Is Photography Dead? 

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Personally, we believe that there will be a major comeback as regulation catches up with AI companies and "organic" training data becomes hard to come by. It will of course become important to "prove" that it's not AI generated content.

A trend I've noticed the past few years is most camera/lens reviews tend to be leaning more towards videography than photography.

“Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.” I find people fixate on having photos rather than the rewarding experiences and relationships that come through the act of making photos.

Photography feels like a dying art these days, thanks to smartphones and AI. With Instagram oversaturated and losing its charm, it seems like no one truly appreciates photos anymore. You could spend weeks chasing that perfect sunrise shot, but your 12-year-old can create the same thing in seconds with an AI photo generator-and no one can even tell which is real or fake, nor do they seem to care. AI can now add or remove objects, edit photos instantly, and eliminate the need for learning tools like Lightroom or Photoshop. And let’s be real, the days of needing high-megapixel cameras are fading when most photos are only seen on social media where all those pixels don’t even matter. I miss the old days-buying new lenses, upgrading gear, and diving into new camera features. Unfortunately, it feels like those days are behind us.

Sales are down because people can't lay out 4K-5K for a camera body when they're trying to feed their family.

Perspective from a student who's just started studying a Masters in photography... To say that 'photography is dead' is akin to saying 'painting is dead' or 'writing is dead' - mediums don't really die, they change, and the people who use them change. I think that photography is changing, yes, but that's a far cry from saying it's dying. More photographs are being captured every day as we all know - and not all of them are AI! It's up to us as hobbyists, creators and artists to respond to that change.

The reason the kayak video didn't do well is that people quickly realized it was about wildlife, or more specifically bird photography. that's such a niche, even I who am quite old have no interest in it. Make a video on how to shoot, edit and post HDR vids for RU-vid and it will blow up.

I'll always use my camera instead of my phone. I love to edit. I shoot raw and can't wait to download the thousands of photos and have fun editing. It's a great hobby

The kayaking wildlife photography video was my favorite since that is exactly what I do, and is the whole reason I bought a real camera!

I feel what is helping to kill photography is the fact that there is so much over processing and manipulation of images that it has become impossible to believe whether the image is "real" or not. "Fake" would be a good term to describe it.

I went to a tourist trap in Tucson called Trail Dust Town and was told I could not take pictures (I was shooting buildings, not people - no tripod or lights and I am amateur) with my EOS R because it was a pro camera. Cell phones were okay. The reason was that two portrait studios leased space in the property, and this was crowding their gig. Security were incredibly nice and it was private property. I asked if they wanted me to delete the pictures I took, and they kindly said no. I have no ill will to TDT so don’t throw them shade. I just want to give example that photography is taking hits left and right: restricted areas, crowded areas, telephone lines, Karens that involve themselves on public streets. The list goes on. Then add to this the topics of AI, proliferation of bad shots of the same Antelope Canyon, and you do wonder if photography is dying. Some will say that’s a lazy excuse, and there are plenty of new subjects to shoot and talent will rise to the top. I don’t disagree. I would just observe as a landscape and architectural photographer that I have to travel longer and to quieter towns to get shots which takes some of the fun away.

People want shortcuts. The don't want to know the art and science of photography. They want to buy a camera and immediately start making money with it. They figure they will learn as they go. It's that way with almost everything.

Photography isn't dead. The equipment we use to capture an image has changed. People shoot more photos today than they did 20 years ago. They just use cell phones instead of DSLRs. People shot more pics using DSLRs than with SLRs. More images with SLRs than with Kodak Brownies. We continue to shoot more photos.

The lighting and color of this is amazing. Yes I’m still watching the content!

