Stuff Happening in Photography

Updated: Nov 14, 2022

Keeping up with the changes happening in the photography industry

As a photographer, I have always wondered what people consider the most famous photo?

Is it Marilyn Monroe wearing a white dress in the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, directed by Billy Wilder ? It was created by costume designer William Travilla and worn in the movie's best-known scene. The image of it and her above a windy subway grating has been described as one of the most iconic of the 20th century.

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Could it be the image of the John F. Kennedy assignation less then a second after he was shot on Friday, November 22, 1963, at 12:30 p.m. CST in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a presidential motorcade through Dealey Plaza ? One of the defining moments of the 20th century.

Polaroid photo by Mary Moorman taken a fraction of a second after the fatal shot

Quite possibly The Falling Man phone taken at 9/11 on September 11, 2001 by Associated Press photographer Richard Drew ? The photograph was taken at exactly 9:41:15 a.m. on the day of the attacks. The photograph was widely criticized after publication in international media on September 12, 2001, with readers labeling the image as "disturbing, cold-blooded, ghoulish, and sadistic". However, since its inception, the photo has gained acclamation for being a "touching work of art" and a "masterpiece in photojournalism". September 11, 2001 was a life changing day in American and World innocents.

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Perhaps Farrah Fawcett icon red swimsuit poster? This poster shows a photograph of actress Farrah Fawcett taken by Bruce McBroom in 1976. It was commissioned by the Pro Arts poster company, which published it as a pin-up poster the same year. The iconic poster sold over 12 million copies, making it the best-selling poster of all time. Besides having the title of a best-seller, it is also considered the last pin-up poster ever shot.

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All of these are valid choices along with so many more images since the invention of photography. But only one can be the most famous photo of all time. This debate could go on forever and I could show examples of thousands of photos that should be considered the most famous. Some are technically perfect shots, while others capture a time in history or evoke a feeling to the viewer. As photographers we all have our own style, likes and dislikes. Just like not everyone likes Italian food, but that does not make it terrible.

Below is the full article by Beth Nicholls

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Recently, many of my friends and family have been asking me "why are major camera brands discontinuing DSLR cameras". I have touch on this in earlier blogs. To me the answer is simple yet complicated. Let’s start with the simple, consumers are not buying DSLR cameras and prefer smartphone or mirrorless cameras.

The more complicated answer is that in 2006 Panasonic introduced the first mirrorless camera. Flash forward to 2014. From 2008 to 20014, the only DSLR camera's were produced by Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax. These companies started to manufacture mirrorless cameras but they wee not intended to compete with the DSLR.

From 2018 to the present, their has been huge innovation both in mirrorless camera bodies and lenses. Once Sony found a way to improve mirrorless autofocus systems. Also, once Sony offered the semi-professional A7 full frame E-Mount camera series in 2013, followed by the pro-grade A9 in 2017. mirrorless started to pick up steam.

Once the Electronic View Finder on mirrorless cameras improved and consumers saw that the video was better with mirrorless the gab closed between DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. For instance. today Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras comprise about 50% of their camera sales. According to Nikon by 2025 3% of sales will be DSLR cameras while mirrorless cameras will be 82% of camera sales.

The only thing constant is life is change! And that is certainly true in the photography industry. The technology is changing at a rapid pace. It seems every camera manufacturer is releasing new equipment and fighting for their market share. Yet, camera shipments have dropped to a new low of 8.9 million units globally from the 2010 high of 121 million units. Some of this can be attributed to the rise in smartphone sales, some because of the global shortage of chips, We must also consider the raising shipping cost, and of course the continuing pandemic.

Rumor has it that the Nikon Z8 will be coming out in August 2022. Below is an article by James Artaius to get the scope!

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Like everything else inflation have hit the photography industry. Prices are increasing, and in some cases, you have to wait multiple months till the camera you order is in stock. This is discouraging for long time photographers like myself, because when I was a young boy you

could buy an inexpensive Kodak Camera with a roll of film and a flash bar for under $20.

Kodak 110 Camera, flash cubes, and 110 film cartridge circa 1970's

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As I stated in earlier blogs, I started out using my parents old Brownie Camera and the first camera I bought was a Kodak 110 camera. When I got a bit older my uncle gave me a used Pentax SLR. These cameras were a way for me to discover photography and start to develop a style.

Brownie Camera and 120 roll film circa 1950's

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Now I have not been hiding under a rock, I realize today's young people have smartphones and take 1,000's of selfies. Are they learning how to take photos or are they just posting their lives on social media?

A recant retail report states that 70% of camera buyers do not make the purchase. That is 7 out of 10 customers to not get to the checkout whether in person or online. Having worked in the retail photography business, I see that as a lot of lost sales opportunities.

Why is this lack of sales in the photography sector happening?

Could it be price?
Or is it the confusion about DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras?
Maybe it is the ability for people to finance their purchases?

With the decline in camera sales along with the technological improvements in smartphone cameras are we seeing photography as a dying art form? I personally think photography will survive this upheaval, but the tools and medium will look different when the dust settles.

I found this informative article by Lauren Scott

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It is interesting to me that Sony has overtaken Cannon for the largest market share of mirrorless cameras in Japan. Sony is in first place with Cannon in second place and OM System (formerly Olympus) is holding on third place.

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