The Evolution of Photography Education: From Film to Digital and Beyond

Caption: I was with my Uncle Knolan Benfield while teaching photography in Kona, Hawaii. My wife, Dorie, gave me a “What The Duck” that we took around the Big Island, taking photos with it in 2009. But unfortunately, even this comic strip for photographers stopped after a few years.

Recently, the photography world was shaken by the announcement that DPReview, one of the most prominent photography websites, would shut down after nearly 25 years. This news surprised many in the photography community, as DPReview was a trusted source for reviews, news, and education for photographers worldwide. This announcement highlights the changing landscape of photography education and resources as the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and trends. Despite this setback, many resources are still available for photographers to continue learning and growing in their craft.

The evolution of photography from film to digital has been a significant shift in the world of photography. At the beginning of the digital era, only a few resources were available for photographers, such as Rob Galbraith’s website, which was a go-to resource for photographers transitioning from film to digital. However, with technological advancements, the number of resources available to photographers has grown exponentially.

Today, hundreds, if not thousands, of YouTubers, blogs, and workshops are dedicated to teaching photography. These resources cover various topics, from basic camera settings to advanced techniques such as lighting and composition. As a result, photographers now have access to a wealth of information not available to them in the early days of digital photography.

One of the benefits of the evolution of camera technology is that cameras have become easier to use right out of the box. With the introduction of features such as autofocus and automatic exposure, photographers no longer need to spend hours learning how to use their cameras. Instead, they can focus on learning the art of photography and applying their knowledge to create stunning images.

However, the explosion of resources and information on photography education has also led to an implosion. There is now so much content available that it can be overwhelming for photographers to know where to start. As a result, the need for new content in photography education has decreased. While workshops will still be around, there is less need for fresh content as in the early days when very little was available.

In conclusion, the evolution of photography from film to digital, and now even to video, has been a significant shift in photography. The availability of resources and information has grown tremendously over the years, giving photographers access to a wealth of knowledge that was not available before. However, as the number of resources has increased, the need for new content has decreased, and photographers now have to wade through a sea of information to find what they need. Despite this, photography remains a fascinating and rewarding art form that inspires and captivates photographers worldwide.