Author name: Glenn Specht

Have part Time Photographers Changed the Photographic Industry? 

Yes

I hear and see regularly the complaint from Professional photographers that Part time Photographers are Destroying their livelihood.

The response from the part timers is, we are not taking business away from you, because we are just doing it for fun.

Your “hobby” has changed the industry

If you shoot a model for TFP ( or charge them for it), if you submit images to web sites and magazines for publishing, if you submit your images to micro stock agencies… you are making it more challenging for a full time pro to make a living.

Certified Professional Photographer… not me

There is a group of photographers who want to the government to certify professional photographers.
Their main reason, I believe, is to limit competition and help save their livelihood.

I think it is too late and a waste of energy.

This digital revolution has changed the market for photography… Likely forever. This includes micro stock, weekend shooters, low cost of entry.

Technical knowledge isn’t the issue

It isn’t just the advent of digital that is the issue. It isn’t the lack of technical skills that is causing the demise of the pro market.
The biggest issue with photography is supply and demand. The demand for photographers is decreasing, the supply of photographers is increasing.

Those that stay in the industry have to realize that a professional photographer means being a business person.  A business person who just happens to use a camera.