I’m a pro photographer and sometimes the joy certainly is dead lol

I think the thing almost all channels miss when discussing this subject is that before cell phones had decent cameras the fact was you had to own a real camera if you wanted decent photos. And before phone cameras of any sort you had, well, cameras. There was no alternative. There were never that many people who loved the so called art of photography. There were people who wanted pictures of their kids before there was such a thing as a cell phone and then there were people who wanted the same thing until they felt their phone camera was good enough. Especially since they never print photos any more. These days you're seeing the numbers of people who actually loved photography versus the number of people who loved snapshots and convenience. When the convenience began to come with good enough quality for the masses they dropped the real cameras. Part of the reason real camera prices can be so high is that these companies know that at this point that other than their vlogging cameras they are generally selling to enthusiasts or pros. Both of whom will pay to play. They know there's no real market to be gained in super low priced camera gear even though my old $400 point and shoot Sony HX-80 will still shoot circles around the latest phone cameras if for no other reason than the actual zoom lens and more than just auto mode built in.

Part of the reason younger photographers want a piece of gear rather than understanding the creative process, is the smartphone. Current smartphones do everything for them. They take dozens of photos and combine them to get flawless exposure. They use AI to calculate a style that will look best and then do all the post processing. They take so much of the creativity away from the “photographer” that what artistry is there does not reflect the photographer’s state of mind, but the amalgamation of the photos the AI was trained on.

I think you are wrong. Recently professional photography courses are becoming more and more common. Something I have not seen before, children from the age of 10 learn still photography with DSLR cameras, and the level they are quite high. Don't worry. Photography is not going anywhere.

The best way to get people involved in photography is to ask them what medium or what kind of means they are able to use and how much they willing to invest in telling a story? Artists use many different methods and mediums to make their storytelling more appealing. Writers uses words that invoke emotions or ideas that can make the reader react or even make the changes to a reader’s thinking. Photographs tell the story and also relate historical information as documented events that everyone can relate to.😮

Documenting the world and life will always be needed, no matter how you do it. AI is one thing, but capturing reality cannot be done with AI. We will always need real photographers to capture real moments. Photography will never die!

I’m a late bloomer but I’m trying to learn everything I can in depth and channels like yours, and RU-vid as a whole, are amazing educational platforms. Maybe it’s because I’m older, but there are those who still want to learn the art.

My 15 year old nephew just bought his first camera, a Canon R100. He wants to take photos that his phone can't, mainly photos of tiny critters like toads and salamanders and beetles and slugs and those kinds of things. He's really excited to learn about his new camera and the possibilities that it will open up. Of course, as soon as I found out what camera he bought, I searched your channel for a tutorial, found the one you did on the R100, watched it myself, and then sent him the link to it.

I think most of us really can’t afford all these classes so we try to learn on our own or look at free classes that offered at times!

It’s an aging crowd. At 40 I’m among the youngest guys using a stand alone digital camera for fun. Most of the time, it’s me and grandfathers who have a dedicated camera. What’s mostly left are pros and a few nerdy dads with a little money to burn and a desire to buy the toy, I’m the latter.

people watch camera tests like they watch cook shows. They do not cook anymore, they watch others cook.

My opinion is that physics means that cameras will always make better shots than smart phones. I think more people than Tony should be saying that smart phones actually do pretty crappy photos. I use my iPhone a lot but am very aware that its shots are not so good.

Photography isn't dead AI is just weeding out the REAL photographers from the snapshot artists.

I normally fly my drone, but I very recently just bought a Cannon R8 and started to do photography again. I am starting to learn how to do street photography and i'm loving it. I'm with Chelsea, I don't think its dead at all!

Photography is still thriving in South Carolina. 📸🙌🏾🙌🏾

After growing up in the 50s and up with my Dads Leica always in close reach, even on road trips luging around multiple lens, hanging around in his darkroom, going with him to his camera club meetings, I could not get that interested. Today, after trying to master my RX100m4, (not wanting to ever lug around lenses) I just received my first big camera, the RX10iv. That's all I'll will ever want, cause I'll never be a pro, don't need it. Post processing has been has been around for ever but now so much better, no chemicals! My after school job was processing film, (my Dad got me that job). Just now getting deeper in to this. I think I'm beginning to be some kind of an Artist, but I'll never clamed to be one. Just trying to duplicate (and getting closer) to what you guys and other are showing. Thanks, your talking points reminds me of my yesteryears.

I told an employer 12 years ago that for younger people a still photo meant to them that the video was buffering. This was one of the largest camera stores in the US. The growth of that company since has vastly been due to video centric sales.

