Gelatin silver prints were considered an alternative process for the massive alternative process photography exhibit at the Lonsdale Gallery at the Photrio Symposium organized by Bob Carnie in Toronto this past summer. Surprising perhaps, but I think it reflects today's reality. Despite the posturing around here, how many members actually have a darkroom and regularly make wet prints.
I have a darkroom, and if i want a picture made from my Negs, it is silver gelatin, usually 8x10, that i make with my Beseler Enlarger.
For the life of me, i cannot understand why people would shoot film, and then go digital from that point on.
Why not just shoot digital.?
The cameras of today are awesome tools. I am completely envious of Friends that use a Digital SLR, they can damn near shoot in the dark.
But for me, The Whole Point of shooting film is BECAUSE i can then use my darkroom. There is no digital equivalent of the red light darkroom with its enlarger and chemicals. The "slow", hands-on experience of a darkroom has no comparison in the digital world.
On the other hand.....THAT is exactly what a lot of people "hate" about the whole film thing.
I have no doubt that most photographers are smarter and happier to shoot digital. Film is definitely not for everybody.
It has nothing to do with anything being "better".....it just a matter of enjoying one process more than another. They are two different things.
Just to confirm my point of view......i am speaking as an Amateur/Hobbyist, not a professional.
I understand that some pros still DO use film, of course. I am simply admitting that i completely understand WHY a Professional/Commercial photographer might be "Digital Centric" at this point.