Profitable Photography Business Market Segments

[jjsterling]

What photography business market segments (niches) are the most profitable?

I look forward to reading all on point comments.
If you can direct me to any resources I would appreciate that as well.
Thanks


"All Actions are Rewarded"
JM

[HotHolly]

It depends on your target demo and skill set. I do well with anything that I can classify as art (in my head, and im kinda picky). And it doesnt seem to matter what. We specialize in weddings, commercial bridal, and boudoir. It's art to me and my clients want it, so hey.

I think most areas of photography currently have fierce competition at the entry level. You MUST set yourself apart somehow.

[ChristopherCoy]

Weddings and Seniors are probably the most profitable in my opinion. I'm sure commercial photography is pretty profitable as well.

Define what you consider a 'niche'?

[Rson]

Let me answer your question with another.....what are you good at? What are your core competency's?

[CaptainTom]

High end wall portraiture if you figure the per hour / income ratio

[texxter]

I am not expert in this area, but I've read that high end advertising photographers working with the top agencies and doing complex work (like automobiles, for example) can make big revenues, but they also have huge expenses. Photographers whose unique creativity can be an asset for art directors to achieve their clients needs for unique imagery, can do technically difficult work and achieve outstanding results, and know how to run a profitable business will make lots of money. For example, check out http://www.westsidestudio.com/ - an outstanding studio in Canada. Simon Stock is another world-class advertising photographer, check out his "Cars in Action" work, it blows me away.

[Tom]

If you are a good businessman and a good marketer, pretty much any segment of photography can be profitable.

[bondarnes]

My list:
1. High end commercial photography (shooting for a brand name company)
2. School contract photography (it is not unusual to clear $2K and be home before 4 pm)
3. Mid level commercial photography (shooting for large local companies)
4. High volume event photography (huge proms, charity galas, etc)
5. Studio Portraiture
6. On location Portraiture
7. Specialty (niche) photography (boudoir, maternity, newborn, babies, pets, etc.)
8. Other event photography (smaller proms, class reunions, corporate events)
9. Wedding photography
10. Low end commercial photography (smaller local companies)
My figures are from three years ago and do not reflect the effects of the current economy.

bondarnes added 3 Minutes and 8 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

If you are a good businessman and a good marketer, pretty much any segment of photography can be profitable.

I disagree. There are a few segments, (landscape photography comes to mind) where only the very best of the best manage to make a living at it.

[HotHolly]

I'd 2nd Don's list. And weddings are not the most profitable. You'll notice from the list, the things that allow one person to work with more people tend to be more profitable. There is only one of you. At some point you have supply and demand problems, and you'll slam into your potential income ceiling.

[DoublyDan]

This is good stuff everyone.
I am still trying to learn photography and my style.
I think that Dons list is pretty much what I have found others to be saying (just haven't found this wisdom in one spot).
Thanks all

[jjsterling]

I agree as well, this is good stuff.

Just between you and me; I have posted the same question on other forums
and this forum so far has been most the informative to date.

Here is something that I came across that might give you something to think about.
www.danheller.com/biz-audience-pro.html#4

Thank you everyone for participating.


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