I'm trying to write a feature about photography

[HuskiesD1]

First, I'm not asking for "help" with my homework.

I am ending my third year of college (state college in central Minnesota) and am currently in a print journalism class that requires several articles.

To give you an idea, I've recently written about a free dentistry clinic, the sports photography business I work for, and a feature about the differences between spring break plans in community college and state college students.

Now we have to have more depth to our story, in addition to at least a couple interviews, and some history on the subject.

I may write about the rise of the budget dSLR. Why do "amateurs" buy dSLR's rather than compact point and shoots? What has changed to make this happen. How does this effect consumer photography? Do people know how to use them, or are there salesmen less honest than myself who force unwitting non-photo nuts into a world of lenses?

If anyone can think of other ideas, please do tell. I won't ask you to write the article for me because that is MY job.

Also, if anyone would like to be interviewed via email, I'd be glad to provide questions. I need a nice mix of amateurs and professionals, just your thoughts, really.

Thanks!

[rowdyred94]

Hey, Ben. I think you'll find that the folks who buy DSLRs are the same folks who used 35mm cameras in the 80's instead of 110s, and those who shoot other than family vacations. You're asking the right questions.

Mostly I stopped by because I also went to a "state college in central Minnesota". ;-)

[HuskiesD1]

Hey, Ben. I think you'll find that the folks who buy DSLRs are the same folks who used 35mm cameras in the 80's instead of 110s, and those who shoot other than family vacations. You're asking the right questions.

Mostly I stopped by because I also went to a "state college in central Minnesota". ;-)

You wouldn't happen to be a Saint Cloud State alumni, would you?

[rowdyred94]

I would. Professional Flight, 1998. Didn't follow that career path, though.

[HuskiesD1]

I'll probably interview salesmen at National Camera.

Anyone have any other ideas?

[PhotosGuy]

Why do "amateurs" buy dSLR's rather than compact point and shoots? The guy in front of me talking to the rep at a camera store wanted a 20D 'cause the neighbor had one. He had no clue how to use it, either, & nothing I suggested would change his mind. ;)

[kbreit]

People do buy them to keep up with the Joneses. My friend picked up a 350D because I had one and he wanted to take good pictures. So he sunk a bunch of money on it and I don't think he's shot more than once or twice.

Most of the time, it's versatility. I can swap lenses and get interesting pictures. dSLRs will output in RAW which lets me edit later. Overall, it allows control where point and shoots don't.

I will admit, it's a big of gadget love. Sure, it's the last of the reasons I own a 350D, but it's a reason. New toys, new things to play with. The difference is that I still pull out old lenses to use them when I rarely use old gadgets.

[Aquaman]

I am an amateur. Photography is purely a hobby. I enjoy the new and interesting places I visit as well as seeing things from a different perspective than most casual observers.

I think a lot of amateur's experience changed with the transition from film to digital. Film and film developing was expensive. Home dark rooms were more expensive, complicated and beyond the reach of most amatuers. With the arrival of digital, amatuers could take unlimited photos. They could start experimenting with photogrphy and cultivating the hobby. Computer dark rooms like Photoshop enhanced the experience.

I think amateurs who buy digital SLRs are either serious amatuers who want to take their hobby to a higher level or people who want to have the "latest and greatest."

One additional angle to consider for your project is the amount of buyer's remorse. I think that many people buy a dSLR thinking that it is better than a P&S. They frequently discover that it is more complicated to operate and requires more nuturing. It involves heavy lenses and big camera bags, all at a big price tag.

[disneydork06]

ooh that would definitely be an interesting article to read. would you be able to send me a copy? I'm too in college but in northern arizona. anyways, I'm doing a persuasive speech and just to be different I was going to work mine on how film is still better than digital but idk how that is going to work. anyways, if you want or need I can try and help edit your paper. I don't just take photos for my school paper, I also pretend to be a sports writer :-) haha, oh and if you need another student to interview for the paper I'm willling to help. I'm on spring break right now and since I hurt my knee on the first day, I have lots of time the rest of the week.

Ryan