Synthesis of Reading

Some see photography as an art; others see it as a means of self expression.  The advent of technology allows photography as an art to be offered to the masses rather than the select few who can afford the equipment.  The iPhone 4 recently because the most popular camera used to take pictures submitted to Flickr.  This shows just how diverse and accessible photography has become.  The iPhone 4 camera can be used to create almost professional looking photos as well as typical "taken in the bathroom mirror" blurry pictures.  It all depends on who has the camera.  Also, the fact that good cameras are so accessible means that more photographs are being created; more people are calling themselves photographers.  Also, mass pictures combined with mass media means that anyone with an internet connection can access and critique these photos.  The range of quality of photos has increased dramatically as more people gain access to cameras.  Some people take a multitude of pictures of almost anything; others take a select few of a select few subjects.

Before photography became available to the masses, photographers had to carefully select their shots.  Everything had to be set up; nothing was automatic.  Some argue that automation of photos takes the life and spirit out of them. However, others argue that automation of cameras allows greater access to good photography.  The photographer is allowed to focus solely on how the photo will look rather than what must be done to achieve this look.  The advent of digital photography means that certain moments in time can captured just as easily as they can be deleted.  It has become so much easier to delete a photo.  Before digital photography, each picture had a cost associated with it.  Now, that cost only really kicks in once a print is made, and one can choose to only make prints of specific photos.  Digital photography means that the photographer has multiple chances to get that one, special shot.  The photographer can also get rid of undesirable shots.  This reflects the human desire for perfection and happiness, the desire for all things to be good and none to be bad.

 In addition, photo editing software is becoming available to the masses.  Piknic allows users to edit pictures online.  Programs such as Picasa allow amateurs to learn how to properly enhance (without over editing) their pictures.  Technology and photography now go hand in hand; most of the photos we have today would not exist without modern technology.