| A quick search in Google or one of the other search | | | | case with more expensive film-based methods of |
| engines can easily yield dozens of images from | | | | image capture. Because of inexpensive storage |
| everyday life, snapped on camera phones, small | | | | however, many people never bother to remove |
| pocket-sized digital cameras, or high-end digital SLR's. | | | | most unnecessary images, resulting in bloated virtual |
| In many cases, camera phone images are so blurry | | | | albums with duplicates, accidental pictures of thumbs, |
| as to be of little value, but they abound in the wide | | | | uninspiring shots of brick walls, pavement, and more. |
| world of the Internet, and as small portable imagery | | | | However, because of this essentially greater |
| devices get into more and more hands, the sheer | | | | freedom to snap, some make the argument that |
| volume of electronic images just continues to | | | | many of our images have less value. This is tricky |
| increase. | | | | territory, however - who's to say that a plastic bag |
| Some people ask the question of whether the digital | | | | lying on the sidewalk isn't lovely, or that an |
| photography revolution is necessarily a good thing. It | | | | overexposed picture of Fluffy the dog isn't artistic or |
| is easier, faster and cheaper than ever before to | | | | as valuable as a more traditional family photo? In the |
| capture memorable moments for later viewing. | | | | end, there's not much point arguing about taste. |
| Because of this, digital photos often feel more "real" | | | | One thing is certain, though - as more and more |
| than traditional film-based images, as dozens or | | | | cameras find their way into more hands, the numbers |
| hundreds of images can be snapped continuously at | | | | of images available on line are sure to continue to |
| no cost without interrupting the flow of a moment in | | | | multiply - and whether good, bad, or ugly, each of |
| order to have participants re-create it "for a picture". | | | | these images has meaning for someone. And when |
| Because of this essential freedom to review, arrange, | | | | you get down to it, individual freedom is one thing |
| and remove unwanted images, we are far more | | | | we can all likely agree on. |
| generous with our shutters than was generally the | | | | |