Originally Posted by Pål Jensen
Haven't read through the whole thread but I believe you are wrong. Firstly, all these photographers have been leading workshops long before digital; even for decades.
I agree here, this is true, and will remain like that for a while
Secondly, having a digital cameras doesn't make you a better photographer.
No, but it allows everyone to take more photos because they are cheap. Keep in mind that a DSLR now, such as the K100 Super, or even a K200, plus a reasonable kit lens sells for the same number of dollars as a PZ-1 sold for in 1991. If you add in inflation, then a good DSLR is relitively cheap today. Since the cameras are so cheap, and there is no developing, people take more images, and it only takes one.
For that you need vision and be able to compose; neither is something the camera can do. However, I do think there are more photographers out there now due to digital and the internet...
see above, people can get lucky also.
To add to another comment, people talk about equipment. What is available today at the prosumer level is as good as or better than what was pro level 15 years ago. so equipment is also not the issue.
what will make a pro, as you correctly stated is vision, or to put it numerically the keeper ratio, how many really good shots per 100 taken, make the grade. the best photographer might only need 1, every time. That is a pro.