Category: Random Rants

Some of my friends call me a curmudgeon.  (These are my friends!  I can’t image what my casual acquaintances call me…) What does it mean to be a curmudgeon?  It means that stuff bugs me! How did ‘portrait’ and ‘landscape’ become synonyms for ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’? Have you ever seen ‘Moon and Half Dome’ by… Continue reading Landscape and Horizontal are not synonyms

How many times have you heard (or said) “Is that Photoshopped?”  I’ve even heard “Is that a real shot, or is it Photoshopped?” Does that mean that if you use Photoshop (or any other image processing software), that it is no longer a ‘real photo’? I’m not talking about composite photos, or obviously manufactured images… Continue reading Is ‘Photoshopping’ cheating?

Sam Stearns died earlier this month. I never met him. He’s the photographer who took the iconic picture of JFK Jr. saluting as his father’s casket goes by. I’m sure we’ve all see this photo. I couldn’t tell you any other picture that Mr. Stearns took. In fact, I wouldn’t have recognized his name until… Continue reading Photos matter

Nikon vs. Canon Oh my god!  If I hear that question again I think I’ll scream! Yes, I use one of these brands.  I’ve probably referenced which one in other posts, but I won’t do it here.  Let’s cut to the chase: Both are equally great!  I know, I know, that’s sacrilegious! You HAVE to… Continue reading Nikon vs. Canon

Proud to be an amateur! Are you an amateur photographer?  If you’re a professional, are you still an amateur? Amateur: French, from Latin amator lover, from amare to love Yes, I realize that the popular meaning of amateur is one who is NOT a professional, but that’s not the original meaning of the word…  I… Continue reading Proud to be an amateur!

I’ve noticed an increase in advertisements for point and shoot cameras in the photo trade journals.  These ads are directed toward serious (or professional) photographers. Basically, the idea is that you probably don’t want to carry your heavy (expensive) DSLR with you when you’re just going to be taking pictures of your friends and family.… Continue reading Photography as Art vs. Photography for Fun