Photogenic Photography Blog

The world of photography has been changed forever by the arrival of digital cameras. Millions of people are getting involved in photography for the first time, thanks to the economy and convenience of digital photography. But the question is still often asked. Which is better: film or digital?

I use film, but if someone asks me whether they should buy a film camera or a digital camera, I almost always recommend digital. The answer is not so simple if someone asks me which is ‘better’ - film or digital?

The answer comes down what you mean by ‘better.’ Photography is many things to many people, so the merits of the medium depends on what you expect to get out of it.

In my business (a nature photography gallery), the single most important criteria is the quality of the printed photograph. For me, film still provides superior quality enlargements, even though darkroom printing has all but died out. These days, I get a high-resolution scan from the original film, and print my photos digitally. This process gives me a better quality enlargement than a print from a digital camera. I am talking about BIG enlargements here - A2 and sometimes larger.

So why do I recommend others to switch to digital photography (if they haven’t already)? Simply because not many people make their living selling framed photographs. Let’s face it, how many of us will ever print a photo larger than 8×12 inch (20×30cm)?

These days, in fact, how many of us ever get around to printing our photos at all? The day of the photo album has passed. Today most photos will only ever exist as digital files. We can share them in emails, insert them into websites, use them as screensavers…for many people the idea of actually printing a photo is little more than a novelty.

So in the age of digital photography, what does film has to offer? Well, not much, except for the high cost of developing and printing (don’t forget you have to pay for each exposure, even the bad ones). Then there is the long delay between taking the photo and seeing the result. Finally, if you want to use your photo for any practical purpose, you will probably have to scan it to turn it into a digital file anyway.

So, is digital photography ‘better’ than film photography? In the modern world, which demands speed and convenience, yes. With your digital camera you can take all the photos you like at no real cost, and see the results instantly. You don’t have to pay to print photos you don’t want, and you can simply delete your unsuccessful images from your camera.

That’s not to say digital photography is perfect; far from it. I have already mentioned that your digital files are not as good as film for very big enlargements, but there is more to it than that. The quality of a digital print is a little ‘flatter’ than a photo printed from film. It may have plenty of colour and detail, but in ways that are hard to explain, it lacks the illusion of three-dimensional real life that you can get from film.

In the past, most digital photographers would laugh at me for suggesting such a thing. I suspect that was because after investing a small fortune in their new technological treasure, they were reluctant to admit that their new toy was not perfect in every way. Today, however, even the most committed digital convert seems willing to admit that the digital revolution has, for all its advantages, brought with it a level of compromise in quality.

Is there a solution? Of course there is, and it is called software. Whichever editing program you use, it is quite easy to ‘tweak’ your photos to a standard that is as rich and three dimensional as a photo printed from film. These programs have become a fact of life for many photographers, but not everyone likes to use them or even knows how to. Then there are the grumpy old purists (like me) who feel that a well-exposed photo should not require enhancement to bring it up to standard.

So where does all this leave us? Is digital better than film? For my purposes, no. For your purposes, most likely yes. If your priority is not large, high quality prints, there is really very little reason to stick with film (other than nostalgia).

If you are shopping for a camera (SLR or compact), make it a digital. Just as important, take the time to learn how to use it. Photography is still about focus, aperture, shutter speed, composition and lighting. The digital vs. film debate means nothing if your camera is always switched to auto for taking snapshots. Oh, and get to know your computer…you’re going to need it.



By: Andrew Goodall

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Perhaps one of the greatest invention in the 20st century is the digital camera. With its many outstanding features, novices in photography can produce great photos at less the effort. Not only does the digital camera provide convenience to photographers or those that are interested in the art but also savings to ordinary consumers.

There is no need to buy films or have the pictures developed in the darkroom or in the nearest developing center. One only need to click the camera, upload the files to a computer and print them out with a colored printer. Everything is so easy.

Of course, despite being so easy, there are things that one needs to know about digital cameras and digital photography. Here are some tips that will help you make the most out of your digital cameras and make the experience of digital photography truly memorable.

1. Know your camera

Without really studying the features that your digital camera has, how can you make the most out of it? Before using it, try to explore the different features of the gadget. Read the manual and take experimental shots. This will help you be familiar with the various parts of the camera. Doing it and trying it out will also help you remember the operations as opposed to just reading the text in the manual.

Reading the manual will also help you from pulling something that you should not be pulling. Often, gadgets like digital cameras get broken because owners do not allot any time to read the instructions in the manual especially the don’ts and the section where it teaches you how to take care of it.

2. Practice

There is nothing more educational than practice. Gadgets like digital cameras actually get broken not only because it is often used but also when it is not used at all. Do not keep it inside your cabinet, gathering dust. Shot away. Every chance you get, take a picture. This will help you get used to the feel of the camera and will also allow you to discover some of its many features.

3. Take care of your camera

Although it may seem a bit too much to always put it inside its case every time you are not using it or not putting it directly under the heat of the sun, digital cameras are delicate gadgets that need taking care of. Make sure that you always protect it and prevent it from hitting hard surfaces.



By: Low Jeremy

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Today, more people are getting hooked over Digital photography. Since the birth of digital photography, it has been easier and more convenient for people to capture the best photos they desire. Digital Photography indeed has become the wave of today and in the near future. But what if you’re still using the old mode of taking photos- the film photography?

Well, think again.

For those few people who are still using film photography, here are some good reasons why you should opt for digital photography:

1. Generally, one of the most excellent features of choosing digital photography is that its convenience. Aside from the fact that digital cameras are easy to use since they are user friendly, these cameras are also portable and you can just safely place it in your pocket anywhere you go.

2. With digital camera, you can save your time and effort. Digital cameras provide instant feedback once you take photos. It has a review button to let you view all the photos so you’ll be able to choose the best one. At the same time, it has also a delete button for those photos you don’t like to keep. In short, you can keep on trying until you get the right photo. Now isn’t that great?

3. The next good thing about digital photography is its capacity to have your photos printed immediately. Actually, you can it is much easier if you have a digital printer. You can just simply connect your digital camera to the printer and press the button to print. On the contrary, film cameras takes time before you get your photos developed. You also have to go back to the photo shop to get your pictures.

4. Another great thing you can get from digital photography is the capacity to modify or edit your photos anytime. Since the images are in digital files, it is much easier now to edit them. You can simply open the images in any photo editing software supported by the file. With the photo editing software, you can alter or adjust the color of your photos. You can also crop the photo and design your own photo. All of these in one photo editing package. It’s more than what you can get from film cameras.

5. If you want to put up a small business, then digital photography would be of great help. Let your creativity works. Digital photos cannot just be simple photos. Now, you can turn them into T-shirts, mugs, invitations, greeting cards, calendars and a lot more. This is for the fact that digital photos can be printed anywhere and in anyway. Just make use of the right photo paper, and surely, you can make lots of money from it.

6. Lastly, digital photography has the ability to share the photos you have you’re your love ones and relatives. You can simply give a copy of the precious moments to someone everywhere. Just attach the softcopy of the photo to your email and send. That easy. But with film camera, you will spend money just on scanning the photos, to be able to send them online. Of course that’s an extra work for a digital photographer.

Apparently, digital photography has really paved way for making photography convenient and easier at the same time achieving high quality photos. It just shows that there’s no other time to opt to digital photography than now.



By: Kevina

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