How Smartphones Have Affected the Photography Industry As smartphones have basically taken over the world, every person who owns one also becomes a photographer. They snap pictures and videos left and right and can even run them through one of countless apps to add special effects. One more click and they are uploaded online for everyone to see. It’s pretty miraculous if you think about it. The big question is, though, how does this new photography sensation affect the “real” photo industry? Well, the question is twofold. We have to consider both the camera industry and the art of photography. Let’s check out what’s going on with cameras first.
The Camera Industry Many camera-producing companies have seen their point-and-shoot sales plummet over the past few years. This makes sense. These lower-line portable cameras are simply losing out to their equally handy camera-phone counterparts. Mass consumers of point-and-shoots already have good quality cameras in their pockets, so why would they go buy another device that can’t even directly upload the photos they take? You see the dilemma. Luckily, the camera industry can still rely on traditionalists who prefer “real” cameras as well as the stillsignificant number of people who don’t own smartphones. Additionally, as more people grow a passion for photography (thanks to their smartphones), more people are picking up “serious photography” as a hobby. They go out and buy expensive, hefty, professional cameras in pursuit of their new-found passion. Moral of the story is: the camera-making industry must simply adapt to new demands. Cheaper pointand-shoot cameras may be on their way out, but more expensive, high-line cameras are totally coming in.
Photographers Professional photographers, in general, aren’t really worried about this new mass-enthusiasm for photography. Being able to take pictures on the spot with your cool little smartphone is really no threat to the confidant, experienced photographer. Having opportunity and/or equipment does not make a professional.
While it is true that many photos taken by amateur smart-phone photographers have won photo contests, made their way onto people’s mantelpieces and walls, and contributed greatly to “citizen journalism,” real quality photography is still reserved for the professionals. The key is – having good equipment does not make an artist. In order to make this concept clear, photographers have been compared to chefs. Assuming that a photographer takes great photos because he/she has a great camera is like telling a chef that his food is excellent because he has a great stove. It’s a ridiculous, yet all-too-common assumption. Of course, these professional photographers will also have to adapt to the change in demand. Fewer families are hiring professionals to do their family photos and fewer couples are asking professionals to do their wedding pictures. Photography education is becoming a very popular track for photo enthusiasts and lower-level professionals are popping up everywhere. However, top quality or “real” professional photographers still have a safe niche in the industry. There is still a great demand for quality photo-journalists, fashion photographers, sports photographers, and so on. So has the smart phone affected the traditional photo industry? You bet. But will it become its downfall? No way.