In the traditional times, artists did their artworks using tools such as brushes and pencils. However, technology has changed photography by enabling artists to use digital cameras and photo editing software. In addition, technology has allowed artists to share their work via the internet to their audience and fellow artists as well. This paper seeks to address how technology has impacted the art of photography and changed people’s understanding of visual arts.
Technology has changed the art of photography. It has led to the introduction of new tools used in taking photographs and transferring them from one device to the other. In the past, pictures were taken using cameras that were film-based and had single lens[1]. Photos were taken in darkrooms and then produced in the form of negatives and film rolls. The printed images and negatives were stored in rooms with controlled temperatures to avoid being discolored over time. However, technology has transformed the art with the introduction of digital cameras in the 21st century where images began to be stored in digital sensor mediums[2]. The locations also changed from darkrooms to any place. Additionally, camera bags started carrying items such as spare batteries, portable hard drives, memory cards, and 3G data cards. New technology has availed new channels of image storage such as CDs, laptops and flash disks.
Technology impacted the skills of taking photos where photographers needed a new technique of photo editing. Photographers are also expected to scan positives, enhance images using digital equipment and crop photos. The photographers can take many shots, erase some pictures and shoot again since there is enough memory to store them[3]. Besides, new technology has allowed photographers to shoot numerous pictures at once[4]. The rise of photo-editing software has enabled photographers to change the quality of photos. Photographers can now upgrade the quality of pictures by adjusting the contrast, resolutions, reflections and cropping the images.
The new technology has changed the aspects of people concerning the importance of photography. In the past, photographs were taken as a way of capturing the frenzy moments of a family for future remembrance. However, the new technology has created the aspect of photography as a way of making fun by sharing photos on social platforms. The internet has created a new platform where people engage in social communication by sharing pictures to show their friends[5]. Photo editing has lowered the need and expectations of having the original picture since one can enhance the qualities of an image.
In conclusion, technology has transformed the art of taking photographs from the old era to the contemporary world. In the past, photos were taken in darkrooms with cameras that were film based and had single lens while the pictures were produced in film rolls and negatives. However, technology has led to the introduction of digital cameras with a high storage capacity that allows the taking of numerous pictures. Besides, photo editing has enabled photographers to enhance the quality of images by changing the contrast and resolutions. The internet has changed the aspect of photography among people whereby pictures are seen as a way of social communication and making fun instead of future remembrance of good moments[6].
Bibliography
Beaumont, Claudine. "How the internet has changed photography." https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/advice/7590387/How-the-internet-has-changed-photography.html. 2010., pp. 1.
Hirsch, Robert. Light and lens: photography in the digital age. Focal Press, 2012. pp.5
Sandbye, Mette, and Jonas Larsen, eds. Digital snaps: The new face of photography. Vol. 7. IB Tauris, 2013. pp.9-12.
Steffen, Alex, and Carissa Bluestone, eds. World changing: a user's guide for the 21st century. Abrams, 2011. pp. 24-26.
Van House, Nancy A. "Personal photography, digital technologies and the uses of the visual." Visual Studies 26, no. 2 (2011): 125-134.
Wells, Liz. Photography: a critical introduction. Routledge, pp.5-7, 2015.
[1] Wells, Liz. “Photography," 2015., pp.5-7,
[2]
Van House, “Personal photography, digital technologies and the uses of the visual. 2011: 125-134.
[3]
Sandbye, and Larsen, eds. The new face of photography. 2013., pp.9-12.
[4]
Hirsch. Photography in the digital age. 2012., pp.5
[5]
Beaumont, Claudine. "How the internet has changed photography.", 2010., pp.1,
[6]
Steffen, and Bluestone, eds. World changing: a user's guide for the 21st century., 2011., pp. 24-26