You used to be able to develop your own film. No one “spying” on you. No subscription. Now Adobe has its tentacles in you , you can’t buy it as a product and not connect to the cloud. Can you imagine having your car that had to be connected to your phones data in order to turn on ? It’s ludicrous. Even office 365 , it’s crazy. Why can’t you just buy something and use it until you want to upgrade. Kinda like a camera.

I'm a hobbyist photographer, one thing that has helped me is using old, all manual film cameras, once you do the math and realize that after buying film and getting them developed and especially prints made, that each picture has a not insignificant cost, it forces you to slow down and actually think about how to take the photo and you have to learn what each setting does and how it affects it

Come on guys... You are Comparing... "Products vs Personal Work"... Views will always go towards "Products".... Tutorials, Workshops... wont get as much views... but you will receive Faithful Fans that you always influence and continue to inspire. Now a days... In The USA... things are kinda Crazy... so most industries that are into "Hobbies, Passions" are in a "Standby"... KEEP UP THE WORK. You are Truly Appreciated. PHOTOGRAPHY... WILL NEVER DIE!

I think when we shot on film you had 24 or 36 chances to get it right. Then you had to wait to see your work. So you learned more about how it worked. Now you just push buttons, take 100 pictures and push another button to start over. It makes it too easy to be a professional at it.

Camera sales are only down because there are just too many cameras and new editions without any major improvements.

I actually loved your Kayak video because I have a kayak and have been wanting to take it out and photograph from it. While I can not afford the newer cameras I have a Nikon 5600 currently. I went ahead and bought the Nikon 200 - 500mm lens because I love to photograph wildlife. I currently go on weekend trips to Assateague Island and photograph the wildlife as often as possible. My biggest problem is learning what all the camera can do and at times I get frustrated with figuring out the best setting and all the buttons out, but at the same time I actually want to learn to get better at it. I have bought your books and several others and in time hope to get much better at photography. I find such peace when I have my camera in my hand, and love capturing moments in time that I would otherwise never get to see again.

I watched something recently that has me staying off Facebook etc, because the more images we browse the more we dull our brain to them. Which 100% makes sense - like any addiction.

I had just been on holiday to Greece. For the first time, I just took a mobile. I did not see anyone else with a camera, and I left the Fuji XT 3 at home . It's dying slowly

I have seldom done without a camera. I used my fathers a few times as a kid. I was10 in 1960 and got to take some pictures during that time. Got my own , first real camera in '71. A Konica Autoreflex T. (still shoot it). My digital is a Nikon D-7200. I also have 16 old film cameras. I love shooting all of them even though, and partly because, they are each different. So, I'm with Chelsea. As long as there are cameras to be had, there will be photographers carrying them, shooting them, and having fun recording the world in front of them. Y'all are my peeps.

I started out on film cameras and my first DSLR was a Canon AE1 and been a great since. Like computers they keep getting better but phone cameras and video special cameras are making better advances than commercial consumer or pro. I've got my eye on the R5 MKII for the next year with a few lenses and an adapter for my EF lenses. You don't have to realize that this weekend at the coast taking pictures I was changing lenses compared to when I took photos with my old Samsung note 9 which fits in my back pocket and I can surf the web and make phone calls. I am more like Tony but like listening to Chelsea and the positivity is wonderful. There are a bunch of us listening and watching. Thank you!

There are just too many people with cameras, iPhones and professional. Plus everything is looking the same, no originality. Plus the cost of high end lenses and cameras.

One of my newest things has been creating a preset to give that soft focus early 70’s romance feel. That has gained me quite a few glamour oriented portrait shoots.

I think a lot of careers related to photography and other industries are going to suffer, if not die altogether as ai continues to prove more cost efficient within certain revenue streams. I believe there will always be value within the art of photography that can capture the profound elements of our thinking and life around us with a single image. Those capable of doing this will probably struggle to find the correct audience for this, leading to discouragement and desire for quitting, but that is half the battle for artists of all mediums. The death of the magazine or paper in general and rise of social media has created a super highway with how we absorb our world. This has devalued photography because it cannot be absorbed properly to fully appreciate it. Hence why video is more desired on all current platforms while amazing pictures are designated to at best a “Cool shot” and followed by a finger swipe to the next thing the algorithm is telling us we’ll like. Photography needs a new stage to distinguish itself for its own greatness if it’s going to ever thrive again.

