Digital Photography: Technology is Changing the Field

Digital photography or film? It doesn't have to be one or the other. Digital photography and traditional film photography can coexist and even complement each other. Each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Digital photography training may change the way many people take pictures but that doesn't make film obsolete.

Professional photographers can often get better results with traditional film. Especially when shooting landscapes or producing larger size prints. Professional photographers have finesse with film—from shooting to developing—that allows them to produce high-quality images.

Digital photography technology is convenient in many ways. It allows photographers to get images to clients more quickly. It also allows them to see whether they got the shot right away. Digital technology gives more immediate results—at least in theory. The workflow changes with digital photography. The post-production process may be longer and more expensive in terms of equipment. Digital photography technology also requires photographers to stay current in their knowledge of tools and software.

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth in the photography field will be somewhat constrained due to the increased use of digital photography technology among the general public, it's important to note that they are still anticipating the overall number of jobs in the field to grow. After all, good photography requires much more than good equipment.

Digital photography school can be a benefit to your photography career. However, whether professional photographers choose to use digital photography or film, the camera only plays a role in the success of the work. The photographer controls the lighting, creates the composition and imbues the subject with meaning. There will always be a need for professional photographers with technical knowledge and a strong sense of artistry.