Tutorial Two: Digital Imaging

Digital images can be stored on our computers, internet sites such as Facebook, CDs/DVDs USB storage devices and even cell phones. We can share photos through emails or online interactions such a Facebook or blogs. A common way to manipulate photos is through Photoshop. This is done by using precision Photoshop tools to paint, clone, animate, and add text etc.,Photoshop helps you set scenes. However there are becoming may more programmes and internet sites available to do this. 

Here is a wee article/website that addresses how picture/visual aids can be used.

This is a great site all about digital cameras. 

Film Vs. Digital

Digital cameras are great in that they allow you to take a number of photos until you get the shot you want. They are versatile, being able to delete unwanted shots freely. There are also tools that allow for editing an image after it has been taken. These days you are able to print the photos you wish rather than the entire collection. 

The ease of access is great. We can so easily download our photos on to our computers and store them there, this also allows for easy sharing. For example, email or internet facilities (Facebook). There is none of this mucking around and going into a shop. However, I think we do rely a lot on our computers to ‘look after’ our images when technology does fail they could easily crash or even get stolen. Then where are those photos? Maybe those old negatives are better in the sense that we will always have copy. 
I am unsure of which i prefer but then again i have never had the opportunity of playing with those traditional cameras. 
I have found a blog where the guy that is behind it puts his view, as a photographer, on film vs digital.

Ethical issues

Again, there are ethical issues. When it comes to photographs, privacy and confidentiality can be disrespected. Posting of photos without the permission of the person’s in them allowing a wide range of viewers to access these. Although there are privacy settings available that restrict ease of access there is an inability to control what happens to a photo once it is stored on the Net. There is also the issues that arise with where and of who you can take photos of. What about who owns a photo? This could easily be confused once it is put on the internet. For example, a site such as flickr where photos that are accessible to the public can be used freely. 

OT and digital cameras

The use of digital cameras depends the setting. At my fieldwork two setting cameras were used to record group outings with clients. Clients were then given the opportunity to develop these photos and then display them for others to see.  

Digital cameras can be used to engage clients in meaningful activities and can help clients become involved in other activities. For example, going out for a walk could become more appealing to a client if they were encouraged to bring their camera along and take photos, being that a client enjoys photography. Photography also provides the opportunity to develop computer skills being able to edit photos taken. Finished photos can then be bought together to make things such as collages or scrapbooks.