The answer to how to get more people interested in the art of photography is actually one of the most common words used in photography, Exposure. By exposing young people, or anyone, to seeing a really cool, interesting, or artistic photo, a certain percentage will naturally want to know how they got that photo and want to learn more.

If you want to get new people interested in cameras, you need to make videos like Thomas Heaton, Simon d'Entremont, and many others. Get out there, show us what you can do. Make it interesting, have fun and most of all SMILE ;-)

1. Thank you for making the video about kayak nature photography. Not something I would have sought out, but really enjoy the information you shared. 2. Comparing the performance of that video to a R5 review is, as you said, apples to oranges. You’re always going to have a larger audience to speak to when you’re generally talking about camera gear verse a specific genre of photography that not everyone cares about. 3. I think the gateway drug to photography is actually having experiences worth capturing. Centering the learning process around something that you have a personal connection makes it so much more rewarding. Sure that pictures of the NYC skyline isn’t as good as a postcard I could have bought, but it reminds me of a moment and a memory I want to hang on to. You kind of need to accept that some people are always going to be ok with the good enough photos they get with their phone, and that’s ok.

"the best camera is the one you have with you". and most people have a mobile in their pocket, with a pretty pretty pretty good camera...

We've had a Sony NEX-5T for years and this year I finally bought myself an a6700 and 5 new lenses for everything from astrophotography to macro. Additionally, because i got rebitten by the photography bug my two young kids got interested and I bought them each a point and shoot. Since January I have watched endless hours of 20 min+ photography videos and, thanks to experts like you, I have improved greatly. Additionally, in utah where I live, there are many portrait photographers and they are all busy, booking out months in advance for family shoots. Like Chelsea, I am optimistic, even in the face of AI and smart phones.

Remote work made me want to look professional on screen in zoom meetings. That led to a Sony a5100 and a Sigma 16mm 1.4. That led to a ZVE10 and 4 lenses later - I like photography! Macro, astro, telephoto, sports, portraits - I even bought y’all’s book on Amazon! I think the entry into photography is not the same as it used to be.

Retired and returned to photography after 40 years of film. Bought three R5 and R6M2 in March 2024. Just got the R5M2 (already!). And lenses…another $12,xxx. Price/cost is a barrier to entry for everyone. Then the printer (Canon pro-1000). Ink, paper…. I try to only shoot what I am willing to print - not living only in the digital space.

Please keep making the tutorials. I keep a note of what topics are taught and then when I’m in. A position later to learn that thing, I’m really glad it’s been there. Future me needs you to keep making things today, please!

I’m part of a personal resurgence in photography after a decade or more on smartphone, now back into the Nikon Z mirrorless system and your channel had a hand in that

Among the camera companies, Leica is perhaps doing the best job when it comes to keeping the art of photography alive. They‘re actually entertaining a global network of galleries where everybody can see what that art may look like. Btw, the renaissance in analogue photography is certainly a reason for optimism, too.

100% agree ...Cameras are cool!

Social Media, especially Facebook, is full of ads nowadays.

Three items that are disruptive (or even destructive) to photography as you were discussing are: 1. cell phones w/cameras, 2. hybrid cameras (video) , and 3. artificial intelligence. The "art" of photography is diminishing and I hope at some time it can cycle back to more popularity.

The biggest issue on camera sales is that other than for high-end video, mirrorless cameras haven't become noticeably better in producing pictures that people take in the last 5-7 years. There is visually no difference between even a large (16"x20") picture taken with a 20 or 24 mpx camera and 45, 61 or 100 mpx camera, so the need to upgrade regularly is there. Smart phones are having the same issue - an iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung S24Ultra doesn't take pictures any better than an iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung S21 Ultra, and in general aren't worlds better than their 3-4 year old predecessors.

