[Largeformat] Re: Attachments

[wd1346@airmail.net]

From: wd1346@airmail.net

I love this discussion about large and small prints.  When I was going
to Art Center we used to have a saying:  "If you can't make it
good..make it big!"  Well, really sharpness doesn't enter into the
picture here because no one walks right up to a large print and is close
enough to see how sharp it is.  (Like going to a movie).  

I was one of three judges at an art exhibit at a university in Chicago
one time and we had to wait an hour ofter the time limit so that one of
the alumni entries could arrive.  The lady in question was known for her
large prints (to go along with her head, I think) and supposedly had
made some reputation for doing them around town at least.  Well she
arrived with great flourish and had four guys helping her put them up. 
The other judges and I gathered around and they had all but decided to
give her the best of show.  I looked at them incredulous and said,
"You've got to be kidding.  The prints are badly composed and not even
printed well.  The only thing good about them is that they are large and
cover up cracks in the wall!"  
	I pointed out that an exquisite group of handtinted five by seven
prints in an obscure area of the back wall were, on the other hand,
excellent examples of good photographic quality, skills, and talent.

	They voted for the hand tinted prints.  

	The point here might be that larger prints do have more impact.  It
might also be that everyday folks outside of our area of expertise don't
know what quality is.....and I have discovered much to my chagrine over
the years....they don't care!

--Bill Debold