James Digiorgio
http://prettygirlshooter.blogspot.com

"Don't Let Technology Fool You"

Over the past decade or so, technology has moved forward in leaps and bounds and in incredible and exciting ways! Like never before, the digital revolution has put technical and artistic capabilities into the hands of the masses. Photographic industries, from camera manfuacturers to image processing software designers, have made possible a virtual renaissance in modern-day image capturing. But don't let all these wonderful technological
advancements fool or delude you: With the exception of a few, natural-born, photo-prodigies, technology alone won't help you become masters of the photographic arts and crafts.

Here's what technology will do for you: It will enable you to shoot minimally competent images of almost anything. Thanks to state-of-the-art
engineering that exists in so many affordable, photographic products, almost anyone can pick up a camera, point it, click it, and shoot some decent pictures. These are exciting times for snapshot enthusiasts!

But for those of you who want to take your skills to the next level, those who have a keen desire to rise above mediocrity, technology isn't going to replace knowledge and experience. You're going to have to learn a bit more than simply how to set your camera to one of its many auto-modes and begin snapping away.

Where do you begin? You begin with the basics. You pretend your camera--no
matter how hi-tech it might be--cannot capture images the way its marketeers tout its capabilities. You invest time and resources in learning about light and exposure and composition and so much more. You pay your educational and learning dues. You apprentice yourself to the art of photography. You read,
you examine the work of others, you learn, you practice, and you seek the help of teachers and mentors.

Whether you do all this all on your own or by enrolling at formal learning institutions or by attending workshops and seminars doesn't so much matter. What really matters is that you take the time and invest the energy it takes to learn the basics. Then you do the same for learning beyond the basics. In fact, this whole learning process never ends. And it shouldn't.
It should be an ongoing process on the road to photo-Nirvana.

Don't let technology fool you into believing that, merely through the use of technology's ever-advancing sophistications, you can (as the Marines are fond of saying) "Be all you can be." After all, if photo-technology ever gets to the point it can automatically produce the finest and most provocative images possible, we won't need talented and experienced and knowledgeable photographers to snap the shutter.

- James Digiorgio

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