Analysis of The laptop is obsolete for the working photographer: phones and iPads killedit!
This article by Sebastian Oakley in Digital Camera World presents a compelling argumentfor the diminishing role of laptops in the workflow of a professional photographer, particularly those specializing in street and documentary photography.
Here’s a breakdown of thekey points and their implications:
Strengths:
- Personal Experience: The article is grounded in the author’s own experience as a professional photographer fornearly 20 years. This lends credibility to his claims and makes the article relatable to other photographers.
- Focus on Workflow: Oakley clearly outlines his specific workflow, highlighting how the phone and iPad seamlessly integrate into his process, fromshooting to editing and sharing. This practical demonstration is more persuasive than abstract arguments.
- Emphasis on Convenience: The article emphasizes the convenience of editing on a mobile device, allowing for flexibility and on-the-go editing. This resonateswith photographers who value portability and efficiency.
- Comparison to Laptops: Oakley directly compares the capabilities of his phone to his previous laptop setup, highlighting the phone’s advantages in terms of user-friendliness and ease of use.
- Specific Examples: The article provides specific examples of how the author useshis phone for editing, including adjustments to contrast, vibrance, and cropping. This concrete illustration helps readers visualize the practical application of his claims.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Scope: The article focuses primarily on street and documentary photography, which may not be representative of all photographic genres.
- Lackof Depth on Editing Capabilities: While the article mentions using Adobe Lightroom, it doesn’t delve into the specific features and limitations of mobile editing apps compared to desktop versions. This could leave readers with unanswered questions about the extent of mobile editing capabilities.
- Potential for Bias: The article is written from the perspective ofa photographer who has transitioned to mobile editing. It would be beneficial to include perspectives from photographers who still rely heavily on laptops for their work.
- Overly Strong Conclusion: The title The laptop is obsolete for the working photographer is a bold statement that may not be universally true. While mobile editing is becomingincreasingly popular, laptops still offer advantages in terms of processing power, screen size, and specialized software.
Overall:
The article provides a compelling argument for the growing role of mobile devices in the workflow of professional photographers, particularly those working in genres like street and documentary photography. However, it’s important to acknowledgethat laptops still have a place in the professional photography landscape, and the article’s conclusion may be overly definitive.
Journalistic Considerations:
As a professional journalist and editor, I would consider the following points to improve the article:
- Expand Scope: Include perspectives from photographers working in different genres to providea more comprehensive view of the role of laptops and mobile devices.
- In-depth Comparison: Conduct a more detailed comparison of mobile and desktop editing software, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
- Balanced Perspective: Include viewpoints from photographers who still rely heavily on laptops, acknowledging their advantages and limitations.
- Nuance in Conclusion: Avoid overly strong claims and instead focus on the increasing popularity and convenience of mobile editing while acknowledging the continued relevance of laptops.
By incorporating these considerations, the article can become a more balanced and informative piece for professional photographers seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of technology in their field.
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