There is a suggestion that the number of UK photographers earning a living in the profession is fairly static at something under 6,000 which includes medical and other specialised fields. If we assume a relatively short career of twenty years that means that there is actually a demand by the industry of only 300 per year. A large number of these will be keen amateurs who move into the business full-time. This adds up to a huge investment in buildings, equipment and staff to run colleges which are largely funded by the taxpayer and which is wasted on the majority of the students.
The problem is that many of these colleges are being economical with the truth about the job prospects of their graduates. If they were being honest and told the students that all they were going to get was a greater appreciation of photography before getting a job in another field the teachers would no longer be in a job. It is a self perpetuating con trick. I have spoken to recent graduates who were heartbroken to realise that they had wasted three years and got into debt for a career hope which they were not equipped for.
However, it was not always like this. In the late sixties photography students were in the highest category of further education to work in their chosen field.
I fear that the digital capture age will make the problem worse. I have already been informed that digital cameras will put me out of business from a driving instructor and several computer technicians. Even a wholesale fish merchant I know has bought a digital camera because photographers are too expensive.
Fees will come under even greater pressure.
Bob Croxford
On Tuesday, August 19, 2003, at 02:32 pm, Keith Cooper wrote:
I'd be quite happy if the 3000 you seem a bit inclined to write off, gained
a greater appreciation of the subject which stayed with them in whatever
career they choose. If the 500 are the sort of people the industry needs
then where is the problem?
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