PMA Data Watch: Photographers likely to receive CD and DVD only orders

Consumers are looking to collect their orders on either CD or DVD. Photographers are receiving a large portion of their original orders as CDs and DVDs or as press products only. Respondents of the 2009 PMA U.S. Professional Photographers Survey claimed 21.2 percent of original orders were for CDs and DVDs only, up from 20.8 last year. In addition, thirteen percent of orders were for press products only.
  Commercial photographers employed by a corporation (full-time or part-time) cited nearly half (47 percent) of their original orders were for CDs and DVDs only, however, only 4 percent of original orders were for just press products. For photographers employed by a studio (full-time or part-time), 28 percent of orders were for CDs and DVDs, while 17 percent were for press products only. Part-time photographers working out of their residences sold one-quarter of their original orders as CDs and DVDs only, and 15 percent as press products only. For full-time photographers working out of their residences, 22 percent of orders were for CDs and DVDs, and 12 percent were for press products. Even full-time photographers owning their own studio or store front sold 15 percent of original orders in CD and DVD only format and 10 percent in press product only format. A large number of hobbyists/advanced amateur also have CD and DVD only orders encompassing a large portion of their original orders, with 27 percent doing so. This group is also most likely to have a larger portion of their original orders be for press products only. Twenty-three percent of initial orders taken by advanced amateurs were for press products only.
  Photographers are finding it most convenient to make these products themselves. In fact, 84.3 percent said they produce them on-site with their own equipment. More than half of the photographers surveyed turned to the professional lab for other products (prints, canvas wraps, greeting cards and books). Nearly a quarter of the photographers, however, go online or right to an album company for their albums.