Bought a Nikon Z9 earlier this year to go with my Nikon 400 f2.8. I am amature photographer I shoot local Wildlife sporting events from Snakes to Kangaroo's from Cycling, Surfing to Hang-gliding. I shoots Hundreds every day photography is not dead in my eyes. From Australia.

Camera sales peaked in 2010 at 121 million, and dropped down to around 8 million every year since 2020!

I think the way we get more people into photography is getting outside with people, cameras, teachers like you guys and no cellphones to distract.

Tony's long form camera walkthroughs are the best. I still watch the Olympus one from years ago. Ironically the long form will save you time rather than watching some boof head 1 min trick on tiktok

Sales are down because most are using phones that they keep upgrading year after year and spending thousands of dollars on. But last time I checked if you are doing wildlife photography nobody shows up with an IPhone.

Never underestimate the power of GAS!!! People won’t pay $50 for an award winning photograph to frame and hang on the wall but people will spend thousands of dollars on the camera gear.

photography is not dead, but the days of hiring someone to take pictures is definitely numbered. The ONLY reason there is a profession called 'photographer' was the need for someone who mastered the skills needed to capture an image when there was no way to see the outcome (talking about film). The need for a photographer is slowly being replaced by digital, and lately AI took a huge leap forward in replacing jobs held by photographers and editors. I'm not wrong about this. Photography is not dead, but the profession is on life support.

I love all your tutorial videos it has helped me learn my camera in so many ways so thank you guys and keep them coming

I and my GF are currently fell in love with film photography. We started developing the film ourselves and even got a enlarger from a friend so now we have these things to learn. Its been really lot of fun so far. Analog photography is bit harder and you have to think about the pictures way more than with digital. But then wehen thinks work out as you imagined its a great feeling.

From my own experience, I think that leading by example may be one important way forward. I've been donating my time and skills to my daughter's high school the past 7 years for action sports photos. There are 2 kids who I photographed who now photograph. The older of the two reached out to me for advice on his first camera. They saw me do it and use the photos to promote them, and they saw the quality of the photos and wanted to do that, too.

As a photographer, I think that lenses and cameras are just too expensive for most people. Especially mirrorless.

With the rise and proliferation of LLM-generated (don't believe the marketing term "AI") imagery, digital photography may become increasingly irrelevant (as will all digital "content"). We've spent the past few decades chasing megapixels and advanced tech, but I believe the future of photography will center around authenticity. "Show me your negs" could once again become a standard for gauging authenticity and veracity. Analog photography for analog beings.

As an avid enthusiast, I'm sorry to say that yes, it's effectively dead as a mainstream thing. It's a niche thing like Vinyl.

As someone who has taught over 6000+ students there are less people interested in taking all kinds of photography classes/workshop in the beginner/intermediate range. Advance is still there but people in the more advanced stage want exotic locations and famous teachers who are well known and sponsored. They are almost older, have more money than most and have time to travel. IMO there are less people who are into traditional photography…

Don't be so pessimistic Tony - cameras are cool, not just technical. I enjoy it the most when you both talk widely, Chelsea sticks to the art form of photography and is less worried about the art dying - I agree with her. Keep up the good work.

Very True!! Young people are NOT taking the time to truly learn hobbies. Imagine being a guitar teacher in an era where electric guitars have mostly disappeared from pop music because people don't want to learn. There is an old saying that in 10 hours of practice a guy can learn some basic chords. At 100 hours, you known your chords and can strum a lot of songs. At 1,000 hours, you can play a lot of runs and riffs along with a few of the easier solos. It takes up to 10,000 hours to be a lead guitarist who can play most songs entirely. Who is willing to put in 100 hours, much less 10K hours?

I started taking photos with a Nikon EM back in 1979 and like you Tony it was a single photo that planted the seed of interest, and it was photo of a Timber wolf. So over time technology changes for the good or worse and it's up to us to use it in a way that keeps people interested in the art of photography for instance watching your pod casts is what re-energized my interest and I purchased a used Sony a77 and a sigma 150-500mm telephoto and now I'm looking to get a Sony a7 IV or a7R. and it's because of you and Chelsea and the way you present photography in your pod casts. Tony if I remember correctly, you said it was at 11 when you seen the photo of the Afghan school girl. what I miss is the time in the dark room, but once again watching your pod casts I'M exploring some photo editing programs like Gimp instead of photoshop for new ideas. So photography the art is still there but like All things it has its ups and downs we just have to flex and adjust as we go.

