Digital BW, The Print

Tyler Boley wrote:
> I see these kinds of opinions stated primarily by photographers, rarely other artists. I think 
> most of us really need to get out from in front of our computers and test prints and get 
> out and see some master work.
> We just spent several hours at the SFMOMA. After hours of paintings and other mediums 
> with all kinds of physical materials qualities, brought alive by amazing workers each in 
> their own way, we come to the Modotti/Weston exhibit. There were platinums and silver by 
> both artists mixed together. Perhaps the previous hours had beat down our photo print 
> preconceptions and opened our eyes, but there seemed to be no difference at all. You 
> either liked each one or not on it's own terms. In fact, I never even thought about it until 
> days later reading your post.
> Nothing really blew anything else away, I mean really.
> We all have a lot to learn from our eyes, instead of our brains, when it comes to materials 
> and craftsmanship. This relates to the other thread about what makes a great B&W print as 
> well.
> It's become obvious to me over the years that photographers isolate themselves in their 
> own world detrimantally. In fact, when you read about the Modottis and Westins and 
> others who set the standards of our media, they hung with other artists of all kinds, rarely 
> other photographers.
> Tyler
>
> PS- there were inkjet prints at the SFMOMA, and they were simpley called inkjet.
>   
Don't you think using logic in a situation like this is, well, unfair? 
It just takes the steam right out of a good rant. How can I stomp my 
foot and scream like a banshee if you're going to be, well, reasonable 
and all? You're just taking the fun out of it. And these insightful 
ideas about getting out and seeing masterworks of all kinds, not just 
photographs. Tyler, what *are* we going to do with you?

For those of you who can't tell (and you know who you are), the above is 
sarcasm laced with irony. It's meant to make you laugh!

On a serious note, I would add to Tyler's sage advice about regular 
visits to see master works of all kinds that it's probably a good idea 
to go outside and soak up some of what nature has to offer as well. 
Stare at a flower. Watch a bee working its tail off gathering pollen. 
Look at how light shows the texture of a rock by creating shadows. 
Investigate how water in the stream flows around the rocks. Think about 
how to make a photograph that induces in the viewer how you feel about it.

I'm just saying in complete agreement with Tyler that Dmax is a tiny 
part of the big picture (pun intended).
-- 
Bruce Watson
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