Master Photographer

Master Photographers. As little as 40 years ago a “Master Photographer” was the probably indeed a Master of Photography. The early lack of technology in cameras [ they were not automatic with multiple settings ] plus the fact that with “film” you pretty much were stuck with whatever you shot. They needed extra equipment and meters and the knowledge to use them to get the shot right… and they also could make adjustments in the darkroom. Plus there was the fact that they would take hundreds of photos to get that one perfect print… something that normal people would not do… we’d all take one shot, and we got what we got… usually something less than spectacular. They also had the most expensive equipment and usually the dollars behind them to do what they wanted.

Forty years later and into the 21st century. Master Photographers ? Well I’m sure they still have some additional expertise. But certainly the gap between the Master and the Novelist has been narrowed considerably.

The “Masters” still usually have the edge on having the most expensive equipment… one for them. They also have the resources to travel to places to collect a wider variety of photos, which are collectively are more interesting and varied… two for them. And if they have made photography their life, they should have an edge with experience, application, and knowledge… that’s three for them.

But the gap has been narrowed for the novelist photographer via technology and expanded application of digital enhancement. New digital cameras, even the less expensive ones with expanded modes and automatic systems make getting the perfect photo even easier and less fool proof. Digital computer programs also let you turn that good shot into a great shot. So much of the “Master Expertise” of years ago is somewhat less impressive today with digital photos that elevate the novelist close to the so call “Masters”… and computer programs apply the finishing touches to bring us even closer. Plus with digital photos basically being “free shots”… we can take those same hundreds of photos, just like the Masters … and have the same averages, if not better, of getting that perfect shot. Of course, a creative eye for the shot is a talent, but not limited to the masters as it once was. Plus Digital manipulation with computer programs is also a talent and an “eye” for what looks the best… this also elevates the novelist closer to the masters. So there is a ever narrowing gap between the novelist and the masters.

So get out there and enjoy taking those photos knowing that you can be very close to getting professional results right with your own little point and shoot. We recently got very little pocket sized Nikon Coolpix Cameras. Totally impressed with the technology and the results… add a little computer magic and we get lots of great shots. Still won’t quite be the results you might get from well experienced professional with very expensive equipment, and that take hours to set up the shot… so just point and shoot… knowing that you can be 95% as good… with 95% less effort… at a fraction of the cost. 

Seeya on the field of photos…