Q&A: Suzanna Gell
Photographer

Q: How has the technology within the photography field changed over the past five or so years?

A: Digital photography has taken over completely, and film is officially redundant. The look and feel of printed work is very different nowadays, with new colour range effects and speed coming into play. New photographs with fresh recipes in post production pop up all the time. One disadvantage is that with so many new options available on cameras all the time, camera models have a shorter life span these days.  

Q: In your opinion, what are the pros and cons when it comes to film and digital photography?

A: Nowadays, you can get an analogue camera for next to nothing, far cheaper than a digital camera. But with an analogue camera, there are fewer options for processing film and escalating prices are making that option less viable. Digitally, once set-up is done, you are ready to go. And you save time and extra costs on processing. There is also a lot more you can do in digital photography as far as effects go. But one thing it cannot do is get the same feel you can achieve with film, which is a more silky, rich and smooth after-effect.

Q: What do you prefer (film or digital) and why?

A: I prefer digital. I like the speed and the many options available in post production. I like to push the effects and look for new ones and digital allows me to do this.

Q: What camera would you suggest someone should buy as their first camera, if they want to take up photography as a hobby, but not as a profession?

A: I would suggest an inter-exchangeable camera with at least three lenses: long, standard (fixed), and wide-angle. You can’t do wrong with Nikon or Canon. They have wide ranges of cameras to suite most people’s pockets.

Q: What is more important on a camera: the megapixels, zoom or ISO capability and why?

A: I think all of these are important. If I am forced to choose, I would opt for pixel quality first. It makes a huge difference for final overall quality, but zoom is necessary for many types of photography and the ISO level capability and options are imperative if shooting on location with various lighting conditions and fast-moving or stationary subject matter. It all depends on the type of photography you are doing.

Q: What is the big hype over Hasselblad cameras and equipment?

A: Hasselblad is an incredible system. The picture details are astounding. You see the detail in the detail and it’s very close to real life. The after-sales service provided by Hasselblad is also excellent. The evidence is everywhere; all the big photography guys are using it or moving over to it - even if we have to mortgage our homes to afford it.