The Effect of Digital Cameras on Photography

June 25, 2010 · Filed Under General

With the introduction and subsequent explosion of inexpensive digital cameras in the last decade, it seems as though everyone is taking pictures. Where before casual photographers were constrained by the number of exposures available in the roll and the cost of buying the film and developing the photos, modern day photographers face no such limitations. Photographers, amateur and otherwise can now easily and cheaply take hundreds of pictures, picking from the best for the ones they want to print.

As the resolution of these consumer cameras increased, it became possible for users to print ever bigger and bigger pictures. Large format edge-to-edge printers can be purchased for home use for only a few hundred dollars. Consumers are able to quickly and cheaply print their photos, even when the photo size is non-standard.

Whereas consumers used to be constrainted to a photo size produced by the developer, they can now produce photos in any size desired. This explosion of home and hobby photography has driven a similar expansion in the production and availability of non=standard picture frames, such as the 12×18 picture frame.

The compact size of modern digital cameras means it’s possible to carry them just about anywhere to take pictures of just about anything. You can even buy cheap waterproof cameras suitable for taking photos under as much as 15 feet of water – perfect for snorklers. The high resolution of these cameras means when you take a photo you really like, you can ptint it in a variety of different sizes.

Finding frames to fit off-size photos used to be somewhat of a challenge, but not any more. Now with easy online shopping, it’s much easier to find non-standard size picture frames. A quick search of available online retailers for 12 x 18 picture frames returns thousands of results. Any good frame store will have a good variety of frames for you to choose from, and probably offers professional matting as well.

Today’s photo frames are made from all types of materials, including wood, steel, aluminum, copper, even stone. If your a hobbyist who enjoys creating your own, you can even purchase frame kits that give you everything you need to assemble your own frame. It’s easy to find frame styles, materials and colors that go with the decor of any room. With a little bit of effort, you can find inexpensive picture frames available online with prices starting as low at $10, and running all the way up to hundreds of dollars.

While traditional optical film companies are seeing a reduction in business, the photo printing and off-size picture frame business is reaping the rewards of technology.