Popular Photography
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05-09-2017 11:33 PM - edited 05-09-2017 11:59 PM
I'm sure that many of you already know this, but Popular Photography magazine has folded after 80 years, and its web presence will also soon cease to exist, according to what I've read. It seems that its March/April issue will be its last.
Management's letter to employees reads, in part:
"The rise of smartphone-camera technology and its increasing ability to capture quality photos and video and instantly share them socially has dealt the photo industry formidable challenges. For our brands, these industry challenges have left us with insurmountable losses in advertising and audience support. Despite the extraordinary efforts of our committed colleagues at Popular Photography and American Photo, as well as our best attempts corporately to find a sustainable path forward, we are simply unable to overcome these market forces."
The statement makes perfect sense to me. I personally believe that DSLR photography, for many, is just too much. From what I've seen on various fourms, the newer users, in many cases, don't seem to have the ability to focus on anything long enough to develop technique and skill, and seem disinclined to do any kind of serious self-study that would help build understanding, skill and technique. Because so many rely on smartphones for snapshots, there just isn't the kind of audience these publications require to attract subscribers and advertisers. My opinion only, of course.
https://petapixel.com/2017/03/07/popular-photography-dead-80-years-top-photo-magazine/
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08-05-2017 09:19 PM - edited 08-05-2017 09:25 PM
@John_SD wrote:
@Tronhard wrote:Personally if film makes a comeback and it engages more photographers I am very happy for them and the industry in general.
I agree, but I don't see film making any real headway in the marketplace. Yes, there may be a niche market for it, just as there is a niche market for vinyl records. But despite some growth in that area, I don't see vinyl posing any real threat to downloads or streaming.
Personally, I believe that smartphones have been the biggest block to DSLR cameras. For every guy I see with a Canon or N*kon, I see about a thousand snapping away with their iPhones. My perceptions only, of course.
@John_SD wrote:
@Tronhard wrote:Personally if film makes a comeback and it engages more photographers I am very happy for them and the industry in general.
I agree, but I don't see film making any real headway in the marketplace. Yes, there may be a niche market for it, just as there is a niche market for vinyl records. But despite some growth in that area, I don't see vinyl posing any real threat to downloads or streaming.
Personally, I believe that smartphones have been the biggest block to DSLR cameras. For every guy I see with a Canon or N*kon, I see about a thousand snapping away with their iPhones. My perceptions only, of course.
For me it was never about film making a comeback at the expense of digital - absolutely I would NEVER expect it to threaten the digital dominance of the market. Why anyone would think it will threaten digital is beyone me...
I think we all see how smartphones are eating away at the lower end point and shoot sector, but I have hopes I can still use my trusty DSLRs and maybe MILCs until they put me in a box.
I too see film as a niche market, I am pleased to see it come back from the brink of extinction, and I don't feel threatend by it.. As I tried to express earlier the improvement is about the halt in the decline of users and materials to a modest improvement in both.. I don't see it as a competitive thing to digital, more a complimentary engagement for those who want the outcomes unique to the medium.
TO consider a parallel universe: it's like those who like riding horses, a wonderful thing to do in many respects, but it does not replace the motor vehicle. What is going to displace the internal combustion engine is alternative tech - in particulal electric cars as the technology becomes cheaper and more efficient.
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris
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08-05-2017 09:25 PM
The film camera has gone the way of the steam locomotive. Yes, there are still a few of them around, but they're a curiosity, not a significant plsyer. Any talk of film making a serious "comeback" is silly.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA
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08-05-2017 09:34 PM - edited 08-05-2017 09:36 PM
@RobertTheFat wrote:The film camera has gone the way of the steam locomotive. Yes, there are still a few of them around, but they're a curiosity, not a significant plsyer. Any talk of film making a serious "comeback" is silly.
I think you are using a definition of "serious compback" in a different context to me, despite my efforts to eplain myself. I have clearly defined my parameters and I hope I have made it clear that I am talking about the reversal of a negative (excuse the pun) trend in both the use and supply of materials for those enthusiasts. So I am not going to own the label silly, nor would those companies who are putting a lot of money and commitment into producing film products and services. I was asked to give evidence for what I have said and I clearly done so, and nothing so far has been presented to contradict those sources.
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris
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08-06-2017 12:26 PM
"I am not going to own the label silly, ..."
Sometimes 'silly' becomes reality! We'll see. Time will tell.
EOS 1D, EOS 1D MK IIn, EOS 1D MK III, EOS 1Ds MK III, EOS 1D MK IV and EOS 1DX and many lenses.
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08-06-2017 01:46 PM
ebiggs1 wrote:
"I am not going to own the label silly, ..."
Sometimes 'silly' becomes reality! We'll see. Time will tell.
Frankly, I'm not sure what pont you are trying to make, but at this stage further discussion is pontless
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris
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08-07-2017 04:33 AM
The point is 'silly' people have found out to be correct sometimes. I doubt film has any sort of a major come back but "time will tell". We shall see. Who knows you may have it right.
EOS 1D, EOS 1D MK IIn, EOS 1D MK III, EOS 1Ds MK III, EOS 1D MK IV and EOS 1DX and many lenses.

