The photography industry: instability and vertical beauty

 

1. A sector in transformation: challenges and (im)balances in the photographic world

The report State of the Photography Industry 2025, the fruit of an in-depth investigation into the professional present of photographers, highlights a picture of great transformation and adaptation. The profession continues to evolve driven by new technologies, an increasingly volatile market, and the changing needs of clients. ZenfolioShootProof

Some fundamental trends emerge clearly:

• I independent photographers The freelance market is growing, while the increasing use of drones exceeds even that of smartphone cameras. Zenfolio

• The diversification of activities (for example, a mix of portrait, event, and art photography) is an increasingly common strategy: about 10% of professionals today work across multiple fields, seeking stability by diversifying their sources of income. ShootProof

• Cost increases outpaced price increases: 65–77% of photographers saw their expenses rise in 2024, but their pricing strategies failed to keep pace, putting stability and profit margins at risk. ShootProof

• The model of in-person services It has proven to be profitable: scheduling photo viewing sessions with clients can increase revenue by up to 20%. ShootProof

• Despite the prevalence of digital distribution, The market for photo prints remains vibrant, especially in professional circles: established photographers still find significant margins in print sales, while younger ones can increase income by structuring “print credits” instead of traditional bundling. ShootProof

In summary, today, photography is a mix of uncertainty and opportunity: new technologies (AI, drones, mirrorless), changing markets, and rising costs require flexibility, innovation, and a balance between digital and analog to ensure economic sustainability and professional growth.

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2. Emotional Verticality: The Impact of Vertical Photos According to AP

In parallel with the reflection on the industry, a relevant aesthetic trend is emerging in the world of photojournalism: vertical format.

The Associated Press – AP – has dedicated increasing space to vertical photo galleries, designed for mobile and capable of telling visual stories with strength and immediacy. In the week from August 27 to September 2, 2025, a selection of vertical images captured incredibly evocative moments from around the world. AP News

This vertical viewing experience is designed for mobile mode, giving shots an intense and immersive narrative quality, ideal for new visual consumption habits on smartphones. AP News

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Editorial Conclusion: Two Worlds in Dialogue

The dynamics of the photography industry

An increasingly unstable sector, where the ability to diversify services, review pricing models, and experiment between analog and digital makes the difference.

The future of form and art form

Photojournalism is adapting to devices, and vertical photography is becoming a powerful, emotional, and fast storytelling tool.