Photography
Everybody knows what photography is. In the way of a formal definition, photography is the process of capturing reflected light images either on a light-sensitive medium such as film or as digital information on a storage chip in the newest cameras.
Both are equally effective technologies. The big plus with the new digital photography techniques is their ability to be downloaded into a personal computer for display, storage, and other uses and the lack of cost for film and film processing.
Digital photography is rapidly replacing traditional film
Digital photography is changing the photographic world in much the same way as powerful personal computers and the Internet have changed the way we live. Many predict that within a decade or so, film will become completely obsolete. Nevertheless, there are ‘purists’ who feel that the ability to easily manipulate digital images with the technology makes the authenticity of the results suspect compared to those from older analog film cameras. In fact, some judges are unwilling to accept digital images as evidence because editing software on a personal computer so easily changes them.
Digital photography is extremely versatile
Digital imaging utilizes an image sensor that records the image as a set of electronic data instead of by changing the chemistry on a piece of film. The major difference between digital and analog photography is the ability to manipulate or alter digital images as previously discussed. Performing such manipulation with images recorded on film is possible, but much more difficult and easier to detect. Digital images, however, can be easily moved, combined, added to and deleted with relative ease and these changes can be difficult if not impossible to detect.
Photography creates many employment opportunities
The field of photography in general has always been well suited to independent contractors and individuals who can provide photographic services to families and businesses alike. With the advent of the Internet as a dynamic, global medium, it has become far easier for both the buyers and providers of photography services to find each other and establish a working relationship. Photography is widely used in advertising, fashion & glamour, forensics, portraits, weddings, fine arts and industrial fields. There are Internet websites available where buyers of these services can post their projects and take bids within a bracketed price range from providers worldwide. Thanks to digital photography, the images resulting may be easily sent over the Internet from photographer to buyer in just seconds.
There are excellent markets for photographic services
The market for photography and photographic services is excellent and growing. Here, the old adage of “one picture is worth a thousand words” truly applies. Large metropolitan newspapers and magazines generally employ staff photographers, but still purchase a good number of photos from freelancers. So do magazines and other print publications. Stock photo suppliers who maintain extensive image libraries for sale are also good places for photographers to market their products. Websites, advertising agencies and graphic designers are also good candidates. All of these groups are now finding websites for outsource buyers and freelance providers worthwhile indeed.
