Photography, by those who do not undertake formal training in the Craft, is generally learnt differently now, than by those who took up the film 135 cameras as an “hobby” and then became interested in Photography as a Pastime.

The key significant differences are:
 the multitude of images already available in file form
 the plethora of image manipulation tools
 the increase of the screen as the common viewing device
 societies’ move to digital generally and the amount of time spent “at screen”

Even many basic mobile phones have digital editing software, for example, and humans cannot resist the temptation to “play” with the image and thereby take some ownership of it.

Add to this the fact that each year more children more often use a computer or similar device, thus increasing the number exponentially – the methodologies of taking up Photography as an hobby is now backwards to what it was previously - it now begins with the image onto the screen and thus this is why, intrinsically, there is so much emphasis on digital PP and not the Technique of the Capture.

Even many Institutions and Curricula are slanting the Course Work more and more towards Digital Post Production - in some institutions allocating many more hours than what, Wet Work, Darkroom and Print Finishing Technique were previously.

So, whilst it is necessary to understand that Digital Post Production is only the equivalent of traditional Darkroom and Photofinishing, it is reality that many people now use Digital Photofinishing as the main Tool of Trade.

Therein is the argument as to “What is Photography” and what is: “Image Creation”, if the image is created primarily by another means.

This debate is growing in respect to many Photographic Competition Rules and Judging Criteria.

Moreover, these elements have struck at the fundamental of the Teaching of Photography (and also other Subjects) and have been the topic of many Focus Groups and Professional Submissions apropos the Subject’s Content and Practical Coursework and Teaching Delivery.

WW