The Decline of Fashion Photography

[savona]

I thought some of you folks might find this interesting....

http://www.slate.com/features/010510...de-show/07.htm

[teardr0p1204]

very interesting article... :-)

[TX_Gulf_Coast]

Really interesting story. As I originally got my start in photography working in the fashion photograhy (commercial) industry, I know quite a few of the names listed in the article and the disscussion of new trends in photography in general many times over,

What I find interesting in the world of photgraphy today, is that there is not nearly as much work that goes into the photo PRIOR to taking it. Prior to digital, photographers went to extreme measures to get it right in the camera when shooting. Every detail of the shoot was planned in advance and much work was done prior to any press of the shutter button. Photographers knew exposure, technique and how to light. It seems to me that the opposite is now the case with digital. Many "younger*" photographers now have no idea about the basics of lighting technique and proper exposure. They simply allow the camera to "think" for them and then address any issues LATER in Photoshop or other editing software. Most of the distinguishing characteristics of an image are 'created' in photoshop or other editing software.

* Younger isn't defined as age in this case, but the number of years and experience in a field or industry and the approach to this industry one takes. Many "pro" photographer now are simply part-time photographers that love what they do and do this in addition to a regular full-time job, that actually pays their bills. Their approach to photography is not the same as it is with someone that is a photographer 24/7, 365 and has only one source of income: photography.

In the past, photography wasn't as accessible to anyone as it is today, for every press of the shutter button, a real expense (film and processing) was incurred and experimentation could get costly. The knowledge necessary to get a great image from a negative (or tranny) required involved experience with chemicals and processes that were long and arduous. Now you simple shoot and if it isn't quite right, delete it. Your only cost is the DSLR or other camera that you must initially purchase...much less cost over the long run.

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, I am not against this new trend or the younger photographers in the industry. I use the latest digital equipment and computers to get the results I need. Thou, I approach my work much like I did when I still shot film. Example: I when I shoot a wedding, I average approximately 40% less images than most of my younger photographers however, a greater percentage of my shots are properly exposed and readily useable right out of the camera than my other photogs. They shoot on continuous mode and allow the camera to make the choice on aperature and shutter speed, where I shoot manual and factor in many things a camera meter cannot take into account.
[These younger photogs are usually not the owners of a business and do not have to actually edit, adjust or arrange these images into an album, therefore they don't understand the amount of WORK this tehnique generates post shoot! LOL In fact, most of these younger, start-up photographers simply shoot and burn the images, with minimal editing to a CD (DVD) ROM and that is it.]

In the past five years, I have seen the industry change tremendously. I would have never even considered selling my negatives prior to digital and I still refuse to except when the client pays what they are worth. I will sell my original images on CD or DVD only if they purchase an Album or minimum number of prints from me orignially and then the use of the images are restricted to personal use only. They do NOT have the right to turn them over to anyone else for any type of post processing or printing rights. I trust my reputation and work to NO ONE. That is why I am very hesitant to sell my images to a client. 95% of the clients I deal with have NO idea about profiles, printer differences etc. and why a print doesn't look good printed from Wal-Mart, Walgreens or on their home printer when it looks good on the monitor!

In the end, photography has it's trends just as does any other industry. It has been my experience that those people that just pick up a digital DSLR and like what they do and don't understand the mechanics and technical aspects of the business yet claim they are pros come and go. It is those individuals that make a committment and learn the necessary techniques and mechanics of photography AND business that make it in this industry. Solid, well exposed, well composed images are still what people seek out professional studios and photographers for. If a photographer's images don't "wow" the clent when they pick them up, they won't be back.

As this is my primary and only source of income, I spend most all of my time following the trends and mechanics of the industry. I am very active in my local Professional Guild, State Professional Guild, PPA and various local organizations that promote and teach photography. Those individuals that are sucessful and make money in this industry are those that do it full-time, know the industry in & out, know how to deal with clients (60% of the job) and KNOW photography, lighting and post processing completely and produce photography that "WOWS" the client each time they come to pick up proofs and prints.