There are more photographs sold today than any time in history; the market is huge, but everyone is taking pictures and the amateur/professional lines are merging.

The photo libraries take on average 3,500 new pictures a day. Art directors are complaining that the bulk of their work is now editing, to find three shots that will be sent straight to post production for mutilation. And re-touching is becoming a sweatshop job.

Advertising clients now realize that the big expensive shoots are becoming unnecessary as they can sell their products far more easily in an ever-increasing "unsophisticated" market. It’s the magpie state out there—if it's shiny they'll buy it.