Photography Franchise Opportunities in the United States of America

If you’re still thinking about whether working in this industry is right for you, then the following industry overview of the photography niche in the US could be worth considering. Explore facts and trends below so that you can make an informed decision.

• Revenue in the photography industry reached $13 billion in 2024, rising from $11.5 billion in 2021.
• The industry employs approximately 298,000 professionals and employees.
• There are around 263,000 photography businesses offering their services in the United States, among which are photography franchise opportunities.
• The photography niche can be divided into specialist photography services, which include:
  • Industrial photography
  • Commercial photography 
  • Special events photography such as weddings and parties
  • Portrait photography
  • Sports photography
  • Children’s photography 
  • Entertainment photography

• Of these niches, portrait studios, in particular comprise a large portion of the overall industry. These supply services to schools, colleges, and families.
• Another area that’s booming is the pet photography niche, which grew by 30% between 2018 and 2019. This market alone is worth around $124 million, with just over 2,600 photography businesses in the US offering this service to pet owners.
• Commercial imaging for marketing and advertising purposes is also seeing an upward tick as many corporate businesses and marketing agencies seek professional photography services to market their products.
• What makes this industry worthwhile is that while amateur photography is on the rise with the increased proliferation of quality cameras on smartphones, the need for professional photographers is on an upward tick.
• Another interesting development in the industry is the proliferation of image editing software.
• Photography studios are generally situated in densely populated areas, as that’s where the greatest demand stems from.
• The industry is marked by low barriers to entry, enabling professional photographers and photography franchises to compete based on factors such as pricing, delivery speed, product variety, service quality, location, and other criteria.
• If you’re considering franchise photography studios, it’s worth knowing that the industry is considered a part of discretionary and not necessary spending. As such, it can be subject to some fluctuations in demand that are based on disposable income availability. However, with an economic upturn, this sector is poised for future growth.

Photography Industry Trends in 2024

Now, let’s explore some trends in this industry as you mull over various photography franchises for sale. 

• The onset of drone technology is anticipated to give the aerial photography franchise sector a boost by 12.9% over the next six years. The commercial sector, in particular, will drive this demand as images will be required for real estate companies, construction projects, and agriculture. Weddings and special events will not be far behind.
• Over the next four years until 2028, employment of photographers is expected to increase by 6%, increasing industry cmpetition.
• Demand for wedding and portrait photographers is also expected to remain strong, as will demand for commercial photography.
• In general, the photography industry is anticipated to have steady growth through 2026.
• Franchises that offer virtual staging, 3D interactive tours, aerial video, aerial images, and data collection will also see a spike in demand.
• 3D photography is also expected to see an upward trend.

Why you should consider a photography franchise opportunity

There are many good reasons to consider a photography franchise opportunity. Let’s look at some of the most important ones:

• When you opt for franchising, you are choosing a proven business model that offers a safer entry into business as opposed to an independent start up.
• You also get instantly recognizable branding, which enables you to compete more effectively.
• You can take advantage of excellent training opportunities that help you get started and succeed with your photography franchise business venture.
• Some examples of the types of support you can expect from your franchisor include human resources functions, regulatory compliance, insurance, licensing, etc.
• Securing financing for a franchise opportunity is usually much easier than for independent startups.
• You may also have access to an established customer base and an existing supply chain, making running your photography franchise that much easier.
• Marketing and advertising your business are also covered by the franchisor, which means you can take advantage of national advertising while you are shown the ropes to handle the local advertising yourself.

How much does it cost to open a photography franchise?

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of starting a photography franchise. These include the initial franchise fee, training expenses, grand opening costs, marketing costs, vehicles and/or physical premises. However, in general, your initial investment in a photography franchise will cost in the region of $50,000 or more.