Professional Photographers Take Heart

THE DUST HAS SETTLED...HOORAY!

For the past year I have been receiving emails from many professional photographers. They go something like this...

"There is too much photography out there. People shooting weddings on the cheap, stock agencies building inventory like there's no tomorrow, magazines closing their doors, the big box stores shooting portraits for 29 bucks. I've had to cut my prices just to stay afloat. What do we do?"

While true, photography has undergone some drastic changes for the pro...these changes have been a blessing in disguise for those of us who were willing to adapt and weather the storm.

It's always nice to be right. While I am not always right, I did predict this 10 years ago when it all started. I knew these digital cameras would bring out everyone and their uncle; flooding the commercial and retail areas of photography with sub par work.
I also knew it would not last.

I'm thrilled to report and give all professional photographers a new hope. If you hung in there with a solid business plan and are still standing...

"The times, they are a changin' "

Publishers, editors, art directors, photo editors, stock agencies and yes, even the public at large are realizing good photography is not produced by sheer mass acquisition.   

Corbis and Getty, two of the largest stock agencies have once again returned to a much stricter vetting process.
The ASMP (American Society of Media Professionals) only allow full membership privileges to photographers who have demonstrated full time status as well as proof of being published.

Yep, the photo world is cleaning out the garbage and starting over. The camera manufacturers may be pumping out the latest whiz bang mega pixel camera; but the images are coming once again from the photographer with demonstrated skill, ethical business practices and dependability.

For those who cut their prices; it may take a while to get back to where you once were.

Amateur photographers, for a short time diluted the market. They now pose little threat as most of their images are no longer sought after in the professional market place.

The amateur has fallen by the wayside due primarily to personal frustration, inability to sustain a viable dynamic business model and creative vision required to stay healthy in this business.

I love old sayings.

"The cream always rises to the top"

The cream was simply stirred up for a while so no one was able to recognize it. Now that the dust is settling, those who require top notch quality and service can see the cream and it's worth.


Future brides and grooms are now hearing the horror stories of the $500 wedding photographer. They too realize the need for a professional to capture their day.

I highly recommend we all take a close look at where the work is. While Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin are of some value from a SEO point of view, it is NOT where your clients really come from.
The latest plethora of lighting gadgets, cameras and accessories etc are all cool, but they are NOT what earns us money.

Look to market trends. What is selling. What is not selling.

While the amateur chased after all the latest photo toys and gadgets in the hopes they would make them better photographers, the professional was doing what they have always done; continued to perfect their craft and providing service in the way of short & long term solutions to our clients.

Yes; professional photography is coming home after a brief wayward hiatus. It is coming home to PHOTOGRAPHERS!
Take heart, be thrilled, stay focused.

Pete














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