Page 32 - NyghtVision Volume 5 #4

have an Instagram photo that generated a number of “ likes,“ or because they
have been told they "have a good eye," that they need only minimal instruc-
tion to become a professional. Or, because they shot a friends wedding, and
people liked some of the photographs on Facebook, they will surely be a suc-
cessful professional photographer. When they realize the amount of work and
training required in our courses, the interest wanes.

Second, the photography industry bears much of the responsibility for this. I'm
sure you remember the Nikon CoolPix commercials that ran a few years ago.
Seamus: Dazzling images at the push of a button.

Falcon: If only that were true. Since the late 1950s when Kodak released the
Brownie and Instamatic cameras, the industry has pushed the idea that there
is nothing special about photography. I remember the Minolta Maxxum film
camera. It even had "personality cards" that allowed you to work in automat-
ic mode while the camera's settings were changed to meet specific technical
situations - like photographing tennis pro Andre Aggasi in action. I believe he
was the one those ads featured. Those were amazing technical advancements
for the 1980s.
That frantic pace of "dumbing down" photography continues unabated and
unless the industry chooses to address these problems, it isn't going to get
better.

Seamus: And those comments lead to another
Image interview in which we will further discuss current
trends and their impact on teaching photography.
Thank you for sharing your insights on industry
technology trends from an insider perspective. Your expertise
is evident and appreciated, and I believe many of
these companies could benefit from your consulta-
when Is It too much?
tion.

Falcon: Thanks. Till next time.

Above: Torment (2004)
PHOTO BY Falcon
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