Food Photographers

Employment for all photographers is expected to grow by 4 percent from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This is about as fast as the average for all careers. The growth of digital cameras and improvements in digital technology have enabled more businesses to create, store, and access photographic images on their own. Also, the photography field has always been attractive to many people, so there is strong competition for jobs. There are only a small number of food photographers, and the health of the food, entertainment, and publishing industries play a major role in influencing job growth. When fewer people eat out or purchase food-related publications, there are fewer jobs for food photographers. Employment for photographers at newspaper publishers is expected to decline by 19.4 percent through 2033, according to the DOL, as a result of declining advertising revenue, industry consolidation, and other factors. On the other hand, employment for photographers who are employed by media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers will increase by 6.4 percent through 2033, which is faster than the average. Though many companies have reduced their advertising budgets, they still have to employ professionals to capture images of their food for print and Web advertising. Most restaurants, no matter how successful, will need to display their food in menus or ads as well as on their Web sites to attract diners.

Sixty-five percent of photographers are self employed. The DOL predicts that job opportunities for self-employed photographers are expected to grow by 7.2 percent through 2033, or faster than the average for all careers.

It is important to note, however, that although there will always be jobs for food photographers, the field is incredibly competitive. Only those with the right blend of technical and business skills will be able to find enough work to shoot pictures full time.