Is photography dying? Part 2: evolution

[Pál_K]

Maybe Glenn should've had an "eff'em if they can't take a joke" attitude (although his playing was not a joke). It would've been hilarious if he'd suddenly switched to a Ragtime version of Bach's piece.

If you've ever seen Vinheteiro's adaptations of classical, traditional, and even children's pieces in various wild styles, you'll understand just how creative, fun, and hilarious music can be.

At least these people in Carnegie Hall know how to have fun:

 

[Out to Lunch]

if he'd suddenly switched to a Ragtime version of Bach's piece

I don't know what to say and so I better say nothing.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

If photography is dying then why are the prices of used cameras skyrocketing? Why is Leica bringing back the M6? And, Pentax announcing new film cameras? Polaroid film is readily available. Years ago when digital was introduced people were giving away film cameras. Let's not even mention vinyl albums at 2 for a dollar mint. Today, vinyl outsells cds and cds are getting rarer. Ai will have its place but it will never replace the photos that people want. People will always want true images of relatives and friends (and even people they do not know). Do you want AI images of your grandparents?

 

[bjorke]

This thread is based on a completely random collection of assumptions about what "photography" means. I blame the usual suspects, photo mags and thier internet children, who confuse "photography" with either camera marketing or similar equipment fetishization, or with the most dull, generic sorts of vernacular at-best-middlebrow junk, or with photography venues and means of distribution. None of those are really "Photography with a big A" and that's proceeding as usual.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I should point out one more thing that I find ironic. When the Iphone came in people said they did not need watches anymore. Today, there is a three year waiting list for Rolex watches and high end models sell out quickly. Some new things last and some just fade away. Remember when everyone wanted multiple streaming services? Now people are re-evaluating and cutting back.

 

[Dogman]

Always behind the curve, I have a drawer full of watches I no longer use. No Rolexs but a couple of expensive models in other brands. And I subscribe to several streaming services. And I'm told here that CDs and cassettes are making a comeback while I listen to music on my phone. And I don't even own a turntable (well, maybe I do...can't remember what's in the attic). And I'm still shooting digital while all the cool kids are shooting AE1's and Nikkormats with Kodak Gold. There's even a satellite dish on my roof.

I'm so confused.

Dear Abby, how do I stay "with it" in today's fast-paced world?
Signed, Lost Sheep (Baaa...).



😱😱😱😱

 

[Retro-Grouch]

This thread is based on a completely random collection of assumptions about what "photography" means. I blame the usual suspects, photo mags and thier internet children, who confuse "photography" with either camera marketing or similar equipment fetishization, or with the most dull, generic sorts of vernacular at-best-middlebrow junk, or with photography venues and means of distribution. None of those are really "Photography with a big A" and that's proceeding as usual.

Although I share your distaste for "the usual suspects", we have to acknowledge that they are all part of the world of photography, like it or not, and it's necessary to engage with these assumptions. They are a powerful influence on the general public's perception and experience of photography, whether it's an AI-generated photo of flawless happy people on a cereal box or Ansel's "Moonrise". We ignore or dismiss them at our own risk.
And to play Devil's advocate for a moment, think of the status of color photography in the broader world of "serious" photography, circa 1965. It was considered "dull, vernacular, at-best-middlebrow junk". When the color photography "Barbarian at the Gates" finally was granted entrance, it transformed and rejuvenated the medium.

 

[Pál_K]

...And to play Devil's advocate for a moment, think of the status of color photography in the broader world of "serious" photography, circa 1965. ...

“William, color is bullsh!t” - HCB to William Eggleston

 

[raydm6]

Interesting article (April 2023):

20 Photography Industry Statistics, Facts & Trends [2023/2024]

The photography industry has been recovering from COVID... here’s our roundup of industry statistics, facts, and trends through 2021/2022.

1kcreatives.com

Ok, this I think we all could predict: (from the article)

• An estimated that 1.6 trillion photos will be taken in 2023. (Mylio)
• The share of pictures taken with a mobile phone is estimated at 93% for 2023. (Mylio)

But “Elopement Photography”? Who would’a’thunk! (Google Trends Analysis)

I see one area of photography that is steadily rising though – elopement photographers:

 

[Retro-Grouch]

“William, color is bullsh!t” - HCB to William Eggleston

Every time I run into this quote, I desperately want to know what William's response was to HCB. None was necessary, of course, but...

 

[Pál_K]

...

But “Elopement Photography”? Who would’a’thunk! (Google Trends Analysis)

Whaaaat? I thought eloping was when Lynne hops into Jake's truck at 2am and they head for an out-of-state courthouse. Any subsequent photography would be with Lynne's Polaroid Swinger.