See below.
Do you like my new avatar by the way? I wanted to talk to someone about the characteristics that defines both digtial and analog in regards to surfboards but there was no one else in the immediate vicinity. Digital in my view has a level of detail and precision that in many cases simply cannot be matched by human hands. This is part of what makes digital cold and unnatural in a sense as asking a human to be precise to 40/1000000 mm is a bit of an ask as well as an extreme example in this case.
Analog has the human flaws in terms of precision and detail from the human touch in comparison to what can be achieved with digital which is what gives analog it’s warmth and naturalness. Their are some very nice “flaws” out there that can only be achieved with the hands of a highly skilled tradesman. And to flaw is human.
I think this is what defines the beauty of both digital and analog. Both are also distinctly different in my opinion. Here’s a digital pic that I don’t think could be matched in terms of detail from an airbrush. In a sense (once again) such precision and detail is unnatural in that it cannot(?) be reproduced via analog methods. But very picturesque all the same I feel.
I think it depends a great deal on what you are trying to achieve. I think each medium has it’s place but it is very situational. In your example I think most anyone would have gone digital. But there are many more options and variations avaliable with the analog format, ie 16mm, super 80, etc.
What are you trying to accomplish and in what kind of situation? If you are knowledgable in the different formats this questions will typically give you the answer to another question.
What tools should I use?
Just the 2cents of an amature.
The specs of the camera were listed but unfortunately I cannot recall them as that example I grabbed off the net. Using digital instead of analog also eliminates film grain and the need for scanning and is one step closer to the “real thing”. Literally. The masking and change of hue is also something can be achieved with analog but requires scanning first. Digital imagery has also opened up a new avenue when it comes to “colouring” a surfboard. Through digital printing onto substrates you can also capture a level of detail that I have never seen on surfboards before. When was the last time you saw an airbrush on a surfboard as detailed as the pic above?
Since most of my photgraphy knowledge has come from my best friends wife I will send you to her website for examples:
http://www.jamiemoorephotography.com/
Within her pictures/blog is a strong mix of analog and digital formats and I feel the differences in the details is def. not as easily picked out as one would think.
(Wish she had stated what shots were done with what camera but…)
I think comparing art done with an airbrush vs. a digital camera is not very apt as they are to different to compare.
So far as editing analog vs digital, most all editing that can be done with a digital image can be replicated by a talented person in a dark room, although I will agree that with analog getting it scanned and everything else after editing is a bit of a pain.