Remember in 2013, when Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer said "There is no such thing as a professional photographer anymore."?

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2013/05 … Cm1IfldV8E

How'd that sit with you?

doesn't bother me. i'm an artist.

I think the field is indeed shrinking dramatically, in terms of the number of bona fide professionals, that can stay afloat, financially. That's not new, but digital has exacerbated that issue, a lot.

Realize that it took a lot more expertise to get a professional photo, in the days of film.

I don't think that the number of professional photographers is shrinking very much (i.e. those who derive more than, say, 75% of their income from photography).  What HAS happened is that technology has made it easier and cheaper to take good pictures -- hence the number of talented amateurs has gone up dramatically.

The demand for great photography has not come down. Companies are still interested in showcasing their products in the best light, and still want to sell a lifestyle through their imagery. If you look at photography as part of a larger marketing effort, then you will see the demand in the commercial world.

The issue is the supply has exploded. Not that its a real issue because, while there are a lot of talented folks out there, few have the discipline it takes to survive in the commercial marketplace.

So those who can deliver are safe. Those who dabble just for fun may experience a short run of success and then will fade into obscurity as they are replaced by the next short term solution. Most established clients will go for the photographer who will be around in a couple months.

A professional photographer is one who makes their livelihood from photography.

None of that concerns me.

I think what she meant was that yahoo would forsake professional photographers and professional journalist - or at least that appears to be what is happening...

A greedy CEO that wanted content for her biz without having to pay anybody for it
"Rights Grab" I believe the term is

She's right. Instead of professional photographer, there are professional self promoters that happen to take pictures.

Everyone with a digital camera thinks they're Ansel Adams.

Photography is a TRADE - not a profession...and classified as unskilled labor. Department of labor said that - don't like it, tough cheese!