The tragic demise of the professional photographer

[bakubo]

The tragic demise of the professional photographer

http://www.macuser.co.uk/2499-the-tragi ... otographer

[bakubo]

Information in this article is not really new, but my French friend in Paris sent it to me. He quit his IT job about 7 years ago to take up photography full-time as a career. It has been tough for him, but he is making a living, albeit maybe a rather meager living. Does some freelance pj stuff, a few weddings, and since last year his main money maker is from a contract he got with a few elementary schools to take student photos and sell them to parents and grandparents. He tells me during the student photo season he is very busy, but he makes enough money from it to pay the rent in expensive Paris and is quite happy to have finally got something that brings in a reasonably reliable income.

[bfitzgerald]

I'd imagine it's hard to judge in the current economic climate..that's why I'd say whilst the article is valid and reasonable, it might be a bit overly pessimistic. Are pros taking a hit in general due to the poor financial situation of folks (as you would expect for non essential services like photography) or are wannabe shooters taking their business? Personally I think it's a lot more of the former than the later. There are probably too many photographers around as well (in my region that seems to be the case)

You can't put it all down to digital, new shooters buying cheap DSLR's. The reality is most people take pretty poor photos..and most weekend warriors are not very good. I can't see how they impact long time established shooters to the degree suggested.