Photographic Technology involves understanding the physical and chemical processes that result in the capturing of an image either on film or an electronic recording (ie. Digital). Both methods share technology; and whilst Digital has become the preferred option for many people, understanding film can also provide insights into digital.

The word photography means literally 'light writing' or 'drawing'. It is derived from the Greek photos (light) and graphos (to write, draw, record or note).  

When photography started in the 19th century, it involved glass plates and huge tripods, where subjects had to remain dead still (sometimes for minutes) so the light could be captured to produce an acceptable photograph. 

As time passed, photographic processes and equipment became increasingly sophisticated and available to more people. The process of capturing an image involved the used of photo sensitive chemicals, for most of this time. More recently, this has been widely, but by no means completely, superseded by capturing images digitally.

Digital photography has many advantages over film, but there are still many things that may be done better with film, than with digital. A good photographer recognises the strengths and weaknesses of both film and digital image capture, and may choose to use one or both.

In today's world, most people take photographs; but only some people create good photographic images.

It takes a certain amount of skill, together with imagination, attitude and perhaps even luck, to create a truly outstanding photographic image.