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Digital photography versus anatomical illustration: Which method is more accurate?
Author(s) -
Reidenberg Joy S.,
Asch Noah,
Laitman Jeffrey T.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.828.10
Subject(s) - computer vision , artificial intelligence , depth of field , photography , perspective (graphical) , hue , digital photography , computer science , focus (optics) , computer graphics (images) , brightness , flash (photography) , stereoscopy , shadow (psychology) , art , optics , visual arts , psychology , physics , psychotherapist
Has the digital revolution provided advances in generating more accurate images compared to hand‐drawn illustrations? In this study, we compared the accuracy of hand‐drawn illustrations versus digital photographs. A dolphin skull was both drawn and photographed from a lateral view, and the resulting images were scaled and superimposed over each other on a lateral photograph of the dolphin's whole head. Results show that both methodologies introduced morphological distortions during the reduction of a 3‐D object to a 2‐D image. Variability occurred in perspective, focus, and lighting. Artistic renditions incorporated perspective distortions when multiple views were summed into one image. Digital images revealed perspective variability related to the angle between the object and the camera. Variations in the range of focus were related to depth of field, which was fixed during camera shutter depression. However, the human eye accommodated to a range of focal points at variable distances, thus enabling the artist to draw all points in focus. The angle and amount of lighting increased depth perception, but obscured regions in shadow unless artificially lit by a flash. Digital manipulations of lighting also affected brightness/contrast or color saturation/hue. In sum, each method provided advantages that enhanced perception, but simultaneously created artifacts that distorted reality.