If you do not understand the foundation and history of photography can you reall

Question: If you do not understand the foundation and history of photography can you really ever understand it's future!?
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I love history!. Knowing where humanity has been helps you understand where it is (and why) and where it might be going!. I believe this is equally true of photography!.

People who complain about big, bulky DSLRs might re-think that complaint when they look at the equipment used by Matthew Brady (and all the early photographers) or Margaret Bourke-White or Dorothea Lange or Edward Weston or Ansel Adams or Minor White or Robert Capa or any of those who have preceded us!. The early Leicas required a special template which the photographer used to cut the film leader before loading the film - and then it loaded from the bottom of the camera! The dust jacket of one biography of Margaret Bourke-White has a picture of her sitting on one of the eagles on the Chrysler Building taking pictures of the New York City skyline with what appears to be a movie camera!.

So yes, I believe having an understanding of the history of photography is desirable!.

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Is it important for most people to understand the future of photography!? Most people are recording their lives or creating art and have little concern about what the next phase in photography is, or for that matter where it has been!. Must you know the history of the automobile and it's possible future in order to enjoy a long ride in the country or be thankful for your car when commuting to work!? Gosh, this could extend to everything in life!.!.!.study your toilet before you use it!.!.!.your blender!.!.!.the history of cats before you own one!. No, I think it's wonderful that some people have the interest to acquire this knowledge, but it is really not necessarily a prerequisite to enjoying photography!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

You know, film and digital are so different, I am not sure that one needs to be thoroughly grounded in film to understand the future of photography!.
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I agree that it "never hurts" to understand where you are coming from in order to better understand how you got where you are and where you are going, but since digital is an emerging technology, I don't think you need to know all of the history to see where things are headed!. I know at least one pro (here) who never shot film in his life!. Try to imagine that!. If that was you, do you think you would lack an understanding about the future of photography!? By this time, probably at least 5-10% of all people who enjoy photography never bought a roll of film in their life!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I know for art in general, it helps to know some art history!. Studying the masters, their techniques and styles, helps you improve!. So in that aspect, yes I believe it's important!. Not necessary, but definitely helpful!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Is this essentially a philosophical question!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

the futures digital dude get with the program

i love the photoshop effects like wow man yeah

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All I know is, Velvia 50 is good stuff!. Specially in bigger formats!.Www@QuestionHome@Com