“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.” This was said by Ansel Adams, a world renowned photographer and environmentalist. He truly took the time to admire photographs of the things that inspired him most. It’s been 70 years since then and with the rise of technology, digital photography has reached an all time high. Apps such as Instagram and Snapchat have encouraged users to capture interesting moments of their daily lives and share them with the world. But has the constant need to post pictures decreased the value of photography?
Holding a physical copy of a picture adds sentiment, and feeling the glossy sheet of picture paper brings more substance and weight to a photograph. I have come to admire the photographers of Instagram who know exactly when to add the right filter or adjust the lighting. But I have also felt these pictures leave me to wonder if they would have been cherished more if I could hold them in my hand.
In this day and age, there is only one thing that humans care about: Convenience. Little to no hassle is created when it comes to digital photography and this may be the of cause the problem. Because pictures are much easier to manage, people take for granted what was once considered an inspiring art. Photographs can bring tears of joy and sorrow. They create admiration and inspiration. But it seems as though they will never be at the true peak they once held when photography was still a new concept. Photography still has a major impact in the world. Craftsmanship is still a requirement for the masters of art. And yet you can’t help but wonder: Are photographs still as great as Ansel had once described?
