"So be assured, it's everywhere. In 2003 I was contacted by Rangefinder in a nationwide poll of photographers post 9/11. After I took the poll, I asked what the woman was learning and was saddened when she said that since that day, 50% of all studios in the country had closed or were about to. I know I had almost no business between Sept 01 and April the next year. That was scary"
What's scary to me is it's the industry as a whole. I've talked with so many within this industry, labs, supply houses, etcc.... The whole industry is shifting to a consumer market. When I bought my D2x, I asked my sales lady what should I expect quality print wise, she said I don't know what to tell you yet, we've only sold so far to Drs and Lawyers and their wives. They'd sold over 25 before mine. The major Labs have cheap divisions with other names, credit card only setups, no support, no finishing. They are using the same equipment as the Pro Division. Heck their cost are high, forget about how much a Theta cost, look at the software and maintaince contracts expense. A friend who owns 2 Noritzus, a Chromira, and a Melinka had a buddy of his call him to say I'm leaving (so-n-so company) are sales a falling fast.
Back to what the post is about, I've never had a customer tell me I had the price right, the appreciative ones thought I was too cheap, the others thought I was too expensive. 9/11 was a turning point in this industry, many lost jobs to never be replaced and secondary careers as photogs sprung up. How many times have you heard someone say, so-n-so is pretty good, I told them they should turn Professional. I hear it a lot, until recent I've never had but one Bride go into photography, the past few years 4-5 have had a try at it.
