The Photography Industry

If you are my facebook friend, then you have already seen this but I feel that it's important to spread the word so here it is again...

Educate, educate, educate... Well here is a start. Jodie Otte, in a recent blog post hits the nail on the head when it comes to my feelings about the photography industry. I'm beginning my 10th year and sadly, wondering if this business is going to "last". I really can't imagine not getting to meet new people, snuggle babies, experience the love on wedding days and make friends at my sessions! But with SO many new photographers charging $50, $100 or even $150 for a session AND cd of images, I just can't compete with that. I'm not sure if it's a hobby for them with the perk of a little side money or a second job that they don't really NEED but those photographers hurt the industry. (There, I said it.) It's not just a little side cash for me... it's a legitimate business which pays my bills and helps to feed my family. The following is an excerpt from Jodie's blog post and it's the last sentence that really bothers me about the whole business of photography and what is happening right now."Industry RecapI know everyone wants rainbows and ponies and not the truth, but here’s the truth. This industry used to be amazing. Anyone who was a custom photographer (regardless of whether they were new or not) could be making a salary to support their family. They could pay their mortgages and put food on the table, and go on vacation at least once a year with their talent. What better way to make a living than with something you love. Custom photography was sold as a luxury product. While not everyone could afford it, there was always Sears and Picture People (and believe me, I used them). This mass epidemic of everyone buying a camera and going into business within a few months (many illegally and without insurance), charging $200 or less and giving all the images away on CD has done a few things to the perception of the public. Custom photography as a whole, is not a luxury anymore. It is a commodity. The price is in reach for everyone. The value has been so driven down that even Sears Portrait Studio closed up because they could no longer compete. The legitimate professional photographers who are priced to have a decent salary to support their families are being portrayed as rip offs and scam artists."I am certainly no expert but I'm always willing to talk pricing with new photographers. Ask my friends who KNOW that I LOVE to talk numbers. The entire blog post from Jodie Otte.