Two Good Links to Read

Sometimes you find something well written and you want to pass it along. I will not retype or take credit for others work and if I add to or supplement others work, I always give credit. With that in mind, here are two links to read.

The first is about turning pro photographer. It is well written. It doesn't address photography until about half way down - keep reading. It sounds a little pessimistic but that is the truth of the matter, especially in this economy. The end is more optimistic, especially if you want to be semi-pro. (Pro = Pays the bills; Semi-Pro - Helps with the bills; Amateur/Hobbyist - No money except for outflow).

The link   http://laurencekim.com/2011/04/28/the-photography-business-and-the-american-dream/
Their bottom line "Yes, you can be a photographer and still live the American Dream.  But in order to do that you’ll have to recognize the limitations of working at the bottom of the wealth-creation food chain and what to do about it.  Keep your chin up!"

The second link is about the future of film. An interesting read. 


http://www.wral.com/entertainment/story/9661157/

Some excerpts for those that don't want to click and go there:
"At the turn of the 21st century, American shutterbugs were buying close to a billion rolls of film per year. This year, they might buy a mere 20 million, plus 31 million single-use cameras — the beach-resort staple vacationers turn to in a pinch, according to the Photo Marketing Association." 


"Equally startling has been the plunge in film camera sales over the last decade. Domestic purchases have tumbled from 19.7 million cameras in 2000 to 280,000 in 2009 and might dip below 100,000 this year, says Yukihiko Matsumoto, the Jackson, Mich.-based association's chief researcher." 


"Among those who still rely on film — at least part of the time — are advanced amateurs and a smattering of professionals who specialize in nature, travel, scientific, documentary, museum, fine art and forensic photography, market surveys show."