InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' Studies Indicate Dramatic Changes in Workflow for the Professional Photographer

Business Wire, Oct 20, 2005

WEYMOUTH, Mass. -- Recent InfoTrends/CAP Ventures surveys of the professional photography market show an industry in transition. The switch to digital has already transpired, with nearly 80% of pros owning a digital SLR and 52% planning to purchase a new one within a year. The immediacy and flexibility of the digital format has clearly made an impact. The new challenge for pro photographers is to find a way to leverage new technologies, software, and services to grow their businesses.

Survey results show that professional photographers across all specialties are taking a large number of shots - 482 per week on average for digital camera users. The vast majority of these images are saved to a computer, and nearly 65% of the photos taken are edited. Many photographers are using RAW conversion and color management software, and a significant percentage of photos are being published to the Web.

"Photographers are placing the highest priority on generating new business, creating a more efficient workflow, and using the Web for marketing and sales," said Jeff Hayes, a Group Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. "Not surprisingly, when we turn to issues related to digital photo editing and the publishing process, their primary challenges seem to center upon workflow time, color management, and photo management."

"We see a significant amount of opportunity in this market not only for camera, software, and solution providers, but also for printer, supplies, and media vendors," stated Ed Lee, a Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. "Inkjet photo printing holds a dominant position among professional photographers, but silver halide is still very popular among certain subsegments. Output volumes differ substantially among the numerous photographer categories as well, and it's important for the industry to understand these variations."

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' report entitled Digital Imaging and Professional Photographers End User Study is available immediately. It is based on a survey of 1,000 professional photographers in the United States. The study provides a detailed look into the digital photography behaviors of professional photographers, including what equipment they own; what they plan to buy; how many digital pictures they take, save, store, and print; and the types of software they use. A related document, the 2005 Professional Photographer Multi-Client Study, is due to be published in November.

InfoTrends at PhotoPlus

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures will host a by-invitation breakfast event tomorrow morning at the PhotoPlus East trade show in New York City. During the breakfast, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures analysts will highlight top-line results from these studies. The breakfast will be held in conjunction with VNU Exposition, the producers of PhotoPlus East. A limited number of press seats are still available. To inquire about a pass, contact Matt O'Keefe at 781-616-2100, ext. 115.

About InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industries. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrends-rgi.com.