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Well okay, maybe that's putting it a bit strongly! What I mean is, if you've taken that momentous step to digital photography, and your trusty film camera is now collecting dust...has your photography improved as a result? And if so, what do you think is the reason?
Alternatively, perhaps you feel that your photography has been on a downward slope since you defected from film. If so, what aspect of digital photography would you blame?
For myself, I think my photography has improved. Well, I would say that! I also think I can detect a slight change in my style. Whether it is real or imagined, I'm happy with the results. What I think has made the difference for me is - freedom. I can screw up without significant cost. I feel more relaxed about my photography than I did before, so I'm more inclined to try a slightly different approach - nothing radical so far, but give me time! I also find that the instant feedback I get from digital is a great aid to learning. Now I can see what difference adding that ND grad makes, or I know for a fact that that guy with the fluorescent shirt stuck his arm into the shot at the critical moment.
So what about you? Has digital helped you to improve, or sent you into a tailspin?
Doug
Drastically !!! I bought a film slr about 15 to 20 years ago, put a film in and took a couple of shots. That was it, I didn't even get them developed. The trouble was that I new nothing (still don't 
)and could not see any results that were of any use in a learning curve. Dragged the slr out about 3 years ago and put a new film in with the intentions of learning how to use it. This time I managed to get through probably 3 / 4 films but still could not get on with it as by the time the film was developed I had forgotten what I had done ( yes, I did try writing down info but forgot to do that most of the time and when I remembered, what a drag). Still determined to learn, for my 50th I requested a digital camera and was bought a Fuji S5000, BLISS and HEAVEN. At last I could take a pic and check it straight away,then take some more until it was correct. From the Fuji I went to a 300D as I found it very difficult to manually focus with a screen. Still use the Canon and will do until the replacement for the 20D comes out.
So you see, digital has drastically changed my life, without it I would never have taken up photography and I think the same applies to more folk than you think.
Rod
Sorry to ramble on a bit
Yes 'cos I have no patience when it comes to mixing potions, cutting masks, using hands to dodge and burn, and live in a dark environment. Not that I've any experience in the darkroom but I just know the developer, enlarger and chemicals would all go out the window in frustration.
Photoshop on the other hand is something I can play with until the cows come home. Which reminds me, they've been mooing to be let in.
Without a doubt yes.The immediacy of the medium is fantastic and the ability to tweak the results even by a fraction that makes all the difference.
I am speaking as someone who scoffed at digital too!
I love it.
Phil.
Another definate yes! I agree with other comments that being able to see the results immediately makes a huge difference and makes learning that much easier.
Because there are no developing and processing costs I've not been afraid to try things that I otherwise probably wouldn't have for fear of being wasteful.
The ability to use Photoshop to get exactly what you want, rather than being at the mercy of the lab, means I have complete control over the entire process, which I love!
Digital photography has definately changed my life, and for the better.
Not changed my life, but has improved my photograhy in that I can carry out complex enhancements of the images post shoot far easier than being stuck in a darkroom. Additionally I experiment more with digital, achieving shots in camera that would cost more using film & would take longer to see the results. In 2003, when DSLR's became more affordable was the point when my big learning curve started with Photoshop - and the "new" camera technologies like autofocus & multi mode auto exposure settings (still rarely use them). I had used digital compacts, but still used 35mm for the range of lenses & ease of control.
Of course this website has inspired me & sustained my interest in photography.
Yes definitely, for the following reasons:
- No processing costs has allowed me to experiment more.
- The software darkroom gives me control over my results instead of having to send my shots away to a commercial lab.
- I have my dounts that this site would exist without the advent of digital and I have learned an incredible amount from here.
Ian
No. Using film and the Internet is what has improved my photography.
1. Without Ebay I wouldn't have been able to get quality film cameras at bargain prices.
2. I'm happy to use as much film as I need because my cameras cost so much less than a digital + decent glass and my total cost (purchase cost + film costs + depreciation) is a whole lot less than you digi-shooters. Hands up: who reckons depreciation into their costs?
3. Without this site (and others like it), my photos would never have reached an audience outside of friends and family - and that's certainly an impetus to improve.
Sorry if I'm the only agnostic in the church at the moment but I don't think 'going digital' has anything to do with it.
[EDIT ] I see I'm not the only agnostic here (Hi Luke!)
I started taking photography seriously quite recently in real terms (about 2 and half years) and if you look at my first picture in portfollio vs my last few I think it's fair to say I've learned and improved a little. I feel that this is due to being able to experiment and get feedback with ease with digital slr's. I could not have learned as quickly with film. The cost and time would be too much for an 'enthusiastic amateur' like me.
At the same time I agree with the above comments about the internet being a good reason for improvement also. The feedback and advice available form places like epz or luminouslandcsape etc... are also a real boon to people who wish to learn.
D
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