imagesmightbereplaced.I tryto
restricteachfinalpresentationtoa
setnumber,evermindfulofthose
slidenightsofyesteryearwhere,
afterabout 30 minutes,interest
couldnotbemaintained.
Observations
Digitaltechnologyhashada major
influenceoncamerasandprinting
andthewayin whichphotographs
areviewed,presented and stored.
Therehavebeen far-reaching
ramificationsin many areas,
whichI’lltouch on in the following
observations.
Privateexhibitions of
photographyhave declined,
withgalleries preferring to rent
theirspacefor a guaranteed
returnratherthan work on sale
commissions. Public institutionsnow prefer to acquire digital files
rather than hard-copy prints.
The craft of the darkroom has
been replaced by Photoshop-type
skills.
The ‘Full Monty’ of image
capture, image adjustment,
print-making and print framing
may be practiced by only a few,
as most of these involvements
are now specialist roles.Images are now mostly viewed
and stored on small, portable
devices, while print-making has
declined.
Although well promoted by
projected ratings under controlled
laboratory conditions, print
longevity remains unknown in
real world display and storage
conditions.
Cameras are far more complex
today yet have the capacity to
capture situations that were
difficult if not impossible with
film. Image stabilisation and great
image quality with higher ISO
settings are notable features.Slow Down
The golden rule of “photographer
first, gear second” has meant
I’ve endeavoured not to be
reckless in my pursuit of the
shot, but I have been battered by
nature over the years – knocked
over by king waves rushing up a
beach, blasted by dust storms, and
drenched by sudden rain.
Now at 75, I listen more to
my body and have adjusted
accordingly – my camera backpack
and tripod are lighter, and the
prospect of long hikes not so
appealing. Photography continues
to remain a challenge, a personal
quest and an endeavour to dig a
little deeper. Contributing to photo
magazines has always been an
absorbing involvement to help
maintain and promote enthusiasm
and, in my case, is a perfect way to
stay up-to-date with inkjet printers.
From my first Hanimex 35mm
rangefinder camera, my on-going
fascination with the camera as the
‘time machine’ that captures the
present and takes it into the future
has not diminished. Today I’m
content with camera exploration
around the neighbourhood and an
occasional Outback venture that
strings together favourite locations.
In the end, it all remains a desire
to enjoy the countryside and, as
emphasised way back in 1979 and
the first issue of Camera Craft,
just have fun. Accompanying this
article are some of my favourite
landscape photographs Lake Eyre man – a key shot in my
Lake Eyre collection.CAMERA 4O
th
ANNIVERSARY