Fred Ritchin: After Photography

     Fred Ritchin's "After Photography" written in 2009 discusses the many differences between digital and analog photography. It is extremely important to know when this book was written, as he states in one section "And the digital camera will be further absorbed into other devices, first as telephones, refrigerators, walls, tables, jewelry, and ultimately our skin." (Ritchin 143) This quote sticks out to me because he isn't wrong. In 2009 the Iphone 3GS was released, featuring a built in camera function. It may seem ground at the time but Iphone Cameras did not, and still to this day do not have nearly as much control as a cheap DSLR or even pocket sized camera would. I think that is one thing somewhat overlooked, is that digital cameras and devices that can produce digital photos are two totally different animals. 

    Later in the article, Ritchin quotes two photographers about the major differences between digital and analog. The first being Paolo Woods, he stated that its more satisfying to take analog images, as its something right there in your hand. David Burnett on the other hand argues differently, saying that digital shows you immediately what you missed. (Ritchin 144) I think its hard to disagree with either. Yes it is nice to have a physical copy of an image, but having to wait to find out you were totally out of focus is a huge disappointment, and can be very discouraging. At the same time, digital photography almost makes the art "too perfect" as nearly every image that is made is perfectly shot, sort of leading to a lack of inspiration, drive, and a challenge at times. 

    One of Ritchin's points that is almost eerie to me is his comparison to digital vs analog in regards to when it happened, and how it affects the future. He explains that analog photos are of the past, something that is too late to change. Meanwhile digital photos are images captured in the now. Images you can sort of jump into and understand as happening now. The sheer crispness of a digital image makes the viewer feel like they are there experiencing the joy or the pain of whoever is there, and exerts emotion rather than documentation.