When I started out in photography, it was kind of a magical thing. I experimented and tried to learn but resources where slim and film was expensive. Over time as I started assisting I learned more and I was given film samples so it was less expensive, but experimenting was still time consuming. I switched to digital in around 2005 to save money on film and processing on test shoots and I thought it would be a gradual transition, it wasn’t. Since then I have probably used less than 20 rolls of film. Digital has led to a sea change in photography – I realize that is not a new thought – it is so much easier to learn now. Online learning has made it so much easier, which can make us all better photographers. The technology in the tolls we have is absolutely astounding. The fact that I can shoot 4k 120p video with my A7SIII or a 240mp pixel shift image with my a7RIV is absolutely astounding. Experimentation yields immediate results, I can try and fail rapidly until I find what works. There are more uses for photography and video then ever before. The barrier to entry is lower, anyone who loves photography can give it a go, and that pushes people like me to be better and continue improving. Now is an exciting time to be a photographer.
Tony Gale