I have read this thread with a great deal of interest. In earlier years my husband owned an SLR film camera and he and I spent many a happy hour developing and printing black and white photographs and developing slide film but I did not become involved in taking photos - after all it was an expensive hobby and we couldn't afford two cameras! I also worked in a specialist photo printers where my main work involved printing selective enlargements although I saw first hand the result of the "average" photographers output.
I have always been interested in computer technology and have owned digital cameras for many years, my first being a Kodak DC model in the mid 1990's. I bought my first digital SLR, a Canon 300D, but like many did not have a clue how to use it and practically glued the dial to P mode. I gradually learned how to use the camera through looking at books and trial and error but whilst I took a lot of reasonable snaps (and the rare good image) I was never going to be a good photographer. I needed something more - and found it by enrolling in a City & Guilds Level 1 photography course. For me it was an eye-opener. Suddenly AV and TV modes had a use - I even found that I was using the camera with that little dial set on Manual. I gained a Distinction for that first course which inspired me to go on to take Level 2. I'm still waiting for the results for the course but even if I only get a Pass I will be happy because whilst I will never be a great photographer I am certainly better than I ever was beforehand and now have an understanding of my camera. Whilst undoubtedly it is easy to fire off a series of 100 or more shots quickly and without giving thought to composition, light or subject and produce a series of "snaps" suitable only for the bin, using the camera properly can take these from a snap to a photo. No different to a film camera used properly but quicker as you can see the results immediately and re-take your image if it is not right. In the days of film how many good usable images would the average photographer have had from three rolls of 36?
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