Internet gives press photographers a hard time
Press photography is increasingly becoming a bread-and-butter business. The unbroken trend towards more topicality and lower quality photos in the print media is causing problems for the industry. New internet platforms are now enabling smartphone users to sell their snapshots directly to the media.
"The world is changing. Like other professions, we have to evolve. Anyone who just waits and complains will go under," says press photographer Thomas Studhalter to Pressetext.
The ever-improving cameras on smartphones have led to amateur photos slowly finding their way into the media. Apps such as Scoopshot or Tackable promote this process. Each photo can be sold directly to media companies. Prices are typically around 30 euros per shot. "That's not so bad. Large photo agencies put much more pressure on photographers. They usually only pay a few cents per photo. In addition, unlike amateurs, they also destroy the lucrative business with the magazines," says Studhalter.
Daily news media have always paid relatively little for photos. However, due to the economic and time-related competitive pressure from the Internet, the market is increasingly collapsing. "Even with quality media, the quality of the photos is becoming less and less important. Speed is all that counts," says Studhalter. Technical developments are also putting pressure on photographers on another front. "In a few years, the quality of video recordings will be so good that perfect still images can be extracted. Then photographers will no longer be sent out, only VJs," explains Studhalter.
The changes in the press photo business are also opening up opportunities for photographers. "The business community is keen to distance itself from press photos, which are tending to get worse. There are opportunities for photographers here. The next generation should also learn to shoot moving images. In the future, new business areas will also open up in direct cooperation with online portals. I am optimistic," says Studhalter. According to the professional, technical know-how also pays off. 3D photography and panoramic photos, for example, are opening up new markets. (Press release)
