As we continue through the second decade of the 21st century, technology continues to play a stronger role in business and everyday personal life. This is especially true of the hyper-competitive photography industry in Los Angeles, in which aspiring actors and potential models lust for the perfect photos or “headshots” showcasing their good looks.

Digital photography is becoming a stronger facet of the photography industry because of the quick turnaround and improving quality of resolution. Traditionally, film photography was the only method of producing high quality photos suitable for a top headshot of an actor or model, whereas digital cameras were just used for everyday pictures and were not used for images requiring high quality resolution.

With the advancement of digital photography technology, digital cameras are now a mainstream method for high end film because the image is viewable practically instantaneously. This ability to produce high quality images in almost no time allows a client to view their photos right away. For models and actors heavily relying on their photos for auditions this is a tremendous ability because they can decide which photos are worth keeping and which ones were not optimizing their good looks.

Michael Roud, one of the top headshot photographers in LA, the mecca for headshot photography, has greatly increased his use of digital photography because of the quick turnaround time for photos and adjustments to picture quality. However, he still states that there are major benefits to using traditional film photography, and that many people like the look and feel of traditional film. Film photography is more difficult and requires many variables to be properly executed otherwise the film quality can turn out poorly.

Professional photographers often use a combination of both film and digital, and their recommendation for which mode to use will most likely depend on the client’s needs. As the world becomes naturalized to digital technology, such as smartphones and Ipad’s, it is clear where the trend is heading. Most clients will want the fast turnaround and flexibility of digital photography, but there will always be the patient few who still like the look and feel of traditional film photography.