Bob Crum

As much as I might find the reality perplexing, it's evident that for many people, smartphones have become the de facto device for taking photos. (sigh) Will smartphones make cameras go the way of dinosaurs? Not yet!

Visiting from San Luis Obispo, my friend Jed and I met for lunch. He shoots weddings and teaches workshops. As we pondered the photographic state of discombobulation, a few things came to mind. First, a little history.

Back in the days of film, most cameras included an exposure meter which worked reasonably well. Load the film, select Auto or Program mode, frame the shot and mash the shutter button. Then pray! Afterward, the photographer took the film to wherever to develop. Return some time later for the prints. Sometimes prayers worked, sometimes they didn't. Delightful or lousy, you got what you got.

Sure, film cameras were OK because most people were not enthusiastic photo makers. Most were no more interested in 'creating' a photo than today's... ahem... phonetographers. Most needed merely to record an event, or an activity or a particular subject such as a stunning flower or glorious sunset. Only two considerations: Exposure and composition. Same as a smartphone. Exposure basically automatic, and composition was rarely, if ever, considered.

Digital changed all of that. Whether a point-and-shoot or an interchangeable lens camera (ILC), there's still aperture and shutter speed controls and much more. The digital camera offers a photographer many creative possibilities. Today's digital cameras are so good that even in 'auto' mode, excellent photos are produced. Instead of dealing with a film canister, digital photos are transferred to a thumb drive and taken to a processor for prints. Costco, using real photo processing, produces fine prints. So why are those that previously used a film camera reluctant to transition to a digital camera?

Perhaps confusion is a factor. Pick up a digital camera and you'll see several buttons & dials. Menus operate the internal computer. One push of the menu button reveals dozens of options. Who has the time to learn what they all do? No wonder many a would-be digital photographer quickly puts the camera back on the counter and promptly exits the camera store.

Fear not! Those camera menus are like the various brushes an artist uses for creating a painting. It's a big part of creativity. But with a digital camera, you're painting with pixels. And the choices the camera menus give you are what you use to fulfill your vision!

I'd be remiss not to mention one other learning curve: The computer software programs essential to convert pixels into an image for the Internet or prints. But if one doesn't have a computer to run the software, well, there's always quilting.

We topped off our lunch with pumpkin pie and Jed departed to return to SLO with another wedding on the books. I seldom shoot weddings. Too many relatives have too much to say resulting in too much frustration. Much more tranquil shooting puppies and poppies.

Many times a photo can be anticipated like the photo of the week. As the boat approached the harbor, I saw the brown pelican. I predicted it would take flight as we came closer. I quickly dialed a fast shutter speed but didn't have time to select burst mode. As expected, it stretched out its long wings and quickly flew by in front of me. CLICK! Got it! In one shot! Love the challenge! Love the thrill! Love photography!!! Buy a camera and experience such thrills yourself. Warning: It's delightfully addictive!

Send your comments, questions or suggestions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net