Hi Kirk!
Thanks for writing up this assignment. You’ve done very well.
I too share your love for ridiculous levels of detail. So much so that I’m seriously considering getting one of these behemoths.
I have this sinking feeling that the images I’m shooting now just won’t cut the mustard 20 years from now in terms of resolution and quality.
In fact I wrote a little bit about that here.
You should take a look at GigaPan.org
In terms of photorealism you have to tip your had to artists with the patience and the energy who spend that much time creating one image.
I have to disagree with your notion about how it takes a second to create a great photograph though. From my perspective I think every image is the culmination of all of your previous work and expeience. To create a truly masterful image it will take years and years of practice. So in that sense it’s not just a second to create a stunning photography. I understand what you mean though, the action of creating the photo takes a fraction of a second!
If you’re concerned about getting maximum detail in your images you’ll want to do a few things. Obviously you’ll want to retain optimum focus. Many times this involves using a tripod and taking your photos seriously. It means breaking out your tripod in weird places and being ‘that guy’…
I have attached a higher resolution of the piece of art you mentioned by Chuck Close so that other students can learn from the detail and the focus of this work:
[attachment=0:2v0yorlr]chuck-close-big-self-portrait-painting.jpg[/attachment:2v0yorlr]
Nice work here Kirk!
I hope this helps your clarify your area of interest in photography and gets you inspired to get out and keep shooting!
Also I responded to your note about which lens to use on the ‘which camera do you use’ thread.