In Discussion: Is Digital Photography Devaluing the Photograph?

There has been a long-lasting debate over digital photography vs. analogue and where photographers all over the world are arguing each side. After reading an interview by James Weston discussing Ricky Adam's new book; 'Destroying Everything' points were raised on the role of post-production. See full interview here [1]. There are various factors to consider in this debate such as photographers shooting style, image quality, cost & efficiency, accessibility, manipulation capabilities, archiving, credibility, processing effects etc. which photographers take into account when shooting an image. Thus there are pros and cons of each.

Many photographers use film for its nostalgic quality however increasingly the younger generation are picking up this traditional mode and embracing the processes involved. Many regard film as being outdated though it is one of the first things one learns on a Photography course: the darkroom. Ricky Adam states 'You have to be a lot more resourceful when shooting film. For one you shoot fewer photos, but in doing so I think you learn a lot more about composition, lighting' For this reason we (photography students) are taught the importance of composition which someone doesn't seem as important in digital photography where we have the luxury of shooting many images stored on a small memory card. Especially when I was shooting on medium format film I had the added pressure of getting the 'right' shot in 10 frames meaning I carefully thought of how I created my images. Though the downfall of this is that it is difficult to experiment with ideas and adjusting lighting when you cannot see the image instantly (except Polaroid style cameras) whilst on a budget (film is expensive to buy as it isn't as in demand).

Though the digital camera is superior for image quality with incredibly advanced technology such as the Hasselblad's 200-megapixel camera [2] many pro photographers, especially in the commercial market opt for digital. The ease of transferring and uploading files quickly through the internet and having the ability to manipulate the images is favourable especially in a 'perfection' obsessed society. The 'flaws' such as grain noise, colour leaks usually found in film do not fit with non-blemished image of today.

Despite this I am firm user in Photoshop and admittedly have airbrushed and retouched both digital and scanned film images in what I believe is enhancing the image. Below are 2 photographs, one before post-production, the other after. The original image is a 120mm colour negative that I scanned in. I believe that without digital advancements and availability I would not be able to produce an image I was satisfied with.

(From my Hollie Beauty Shoot, 22/02/12, using a Mamiya RB67)

In some aspects images are a portrayal of something/someone and never the true likeness; how can one capture the 'truth' in a photograph when it is only two dimensional? Therefore digital photo-manipulation does not devalue the photograph but is a means to reach the photographer's intentions for the image. Film photography does not possess the technical capabilities unlike digital photography. It all really depends on what the photographer wants to achieve and the necessary means, either digital or film, to reach that. The question is not which is better as I believe they are equally powerful mediums in their own right.

References:

1. DigBMX.com - Ricky Adam: Destroying Everything http://digbmx.mpora.com/photo-ops/ricky-adam-destroying-everything/ [Accessed 16/05/12]

2. Hassleblad 200 mpx camera: $45,000 http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20066021-264.html [Accessed 16/05/12]

Useful Links:

Wikipedia - Digital versus film photography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography

Kenrockwell.com - Film vs. Digital http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/filmdig.htm

Film Scene: Drive - Elevator Scene

I believe the bridge between film and photography is getting closer as both use similar or if not the same equipment, both mediums equally influence each other and there has been an increasing amount of photographers becoming film directors and vice versa. Seeing that the origins of the moving image came from stills of photography it is no wonder they both go hand in hand. As a photographer who loves cinema I am constantly inspired and influenced by film so have decided to make a 'Film Scene' feature looking at particular scenes from my favourite films.

Image source: http://www.thefoxisblack.com/author/christinastimpson/page/3/

One of my favourite films I've watched this year is Drive (2011, cert UK 18), a powerful violent smooth-thriller directed by Nicolas Winding Refn starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. on IMDb the shorthand synopsis is 'A mysterious Hollywood stuntman, mechanic and getaway driver lands himself in trouble when he helps out his neighbour.' [1] though this may sound dreary I assure you this film will keep you at the edge of your seat. The elements that make this film a one-to-watch is the cool smooth acting of the main character, the Driver and plays an almost anti-hero due to what is seen as a cold demeanour where he switches from moments of heart-felt warmth to vengeance-killing monster. There isn't a lot of dialogue which displays the outstanding acting of Ryan Gosling in particular, and award-winning actress Carey Mulligan. I love the score, especially the opening driving scene 'Night Call' by Kavinsky ft. Lovefoxxx where there is barely any talking, just cool retro 80s music. Preview all tracks here on Amazon.

Rotten Tomatoes gave a score of 93% stating 'A hyper-stylized blend of striking imagery and violence, Drive represents a fully realized vision of arthouse action'. [2]

My favourite scene in the film is where the Driver is in the elevator with Irene (Carey Mulligan). Moments before walking into the lift they had a heated encounter however when the elevator doors open the Driver feels something suspicious... (Watch the clip below to see the scene)

The subtle glances over from man to man, the slow pan of the camera over the mysterious stranger down to his waist where the Driver notices his gun, the realization is met. After this I love how everything slows down, the lighting mood changes, music comes in and the camera pans into the Irene and the Driver. The fact that Irene is completely oblivious to the situation, her naivety almost diffusing the tension temporarily keeps the audience guessing what actually is to come. 

The juxtaposition of tenderness and terror is what I love most in this scene; how it all dramatically changes within the minute. The tender passion and how the kiss is cherished between the two; the world is focused on them momentarily escaping the situation. As soon as they end their kiss the music fades quickly and the carnage begins. The violent thuds of the beatings and withdrawal of background music makes the audience flinch especially seeing the Driver's actions flip from a moment of beauty to brutality. The continuous stamping of the head makes this scene very uneasy to watch. At the end when the elevator doors open we see the Driver's mask has slipped and reveals the hidden monster inside to Irene. He is unrecognisable to her and he knows this has changed everything. 

I think this is one of the best scenes I've seen in a while!

What are your opinions on this scene and film?

References

1. Drive - IMDb http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/ [Accessed 11/05/12]

2. Drive - Rotten Tomatoes http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/drive_2011/ [Accessed 11/05/12]

But the Girl is Safe - A film review of 'Drive'  -  The Fox is Black
http://www.thefoxisblack.com/2011/10/20/but-the-girl-is-safe-a-film-review-of-drive/ [Accessed 11/05/12]

Useful Links

Drive Review - Empire Online http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=133598