Photographers - Shrinking Market
Nov 13, 2022 06:33:27 #
I get newsletters from Gary Friedman - "The Friedman Archives." His latest is about "The Shrinking Market for Photographers." In the article, he points out all the obvious things - smartphones, stock images, etc. I'm glad I don't take pictures to make money. Actually, it's just the opposite. 
His columns are worth reading.
His columns are worth reading.
Nov 13, 2022 06:43:56 #
jerryc41 wrote:
....I'm glad I don't take pictures to make money. Actually, it's just the opposite. .
.In that case you're safe for the foreseeable future. So far I haven't noticed any trends suggesting that photography is going to get cheaper.....
Nov 13, 2022 06:51:54 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I get newsletters from Gary Friedman - "The Friedman Archives." His latest is about "The Shrinking Market for Photographers." In the article, he points out all the obvious things - smartphones, stock images, etc. I'm glad I don't take pictures to make money. Actually, it's just the opposite.
His columns are worth reading.
His columns are worth reading.
From limited observation I see young adults and teens just walking down sidewalks taking selfies nearly all the way.
Then constantly taking selfies at every other opportunity.
Those are all good enough.
Same for groups, quick cell phone shot, on location, saves hiring an outside photographer.
When out and about at a state park and a family or group are trying to get a group shot I will frequently volunteer to help so all can be in the shot and usually the offer is accepted. Last week it was a family with an actual ILC Sony who let me do a portrait.
So the demand for a self photo formally posing is dying. Look at the stores that used to have a little area devoted to portraits, especially seasonal, have all disappeared.
Nov 13, 2022 07:05:46 #
Architect1776 wrote:
So the demand for a self photo formally posing is dying. Look at the stores that used to have a little area devoted to portraits, especially seasonal, have all disappeared.
Yes - sad but true. Photography shops were common when I was a kid. We had family portraits done several times.
Nov 13, 2022 07:20:52 #
Architect1776 wrote:
From limited observation I see young adults and te... (show quote)
We had a couple of family portraits done many years ago and they’re in a box somewhere. The photos that get displayed are the casual ones from vacations, family celebrations, etc.. A self-timer or a willing stranger, like yourself, completes the picture(😂)
Nov 13, 2022 07:26:40 #
The same with video gear...
I actually caved in and put my video camera aside this past week to try an easier way. I find my android phone is much more automatic and the files can be shared and uploaded without editing moments after shooting. I use the Zhiyun Smooth X gimble that can fold and fit into my back pocket. The Zhiyun app is amazingly interactive and simple. I will still use my Canon video gear for things like interviews, but more and more I am getting similar results with much less bulk when out on the go.
I actually caved in and put my video camera aside this past week to try an easier way. I find my android phone is much more automatic and the files can be shared and uploaded without editing moments after shooting. I use the Zhiyun Smooth X gimble that can fold and fit into my back pocket. The Zhiyun app is amazingly interactive and simple. I will still use my Canon video gear for things like interviews, but more and more I am getting similar results with much less bulk when out on the go.
Nov 13, 2022 07:30:59 #
... meanwhile somewhere in Norway wrote:
The same with video gear... br I actually caved in... (show quote)
Nov 13, 2022 08:11:45 #
... meanwhile somewhere in Norway wrote:
The same with video gear... br I actually caved in... (show quote)
Friends take lots of nice videos with their phone, but I'm not comfortable doing that. That gimble looks good.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1560238-REG/zhiyun_tech_smooth_x_white_smooth_x_smartphone_gimbal_white.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAyMKbBhD1ARIsANs7rEGIQVSfemos34fHDrukO2VP4EdxwC9_W9OvTqVqyBImzVRTzTUEJt8aAuqHEALw_wcB
I'm tempted to get one for my son, but he relies mostly on a camcorder.
EDIT: I put one in my cart, but if I don't spend more money, I'll have to pay $3.99 for shipping. "Spend to save." What do I "need"?
Nov 13, 2022 09:41:56 #
Lord I wish taking photos was cheaper. Seems the ones making money now are the guides. Some make great money taking people to the location, plus get to go themselves for not free, but a gain!!!
Now who wants to hire me….
Now who wants to hire me….
Nov 13, 2022 11:54:47 #
As I have said repeatedly over several years of UHH membership: we're in a golden age of photography, possibly the last such age. Every camera from the entry-level through the top professional tier is brimming with unheard of technology in the history of digital photography, and photography in general. But, all these modern wonders arrive right as the global market for such wonders collapses under the competition with cheaper and overall more capable mobile, pocket-sized cameras that also include a phone.
