Photographers have long debated whether film or digital is better. It’s very well agreed these days that the two can easily coexist. More importantly, if someone doesn’t know any better, they’d think that they’re looking at film when looking at a digital photo. With the right processes in the darkroom and scanning, film photographs can look film digital too. But this post isn’t about gear talk. Instead, it’s about philosophy, thought processes, skill, intuition, and understanding of the self. The truth is that if you’re only a digital photographer, there’s a chance that you’re really not all that good.

I recently watched Walkie Talkie on YouTube, where Paulie speaks to Daniel Arnold. In this video, Daniel says one of the most beautiful quotes I’ve ever heard that goes along the lines of:

“Film is a conversation with failure and digital is a conversation with success.”

Something sort of along the lines of what Daniel Arnold said

This is one of the most honest and pure statements I’ve heard about the medium. It isn’t about megapixels, details, skin tones, or anything technical. Instead, it’s more about the approach. With digital photography, we tend to overshoot because it’s so cheap. But with film, the process is more expensive, less exacting, and much riskier. Often, we shoot one frame a second and then advance the film unless the camera has an automatic advancement setting. Indeed, when shooting film, there is far more risk of failure. And we become better through failure, evaluation of the moment, and careful contemplation.

I’m defining better by being more in touch with getting the image the first time around with little to no need for Photoshop or editing and adjustment later on. These are the skills that only a photographer can have. A photo editor can often shoot a lot of images and then edit later on to get what they want. But a photographer needs to be able to do everything in-camera and understand various nuances about the scene in front of them to get the shot. When you shoot film, you’re far more honest with yourself — and becoming better starts with being more honest in the first place.

In this article, I am not saying film is good and digital is bad. I’m also not saying that digital is good and film is bad. Instead, I’m saying that you, as a photographer, can become far better by acknowledging your failures and realizing that you can’t save yourself later on by getting the shot in a single frame. Many photographers say that they can do everything in the darkroom that Photoshop can, but the difference is that they’re not doing it. They’re probably not even printing in the darkroom and then scanning the print.

Digital photographers often have a conversation with success that’s centered far more around content creation. Film photographers don’t necessarily do the same. They strive to create art, which stands the test of time far more than content creation does.

In the real debate of film vs digital, I think that we need to learn the balance between failure and success. We truly need to realize that to succeed, we need to improve by thinking at a higher level instead of relying on post-production as a crutch.

Renowned photographer and multifaceted artist, Lewis Tanner, has passed away at the age of 72 due to septic shock in Burbank, California, marking the end of an era in the world of traditional film photography and leaving behind a legacy celebrated for its profound understanding of light, mood, and the essence of American landscapes. Born in Brooklyn and having spent significant years in Philadelphia, Tanner’s work spanned various domains, including portrait, architectural, and landscape photography, earning him accolades and a revered place in publications and books on architects like Frank Furness.

From Brooklyn to Burbank: Tanner’s Artistic Journey

Lewis Tanner’s journey into photography began after his move to Philadelphia in the 1970s, where his initial dream of working on movie sets transitioned into a passionate exploration of still photography. His work, known for capturing the intricate play of light and shadows, found its way into numerous esteemed publications, including The Inquirer, and collaborations with notable figures like architectural historian George E. Thomas. Tanner’s commitment to film photography in an age of digital transformation underscored his belief in the tactile, intimate experience of the darkroom, a sentiment echoed by his family and colleagues who remember him as a cowboy at heart with an undying passion for the visual arts.

Legacy in Light and Composition

Tanner’s artistic contributions extended beyond his photography, encompassing his roles as a musician, writer, and a connoisseur of the cowboy lifestyle, deeply influenced by his college years in California. His ability to infuse his photographs with a sense of composition, form, and atmospheric mood garnered praise and recognition, making his work a staple in discussions on architectural and landscape photography. Despite the digital age, Tanner’s dedication to film and darkroom techniques remained unwavering, a testament to his philosophy of engaging deeply with his craft and the subjects he portrayed.

A Cowboy’s Soul: Remembering Lewis Tanner

Remembered by his family and peers not just for his photographic genius but also for his eclectic lifestyle and deep appreciation for the cowboy ethos, Tanner’s legacy is multifaceted. His son Elias, who worked alongside him, and stepson Gabriel, who shared in the darkroom experience, recall Tanner’s profound connection with his surroundings and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether through the lens or in his personal pursuits. Tanner’s life story, a tapestry of artistic brilliance, personal passions, and a commitment to traditional photography, continues to inspire and resonate within the photography community and beyond.

The passing of Lewis Tanner marks not just the loss of a distinguished artist but also the end of an era characterized by a deep, personal engagement with the art of photography. As the photography world continues to evolve, Tanner’s legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of visual storytelling and the importance of preserving the human touch in every shot. His work, celebrated for its depth, aesthetic sensibility, and meticulous attention to detail, will continue to influence and inspire future generations of photographers.

The Council for Older Adults in Niagara County invites all county residents over age 55 to enter the COA Amateur Photography contest. Prizes include two tickets to the Riviera Theatre Friday night series and a $25 gift card from Tops markets.

The contest theme is “Niagara: Nostalgia or History Today.” Photo subjects should be things of old that are still with us today.

Each entrant is encouraged to submit three digital photos based on the theme; paper photographs will not be accepted. For entry forms, call Heather Culverwell at 716-285-8224, extension 215. An entry form must be attached with each photo; submit entries to coa@hanci.com up until 3 p.m. March 15.

All entries will be posted on the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc. – HANCI Facebook page and online voting for the winners will take place from March 18 through April 1.

The HANCI page can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/The-Health-Association-of-Niagara-County-Inc-HANCI.

Images of a rhino in captivity, a Slovakian spa facility and a German finger wrestling champion are among the finalists and shortlisted entries in the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards 2024.

A total of 30 finalists were chosen across the competition’s 10 professional categories, which span portraiture, sport, landscape and the environment, with a further three to seven photographers shortlisted in each category.

The winners will be announced in April and an exhibition of the photos is set to go on display at London’s Somerset House.

The World Photography Awards organizes several different competitions each year, including youth and student prizes, with its national and regional winners unveiled last month. This year’s program attracted over 395,000 images, according to a press release. A representative for the World Photography Organization declined to tell CNN how many of those photos were eligible for the professional contest, but said that they had received the highest number of entries in the competition’s 17-year history.

In a press statement, jury chair Monica Allende lauded the “diverse, high-quality and creative spectrum” of this year’s selection. “The jury was captivated by the passionate storytelling; capturing both the joys and the challenges of human existence across our planet,” she added.