As a result of technological advancement, any person can own a smartphone, meaning they can use its camera to take and share photographs. It is believed that this accessibility lowers the value of professional photography. I fully agree with this view because of how impressive smartphones have become and the impact of social media as a whole.
In comparison to the first smartphones released decades ago, recent ones have been offering better cameras. This is especially true in case of iPhones, for example. The latest iPhone is equipped with a camera that boasts 48 mega pixel specification, which is more powerful than what some professional cameras offer. What makes this device particularly popular is its multifunctionality and a lower price than that of an average professional camera. Therefore, it is no surprise that smartphones have become ubiquitous and can now be used by amateur photographers.
The proliferation of social media is another reason why professional photography is on the decline. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have allowed people to not only chat with other users but publicly share photos as well. Bloggers, for instance, are the most active users and they can use digital manipulation to make their work appear superior. They usually do not purchase professional equipment and instead use a smartphone to capture and post photographs. In many cases, these amateur photographers gain more attention in the form of likes and comments than professional photographers do, which is an indication of fading appreciation for the people involved in professional photography.
In summary, I firmly believe that access to smartphones and social media does lead to diminished popularity of and respect for professional photography.