Photographer Mark Meyers just wrote up a nice enough story aimed at driving awareness fear in professional photographers … fear about the future of their career, their well-being, their jobs.
Depicted in that article this image at left, which was completely generated by the author of the post using an emerging 3d modeling software called Blender. The quote that stands out from the article is this one:
“If you are a photographer that makes a living shooting still-life photos, this should scare you…”
Bullshit. Unless of course…
You take the kind of photo that actually requires no personal vision…or
you’re unwilling to evolve with the industry…or
you’re somehow deluded that photography should be bound to wait for it’s sectors that can’t evolve…or
you’re unable to comprehend the definition of photography expanding into new horizons.
In which case it SHOULD scare you because you should be replaced.
Because whether the camera is 6 megapixels or 60, it’s a point and shoot or a dSLR, or … gasp…the “camera” is a dude sitting at a desktop computer…these tools are JUST TOOLS and cannot create compelling content without a human driver, a storyteller, a visionary at it’s helm. And those photos are the only photos you should be aiming to create…unless of course, you’re ok being replaced by a lower priced pork belly.
This might seem like tough love if you’re hearing this for the first time. Apologies. But, get used to hearing no. If you’re an aspiring amateur or new pro, it’s fair to be disappointed, frustrated, or to find yourself in a position where what’s sitting in your lap is something different than you thought you signed up for. But it’s not smart for any of us to feel entitled — to complain about an evolving creative marketplace or desire to freeze an entire industry in time. Whether we like it or not, all industries march on.
Consider this your prime opportunity to start (or continue) to differentiate yourself, your work, your vision from that of your peers.
—-
(via petapixel)
Everyone talking about 3D, Megapixel, sensor system and I still shoot films and have no worry at all 😉
If you are a photographer, a product shot like this can be done in just a few minuets, and require little ‘Shop work. On the other hand, if you are just a button pusher, the shot could require hours and a lot of ‘Shop work.
BTW a computer artists rates shouldn’t be any different than a photographers rates. Being done on a computer doesn’t = free!
I have my feet in both camps, as a photographer, and a CG user (automotive specialism). I regularly read articles like this announcing the death of photograhy and how CG is the future. It’s a shame as what these journalists won’t see is the creative process and talent behind many of the CG images you see these days. They assume you can buy a bit of software and away you go. Similar to those who think you buy the latest camera and you’re suddenly a top photographer.
Both industries need each other. We commision photography to sit alongside our CG work, and can’t see a time where we won’t. Whether for backplates, or for the main subject, photography will always be needed. CG, and photography have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, and if you can combine them, with a story, then there’s the wow moment!
The companies currently at the forefront of CG realised 15 years ago that just because it’s CG doesn’t make it good. They quickly realised that it’s about what the image says and the emotions or feelings it generates. When hiring new staff, I’m more likely to hire a someone who enjoys photography in their spare time, than those who list that they have advanced skills in Maya/Max/Nuke etc etc
Got that right!
I just saw this article and it upset me as well. I am a 3D modeler as well as a photographer. I can not tell you how leaning photography as improved my understanding of light, composition and story. And as you said, the camera can be a computer too. You still need to be an artist no matter what tools you use.