I would like to offer you a point, if I may. I have identified a gap between smartphone users and enthusiasts. To enter interchangeable lens realm you need at least 1,000 USD, but price aside, there is nothing anymore in between. Ten years ago camera manufacturers were offering models like Canon G-series, some Fuji X (xf1, x10), Sony RX-series - cameras suited for creativity although with smaller 1” sensors or less. Now we only have Fuji X100 series and Ricoh with APS-C sensors, Sony with 1” sensors, cameras that are hard to come by and they are expensive to the point that you would be better off with a kit. And this is why older 10 years camera are selling now for a premium 50% more than when they were new. For me, I would like to drop my bag of L-lenses and just go with a small compact camera, like G7X Mk III (just as an example). But they key point for such a camera are: dials for aperture, shutter speed, focus ring, and not much more. I think technically you may adjust them in any compact camera, but the functions are buried deep in the menus, and the design enabling this creative mood is therefore largely missing. I think this is exactly why Fuji X100 series are so popular. But for me, I am surely missing other manufacturers engage into this design.
I do understand and appreciate computational photography, for what it’s worth, and it’s worth a lot, but the options to have a ‘back-to-basic’ approach I consider it will make more people engage with the art of photography. A subtle difference between a ‘photo’ and a ‘still’. Pricewise I would see this niche being priced at the 500 USD mark, to make it more attractive for young people that are notorious lacking finance. Just to be in line with your comments, that I highly appreciate.

Tony, Tony, Tony... 24,000 viewers isn't enough for you??? Sure, your product reviews get many more views, but still -- that's 24,000 people who took the time, and had the patience, to watch a slow, wordy tutorial! I'm reminded of the time a friend of mine, a classical musician, gave a concert in NYC. It wasn't well advertised, and there were other things going on that day... and she got one person in the audience. One older man. So she played her heart out for this fellow, and he had the greatest concert experience of his life. Appreciate what you have, be glad with how many you reach with your useful, practical, excellent teaching!

I deleted my last comment. I’m watching this video. Chelsea is 100000% correct! Tony listen to Chelsea! She’s right there are other types of photography. Photography is up on phones. Lower tier cameras are down. People are buying used cameras! Polaroid and other film cameras are up. Vintage cameras are huge! Chelsea is right! Listen to Chelsea! Have Chelsea on the show more. The best decision you’ve made in life and marrying that woman!

Wildlife photography is already pretty niche. Add in a kayaking requirement, and I’m not surprised that the video didn’t get as many views.

Im a m43 amateur photographer and enjoy shooting - its my hobby, I have lots of lenses and couple of bodies with different capabilities and I use them all the time, almost randomly, based on my current mood. They are small and light so its not a problem to have it with me everywhere. Also, I enjoy my photos more than my gear. Maybe thats the problem…

Judging by the ridiculously high price for older used Fuji cameras here in the UK there's still plenty of people buying cameras.

Fear not, Tony Obi-Wan; all is not lost. On a recent photo walk, besides the DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, several young people (I am 71, and everybody is younger than me) had Mamiya 645s and Nikon F bodies.

Yesterday I dug up my old Sony nex 5n camera, it weighs less then my iphone but still delivers excellent photo's! It will be fun getting back to what photography is about and not worry about the amount of megapixels.

You folks were a tremendous help to me when I was trying to figure out my D500.

I recently heard a really interesting comment about photography .. in that it is useful to make an image "about something" rather than "of something". Of course the gear you use needs to be of a minimum standard, but its the combination of subject, composition, gear, lighting etc that are the ingredients of the recipe that tells a story in an image. I think the way ahead is to get folk engaged in making interesting images, by whatever means .. and a proportion of them will then want to learn more. As to what constitues an interesting image is another ball game entirely ...

