[conception]

I feel like more likely a lot of jobs (CS and otherwise ) are going to go the way of photography. Your average person now can take amazing photos but you’re still going to use a photographer when it really matters and they will use similar but more professional tools to be more productive. Low end bad photographers probably aren’t doing great but photography is not dead. In fact the opposite is true, there are millions of photographers making a lot of money (eg influencers) and there are still people studying photography.

[euvin]

It doesn't comfort me when people say jobs will "go the way of photography". Many choose to go into STEM fields for financial stability and opportunity. Many do not choose the arts because of the opposite. You can point out outlier exceptions and celebrities, but I find it hard to believe that the rare cases where "it really matters" can sustain the other 90% who need income.

[snozolli]

photography is not dead

It very nearly is. I knew a professional, career photographer. He was probably in his late 50s. Just a few years ago, it had become extremely difficult to convince clients that actual, professional photos were warranted. With high-quality iPhone cameras, businesses simply didn't see the value of professional composition, post-processing, etc.

These days, anyone can buy a DSLR with a decent lens, post on Facebook, and be a 'professional' photographer. This has driven prices down and actual professional photographers can't make a living anymore.

[LightBug1]

My gut agrees with you, but my evidence is that, whenever we do an event, we hire photographers to capture it for us and are almost always glad we did.

And then when I peruse these photographers websites, I'm reminded how good 'professional' actually is and value them. Even in today's incredible cameraphone and AI era.

But I take your point for almost all industries, things are changing fast.

[adabyron]

We've had this with web development for decades now. Only makes sense it continues to evolve & become easier for people, just as programming in general has. Same with photography (like you mentioned) & especially for producing music or videos.