If you are good in this life and earn enough money you can retire in paradise, Santa Barbara California.

Driving into Santa Barbara on the 101 freeway is to enter another world.

The ocean is less sinister.

The air tastes better.

The light floats down from heaven.

The food has a special savor.

The trees smile at you.

The streets are lined with candy.

It’s expensive to live there. No, you don’t understand, it’s outrageous. If you wish to live there you need to be independently wealthy or you can live like a homeless person.

I went to school there. Brooks Institute of Photography. It was the best three years of my life. Tears spring to my eyes just thinking about it.

I shot this from the parking lot of the campus a couple of years ago. This view is for real.

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Photo tips, philosophical stuff and technical data:

This image demonstrates the gorgeous color palette of Kodak Portra film. I’ve been accused of hating digital photography. I don’t hate it. In fact, I have several digital friends.

I own two DSLR’s and use them often.

Digital cameras are tools. Every tool has its purpose. It’s important to know that there are a lot of tools available to a photographer. Because of my training and experience I have a “full” toolbox. I am proficient with film, digital, all camera formats, traditional printing, digital printing, and photoshop. My wife just told me that it sounds like I am bragging. I’m not bragging. I am trying to make a point.

The point is that limiting your photographic experience to one technology is like going to the buffet and only eating jello. There is so much more.

Because there is so much to discuss about this issue I will elaborate on these and other points regarding film vs. digital in upcoming posts:

Prints/negatives

Color Palette

Different formats

Output options

-Jon Ball is a professional photographer who asserts his opinion on this blog. www.studiojonball.com