Nov 13, 2022 15:01:40 #
Sadly, more doom and gloom about the professional photograhy industry. There are many professional photograhers failing, and playing the "blame- game". I have earned my livelihood as a professional photograher for a long time and have indeed seen many changes in the marketplace so survival and maintaining longevity in business requires anticipating the changes and applying versatility to address those changes.
Professiona photograhy is a BUSINESS and subject to the same potential for success or failure as all othere businesses. There are many talented and artistic photograhers who have failed for lack of business and management savvy and many mediocre pros who were good at business and marketing strategies and were able to sustain operating for a while but eventually failed because the work was simply not up to snuff. Perhas they neglected a lesson that I learned early in my career; folks will not spend their hard-earned money on service that can easily and inexpensively do themselves or acquire cheaply or at no cost from friendly amateurs or low-ball operators. You gotta do better- a cut above the rest, or your market will diminish in today's technological world. And, even if you are an artistic wizard, blessed with talent and know-how, you will not survive in business if you are the only one who knows about your prowess. You need to be good at marketing, networking, and promoting your business, and having a nice website and waiting at your computer for Emails will not cut it.
Yes, the neighborhood brick-and-mortar portrat studio has virtually disappeared- possibly killed by the cellphone selfie trends and perhas generational change inthe desire for formal portraiture but thereis still a lucrative market for high-end fine portraiture and corporate portraiture. It behooves the pro photographer to seek out these markets and/or diversify their services. Of course, once you find these markets you need the skills to perform well and compete at a higher level- you gotta put in time a do the work!
Another cause of photograhy business failure is simply a lack of technical skill. Many amateurs transition into professionals without enough education, mentoring, apprenticing opportunities, or experience, and to exacerbate matters, without a solid business plan.
I must admit that portraiture and weddingg photograhy was my entry-level in the business and, in a way, is my first love. In many, geographic locations these specialties were alwas plagued by lowball operators, department store low-priced baby picture promotions, low-price school-picture packages, etc. so success and longevity of business always meant offering better images and services and strong word-of-mouth referrals. This also requires constant promotion and finding new clients. Even your best and most loyal cleint are not going to place significant orders every day, week, or month- even years!
In my own particular cases, I predicted the fall off of street business and realized the impact of DYI technologies. I deced to diversify and transiton into more commercaiand industral work. This was a big step because it not only required retooling but also some re-education, practice, experience, and new marketing strategies. Again, I deced to get into work that folks coud not easily DYI or obtain inexpensively. I pursued the food and beverage and the heavy industrial sectors. Basically, when a large fast-food chain or food purveyor requires images fothe packaging or advertising they don't usually call on "John or Mary from accounting or HR", who happens to have a good camera, or when they need corporate portraits of the CEO or headshot for the annual report that don't look like poorly crafted passport pictures, they don't whip out the iPhone! The average person with a cellphone can not light an industrial site the size of a football field, or come up with a mural size detailed and flattering images of an enormous piece of earth-moving machinery.
PLEASE y'all, do not misconstrue this as an ego trip or some kind of superiority complex that I, in fact, do not I have as a workg pro. I realize there are many artistically endowed and fine amateur photograhers and photographic artists who are not in the business. It's just that the business has different demands, pressures, and requirements.
Let's just say that amateur and professional photographers are both good animals but of different species who live in different habitats, and survive on different diets.
Professiona photograhy is a BUSINESS and subject to the same potential for success or failure as all othere businesses. There are many talented and artistic photograhers who have failed for lack of business and management savvy and many mediocre pros who were good at business and marketing strategies and were able to sustain operating for a while but eventually failed because the work was simply not up to snuff. Perhas they neglected a lesson that I learned early in my career; folks will not spend their hard-earned money on service that can easily and inexpensively do themselves or acquire cheaply or at no cost from friendly amateurs or low-ball operators. You gotta do better- a cut above the rest, or your market will diminish in today's technological world. And, even if you are an artistic wizard, blessed with talent and know-how, you will not survive in business if you are the only one who knows about your prowess. You need to be good at marketing, networking, and promoting your business, and having a nice website and waiting at your computer for Emails will not cut it.
Yes, the neighborhood brick-and-mortar portrat studio has virtually disappeared- possibly killed by the cellphone selfie trends and perhas generational change inthe desire for formal portraiture but thereis still a lucrative market for high-end fine portraiture and corporate portraiture. It behooves the pro photographer to seek out these markets and/or diversify their services. Of course, once you find these markets you need the skills to perform well and compete at a higher level- you gotta put in time a do the work!
Another cause of photograhy business failure is simply a lack of technical skill. Many amateurs transition into professionals without enough education, mentoring, apprenticing opportunities, or experience, and to exacerbate matters, without a solid business plan.
