Is Technology Killing Photography?

Photography Tips

Photography has a very close relationship with technology, which means it has evolved at a rather quick pace in recent years. Whether it’s the camera, lens quality or imaging media, photographic technology has improved immeasurably. Certain aspects become obsolete, but there are still different groups of photographers that swear that the old way is the best. In today’s video, photographer Alex Kilbee talks about how photography has evolved through the years and what the future holds for it:

“The history of photography is littered with people arguing against one another trying to say that their way is right, their way is better.”

Every major advancement has made photography more accessible for “common people”. This has made professionals less and less special, as it’s become easier than ever to capture special images.

However, changes are hard to accept. Digital imaging was a disruption, and it took time for digital photographers to find their place. Gradually, many film photographers, too, switched over to digital, with a few still holding onto film. Like Kilbee highlights in the video, even a giant like Kodak tried to hold on to film and failed. Change is imminent. If it’s something that benefits the way you work, why not accept it?

For instance, today we have drones, and look at the way they are transforming photography and videography. You don’t need to hire a chopper to take aerial shots—and the quality is far superior, not to mention how much easier the shots are to take. Even mirrorless cameras are gradually replacing DSLRs, enabling users to do things that DSLRs struggled to do.

It is thus safe to say that technology is not killing photography. It is only taking photography to newer heights. There is no benefit in arguing and holding on to the past.