Turn on the television and you’re bombarded with news about the novel coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world. It’s been much the same in the photography world as our headlines involve this massive global event in one way or another.
It probably comes as no surprise to those of you that read this blog that many photographers – especially event-related photography – are facing a tough time economically.
And, as PetaPixel reports, it seems like more people are considering a career change at this moment than we would have thought. According to a survey of 1000 professional photographers, nearly 20% are thinking about a change in career.
Conducted by LensRental, the survey shows that 80% pretty much lost all of their work in April, over half responded that the situation in May was the same, and, most distressing of all, is that of 67% who have applied for government assistance only 13% have succeeded in obtaining it. What these numbers show is that the industry is very much in flux right now and that a lot of us are on edge. Keep your fellow photographers in mind during this difficult time.
Outside of photographers, the picture for business isn’t that great either. Consumer camera sales reported one of their most massive declines ever and multiple companies are delaying product launches until things improve economically.
Of course, not everything has been doom and gloom. Canon and Fujifilm have played particularly interesting roles throughout all of this.
How has your life and career been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you considering a change of career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below if you like.
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