The Old Guard

As a younger photographer, and by younger I mean not a pensioner, I've often encountered older photographers who seem to view me with suspicion and even a bit of worry. They seem to be concerned that the rise of digital photography and the ease of access to cameras and editing software has created a flood of younger photographers who don't fully appreciate the art form or understand the history of photography.

At first, I found these attitudes frustrating and even a bit discouraging. But as I've spent more time in the photography community and talked to older photographers, I've come to understand their concerns…kind of.

For many of these photographers, photography is more than just a hobby or a profession. It's a passion and a way of life. They've spent decades honing their craft, studying the work of other photographers, and developing a deep appreciation for the art form. So when they see younger photographers who don't seem to share that same level of dedication, they worry that the art form will suffer.

But the truth is that there will always be younger photographers who are just starting out and who have a lot to learn. And while it's important for them to learn the basics of photography and to appreciate the work of those who came before them, it's also important for them to be able to experiment, take risks, and push the boundaries of the art form.

I believe that there's room for both old and new photographers in the photography community. We can learn from each other, collaborate, and push each other to create even better work. So to all the older photographers out there, don't worry about the younger photographers. They may be new to the game, but they are passionate, enthusiastic, and eager to learn from you. Let's work together to create amazing images and keep the art of photography alive and thriving.

Also, just because you shot film doesn’t make you fucking Ansel Adams.

Rant Over.