Photography Capitalism

Let us not be fooled. Capitalism only works via injustice, inequality and war. Also, capitalism cannot exist or endure without inequality and without elitism in society. And all things considered, I am far more pro-capitalism than I am for communism. I think I tend to think of a hybrid between capitalism and the socialism of Sweden. Yet still the problem —

If we want truly great individuals and human beings we actually must widen the gap between the “haves” and “have nots”.

And the sad truth:

As capitalism, consumerism and digital technology continues to advance, there will be a death of the photographic middle class. Only the low class Instagram photographers and the high class elite Leica-Bugatti-Lamborghini photographers will persist.

What is the future of photography and capitalism? My thoughts:

1. Photos (are) free.

Let us not be fooled. Nobody likes to pay for photos nor expects to pay for photos. And now that COVID-19 has hit us … will people really be wanting to shell out $5000 for a wedding photographer and videographer on a wedding anymore? I was chatting with a couple I bumped into who was attending a “micro wedding” (only 20 people, socially distant, getting married). And instead of paying for a wedding photographer, one friend with a “nice camera” (perhaps a Fujifilm camera or an entry level Canon DSLR) offered to shoot it for free.

2. Who will be willing to spend big bucks on photos?

Simple — luxury brands. Lamborghini, Porsche, Bugatti (also the irony, they are all owned by the Volkswagen AG Group). Look at their brands page.

But anyways if we study wealth and capitalism in modern day times, it is insane. Even growing up in the 90s a kid to become a “millionaire” was a big deal (recall the TV show “Who wants to be a millionaire?”). Now billionaire is the norm (the notion of a “billionaire” was not yet even a notion). Very possible we will see trillionaires in our lifetime.

3. Facebook will make all the moneys

Facebook owns Instagram. My theory or prediction is within the next 15 years, Facebook will just kill off the “Instagram” name and simply assimilate it into the core “Facebook” product. The same will happen with WhatsApp— it will all just become “Facebook messenger”. Facebook will just become the next digital hegemon.