Photography SoftwareWriten by Edward Ginsberg
My friend Harry Potter and I have recently combined forces to develop a new kind of photography software. This will be built into digital cameras and will allow the photographer to take a perfect picture every time. When we say perfect picture, we dont mean correct focus and exposure. A lot of cameras can already do that. We mean subject matter and composition.
It shouldnt be difficult. After all, the rules of composition were devised before the camera was invented, and the Internet is full of useful tips on how to take a good picture. All we have to do is program the software. It would compare the picture that is on the photographers digital camera screen with an ideal photo. Then, by means of a voice program, it would direct the photographer to improve his image. So, for example, if he is about to take a shot of a statue, he might hear the following:
This picture violates the Rule of Thirds. Move the camera four degrees to the right. That is better. General Photography Tips also suggest that you get closer to the image. Move two feet closer. You now have a perfect picture. Snap the shutter.
Thats about all the entry-level software would do. But a lot of photographers want to be more creative. Dont worry. The advanced software will take care of this. It will allow a photographer to dial-in the style of his favorite photographer. The program will then analyze the image in terms of the basic program while incorporating the style of the selected master photographer. An example is the deluxe Robert Frank model. Here the software voice would function as it did above but, before the snap-the-shutter command, it might add,
You have a perfect picture, but it is not a Robert Frank picture. To achieve that, kneel down, point the camera slightly upward not so much now tilt the camera and dial in the grain filter. You now have a perfect Robert Frank picture. Snap the shutter.
Okay, for those of you still with me, the question is as follows. If you could buy a camera that could do all these things, would you? If you say no, then I ask why not? Countless photographers study the rules of composition and read the latest photo tips. They ask strangers on blogs to tell them how to make their pictures look more like everyone elses. In short, they try to do for themselves what our hypothetical software program will do automatically.
But how many people study the work of photography masters. How many have the courage yes, it takes a certain amount of courage to try to develop their own style? Im always amazed that a painter is willing to spend four years at an art school, while a photographer wants to read the camera manual and instantly turn out great pictures.
For those of you who want to learn to express your individuality, it takes time, study, and sweat. But its a rewarding process. And to those who want to turn out flawless photos quickly, have I got a piece of software for you!
Edward Ginsberg is currently writing a book to help the beginning photographer find true happiness as he embarks on the road to creativity. Ed's photos can be seen on his website, http://www.line17.com, where he also offers a free tutorial.