Focus.The State of Photography: A Wake-Up Call for the Real Creatives

 

Focus. The State of Photography

In nearly 40 years of capturing images, I've seen photography evolve from a craft into something almost unrecognizable. What was once a pursuit requiring dedication, passion, and technical mastery has become an overcrowded digital space, flooded with self-proclaimed gurus and empty content. The reality is, the real photographers are being drowned in a sea of nonsense.

I’ve shot for National Geographic, portrayed celebrities, won international prizes, worked for major brands like Armani, Wella, L'Oréal, Puma Sports, and have captured some of the world's top models. I own an art photography gallery and run workshops worldwide, teaching the art of landscape and nature photography. But today, all of that feels overshadowed by the current state of the internet.

Photography has become less about the art and more about chasing likes and clicks. We live in a world where 15-year-olds with no technical knowledge are speaking about things they don't understand, and selfies and reels dominate the conversation. Free content is everywhere, making knowledge feel like it’s worth nothing. Meanwhile, real, heartfelt photography, honed over years, is buried under a tidal wave of mediocrity.

I've walked the world with nothing but a camera and a bag full of film rolls, capturing the beauty of nature, the atrocities of war, the horrors of 9/11, and telling the stories of the human experience. My work has never relied on digital artifacts. Every shot I’ve taken has been a moment captured, crafted with intention and purpose, without filters or shortcuts. That’s the difference between art and just another snapshot.
I’ve been there. I’ve done the grind. 
For those of us who’ve been doing this for decades, it’s frustrating to watch as our craft gets reduced to just clicks and likes. But I’m done competing with the noise. The real art — the real photography — will always have a place, but it’s time we stop trying to reach the masses and start focusing on what matters.
The internet may be filled with junk, but the true artists will always find a way to stand out. When the noise settles, it will be the real creators who remain, who continue to share their craft with those who understand its worth.
Best.
Al Cabri.

But here’s the truth: the more people give away their expertise for free, the less value it holds. When did knowledge become a commodity with no worth? When did we start treating something as sacred as photography like it’s just another TikTok trend?

I’ve sold books, shared my knowledge, and hosted workshops. And yet, after all that time, what have we really gained? We’ve reached a point where real photographers are outnumbered by those who would rather copy than create.

I’ve chosen to work with those who value quality over quantity, those who understand that there’s more to photography than just snapping a picture. I focus on collectors, art lovers, and dedicated workshop attendees who are looking for more than just the next viral post. My work isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly how it should be.

So, to the masses, enjoy your free content. But know this: photography is not a hobby for me, it’s my life. I’ll keep creating, keep sharing my work with those who truly appreciate it, and leave the rest to the noise.