Portrait Photography Industry Trends

Stock Photographic Images Cut Original Work

Stock images are being bought in greater quantity by businesses to meet marketing and advertising needs. Royalties are paid to owners of stock images like Corbis and Getty, but the use of stock images reduces demand for original images from commercial studios.

Low Barriers to Entry

Digital technologies are allowing amateur photographers to enter the professional arena with little experience and industry know-how. These new entrants are contributing to downward price pressures for photographic services. Photographer fees have been relatively flat over the past few years.

Continued Technology Investment

The rate of advances in digital photography and computer technologies will continue to accelerate as new product introductions bring faster processing speeds and higher quality outputs. Capital expenditures will play an increasingly important role as companies seek to remain competitive. Upgrades in cameras, computers, scanners, printers, and software packages will be necessary to continue to provide competitive quality and customer service.

Electronic Distribution of Images

Current digital technologies combine with the Internet to allow efficient image distribution. No longer must a printed image be mailed to a desired recipient. Improving technologies will continue to make the Internet the preferred medium to distribute images.