PMA Data Watch: Two-thirds of U.S. photographers work out of residence

According to the 2009 PMA U.S. Professional Photographers Survey, approximately two-thirds of U.S. photographers work either full-time or part-time from their residences. Twenty-six percent are full-time photographers that own their own studio/store front. The remainder of U.S. photographers are employed by someone else or they are classified as hobbyists/advanced amateurs.
  The majority of photographers focus on or derive most of their revenue from portrait services, such as, families, pets etc. Other portrait types photographers focus on or derive most of their revenue from include weddings, high-school seniors, pregnancies/babies and group events.
  Virtually all (98 percent) of photographers surveyed offer photographic prints to their customers, 73 percent offer albums, about two-thirds offer CDs or DVDs and about two-thirds offer canvas wraps. Photo cards and photo books are typically offered by more than half of the photographers surveyed.
  Nearly half of photographers feel better marketing would have the biggest impact on their profit. Seventeen percent of photographers feel that nothing would improve their profit because they are taking advantage of all opportunities under the circumstances. Other ways to positively impact profit that were cited include reducing cost, online ordering systems and increasing prices.
  The full report will be available shortly in the marketing research section of the PMA website.