Could Bill Gates' Strategies Help Photography?

Consider this. If you bought a computer without Microsoft Windows®, what in the world would you do with it? It's really that wonderful bit of software which makes the computer so great.

So what does this have to do with Bill Gates selling cameras?

Today, cameras are much closer to computers than they ever were before. The newest DSLRs (digital, single-lens reflex cameras) are wonders of modern electronics. These cameras will automatically do all the required calculations internally, in tiny complex microprocessors, to insure that you get a beautiful looking photograph. They have automatic settings for landscapes, for portraits, sports, close-ups, etc. You can even program your own favorite settings of aperture, shutter speed, or ISO and the camera will be sure to make whatever other adjustments are at its disposal to insure your photo looks good.

But how is it then, that every professional photographer I know who uses one of these marvels of technology, with many pro cameras costing several thousand dollars each, wouldn't dream of presenting a photo to their clients without first running it through Photoshop? (Adobe Photoshop® is THE photo-editing software of choice for amateur and professional photographers alike when it comes to maximizing the quality of their photos)

In fact, people have come to me after buying a new camera, asking for lessons in photography because "their camera" doesn't take photos like the ones they've seen from others using that same camera. Maybe you've wondered that too? It's quite likely you've been comparing apples to oranges, photos right out of the camera vs. those that have been optimized with Photoshop. You'd be amazed at the difference just a few simple tweaks can bring!

Imagine, a thousand dollar DSLR camera, with all its automatic features, that can't produce an optimal quality image without the help of additional software?

Now doesn't that sound exactly like a computer without its Windows?

I'm not sure who's heading up the Adobe division that markets Photoshop, but I'm certain if it were Bill Gates, you'd see every camera sold being bundled with a Photoshop installation CD. (hopefully it would be a far bit cheaper than buying the two separately!)

But until that day arrives, do not despair over your own photographs. I'm not saying the new DSLR's don't create beautiful photos on their own, they certainly do. All I'm saying is, there is so much more that can be achieved with a little assist from Photoshop.

Personally, Photoshop® is half the fun of photography for me, the most creative half.

I'd highly recommend it for anyone with a serious interest in getting the absolute most from photography.

Robert Schwarztrauber is an author, speaker and photographer who provides many online resources which help people take and create better pictures. For more information on improving your results in photography, and more specifically using Photoshop to maximize your images and your fun, please visit my blog at: http://PhotoshopHouseofCards.blogspot.com