Is Photography Dead?

Photography is an art that is constantly changing due mostly to the fact that it is created using a medium that is, well, constantly changing. There are many areas of thought regarding what photography "should" be. There are purists who think only film is the true form of art and reality for photographs. One of the reasons that I am such a fan of the photographer Joe McNally is because he started working at a newspaper using film. He developed his skills and understanding of photography using film and became quite talented. When digital started to blossom, he accepted it and saw the benefits of using that kind of technology. Now he shoots with the top-of-the-line equipment from Nikon and brings a whole SUV filled with equipment for a shoot. His portraits are nothing short of amazing and just because he uses a digital camera and edits the files, does that make him less of an artist? Not to me it doesn't. I have always used a digital camera. Mostly because that was what I was given to start with an it's really all that I know. While on the sidelines of the football game, I thought about whether or not I was cheating by using the "burst" mode and shooting a ton of pictures in important moments. From the purist standpoint, I'm wrong and my photos don't count. Did soldiers in Vietnam who used the "spray and pray" tactic still hit an enemy? Were they not soldiers because they didn't land their man in one shot? Technology changes and if you don't embrace it you are just missing opportunities sometimes. There is absolutely a truth and reality to film which I totally love and would like to explore someday. On certain assignments though, I'm a digital guy. Photoshop is an entirely different realm. I'm hardly for the way photographs are treated today on the computer. I'm alright with boosting the contrast or helping my exposure, but I rarely try to make my subjects look any different than they really do. I think the best statement that really shook my core regarding my own abilities and how I view my work was said by a man known only as "Emerson" for he now lives in subsistence out in the woods. He said, "Photographers need to get away from hyper-connectivity, and all this internet s**t. It’s making the work all look the same . All these anxiety ridden photographers hustling for attention. Tweeting frivolously, talking about their shows, or what stupid blog they’ve appeared in. Oh, you have a Blurb book! You’re an amazing visionary! Destined for immortality. The whole thing is whacked. Never before in the history of humanity have so many people been so delusional about their creative talents.”