Is Photography Dead?

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With threats like AI and phone cameras, Tony worries that photography is going away but Chelsea thinks it's here to stay. Which one is it?

[divotor]

A trend I've noticed the past few years is most camera/lens reviews tend to be leaning more towards videography than photography.

[Man_Cave]

Sales are down because people can't lay out 4K-5K for a camera body when they're trying to feed their family.

[Simalacrum]

Perspective from a student who's just started studying a Masters in photography...

To say that 'photography is dead' is akin to saying 'painting is dead' or 'writing is dead' - mediums don't really die, they change, and the people who use them change.

I think that photography is changing, yes, but that's a far cry from saying it's dying. More photographs are being captured every day as we all know - and not all of them are AI!
It's up to us as hobbyists, creators and artists to respond to that change.

[OneStrangeJourney]

Photography feels like a dying art these days, thanks to smartphones and AI. With Instagram oversaturated and losing its charm, it seems like no one truly appreciates photos anymore. You could spend weeks chasing that perfect sunrise shot, but your 12-year-old can create the same thing in seconds with an AI photo generator—and no one can even tell which is real or fake, nor do they seem to care. AI can now add or remove objects, edit photos instantly, and eliminate the need for learning tools like Lightroom or Photoshop. And let’s be real, the days of needing high-megapixel cameras are fading when most photos are only seen on social media where all those pixels don’t even matter. I miss the old days—buying new lenses, upgrading gear, and diving into new camera features. Unfortunately, it feels like those days are behind us.

[stuartgovier]

I'm really glad I came across your video this evening, as I've watched many of your video's. I studied photography back in my school days, over 25yrs ago, always had filmed cameras until I bought a DSLR roughly 13yrs ago. Though not used consistently, I finally upgraded to a mirrorless this year with the thought of taking my photography to the next level. Hence why I have watched many videos on YouTube to increase my knowledge of the current mirrorless ideal. I decided to go with the Canon R6mkII as I shot a lot of sport, started wildlife recently as well, but now wanting to move to landscapes and starscapes. I have suffered with high noise on my DSLR and that's my main reason for upgrading, I have still been using the DSLR on the soccer pitch as one of my EF lenses is a larger telephoto so further down the pitch it has been good. I've been contemplating on the R5mkII as another camera in my bag as it would fulfill the landscape and starscape side of my passion, also play a big roll with shooting team photos and be a big upgrade to my dual camera setup. Now that you've stated that it won't make a big difference in anyone's photography has added to my decision making, thank you for being honest. This hasn't put me off the R5mkII but has definitely added to the consideration.

[bumblebee_ms]

As a photographer, I think that lenses and cameras are just too expensive for most people. Especially mirrorless.

[mauriciojcYT]

For me what is extremely overlooked and can revive photography is storytelling, social impact, and ...printing. In other words community and real conecction. Two years ago I was photographing a acting class; for me to take the shots, I had to build a relationship with the actors, teacher, the space over a long period of time. I cheerish those photos.

[timskinnercanada]

“Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.” I find people fixate on having photos rather than the rewarding experiences and relationships that come through the act of making photos.

[Rickyp]

The kayaking wildlife photography video was my favorite since that is exactly what I do, and is the whole reason I bought a real camera!

[OverlaiOfficial]

Personally, we believe that there will be a major comeback as regulation catches up with AI companies and "organic" training data becomes hard to come by.

It will of course become important to "prove" that it's not AI generated content.

[workinonhouse]

The lighting and color of this is amazing. Yes I’m still watching the content!

[MedronaSky]

I normally fly my drone, but I very recently just bought a Cannon R8 and started to do photography again. I am starting to learn how to do street photography and i'm loving it. I'm with Chelsea, I don't think its dead at all!

[rudyrodriguezjr.]

I'll always use my camera instead of my phone. I love to edit. I shoot raw and can't wait to download the thousands of photos and have fun editing. It's a great hobby

[kenthhagstrom]

Maybe we photographers have figured out that we don't need to buy a new camera each year... Using the gear we already have.

[BrwnDogProductions]

I am on the last leg of a 6 thousand mile trip in Canada and the USA, and from what I have seen, close to 90% of photos are taken with phones. But I agree that only a tiny amount of camera users are just addicted to clicking, and have no interest in understanding photography, that would just take too big an investment in time. My son just invested a few grand in Fuji equipment and that is great to see at 40, I never thought I would see the day and he is invested in learning about the camera, what makes it work, and photography in general. I am no great photographer, even though I started over 50 years ago, but I still love it.

[DavidEinert]

I started out on film cameras and my first DSLR was a Canon AE1 and been a great since. Like computers they keep getting better but phone cameras and video special cameras are making better advances than commercial consumer or pro. I've got my eye on the R5 MKII for the next year with a few lenses and an adapter for my EF lenses. You don't have to realize that this weekend at the coast taking pictures I was changing lenses compared to when I took photos with my old Samsung note 9 which fits in my back pocket and I can surf the web and make phone calls. I am more like Tony but like listening to Chelsea and the positivity is wonderful. There are a bunch of us listening and watching. Thank you!

[KirstenBayes]

Love watching you both. Just anecdotally, have seen a bunch of young people this year with real cameras doing street photography near where I work in London; and have seen young people in person taking great shots (pro level, better than me) with their iphones. Definitely gave me hope for the hobby: real, "what did I know?" moments.

[thebelly]

Please keep making the tutorials. I keep a note of what topics are taught and then when I’m in. A position later to learn that thing, I’m really glad it’s been there. Future me needs you to keep making things today, please!

[sambalsamurai]

Interesting topic and food for thought. Thanks Tony & Chelsea for shedding light to our passion for photography!
The shere thought of something (maybe) dying fuels us with strength to keep the flame alive so to speak 🔥👍

[artboxfashion]

I went to school and got a degree when film photo was ending and digital was beginning. In the old days you shot weddings/portraits or you did media/magazines freelancing. To attend cool stuff they didn't pay. You got a pass and credit if you were lucky. Everybody has a day job in tech. I am now a hobbyist and shoot stuff for fun. Nevermind how everyone says "we already have someone who does that." Or they get mad they actually had to pay you real money and never hire you again. The constant bs was maddening. Don't go to school for this unless you plan to teach at community college.