Technology advancementstechnology has greatly changed the core of photography. Going back past ten years and photography was still analogue based by reliant on film and darkrooms. In the past half decade, photography has become digital based which means that there is less hassle in developing photographs. Digital photography allows pictures to be taken and processed; resulting in millions of people being able to pick up a camera and take pictures instantly. This results in billions of photos being in circulation as photography can be taken by amateurs without the annoyances of analogue photography. Technological advancements have changed how people react and document the world. Mobile phones allow people too conveniently and quickly capture and record events. Before digital photography, everyday, mundane events were not recorded but now events are captured by everyone. Camera phones have also been used to record events which may not be easily recorded with cameras.

Legal issuesthere are certain legal and other issues surrounding photography:

Copyright: photographers must copyright photos in order so they are not used for commercial gain by people who do not own the images. Using copyrighted material is a criminal offence and photographers can be financially ruined if copyrighted images are stolen. Permission: certain areas may be restricted to photographers and if caught the photographer can be done for trespassing. Also, certain brands, recognisable people, and areas may not be allowed to be photographed if the person/owner does not wish for it to be photographed. If photographers disobey these wishes then can see them selves in trouble with the law potentially. Moral and safety issues: there are some photographs which may be controversial to the general public. These may include nudity, violence and death which many people may not want to see. Photographers may lose their reputation or career if their photos are not highly received. Safety concerns are also important for the person in front of the lens. Photos of people (often celebrities or politicians) engaging in events which may see them embarrassed or shamed can be backlash against the photographer for invading people’s privacy. Also, will some photos see people physically injured or killed as a result? Sometimes people identities being released can see them in trouble if they are not socially acceptable. Photos or videos which go ‘viral’ online can often result in a mob mentality against the person in the image/video if they are controversial.

Health and safety issuesThere are some health and safety concerns for photographers.

Insurance: employers should have necessary insurance for their photographers and there are some insurance schemes which may be needed to take out e.g. equipment, etc.Darkrooms: some photography is still done in darkrooms and the handling of chemicals can be potentially dangerous to people if they come in contact which the eyes or mouth.Location: the location of where the photographer is working can see them potentially injured or killed in some cases. Photojournalists in war zones or unstable countries can be killed if they are in the wrong place. In April 2011, photographers Chris Hondros and Tim Hetherington were killed in the Libyan revolution by RPG fire. Although they were not targeted personally, sometimes photographers can be. Natural disasters and certain landscapes can be dangerous to photographers.

Business and financial associationsBusiness: photographers can contact agencies which can help set up a business. They can support photographers by offering the structure of their business and administration. Financial: aid can be received in different ways, this is mostly through fees and study aids (books, etc.) being paid for.

Industry and professional associations many photography institutes and organisations offer advice, qualifications, legal aid, work and support. The British Institute of Professional Photography is the main institute in the UK.