The Photography Industry: Are There Reasons to Smile?
When photographer Joe McNally wanted to cover the future of aviation,
he shot from the back seat of an F-16 with one digital camera in his hand
and another wedged between his legs. He shot just over 200 frames in half
an hour -- without having to stop and change film rolls.
The future of photography is digital. But what does that mean for
the industry as a whole?
"I wouldn't recommend going into the field of traditional photography,"
says business futurist Joyce Gioia.
"Film as we know it is going to go away and the employment picture looks
bleak for the film manufacturing industry. Digital photography has completely
changed the face of the film industry -- in [North America] and worldwide."
Digital is definitely here to stay. But that doesn't mean photographers
are becoming obsolete.
"Film as we know it will be less critical to the success or failure of
a photographer; however, shooting techniques are still the same. Never will
a 'phone' camera replace conventional photography from a quality perspective,"
says Roger Zacharias. He works with photographs for sports trading cards.
"I wouldn't let the digital camera versus the conventional film issue hinder
one's decision to enter the field of photography."
Others agree that the field still offers opportunities.
"Photography is still here today and is as meaningful as it was 20, 30
or even 150 years ago," says photographer Gary Nylander.
"It's really the image itself. What it's made with, whether it's a camera
with film or a digital camera without film, is not of importance."
So what are the advantages of a digital format?
"With digital cameras, a photographer can look right away at an image that
was just made. In many cases, this can be very helpful in knowing if you 'got'
the shot or not," says Nylander.
"Digital is here because it takes away a few steps to get that image on
to paper, whether it is fine art, prints, magazine or newspaper."
Many of those who used to make their money through film are finding new
niches in an effort to survive.
"Film development companies have simply adapted to the rage and host digital
output devices where people insert memory cards in a self-serve environment,"
says Zacharias.
"The digital era has resulted in convenience and very low maintenance for
the film development companies that have done their research and development
in preparation for the extinction of the film process."
Photographers themselves have also had to adapt.
"At one time 150 years ago, a photographer needed a pack horse and close
to a ton of camera gear, which included a portable darkroom," says Nylander.
"Over the years, cameras have become smaller and lighter and photographs
have adapted to the change to remain competitive in their business."
"I know three professional photographers personally who have all migrated
over to digital because the technology is more user-friendly and they can
continue to use old lenses, lights and other support equipment that is not
obsolete," adds Zacharias.
Shin Sugino uses digital cameras to take professional photos for most of
the major automobile manufacturers in a huge studio. "I haven't used film
for five years," says Sugino.
But moving into the future isn't cheap. "A professional outfit can run
from $10,000 and go up from there," says Nylander.
Sugino points to a chunk of digital equipment the size of his fist. "This
piece alone costs $48,000. And I have to replace it just about every year."
Technology has changed the nature of photography. But it has also opened
up new opportunities for would-be shutterbugs. The future is bright for those
who can move with the times.
Links
Digital Photography Review
Read reviews of the latest equipment
How Digital Cameras Work
Find out about the inner workings
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