It&#x27;s another example of the hollowed out middle that was mentioned upthread. It&#x27;s much easier than it used to be for someone with a modicum of talent and interest to take an SLR and produce competent photos of weddings and events--and to set themselves up online to run a small weekend side business.<p>Some will be better than others certainly. And we can probably stipulate that most won&#x27;t be as good as someone who does this as a full-time profession. But, guess what. They&#x27;re in a position to earn some extra spending money on weekends while undercutting anyone who has to make a living at it. And many will produce results that are quite competent. Competence at a relatively low price is good value for a lot of young couples without much money. (I shot a couple weddings myself when I was in school--back in the film days.)<p>Then on the other end you&#x27;ve got photographers with distinctive styles who deliver something special. They&#x27;ll often be in great demand and command large premiums.