Bob Crum

First, however, since my recent column about photo editing, readers wrote asking: Why bother? Interesting question. In his article on Photography Life titled 'Smartphone vs. The Camera Industry', Nasim Mansurov wrote: "Why should anyone who wants to take decent pictures suffer through the pain of spending thousands of dollars on a camera system, many hours of learning how to use the camera and how to post-process images from it, when the alternative is to use a small, portable and idiot-proof device that they have in their pockets at all times?" Hmm. I'll address that in due time.

I realize that deciding on a camera system is a daunting task. Mansurov again: One has to go through so many different types of criteria, including camera brand, resolution, sensor size, autofocus system, video features, ergonomics, build quality, weather sealing, price, weight, etc. Unless it's a point & shoot camera, lenses need to be considered. And don't forget accessories.

Wow! Had I thought about all of that initially, I might be whiling away the days crocheting sweaters instead of engaging in sinsual, er, sensual mermaid boudoir photography! But I digress.

Mansurov continues, to paraphrase: That's just the beginning. Once you've bought the camera, lenses, and essentials and shot a few hundred photos, is the computer fast enough to post-process those high-resolution images and video? What about backup storage? The computer monitor was fine for Net browsing but is it good enough for photo editing?

Whoa, that's a bit much. First, it's not appropriate to include 'video' with still photos. Yet one does need a competent computer for post-processing RAW images. I have a dedicated custom-built (to my specs) computer dedicated to photo editing, but as I've said, a competent laptop, maxed out with RAM, will suffice.

I suspect that the challenge of camera selection, lenses and accessories prevents many from converting from phonetography to photography. Furthermore, the typical workflow - camera settings, transfer the photos to the editing computer, post-process the photos, export to the photographer's website, printer or social media, back up photos might be overwhelming. As expected, there's a learning curve with each step. Oh my, hours of agony! Right? If you learned how to program your Roku Streaming Stick+, you could conquer photography.

Wait, here's more. Touting the convenience of cell phones, Mansurov says, capture images or video with a single button, post-process using built-in or third-party apps and submit. Anyone can do it. (yep!) The best part is – there is practically no learning curve. (yep!) Everything is touch-friendly and the results are instant. Good grief, makes me wonder why am I lugging around a heavy camera with a telephoto lens able to capture a pimple on an elephant's butt? Phonetography vs. photography - to be continued.

Announcement. KelbyOne produces an annual Photo Walk the first Saturday of October each year. Photographers and photography enthusiasts around the world meet at a designated location in their town to walk around and take photographs, socialize and make new friends. I signed up to lead a photo walk here in Fillmore. Below is the link to join. In the box: "Find Location," type Fillmore and sign up. Meeting place & time is listed on the website... https://worldwidephotowalk.com/locations/

The walk is scheduled for late afternoon to avoid mid-day harsh light. Yes! Phonetographers also welcome. Photo makers... sign up at the Kelby website and email me. It's fun time!

Photo of the week is of jumping cholla cactus at the Joshua Tree National Park. Caution: Don't walk too close.

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