I've been a professional photographer for over 50 years. I have seen many, MANY, changes in this industry. Some good. Some bad.

And every single bad changes have been instagated and propogated by photographers. No one controls our pricing - we do..

WE accept the low pay.

WE accept the idea of penny stock.

WE all jumped into the stock industry 30 years ago when others (like me) were warning against the suicidal practice.

I never blame the companies who want to pay low or find a bargain (you know, like how Amazon put all the mom and pop camera stores out of business because photographers didn't care as long as they saved a buck.)

I have always - and will always - tell photographers that the state of this industry is the absolute direct response due to the selfish, narcissistic, self-importance of people with mediocre skills and inflated egos.

I have sat on both sides of the desk - as a photographer and a creative director - and seen first hand how it all works.

We should be ashamed of ourselves, and blaming others is not a good look.