Is photography a luxury?

**Mark Sullivan** · 2-Feb-2009, 22:57

In these difficult economic times, has photography become a luxury meant for the affluent few?

**Oren Grad** · 2-Feb-2009, 23:06

No.

**Kirk Gittings** · 2-Feb-2009, 23:11

It is a necessity for some and a luxury for others. Personally I don't feel complete without it and can't pay my bills either. So I guess it is a necessity for me.

**Merg Ross** · 2-Feb-2009, 23:18

A study of the history of photography will give you the answer. Look at the photographic work done during the Depression, for example.

Seems to me the answer is an emphatic, no!

**Gem Singer** · 3-Feb-2009, 05:18

"If you need to ask that question, you can't afford it."

(Standard answer from people who sell luxury items)

Photography, as a hobby, is a luxury to a person who lost his/her job due to the economic downturn and has a family with three, or four kids to support.

It is a necessity to a person who does photography as their primary income.

**Mark Sampson** · 3-Feb-2009, 05:44

What Mr. Gittings said.

**Charles Carstensen** · 3-Feb-2009, 06:06

A day without photography is like a day without sunshine.

**darr** · 3-Feb-2009, 06:06

Shooting B&W and processing it yourself is not terribly expensive, so for me it is not a luxury, but at times it serves as good art therapy. I would love to buy a Nikon D700, but in these economic times, I'll stick with my art therapy.