Originally Posted by mel
But I guess I'm just one of those upstart amatures with a nice camera.
No, you are one of those nice upstart amateurs with a nice camera.
Is that how all librarians spell amateur?
Seriously though, you made a good point Mel. Whenever new technology comes along there are always doomsayers killing off the older technology but it doesn't always die.
As you said, the people using said technology adapt.
Another case in point, I have been a DJ on and off for the last thirty years and people kept saying vinyl was dead. The truth is, vinyl sales are on the rise and it is cd's, the technology that was supposed to have killed vinyl, that seem to be dying.
As for the professional photographers of the calibre Yvon mentioned, it is the same in every profession, cream always rises to the top. There is a lot of cream though so there are always other elements involved. Luck, right place right time, knowing the right people.
As Yvon said "DSLR's are now affordable for the masses". This just creates new opportunities for professionals (and not so professionals) because those masses want to learn how to use their cameras. Hence the workshops and the books flooding the market and don't forget all the associated software. A few years ago Yvon probably couldn't have produced her book because the market wasn't there. Now we are spoilt for choice and have to hope we get the right one. Don't forget though that it doesn't matter how good the camera is, it's the glass that really helps to get the good shots and, at the moment, that glass is still relatively expensive (unless you own a Pentax).
It's definitely tougher out there for anyone who wants a career as a photographer because anyone with a dslr can take some shots, print them and hold an exhibition. This can be good for all of us because it is opening up new markets. Why go to a big store and buy a poster that everyone else has when you can go and buy an original photograph for not too much more.
It doesn't matter how good, or different, the technology becomes, there will always be a need for artists to get the best out of that technology. It could be you or I.