26th February 2010, 01:23 PM
I think - although I see what you mean, you miss my point.
The wet chemistry you are talking about is indeed the post processing digital manipulation we now use with Digital Cameras. However, I would suggest that the same rules apply in the taking of the image. The setup, exposure, etc… This is where the image is captured. The post processing is the secondary. If you take a crap blurry image (not suggesting you are) that is over exposed and missing vital ingredients of a ‘good’ photograph’ whether it is traditional SLR or Digital – the result is the same. A bad photograph. Thinking that suddenly, because we have Digital cameras, everyone is now able to take a ‘good photo’ is disingenuous. The same goes for the drawn record and indeed the final layout of a report. There are more tools with which to do that now… and that is good… BUT.. a professional illustrator is just that.. one that knows and uses the latest techniques, but has learned the process.
I have been an illustrator for near 20 years. And in that time have transformed from a fully pencil and pen one… to a digital illustrator… HOWEVER… the process and the knowledge is the same. What makes a good illustration – ask an illustrator. Otherwise the argument goes… why bother bringing in a surveyor… or a plant specialist or an osteologist.. after all google will help us to identify that plant remain.. however… it is the experience and training that has made this person a specialist. Just as a Photographer and an illustrator is trained to carry out the best job. Most people can take a good pic and draw an average plan and even create a report… but a specialist will make it stand out.
Talking of video.. I was an early adopter of teh video in on site discussion and record and am currently talking with Anies about his own work in using video in site record. BUT... once again... creating a video is much more than pointing a camera. considering shots, angles, lighting, storyboarding.. edit... or it ends up looking like a cheap YouTube video... (trust me... I know!)
The wet chemistry you are talking about is indeed the post processing digital manipulation we now use with Digital Cameras. However, I would suggest that the same rules apply in the taking of the image. The setup, exposure, etc… This is where the image is captured. The post processing is the secondary. If you take a crap blurry image (not suggesting you are) that is over exposed and missing vital ingredients of a ‘good’ photograph’ whether it is traditional SLR or Digital – the result is the same. A bad photograph. Thinking that suddenly, because we have Digital cameras, everyone is now able to take a ‘good photo’ is disingenuous. The same goes for the drawn record and indeed the final layout of a report. There are more tools with which to do that now… and that is good… BUT.. a professional illustrator is just that.. one that knows and uses the latest techniques, but has learned the process.
I have been an illustrator for near 20 years. And in that time have transformed from a fully pencil and pen one… to a digital illustrator… HOWEVER… the process and the knowledge is the same. What makes a good illustration – ask an illustrator. Otherwise the argument goes… why bother bringing in a surveyor… or a plant specialist or an osteologist.. after all google will help us to identify that plant remain.. however… it is the experience and training that has made this person a specialist. Just as a Photographer and an illustrator is trained to carry out the best job. Most people can take a good pic and draw an average plan and even create a report… but a specialist will make it stand out.
Talking of video.. I was an early adopter of teh video in on site discussion and record and am currently talking with Anies about his own work in using video in site record. BUT... once again... creating a video is much more than pointing a camera. considering shots, angles, lighting, storyboarding.. edit... or it ends up looking like a cheap YouTube video... (trust me... I know!)