THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S 2024
Industry Report
We sent a survey to 1,000s of professional photographers to better understand how 2023 was looking for them and what they were thinking about, worried about and excited about moving in 2024.
About the Report
Our industry – photography – is no stranger to radical transformation.
Think of the massive shift photographers made in the 90s during the transition from film to digital. We aren’t looking at such a big change this year, but we’re going through some interesting transitions, unlike previous years, as we settle into a post-pandemic era.
In this report, we’ll examine the pulse of our industry, not just statistics and data though – quite the opposite. This is about the people behind the lens and their dreams and hurdles. You’ll find a snapshot of an industry in flux.
From the impact of economic uncertainty to the ever-evolving digital landscape, photographers continue to navigate a space where creativity meets business in a profession marked by passion, creativity, and the pursuit of capturing life’s most important moments, but also one that demands resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
40% of photographers expressed concerns about declining bookings, attributing it to economic uncertainty and changing client behaviour.
Comparisons
60% OF PHOTOGRAPHERS SAID THAT THEIR BUSINESS OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS WAS AVERAGE TO POOR.
78% of photographers said that they have not grown their business in the last 12 months.
Why?
In 2023, photographers encountered various unexpected challenges in their businesses, some related to external factors such as the state of the economy and inflation. Personal circumstances, such as health issues or family situations, have also impacted business operations. There are also mentions of difficulties in managing growth, finding efficient workflows, dealing with increased competition, and adjusting to changes in client behaviour, including last-minute bookings.
20% of photographers mentioned inflation and rising costs are affecting their businesses, leading to pricing and profitability challenges.
Did you know that Sprout Studio photographers have in-the-moment and at-the-ready insight and knowledge on this kind of data? You can’t improve what you don’t measure or make changes to things you have no insight into.
Sprout Studio helps you unleash data-driven insights for smarter, strategic growth. You’ll get a dozen meticulously crafted reports enriched with customizable filters, revealing the beating heart of your business. You can delve deep with over 3 dozen report components, unravelling the answers to complex queries that steer your journey.
Anxieties
Book MORE CLIENTS
Make more money
Have more time
Get more leads
Stay more organized
A decline in bookings due to economic uncertainty and changing client behaviour.
Rising inflation costs, affecting pricing and profitability.
Staying relevant and competitive amid the rise of AI, automation and saturation.
"The economy seems to be affecting my bookings and revenue this year, something I haven't been so concerned about before."
Goals
Time management, work-life balance and personal responsibilities.
The economy.
Improved marketing strategies to get new leads.
Better automation and time-saving processes.
Financial support.
Did you know that Sprout Studio photographers save dozens of hours of work each week? With all of the time-saving tools and the all-in-one engine, your CRM is married with your galleries, email marketing, invoicing and more.
You can save dozens of hours alone with Sprout Studio’s automation tools – like Sprout Assistant.
Imagine effortlessly automating tasks like reminding clients of upcoming invoices, confirming bookings, or even nudging them to complete their orders – all without the complexity of traditional automation tools.
Sprout Assistant can automatically remind when invoices are due, send clients paid receipts, follow up on signing contracts, remind of an upcoming meeting, shoot or appointment, confirm that they’re booked with you as their photographer, follow-up when your client hasn’t viewed their gallery yet… and dozens more!
"The cost of advertising and maintaining a digital marketing presence versus the amount of revenue to support it is becoming untenable.”
Insights
Marketing and client acquisition:
Many photographers face challenges attracting new clients and increasing their bookings. They are looking for effective marketing strategies to reach their target audience and stand out in a competitive market.
Work-life balance and time management:
Balancing personal life and business commitments is a common struggle. Photographers seek ways to streamline workflows, automate processes, and efficiently manage their time to avoid burnout.
Economic concerns and pricing:
Economic conditions and pricing impact photographers’ businesses. Some are concerned about pricing their services appropriately in a changing economy, while others want to attract higher-budget clients to sustain their businesses.
So now what ... ?
Right now, the most pressing and time-sensitive issue photographers face is marketing and client acquisition. With the photography industry facing shifts in demand and competition, photographers need to address their marketing strategies urgently to attract new clients and maintain a consistent flow of bookings.