My early 1980s 35mm SLR with a few nice lenses cost about the same as my similar mirrorless set up today (adjusted for inflation). But modern results incredibly superior, despite the camera having similar bulk and weight. Freedom from film is liberating.

there is a big community with Automotive photography, car meets & Drifting specifically. i have met a lot of people though doing automotive photos the last year and a half than i have in a while. i see alot of younger photographers(in there 20's) with Sony A6500's & A7 ranges, and those who like myself who are mostly 33 and up with one exception being 26 using canon R's & R6's, i use a T3I, i know an older guy who uses a Nikon D750 i think. another factor is where you are located that makes a difference on the interest in it in younger generations, i'm in RI so take that for what it is worth.

The smartphone and social media killed the PRINT more than the picture.

I have 2 thoughts. AI I think is getting better. But my wife was showing me a picture of a bathroom in a log cabin, the bathroom had like a lounge area/reading nook. In this area the shower head was in the lounge/reading nook, and the toilet was inside on the shower. Second. I had a niece that took a photography class in her high school. In her class the teacher would set all the setting on the camera then had the student go take the photos. I guess this would teach the students composition but not much more. So no real photographers are not dead.

I have thousands of pounds worth of digital camera gear, but have the most fun with a 50 pound Ricoh point and shoot that I picked up from a vintage shop. Having grown up with film and then moving to digital 20 years ago I now feel like im going full circle. I have already sold 3 of my digital cameras and I am seriously thinking of going back completely to film as shooting digital always seemed to be missing something, it seemed in a way like it was fake.

Obsolete technologies tend not to disappear completely but they do tend to stop being robust businesses. Once upon a time blacksmith shops were everywhere. They're gone, but there are still people practicing blacksmithy. It's just that now it's a hobby or, at most, a boutique business for a tiny number of people -- making wrought iron stuff for deep-pocketed people who want custom railings or garden ornaments, for example. But blacksmithy is no longer an industry or even a truly viable career. I suspect that a similar fate awaits professional photography. It won't be exactly the same, but similar.

I belong to a Photography Club, and we're NOT seeing any kind of percentage of people wanting to join, so I'm not sure why all these 'young people' Chelsea mentions, are not joining, to hone their craft at least a little? I often wonder if some don't want to deal with the 'editing' process? Many seem to enjoy videography, but in my couple decades of enjoying Photography, I may have taken 3 video's, of which have long been deleted now, with my Nikon. I do have some video's on my iPhone 14 Pro Max, but that was for Christmas or Birthday gatherings! Kudo's, to those willing to learn, and take over for the older photographers that just don't get out there like they use to!

I blame Instagram on their recent change to put focus on video posts. Some humans are also inherently LAZY who just want to "quickly take a shot" and leave. They just don't bother to take the time to "take photos probably" anymore. People are also lazy to think about terms like aperture, shutter speed, focus and ISO and all that. End up what do these people get? Photos that look like crap with blur results.

I've gone from iPhone photography, and bought a couple of DSLR's. My feeling is that mobile phone photography is near it's peak development, and it's more AI now. I'm enjoying my 90D now :)

Love watching you both. Just anecdotally, have seen a bunch of young people this year with real cameras doing street photography near where I work in London; and have seen young people in person taking great shots (pro level, better than me) with their iphones. Definitely gave me hope for the hobby: real, "what did I know?" moments.

I too have just starting 'playing' golf, well I appear with clubs on course, so I know exactly how you feel about golf

NO ! Even if everybody else stopped photography, I will keep on with photography as the only one on the this planet !

Make the cameras, lighter and smarter. I carried my canon camera around the Grand Canyon and found it heavy and cumbersome. I still need to process the pictures I took on that vacation. By the end of the day, I was tired of carrying such a heavy camera.

Some parts of photography are dead. Part of it is the high cost. The solution I think is to make it cool again. In the 1980's Canon was selling tons of cameras for under $200. That's one of the main reasons people think of Canon first in the market place. It is shifting to Sony more and more. As for education? A lot of youth want results now with very little effort. If they want results at all. Things are disposable and of little value. The videos I make that are educational many times crater compared to off the wall simple stuff.