Happysnaps Loc: SW Colorado

Polaroid, Instamatic, and now digital. Just another step in the natural progression in photography. It's still growing up. I used to do weddings with a 4x5 speed graphic, film holders, and a stobo flash 4, and or flash bulbs,(22's). Was pretty hitech then. Love the digital world......what's next?

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

I agree that the newer cameras are making it harder for a photographer to make a living. However, people eventually see that they need someone to "make it look right". They need someone that actually is a craftsman with the tool.

After all, anyone can buy various power tools now, but that doesn't make any of them a carpenter. Carpenters are still earning a living even though home improvement stores have all sorts of really cool tools at reasonable prices. People might buy some tools to do little projects here and there, but when they want an addition onto the house, or a new house, they rarely do the work themselves.

Photography has definitely gotten harder, just in the last ten years. I'm glad it's not my main job or I'd be in trouble. I do wish I had a little more business than I do though; but it's tough because there's so many people out there doing the work for free. Sometimes they get pretty good results, but on average, the ones that really know what they're doing, worked hard to acquire that knowledge and have gotten tired of giving it away for free. They want to be paid, just like the pros want to be paid.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Is this why many "pro's" do workshops and field trips? Is there an increase in workshops and field trips?

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

It might be. They might feel that they might as well make some money off their knowledge, since they aren't getting it for their services.

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

AMEN TO THAT!

iowatruckdriver Loc: Oskaloosa, Iowa

I think the sudden surge in photography is another passing fad for a lot of the aspiring photographer. Sooner or later they will realize they are busy and the camera gets set aside and pretty soon it collecting dust...

There will always be a place for the pros and their will always be those who will have grand dreams and realize that it's not so easy and lose interest.

Besides, just think of all the cool photography gear that
will be for sale on Ebay in a couple of years.

dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.

I think when the average person realizes, and they will sooner or later, that it takes a lot of equipment and the knowledge to take photos like a pro they will look one up for the really important events. It is one thing to take snapshots of the kids and quite another to do portraits, weddings, anniversaries, etc.

gonate Loc: sacramento,calif

We will never run out of pros and will never run out of amatures.
gonate