Intro

As a photographer this question has often been in the center of discussions. Years ago analog pictures, properly scanned were superior in details and dynamic range. But time changes and most pro now use digital cameras for most of their work. It's no more a matter of detail or other aspects of quality as digital files have surpassed the pictures developed from film media.

Analog pictures have a special look however, that attracts many viewers. There are special software filters which can give digital pictures different film looks. And of course, using film and good film scanners will yield even a more "true" look.

So it's a question of what you desire as a photographer, and most of all, the desire of your customers. Personally I only use digital cameras these days. But until not so long ago, I also frequently shot film with a Nikon F5 and Hasselblad H1. But the job situation changed in favor of quick delivery of the finished products, thus leaving no option.

Nikon D3 is the camera I use most of the time for proffessional work. It produces surprisingly sharp pictures with minute details and great dynamic range. But for fine art photography my Kodak Pro SLRn is the choice. I sold the Hasselblad and use this rather odd camera, which surprised both customers and feller photographers. Until they saw the result, the final picture on print! It doesn't look digital, nor does it look analog. It gives a new dimension to photography; reality.

My approach to make graphic illustrations is a twofold story. For the sketchwork I solely rely on paper and pencil, enjoying the sweeping free movements. Sometimes I also make the ink drawing the ol´fashion way. But for the colouring part I most often find myself using a digital drawingboard and the Painter software. The illustration on the right is made this way; sketch on paper, thus scanned and the final lineart and colouring is digitally made.

Digital photography has made a strong impact on me. Specially since the Kodak DCS 760 and Hasselblad H1 with a Kodak digital back entered the market in 2001-2002. In graphic design I was almost a pioneer in this country, developing methods to create illustrations with a traditional look using digital tools almost nobody where aware of. Nowadays, however, I strive for making more illustrations completed on paper and also colouring on paper. Maybe it´s a result from too many hours in front of the computer screen perfecting digital photos that has made me long for paper, pen and colortubes...

But finally, for proffessional work, it´s the deadline which decides what method to follow. In photography, digital soloutions are so much faster. But in illustrations, dependent of what kind, the ol´fashion way sometimes is the quicker way.