Is photography dead in 2022?

With the recent trend in social media toward video content like TikTok, Instagram Reels, etc. It begs the question, is Photography dead? It would be easy to make an argument that it is still very much alive, especially with the big camera companies like Sony, Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and Fujifilm all making some very bold moves in their latest flagship camera models. But a closer look shows us that those powerhouse Digital Mirrorless cameras with their bazillions of megapixels and in-body features that often put the cameras that filmed some of our favorite Hollywood Blockbuster films to absolute shame, are indeed geared more toward 4K, even 8K video, and only allow for great still photography as mostly a side note.

It seems odd that in the year 2022 that we’re seeing such a trend toward the moving picture again…much like in the early 1900’s when movies first gained their traction/popularity among the masses. While reel-to-reel filming was the most innovative thing anyone in entertainment had ever seen back then, so too we have the same excitement over the fact we can fit 4K Video Cameras in our back pocket, and if need be in an absolute emergency, those video cameras can also make telephone calls. That’s right, the smartphone! Ok, we’re getting away from the topic a bit…refocusing…

So with all that being said, and the strong case against video as the moment-capturing medium of the future, is Photography dead? I would say, OH H*LL NO! The ability for us as photographers to capture a single split second in time and allow that moment to be viewed in isolation for generations to come is unparalleled. Sure video appeals to the short-attention-span of the populus today, and may be the most attention-generating medium in terms of sparking that curiosity and garish interest we seem to have in the ethos of other people’s lives, but the still image that can be framed and viewed for posterity is still very much relevant and sought after.

Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly embrace the concept of impermanence, and all it belies, but in terms of capturing moments, I believe that impermanence may lie mostly in the feeling at that moment it time, which no matter how hard you try, can never be completely duplicated. So don’t be dismayed by the trending gripes of the social media masses and how Instagram killed photography by largely promoting short-form-video content over still imagery in new posts. While the algorithm may be programmed that way, we as consumers of the content WE like, not just empty vessels staring at the suggested page waiting to be filled, can choose to follow our favorite stills photographers, who still deserve our attention and still exist not only to inspire, but also to entertain and amaze.

That being said, as still photographers, this is an excellent opportunity to examine our camera bag (or, if you’re like me your camera closet) and ask ourselves what we REALLY NEED to make great photographs. For some it indeed may be the latest and greatest Sony or Nikon powerhouse that allows them to shoot in their favorite environment (Darkness, Bright Light, etc) with greater ease. In those cases, yes tools do matter, but others may think they need more, but that old Lumix LX-5 or LX-7 sitting at the back of the shelf may still surprise them if they venture out to capture everyday street scenes. Don’t let FOMO stop you from creating great work. We’ll delve deeper into that discussion in another post. So please stay tuned…and subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

Please let me know in the comments what your thoughts are on this topic? Is photography dead? Are you new to photography and if so do you lean more toward video than photo? I’d love to start the conversation. Please, share this with others who may appreciate this topic as well. Happy “Photograph”ing!