[Leica] The perception of photographic quality

[Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>]

It is amazing to me. Every time I look at photographs, along with members
of the non-photographic public, I am appalled at what they will accept.

They haven't a clue what "dynamic range" is. They don't know that black is
supposed to be black. And highlights should have detail. Low contrast color
photos or extreme contrast color photos don't seem to get even a query.

Last year, at an "Embedded Controller" trade show, the "SUN Microsystems"
corporation was showing a scanner/copier that utilized SUN's Alpha chip.
They were scanning an 8x10 color photograph. I picked up one of the
"copies" and nearly puked. I then opened the lid and retrieved the
original. My wife and I looked at it, and reached for our barf bags.

The photograph was of a one or two million dollar mansion with a Rolls
parked out front. It was on a "bright" sunny crystal clear day. The house
was in direct sunlight and the Rolls was in deep shadow. This was a
straight color print made from a transparency so I believe you can see, in
your mind, what it looked like. Blown out highlights on the building front,
and an almost unrecognizable automobile in the muck of the shadow. This was
the epitome of a horrible photograph. You can also imagine what the copy
looked like.

The SUN staff member that was fielding questions about their boards, chips,
etc, walked up. I said to him, "why don't you get a good photograph, one
that will show off your ware."

And his response was, as he took the 8x10 from my hand, "why... what's
wrong with this photograph? !!!"

I said nothing. Just swallowed, and walked off.

Good grief!

This area of California has a proliferation of "Art & Wine Festivals",
"Fine Art in the Park", etc... There are usually between six and ten
photography "gallery" booths in these fairs. One is always "exceptionally"
good. John Gavrillis. Uses a 4x5 Linhof Master Technika. Also has an R7 and
some R lenses. I've purchased some of John's work. It is absolutely
outstanding. John makes his living by photographing the US landscape and
selling framed Cibachrome prints. From 8x10 to 30x40. He has also published
a book of his photography, sold through private sales only. John is also
providing LightJet 5000 prints now, as well.

Having said that, there may be one other "good" photographic booth at these
fairs, but the rest are dismal! It is unbelievable to me what some people
call good and "saleable" photography. B&W and color. Yuck! But as you stand
there and watch, they sell tons of this stuff. To the public at large.

Good grief again!

It's as if those qualities that we all strive for, sweat over, argue over,
and buy Leica equipment for, are wasted on us.

Jim