How Digital Photography Has Changed The Freelance Photographer
As long as there have been cameras there have been freelance photographers, but how has digital photographer changed the way freelance photographers work? Since there is no longer a need to develop prints, it is much easier for a person to enter into the field of photography. With just a camera at hand, a freelance photographer can make his or her way around to many events offering photography services for a lower cost than that of the professional photographer. That does not mean the freelance photographer is not a professional, but since he or she does not have the overhead of an actual office, they can be much more competitive in their prices.
 With today’s smaller and more compact digital cameras, a freelance photographer can make his way around to different events without even being noticed. Many times you will find a freelance photographer on the scene of an accident ready and willing to take photos and provide them to the perspective insurance companies for a small fee. Many of the photographs you find in the newspaper of social events have been provided by freelance photographers rather than staff photographers. When professional cameras used to be bulky and heavy to carry around it was less likely to find a photographer carrying the camera and looking for a place to use his skills.
 The major impact digital photography has had on the freelance photographer has been that of cost. With the need for expensive darkroom equipment no longer necessary, many more people can afford to become freelance photographers. It’s become a part-time job of choice for many who enjoy taking pictures—they work regular jobs and scout different events for the opportunity to take some pictures and sell their services. Unlike the instant cameras of the 60s and 70s, digital photographs do not fade over time nor do they require any special solutions to develop the photographs.
 With future innovations in digital photography it is possible that more amateur photographers will learn the skills necessary to become professionals and sell their services in their local areas. How much of an impact this may have on the professional photographer will only show over time. It is unlikely there will be an impact on the professional photography studio as this is an area that is far from that of the freelance photographer who tends to prefer social events and scenes of a newsworthy nature.
 With today’s smaller and more compact digital cameras, a freelance photographer can make his way around to different events without even being noticed. Many times you will find a freelance photographer on the scene of an accident ready and willing to take photos and provide them to the perspective insurance companies for a small fee. Many of the photographs you find in the newspaper of social events have been provided by freelance photographers rather than staff photographers. When professional cameras used to be bulky and heavy to carry around it was less likely to find a photographer carrying the camera and looking for a place to use his skills.
 The major impact digital photography has had on the freelance photographer has been that of cost. With the need for expensive darkroom equipment no longer necessary, many more people can afford to become freelance photographers. It’s become a part-time job of choice for many who enjoy taking pictures—they work regular jobs and scout different events for the opportunity to take some pictures and sell their services. Unlike the instant cameras of the 60s and 70s, digital photographs do not fade over time nor do they require any special solutions to develop the photographs.
 With future innovations in digital photography it is possible that more amateur photographers will learn the skills necessary to become professionals and sell their services in their local areas. How much of an impact this may have on the professional photographer will only show over time. It is unlikely there will be an impact on the professional photography studio as this is an area that is far from that of the freelance photographer who tends to prefer social events and scenes of a newsworthy nature.
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