Bafoussam, West Region ( CNA) Professional photographers in the West Region are facing increasing challenges to their livelihoods due to the proliferation of smartphone photography. The issue was highlighted during the recent World Photography Day commemoration in Bafoussam.Photographers expressed concerns about the devaluation of their profession. 'Nowadays, everyone is a photographer,' lamented one professional. 'We are often overshadowed by those using smartphones, even at events where we are supposed to be the primary image capturers,' he added.To address these challenges, industry leaders are urging photographers to unite through professional associations. 'To improve our profession, we call on photographers to join photographers' associations. This will also help defend their rights and interests,' said the President of the independent photographers union.Despite the challenges, photographers emphasized the unique value of professional photography. 'People know that professional photographers can not be compared with smartphone photographers. Images taken by the two cannot be compared and their archives are not the same,' a photographer stated.Photography, they argued, is an art form that allows us to preserve precious moments. 'A single photo can bring back many emotions and memories with just a quick look,' they concluded.The activities presided over by the Regional Delegate of Communication, Dr Tayo Demanou Etienne, permitted photographers took and an in-depth look into the greatness and miseries of the profession. Among the miseries photographers face in the Region, is the value of photography which has diminished in recent decades. The main reason for this is the emergence of smartphones and other modern devices which nowadays render everybody a photographer.Source: Cameroon News Agency