In an article entitled Monkey Business (Professional Photographer, October 2011, Pg.62-63) Peter Stevenson raises an interesting problem, albeit in a humorous tone.
The question goes as follows: "...has anybody asked whether a million monkeys with a million digital cameras would eventually shoot the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson?"
After some thought I am able to provide an answer which resolves this philosophical dilemma almost as soon as it has been asked. Quite simply the solution lies in the wording of the question. These monkeys will never succeed.
It is not an issue of skill, timing, or even composition. It is the equipment of choice which will inevitably be their downfall, "...a million digital cameras...". Beyond any reasonable doubt the works of Cartier-Bresson cannot be replicated to a sufficient level through the use of digital photography.
I am not a film snob, in fact I often choose digital over film for pure ease, but the monkeys need to take a long hard look at who sold them their equipment.
Chris
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