The end of an old profession

[Killeenguy]

Do professional photographers have a legitimate fear of closing shop?


What assurance do the "professionals" have to give them hope of prospering during the ever growing digital revolution as I heard it described once.

Are we going to surrender to an unstoppable education such as free knowledge being passed around like it's worthless magic trick?

I believe photographers and magicians are a lot alike. They have their secrets of the business which are passed on by either generations or a union type group. It has a control over the information from which they earn a living.

My question besides the above is, Do you think this forum is a hinder ins with professional photographers? Or do you believe it is a positive education and comradeship out weights the negative reaction....i am experience in the real world of photography.

Or could the afford ability of digital cameras make it harder on the professional photographers by it's self.

[Killeenguy]

then again I could be alone in my question/concern.

[toverman]

Well, I can address this as it pertains to my main profession: the newspaper industry.

When desktop publishing programs became affordable and more common (and people mistook MS Word for one, ick!), every little PTA group and homeowners' association could put out a newsletter that looked somewhat professional. The Internet, which circumvents the need for printing and distributing a paper product, has boosted everyone's thirst for information but hasn't killed the need for that news to be professionally gathered and delivered. Blogs have a place, but can't replace the "real" news entirely.

Now, with digital cameras being available very cheaply, everyone can play "photographer."

The common denominator between desktop publishing, blogs and digital cameras is that being able to do it doesn't mean you're any good at it. The newsletters suck. The blogs bend journalistic rules and blur opinion and "fact." Photos? I get submitted photos all the time as an editor, and lemmetellya, most are just not that good. We publish them anyway, but that's not the point. Skills do make a difference (at least until that face-recognizing focus stuff gets ubiquitous).

This forum and others like it? The exchange of ideas is more valuable than keeping any "secrets." Photography has been around a long, long time and continues to evolve. But there are things that haven't changed, and there's no need to re-invent the wheel each time someone new comes along. I haven't been on the forum long, but I'm an avid reader, and I have never seen any unwillingness to share ideas, experiences and whatnot. Just the opposite: most want to share their missteps and successes so that others can avoid or strive for the same results.

To prosper as professional photographers, we must evolve along with the changing technology and market. And to do that, it sure is nice to have some friendly voices of encouragement of the people in the same boat as we are.

[LegacyPhotographic]

Well stated, Todd. The education that is learned through the support of this site, is what can help counteract the ignorance that threatens professional photographers. As discussed, while the affordability has increased, allowing cameras into the hands of more people... but thats not something we can fight. We have to share the road... you'll have your people with their kodaks, and people with their D3's or 5D's, just as their are chevy metros and Lexus IS 460's.

Knowledge is what seperates us, and is what will distinguish our trade and keep us alive. Are we going to have cancellations of weddings, etc because someone's "friend" offered to do it for free for them? Sure.. then they'll end up with mediocre pictures at best, and next time they'll be able to pass on to other friends "hey, spend the money on a real photographer, its worth it." I've had it happen, and I'm sure I'm not alone. So, I just choose to focus on refining my skills so that I CAN be worth my weight in gold, so to speak.

*Steps down from soapbox* There's my 2 cents, for what its worth...lol

[FreshPhotography]

Running a professional photography business isn't just about having the best gear. There is *SO* much more to it than that. From the time invested in customer service, the talent as a photographer, the artistic ability both behind the camera and at the computer, and ... well, the list goes on and on.

Some of the old skool pros are intimidated by forums like this -- and that is fine. Their call. Their business will either grow or die, whatever is meant to be, based on how they run it, what their clients like, etc.

Meanwhile, others will use this forum to enhance their businesses, learn how to treat clients better, and grow as photographers. There is the added benefit of networking with other photographers and helping one another out. Again, another good thing.

I don't think that forums such as these will kill professional photography at all. If anything, it should keep us on our toes so we continue to grow and be better. But just because you have a fancy camera and can take great pictures doesn't mean you're a great business owner -- and to me, that is a LOT of what being a professional is. Taking care of clients, getting work done on time and done well, and delivering what you promise all play too much of a role in all of that.

Anyone can stick the label "professional photographer" on their shirt. It is how they wear it that truly speaks to the fact if they are professional or not.

[adirty1]

You are so right that the general public is under the idea that there is nothing to photography. And people will try it and find out that there is so much more to picking up a camera or loading Ps on you computer. But there is the constant fight of people wanting what is good enough for them. Just because it's good enough does not mean it's good. We have all run across that from time to time when a client picks the worse image out of bunch to buy.

Blown out Highlights and Bullet Proof shadows with over saturated colors is now art or at least one would say the fad of the times. Just as in the 80's-90's with camera blur and soft images and grain to walk around it was all labeled FASHION. Prime example was Guess Jeans ads. All fads and trends run a course.

