Is digital killing the photographic art form? While it is a technologically astounding and often amazing tool, economical and environmental...it simply can't replace the "feel" of film...or the surprise, sometimes innovation, of images produced with film.
Photoshop experts will say you can reproduce it all now digitally. I disagree. You can't reproduce the magical surprise elements of film aged for a year in my bedroom window, simply because the film reacts differently every time. "Digital" distress will always be contrived and at the discretion of the technician. It's the human element involved...the light leaks, processing effects, mistakes, skill, and eye that make a photograph extraordinary - a piece of art.
I shoot with a digital camera. So does every photographer I work with. But when I want to have fun, I break out my 1951 Kodak Pony. 33mm. FUN. The viewer isn't the same as the lens, so framing is a bit experimental. So is focus. I love the freedom of scanning my own negatives and processing them. I love the warm, soft look, ethereal color and film grain.
Photos ©2010 Nena Anderson top photo: musician Gregory Page, lower photo: Rimrock Ranch Cabins
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