Art Appreciation in the Digital Age

Just an announcement that I've joined the blogosphere recently, now that I've got a few posts on the board. The latest post is a bit of a rant about the way art has increasingly become props for people to pose next to on their travels. Thanksfully this is not something I see too often at nature photography shows. Yet.

’Magic Hour Unplugged

PS. All my blog posts will become incoorporated into the Timecatcher blog which will hopefully be up and running in August.

It is an extension of the "pose in front of the Grand Canyon" photo (or fill in any other iconic location). Tacky tourist behavior. Many museums used to have 'no photography' rules. Are those no longer in effect? If so, it is a shame.

I was going to echo what Jim said above. It doesn't even have to be an "iconic" location; any place with nice scenery will do. Just check any road or pullout in NH during foliage season. They don't even spend a split second admiring the scenery; no, just line up, click, and off to the next spot. As for museums, I think a number of them allow photography as liong as you don't use a flash.

Thanks for your thoughts. Many of the world's greatest museums allow photography, often with flash. The only exception I recall is the National Gallery in London. I understand getting a few holiday snaps but it gets rather trying when people feel the need to have dozens or more of these shots.

Welcome to the blogosphere. I recently joined myself and it seems a growing number of our members are also joining in. I like your report of your visit to NYC, where I work and take quite a few photographs. Few get posted here - for obvious reasons! - bu tthey make a pretty sizeable portion of my work these days.

I was in B & H just last Thursday to pick up a Lowepro Classified Sling 180 AW. B&H would require a least a couple of full days to experience completely!

I look forward to your future posts.

Please don't blame this on digital photography. I saw the Mona Lisa at Louvre in 1987 (or so) and it was a complete zoo. Most of us were using those film things back in those days. This is not a digital photography issue. It is a human nature issue. We are driven to show that we were "there." The most obvious way to show that, is to have your picture taken with the Mona Lisa. The less obvious, but more common way, is to take your own picture OF the Mona Lisa. The camera does, indeed, point both ways. When I show you a less-than-perfect picture of the Mona Lisa, you can be pretty sure I was there. I'm not saying that imperfection is what we try to do. I'm just saying that IS what we do. This summer I saw some of Italy's great art. In most/many cases photography was forbidden. Still, the crowds of people were oppressive and uncomfortable - even without cameras. So why complain about photography? Complain about people.

Pete D. didn't mean to go on so long - but, heck, I'm responding to a rant.

Pete, sure, the Mona Lisa has always been a drawcard and may not have been the best example of the effect of digital cameras. However back in the day of film, I suspect the need to take DOZENS of pictures of oneself in front of dozens of paintings was less than it is today. For one thing it was more of a pain to develop them. It's free to upload heaps of junk onto facebook.

Jim, if you're looking to share your travel photography, NPN has a sister website www.travelphotographers.net

Love your shot of the throngs in front of ML. I just came back from there and I was shocked to see so many people using flash (which is NOT allowed, YET the guards don't say anything). In many places I visited, flash was not allowed as over the years flashes deteriorate the artwork yet nothing is done. Same as airlines who allow people to bring more than 2 carryon items when it's not allowed...OOPS, don't get me started!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, you're right...people love to have the pic that screams I WAS THERE! I think we're all guilty of it at some point.

The guards don't do anything about flash use at the Mona Lisa because it's not the original painting anyway.