I now hear from agencies that it's nice to see some one that can control light and exposure and capture details. Agencies have seen all that trendy work and know that it can be done but are changing their tune to a more detail driven image. Which I was personally glad to hear. Ad work is picking up but I still have to give the client what they want even if the agencies try to push them in a different direction of what is common.

Don't get me wrong it all has a place and time but just not all the time and every place. Sometimes boards like these can cause new people to believe the fade of the time is the only way to do something which is not the case. Just because people are buying trending images doesn't always mean it's the correct way to learn.

I just hope that people reading these site see there is more than a trend to follow. That one should take that information and add to their bag of tricks. I hope that people will try and make their own style and not just copy what is working for some one else. Interest is created through Variety.

[toverman]

Anyone can stick the label "professional photographer" on their shirt. It is how they wear it that truly speaks to the fact if they are professional or not.

I'd like a shirt that says "professional photographer" on it.

[LegacyPhotographic]

Originally Posted by toverman

I'd like a shirt that says "professional photographer" on it.

Eh, I dont really wear t-shirts too often, I'd rather have it on a hat, then it at least hides my balding!

I agree with Christine though.. just cuz you have the stuff doesn't mean you know how to use it. Back to the car example (sorry I use that so much, I work valet on the side) but I've learned just because someone pulls up in a Corvette, or a Porsche... certainly does not mean they know how to drive it!

[Killeenguy]

Thank you guys for everyone's advice, input, opinions. It calms me to understand that photographers as whole want to be a community walking down the same path. Around my area things are a lil stuffy, but hearing your words of encouragement have given me a my second wind so to speak.

[LegacyPhotographic]

Keep it up, Ruben.. Killeen needs you I'm sure! I used to frequent that area... had an ex that lived in Temple... didn't end so well.. needless to say I haven't been there in about 6 years or so. Any worthwhile photo ops down there to give me an excuse to get out of the big city for a weekend?

[AndrewCCM]

Another real question is how many people here that call themselves professional photographers actually earn their living from photography and not a second job or spouse? This is where the line gets blurred and more and more are entering as a side job or fun weekend business to pay for gear.

Having said that, I have been in the role of a side job in this industry since around 1997...so...I'd call myself a professional freelance photographer...not necessarily a Photography Business owner.

FWIW.

[Killeenguy]

Originally Posted by LegacyPhotographic

Keep it up, Ruben.. Killeen needs you I'm sure! I used to frequent that area... had an ex that lived in Temple... didn't end so well.. needless to say I haven't been there in about 6 years or so. Any worthwhile photo ops down there to give me an excuse to get out of the big city for a weekend?

Fort hood has a wonderful museum of Tanks from the old wars on display on the military installation. You need a pass to get in, or a friend who has a decal! I would say it's worth it. if your into those things.

[LegacyPhotographic]

Definitely. That would be really cool. I've been to a similar museum in San Antonio on the base there for my cousin's Air Force training graduation. Some way cool stuff.

[jeffkohn]

Are we going to surrender to an unstoppable education such as free knowledge being passed around like it's worthless magic trick?

I believe photographers and magicians are a lot alike. They have their secrets of the business which are passed on by either generations or a union type group. It has a control over the information from which they earn a living.

Huh? I don't see how a trade-group or union that engages in protectionist hoarding of information is good for the industry or customers. All that does is protect mediocrity and stifle innovation.

[HeatherLou]

I can honestly say that without this forum, I would have dumped photography a LONG time ago. When I first found TPF, I had been clicking pix for 5 years, so I knew how to pose, how to get kids to laugh, how to use props properly and all that jazz. BUT I didn't know how to work a camera! I couldn't tell you how to change shutter speed, much less to tell you what shutter speed was. I think I will always struggle with the *tech* part of photography, but I know where to go when I do have a question. I also get great joy when someone asks me a question and I CAN answer it, and its because of this forum. So no, I think this is great and not a disadvantage to other photogs. Those who are passionate about it and want to learn, and improve there skills, they will stick around and be successful. Those that don't will quickly learn that its not as easy as the pros make it look, and move on.

To me photography is about giving. We all give to each other here and when you give, others will give to you. A prime example, this weekend, I did my first Bridal Fair. There were 5 other companies there, so I went around to introduce myself. I visited all 5 and the two *big guys* were very giving, and took the time to talk to me. I wasn't trying to sneak there price list, or bash there work. I just wanted to meet them, and I could tell that they were passionate about there work. The other 2 there, were much like me, just starting out, but it was the same case. We gushed over each others work and had great conversations. The last one, seemed to be the newest. She didn't have much to show, and not that that means anything, but she said she was just starting out. She was very cold, didn't say much, and it seemed more of a burden to talk to me, (even though there was no others around) I even gave her TPF site, and said that is was a fantastic resource for those starting out, and she seemed offend. That says a lot. She could have the most fantastic work in the world, but I would refer a customer to anyone of the 4 others, because I would be worried about how they were taken care of.