My friend Stephen was telling me about his concern over his sweetheart flying to Thailand with the recent disappearance of Air Asia flight. There is no parallel drawn from this terrible tragedy and how this conversation turned to include photography. However, I did come to a parallel between the technological advances of aviation and photography.

By way of explanation let me first point out something important to both pilots and photographers and that is "seeing." There's something about the simplicity and clarity of our seeing that instantly translates into a misguided notion of having exceptional vision.  For correlation I think it easier to accept a music critic than one in the field of photography. I tell people that most of us are blessed with the ability to hear; nevertheless (with few exceptions) when given a bow and violin we quickly hear our inability to make pleasing music. Our level of skill and talent for vision is not so easily dismissed.

Putting an eye to the camera has many becoming photographers upon pressing the shutter. The resulting image may be rudimentary if not of low resolution figuratively speaking, but this is unseen by novice untrained vision. Possibly it's a question of semantics or using modifiers. As a critic is it better to say that fine photography is developed with competence in using its tools and mastering visual literacy. Now, having said that I will add that the engineered technical advances can and do exasperate our development.   How's that you ask?

This is the point where I see a correlation between the technological advances in airplanes and cameras, and its comparable effects on pilots and photographers.  In listening to air travel experts, such as JP Tristani and John Goglia, about the Air Asia flight disappearance and now known crash, they talk about the plane, which was an Airbus A320, as pilot proof. What they mean is the computers are so advanced that this aircraft can literally fly itself. More problematic is the fact that when a complex situation arises where a pilot needs to take control of the plane, valuable time is lost in order for the pilot to override the computers generally in charge. A further drawback is that with the computers doing most of the flying, pilots are losing touch with their flying skills and their aircraft. This lapse has been reported as "automation addiction", which can even make pilots a bit complacent and lazy.

These are interesting and valid observations that can be equally applied to photography. Cameras, those in the past, were purely mechanical with optical attachments, a reliance on chemistry, and minor electronic embellishments.  To achieve optimal performance as a photographer meant gaining a solid understanding of a camera's mechanical operations, optics, light and lighting, as well as some inclination towards chemistry and electronics. The magic of film with its attached expense required an investment of knowledge, skill and talent that could not easily be illegitimately fabricated.

Another similarity to be considered is that after flying school, to become an airline Captain requires building hours of experience and skill first and being a co-pilot. Likewise, after classroom studies an aspiring photographer is well advised beginning a career as an apprentice. It's not just to develop practical application of the important technical aspects of photographic equipment; it also is having time towards expanding visual literacy and developing an "eye." From my experience apprenticeship is virtually non-existent aspect in the field of photography today.

Photography equipment, specifically the camera is now an optical computer. When film and processing ruled the day photography was risky and expensive and being an expert paid off.  Now the magic has been replaced by automation and the instant gratification of looking into the LCD screen.  Computerized cameras today are inexpensive to use, and therefor expertise appears to be under less pressure and in less demand, and this misconception is the bane of the photographic business.

There's no question that auto-photographers like auto-pilots on the whole do a satisfactory job in routine non-demanding circumstances, but there's no doubt that a master photographer like a top notch seasoned pilot is well versed by education, training, experience - an ace to be counted on to give us the best visual and flying experience, respectively.

Of course, a pilot has a great deal more responsibility; nevertheless a skillful and talented photographer sets aspiring heights in capturing and communicating about our world. In presenting a subject or message for artistic or commercial ends, being or having an expert photographer still pays off.

I think pilots and photographers are among a growing list of occupations that can benefit from taking time for a regular digital detox. 

 The following photographs are taken from some of the different commercial flights I've taken.