January 26, 2014

Thoughts on "Process"

These are some film shots that I just got developed. You may recognize them from similar digital shots here and here for the assignment "photograph the person you know best". I included one of those shots in my portfolio. They're not perfect but I love them in spite of it.

I've actually been discussing the medium of 'film' a lot lately. I'm in a digital imaging class right now (AKA Photoshop) and the film v digital debate comes up almost every class period. In an attempt to get the idea that the process doesn't matter; the final result is the only thing that matters through our [my] thick heads, my professor used the analogy that whether you drive a horse/buggy or a Lamborghini from point A to point B doesn't matter because you still arrive at the same location. He kept pushing the point that it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. I see and understand his point, I really do. And I agree with him to a certain extent. I love my digital camera! And I love film. But I don't think that one's process 'doesn't matter'. 

Maybe your client would never know—if you're so good at Photoshop that you can imitate film to a t, by all means, go ahead—if that's what you want to do. But I think process matters to the artist. What if you enjoy the ride in a buggy more than the Lamborghini? Then drive the buggy! I understand the argument of process not mattering to 99% of clients, but what he failed to address was that it can mean everything to the artist. 

Does any of that make sense? Maybe I'm just a spaz, but I don't think it's fair to dismiss process. I think life is more about the journey than the destination, and I think that philosophy applies here as well (at least when it comes to me). And I've thoroughly enjoyed the journey of slowly teaching myself to shoot film. I mean, my interest in photography was originally sparked by my love of instant film and evolved from there.

You can see lots of film here.

 

1 comment:

  1. I love your blog. & that is so true about the process meaning everything. I am a ceramics artist and I strongly believe the reason I love it so much is because of the lengthy process involved!

    xoxo
    jenn

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