Creating A Greater Divide
[by Paul Bartholomew]
We live in a highly saturated world of images and as photographers our profession is rapidly changing and at risk if we don’t adapt. I hear a lot about photographers losing projects because an amateur or new photographer was “good enough” and got the job. Some blame it on digital technology, but haven’t we dealt with this problem before? The equipment changed but we always have amateurs trying to get work because we have a desirable profession.
Does digital make the amateur a better photographer? I’d say true to a certain extent but there are limitations such as the need for natural talent, dedication and passion. These are things that filter some people out of the profession but some may still linger and we get that gray area that borders “good enough”.
The amateur may have climbed up the ladder closer to the professional, but what happened to the professionals? Instead of occupying valuable time by yelling down the ladder at the person catching up, perhaps it’s a good idea to motivate and start climbing too.
Stay out of the gray area and create a greater divide. Digital improved the amateur, so it should have improved the professional too. Instead of thinking how technology makes work easier, think about how it can make our work better. Research high quality photographers and do personal work that helps you evolve. Experiment and push the limits. If you feel uncomfortable and uneasy, then congratulations you’re making progress!
Paul S. Bartholomew is an architectural photographer based in the Philadelphia & New York region. His work can be seen at www.psbphotography.com
One Response to 'Creating A Greater Divide'
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Paul thanks for writing this! I agree that photographers complain so much about what other people are doing, its like umm.. what are you doing? Mind your own business and focus on yourself! PREACH!! We(Photographers) need to be checked every once in a while.