digital photography-helping or harming society?

[rtscribbs02]

I was just wondering what everyone thinks:

Is digital photography helping or harming our society?

[Zepher]

helping it since there is less material waste.

[TheGreatOg]

I wonder what this idea springs from? The idea that digital photography makes it easier to get into photography so the photography market is saturated with mediocre photographers? And if so, so what?

Photography in society is everywhere we look....media, marketing, art studios, scrap booking, etc. Photographs are a form of communication, a way of speaking (a pictures worth 1000 words ;) ). Why do people have a problem with large numbers of new people getting into a new hobby or art form? And for the people who do this professionally who directly feel the impact of this saturated "uncle bob" photography market on their wallet books...wouldn't the quality of your photography put you head and shoulders above them anyways?

I think we're in a growing stage, a phase where the ease and simplicity and instant gratification of digital photography is enticing a lot of people to get involved. But like anything else, only those truely passionate will stick with it in the long rung. People like those on this forum, who are excelling (or trying to) at photography are the ones who will set the pace and standard for the future of photography. I think that's very exciting, rather than a scary thought. The more pioneers we have, the more new horizons we'll venture across. :D

[condyk]

You use a digital camera as a weapon then it is dangerous ... but I think the old Pentax and Nikon bodies of old would hurt more :-)

[bieber]

That's a question I could write a term paper on, but in short, "no."

[samnz]

Society can help harm digital photography ;)

Especially "overnight" professional photographers...or those who shoot their first wedding with crap results - but deem themselves to be pros.

[John_B]

rtscribbs02,
Probably both,

Helping our society because of much less chemicals for film making and development, and people finding it easier to take photos.

Harming our society in the long term way, as they don't have a old/dead camera recycle program (that I know of).
Just a guess of course :)

[DDan]

I am not sure about digital photography but the digital cameras in phones is causing a bit of problem in schools.