Photography has changed, and if you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably felt it. Camera sales are down, social media dominates how images are consumed, and video is taking a bigger role in commercial work. If you’re wondering whether there’s still a place for you in photography, you’re not alone.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this eye-opening video breaks down why photography is on a downturn and what that actually means for working professionals. Choucino examines the decline in camera sales, starting from around 2011, with major drops happening after the rise of Instagram and the introduction of smartphone cameras that rivaled point-and-shoots. The real shift happened in 2020 when platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels exploded, leading to a steep drop in demand for traditional photography. These changes aren’t just about cameras; they reflect how people engage with images and, more importantly, how companies choose to market their products.
The video also highlights the role of micro-influencers. Brands have moved away from traditional advertising and toward paying individuals with smaller but highly engaged followings to showcase products. This shift has created a major challenge for mid-level photographers. Large-scale productions for billboards and high-end campaigns still exist, and casual phone content dominates the lower end, but the middle ground—where many photographers used to thrive—has shrunk. Businesses either want premium, polished work or the kind of raw, relatable content that influencers can produce with a smartphone.
If you’re still trying to make a living in photography, you have to adapt. The demand for stills-only shoots has decreased, but the need for content hasn’t disappeared. Clients now expect video as part of their marketing strategies, whether it’s a six-second loop, an animation, or a short-form clip that fits seamlessly into a social media feed. That’s not to say photography is dead—it’s just no longer enough by itself. The ability to create moving images has become a non-negotiable skill if you want to stay relevant. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
