New directions in photography

The proliferation of digital cameras has changed the profession of photography. Something similar had happened in western countries a few years ago, when Kodak and other manufacturers promoted amateur photography with easy to handle affordable cameras. Kodak’s prime product was of course film, and they sold a lot of it to amateurs.

In Malawi ten years ago, there were many less cameras in the hands of amateurs than today, when many people own consumer model digital cameras, and/or camera phones. Why do they need a professional photographer, when they have a camera right in their pocket?

In the old days there were photographers around in many of the dance places, to make portraits. People make sure they look their best when they go out, they meet their friends, and they want memories of these occasions. They want photos. These days many of these photos are made on their own lito cameras.

Joy Fresh at Shire Highlands

When I was at a music show in Limbe on Sunday, I was there to photograph the show. But some people assumed that I was there to make portraits of the public. And they approached me. Probably they feel that I look very profi and that my photos will be better than their own amateur work. I hope they are, because I am taking money for the photos. Maybe there is a business opportunity here for someone with great portrait skills and good equipment, and a small portfolio of excellent photos he/she has made before. 

visitors at Shire Highlands

But if every Jim and Jack can make a photo, we as professional have to offer something they cannot do. We have to study, and learn to make photos that are a lot better than what the amateur does. The photographers association Photama offers courses in professional photography, often I teach. We have to know more than the average person to stay in business, and we can do that. On the up side: photos are improving in Malawi, and everyone will have better photos because of this pressure on the photographer. Let’s give the public value for money!