The Digital Controversy

[Valadilene]

So Im sure most of us have heard it said, or said it ourselves, that digital cameras, while great technology, make it more difficult for pro photogs to get work, because anyone can pick up a digital and think they're a pro.


My question is, is this really true for every genre? It seems to be that it would more effect portrait and wedding photographers business than commercial and advertising photographers. What is everyone's experience with this?

[JohnT]

All I can tell you is there is a studio right down the highway from me, and the photographer there does some great work both in studio and on location, and he doesn't appear to be hurting. I think he has contracts with several area high schools and has been doing a lot for them lately.

[Jake]

The "The Digital Controversy" is sooooo 5 years ago...........


It's about to be "The Photography/Video Hybrid Controversy"

[jonnydonut]

It still exists. As with anything consumers buy. you get competition from amateurs. I haven't seen it in the commercial/magazine genre really. I myself am trying to break more into that area actually.

[ggeen]

When the personal computer became mainstream and publishing programs were readily available, everyone thought that the big print publishers would go out of business. In the end, it will come down to real skill. Something I wish I had. .

-G

[klynam]

It reminds me of Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" comment when Clinton signed NAFTA. Businesses didn't sail away as quickly or violently as Ross suggested. But looking back 10yrs later, everyone thinks "hey, why isn't anything made in America?"

The low-end consumer photo market will continue to dry up because of hi-quality digital cameras and low-cost chain studios. And yes, the low-end consumer video market is next...

[toverman]

Agree with Kevin's comment above.

Those in the upper strata (of pricing and established business) do not get hurt when someone hires a lowballer or Uncle Bob to take photos for them. That's a different market altogether. I guess I need to raise my prices some more.

[110240]

in as much as there are more photographers every year, there is also a much bigger need for photographs too

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by Valadilene

because anyone can pick up a digital and think they're a pro.

That statement should sum it up.

Sad to say but a lot of people will trust them and the results will be far from pro. I am getting much better but I am far from professional. I tell all my friends who are seeking a photographer to view multiple examples of their work and make sure it is theirs.

I agree, it will be the lower end photogs and studios that will suffer the most.

[zeroskillz]

Originally Posted by Valadilene

anyone can pick up a digital and think they're a pro.

crap, so I guess that means I'm not a pro after all...

[klynam]

My high-school English teacher said we could write any way we wanted when we were professional writers. Ok, so what is a "professional" writer. Her answer: "Anyone who is published or paid."

If you're published or paid, you're a professional.

What level of professional we may each be is another matter entirely I suppose...

[kenw]

I'm sure the glass plate folks said the same thing when that new-fangled stuff called roll film appeared on the market....

uno mas tiempo: it's not the tools that make you a professional.

[Clint_Smith]

I think is more about what the consumer considers "Good Enough." Now it becomes our job as professionals to educate our clients.

Plus I stopped fishing for little fish along time ago.

[brad]

Originally Posted by kenw

I'm sure the glass plate folks said the same thing when that new-fangled stuff called roll film appeared on the market....

uno mas tiempo: it's not the tools that make you a professional.

And the same thing was said by the Medium Format folks when the first film SLR's came out... it was going to doom wedding photography, they said.

Its becoming a tiresome argument. There will always be amateurs giving away their work because it is just a hobby... spend your energy worrying about how to make your product better instead of worrying about how they are undercutting your prices or not paying their taxes. It'll get you farther.

In other words... as I say to my children.. "One word: Cope"

[lhdvies]

Brad said
"Its becoming a tiresome argument. There will always be amateurs giving away their work because it is just a hobby... spend your energy worrying about how to make your product better instead of worrying about how they are undercutting your prices or not paying their taxes. It'll get you farther"

As someone who has been in marketing and sales since 1958, I agree wholeheartedly!
In the end it is the consumer who will decide who stays in business and who doesn't.
So approach them wisely, offer them a product worth your asking price, treat them fairly with respect & follow up after the fact to insure their satisfaction. That should help a great deal in allowing them to keep you in business!