Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Did the Digital Camera kill the biz?

Has the digital camera killed the photography business?  


The Federal Bureau of Statistics states that "pro photography is one of the the only professions that has not had any income growth in 14 years. Only 5 percent growth in 27 years. Equipment costs 10 times what it did 30 years ago".


Since the digital camera has come into main stream hands, there has been a lot more competition with the average amateur.  That has also driven down the fees.  Should professional photographer be worried?  Yes and no.  I think digital camera has killed the "traditional business" of photography.  Meaning on time you had to know how to light a subject, product, interior or whatever.  You had to estimate the number of polaroids in your bid.  The more polaroids you used the more it was charge to you or the client.  Now with digital there is none of that.  You can keep deleting the file until you get it right.  You could shoot 200 frames to get it right from one shot.  Imagine 200 8 x 10 polaroids or 4 x 5 polaroids for on shot.  Cha Ching.   Not only do you have to know about the cameras, but the editing programs that go along with it.  


Personally, I find it a very exciting time.  With more people going after the same work it makes you step up your game.  For me, I feel I have an advantage....experience.  The longer you have been doing something , the more comfortable you become.  Can I handle 20 person production in several locations, of course.  Could I have handle it say 10 years ago.  Not on your life.  


So has the digital camera killed the business?  It has just changed it.  The camera is just a tool.  Same with all the all the other software programs.  You have to know how to work the tools,  of course.  But talent trumps all.  My experience has been the longer you are doing something the better you become.  Which in turn is the experience.  Having the new latest camera / program is not going to make you a better photographer.  You taking more pictures is going to make you a better photographer.


I write this to remind me that I need to practice what I preach. So off I go and shoot to become a better photographer.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

In some ways, yes. I believe that because anyone can buy a digital camera and say they are a "photographer", then it has impacted the professional photographer's business. Clients are asking for cheap, cheap, cheap and emerging photographers are offering their services for next to nothing. This lowers the pricing expectations of the client. However, the clients that are aware of how a poor image can impact their message are willing to pay an appropriate price for a professional photographer. The key is developing your brand so that you stand out as a professional photographer that will deliver outstanding images in all aspects--technical, composition, and understanding of the client's needs. A clear understanding of your distinctive competence will help you rise above the beginning photographers.
Susan Frost
http://www.frostphotography.com
ASMP, PPA member