a
textured or masked edge with paint or other effects...  the look of a
contact print or platinum glass rod pull, polaroid or full frame photo etc.
The grunge design so popular in the nineties may have strated this "sloppy
border" look or have contributed to it's popularity, but the full alternate
photo look has been around a long time hasn't it?


my 2 bits... Carolyn