I must admit that portraiture and weddingg photograhy was my entry-level in the business and, in a way, is my first love. In many, geographic locations these specialties were alwas plagued by lowball operators, department store low-priced baby picture promotions, low-price school-picture packages, etc. so success and longevity of business always meant offering better images and services and strong word-of-mouth referrals. This also requires constant promotion and finding new clients. Even your best and most loyal cleint are not going to place significant orders every day, week, or month- even years!
In my own particular cases, I predicted the fall off of street business and realized the impact of DYI technologies. I deced to diversify and transiton into more commercaiand industral work. This was a big step because it not only required retooling but also some re-education, practice, experience, and new marketing strategies. Again, I deced to get into work that folks coud not easily DYI or obtain inexpensively. I pursued the food and beverage and the heavy industrial sectors. Basically, when a large fast-food chain or food purveyor requires images fothe packaging or advertising they don't usually call on "John or Mary from accounting or HR", who happens to have a good camera, or when they need corporate portraits of the CEO or headshot for the annual report that don't look like poorly crafted passport pictures, they don't whip out the iPhone! The average person with a cellphone can not light an industrial site the size of a football field, or come up with a mural size detailed and flattering images of an enormous piece of earth-moving machinery.
PLEASE y'all, do not misconstrue this as an ego trip or some kind of superiority complex that I, in fact, do not I have as a workg pro. I realize there are many artistically endowed and fine amateur photograhers and photographic artists who are not in the business. It's just that the business has different demands, pressures, and requirements.
Let's just say that amateur and professional photographers are both good animals but of different species who live in different habitats, and survive on different diets.
Nov 13, 2022 16:09:29 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I get newsletters from Gary Friedman - "The Friedman Archives." His latest is about "The Shrinking Market for Photographers." In the article, he points out all the obvious things - smartphones, stock images, etc. I'm glad I don't take pictures to make money. Actually, it's just the opposite.
His columns are worth reading.
His columns are worth reading.
A newsletter ?? News ??!?!? ROTFLMFAO.
50 year old info is absolutely NOT news.
Guess I will not find him worth reading.
Ben Dare and Don Dat. Got the tee shirt and the hat.
Nov 13, 2022 16:48:28 #
Jerry I suggest that you "...Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others..." Seriously
Robert Louis Stevenson
Also "“When one door closes, another one opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Alexander Graham Bell
btw Jerry, I've recently lost an ability to walk any more than 50 yards yet I power forward with positive resolve...
The take away here?
Jerry if you're continuously focused on gloom and despondency I suggest you seek medical help for potential depression.
Maybe begin by reviewing clinical practice guidelines for the management of depression
Start here...
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of Depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310101/
In the meantime Jerry I would suggest that you share courage and positive resolve with others.
Just a thought Jerry... We all could use a little sunshine during long dark winter days...
For others who cherish life behind the lens...
Highest Paying Photography Jobs
by Anabel DFlux (Updated January 12, 2022)
https://www.photoworkout.com/highest-paying-photography-jobs/
Wishing you much improved health and happiness moving forward Jerry...
As a bellwether Jerry lead by positive example... sound like a plan?
Robert Louis Stevenson
Also "“When one door closes, another one opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Alexander Graham Bell
btw Jerry, I've recently lost an ability to walk any more than 50 yards yet I power forward with positive resolve...
The take away here?
Jerry if you're continuously focused on gloom and despondency I suggest you seek medical help for potential depression.
Maybe begin by reviewing clinical practice guidelines for the management of depression
Start here...
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of Depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310101/
In the meantime Jerry I would suggest that you share courage and positive resolve with others.
Just a thought Jerry... We all could use a little sunshine during long dark winter days...
For others who cherish life behind the lens...
Highest Paying Photography Jobs
by Anabel DFlux (Updated January 12, 2022)
https://www.photoworkout.com/highest-paying-photography-jobs/
Wishing you much improved health and happiness moving forward Jerry...
As a bellwether Jerry lead by positive example... sound like a plan?
Nov 13, 2022 18:51:40 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I get newsletters from Gary Friedman - "The Friedman Archives." His latest is about "The Shrinking Market for Photographers." In the article, he points out all the obvious things - smartphones, stock images, etc. I'm glad I don't take pictures to make money. Actually, it's just the opposite.
His columns are worth reading.
His columns are worth reading.
I am constantly in demand. I've been turning down jobs for years due to Covid concern. It's a still a market.
Nov 13, 2022 22:25:37 #
jcboy3 wrote:
I am constantly in demand. I've been turning down jobs for years due to Covid concern. It's a still a market.
Post a pic of you in your hazmat gear and with your Hasselblad !
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