The photography industry includes goods and services that relate to images. It has grown and changed throughout its history. Today, the majority of businesses are owner-operators. However, a number of people work on a freelance basis.

Professional photographers typically have a higher skill set and a wider knowledge base. They tend to be in the front of new technologies and trends. As technology has progressed, the cost of professional equipment has decreased. This makes it more feasible for new companies to launch.

Technological advances have had a dramatic impact on the industry. Photographers now use digital cameras with face recognition. These digital images can be downloaded to a personal computer and stored on computer chips. Digital photographers also have the ability to retouch photos.

Photography has been a practice since the 18th century. In the late 1800s, motion-picture photography began to be introduced. Later, still-picture camcorders gained widespread use in schools, banks, and courts.

The industry has benefited from increased advertising activity. The demand for commercial photography is expected to remain strong. Despite this, the industry faces challenges. Economic pressures, inflation, and the rising popularity of online photograph databases could affect growth.

A new report from IBIS World, State of Photography 2022, paints a less optimistic picture of the industry in 2022. The survey results reflect feedback from 3,398 photographers in 97 countries.

The report breaks down the industry into two segments: small and medium businesses and enterprises. Small and medium businesses account for the vast majority of clients.