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08-07-2017 03:22 PM
“Sales of professional photographic films have been steadily rising over the last few years, with professionals and enthusiasts rediscovering the artistic control offered by manual processes and the creative satisfaction of a physical end product. ...
That sounds like another version of "vinyl vs digital" music. In my opinion, if an artist wanted scratching noises in their music, they would have a band member scratching something.
What artistic control I have no idea. In my mind, film limits the artistic control while digital has greatly expanded it.

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08-07-2017 03:39 PM
Personally, I believe that smartphones have been the biggest block to DSLR cameras. For every guy I see with a Canon or N*kon, I see about a thousand snapping away with their iPhones. My perceptions only, of course.
Very true and excellent perception. However, before cell phone cameras there were a lot of digital point and shoots. With film, SLRs existed beside even more point and shoots. Before 35mm became the standard in America, most people used Brownies or other simple box cameras while the pros were using their large format, 50 lb, monstrosities. Or, their 20 lb Haselblads and TLRs. The term "snapshot" was created just for these people that wanted a photo of Uncle and Auntie before they moved to Big Butt Idaho or little Johnny's birthday. They aren't art. But the users don't care.
When a cell phone can shoot with a predetemrined DOF or a fast enough shutter to catch a hummingbird midstroke, then DSLRs will be done for.
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08-07-2017 03:40 PM
@Mr_Fusion wrote:“Sales of professional photographic films have been steadily rising over the last few years, with professionals and enthusiasts rediscovering the artistic control offered by manual processes and the creative satisfaction of a physical end product. ...
That sounds like another version of "vinyl vs digital" music. In my opinion, if an artist wanted scratching noises in their music, they would have a band member scratching something.
What artistic control I have no idea. In my mind, film limits the artistic control while digital has greatly expanded it.
Personally I am not inclined to return to film, but if there is a constituency out there that wants to use film I don't feel threatend by it and welcome them to enjoy their experiences and the technology. The apparent reversal in the decline in that niche market is what it is and frankly I wish them every good luck - it's one of those things about freedom of choice. It's the same logic that makes people drive vintage cars, ride horses or any other non-mainstream activity. As long as it does no one any harm, why should they not, and who are we to judge them?
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris
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08-07-2017 03:45 PM - edited 08-07-2017 03:47 PM
@Mr_Fusion wrote:
When a cell phone can shoot with a predetemrined DOF or a fast enough shutter to catch a hummingbird midstroke, then DSLRs will be done for.
Frankly I disagree. I shoot birds and animals, some of them predatory to humans at up to 300m away and that is not uncommon.. I use a professional-level DSLR with a long lens and extender to get the shot large enough for a decent image. I fail to see how one can do that with a cell phone - perhaps you have a solution for that. Maybe in some future time we will have lenses that that small, but in my life time...?
As our esteemed colleague is fond of saying "We shall see..."
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris

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