The digital era and advances in modern technology has changed the landscape within which professional photographers work. The way the industry is going, I believe that it is going to be increasingly difficult for many professional photographers to continue making a living from their art.
Technological Advances
In the days of film photography, news photographers had nerves of steel and they had to have the technical skills to back it up too. If they were sent in to the field to cover a newsworthy event, they had to nail the shot, and without digital cameras it was not until they retreated to the darkroom that they discovered whether or not they had “the shot”. There were no second chances, you couldn’t go back to the scene and try and recreate the moment; the moment had gone. This wasn’t a place for the faint hearted or the “have a go amateur.”
The introduction of digital cameras with viewing panels on the back of the camera, meant photographers could instantly check on their results. If they hadn’t captured the moment they were after, they could remain in situ and continue shooting until they had the shots they were after. The digital era gave instant feedback, and the opportunity to rectify any mistakes in the field before returning to the picture desk of the newspaper. This is just one technological advancement that has made photography more available to the masses.
Increased Competition
Professional digital SLR cameras are now much more affordable; and you only need to go to a friends wedding to see that there will be a steady stream of friends prancing about with digital SLR’s. In years gone by, SLR cameras were fewer and further between, and largely left in the hands of the professionals. With more amateurs owning professional quality digital SLR’s, it is inevitable that more of them will try their hand at professional work, which is leading to an increase in competition for the professional photographer.
More Images
In the digital age, it is much easier to take images, and distribute them via various platforms. Almost everyone has a camera phone, and we only need to cast our mind back to the tragic events on 9/11 to recall the vast quantity of footage and stills which captured those awful moments. As there are so many images in circulation of almost every news worthy event, the value of the photograph has fallen away. It is fair to say that exclusive shots still command a reasonable fee, but by and large the value of the photograph has fallen. To compound matters, we all know that some newspapers have been struggling and they have been trying to reduce the money they pay to photographers for their images.
It remains to be seen over the next few years how the best news photographers will remain at the top of their game and adapt to stay at the forefront of their profession. I for one, wish them all the very best of success. Having spent a day with a client seeing how he goes about his news photography, I can vouch that it is much much harder than it looks!
