Brazilian photographers have increasingly relied on organic marketing as their main strategy to promote their work. According to a groundbreaking survey by Aftershoot, a platform created to streamline photographers’ workflows, 92% use social media to attract new clients, while only 33% resort to paid ads. Aiming to identify trends in Brazil’s photography industry, the study also found that, besides social media, 82% of photographers rely on client referrals as one of the main ways to secure new jobs.
Among the photographers surveyed, the majority (89%) are professionals with over 5 years of experience. Their main areas of specialization include events (68%), weddings (63%), and portraits (35%). Additionally, most acquired their skills through specialized courses (64%) and workshops (55%), while only 17% studied photography in college.
The survey also revealed that over a third (35%) of Brazilian photographers deliver edited photos to clients in less than a week. This figure stands out when compared to the global average: only 13% of photographers worldwide can complete edits within the same timeframe, as indicated by the report 2024 Photography Industry Trends, also conducted by Aftershoot.
This scenario is directly linked to the profile of Brazilian photographers, characterized by high production volumes. The local survey showed that 64% of professionals capture between 1,000 and 3,000 images per event, exceeding the global average of 46% in this range. Moreover, 20% of Brazilians produce up to 6,000 photos per job, highlighting a significant demand for efficiency in selection and editing processes.
Investment in equipment is also a relevant aspect of professional activity: 37% typically spend between R$6,500 and R$16,500 per year, 27% between R$3,050 and R$6,500, and 20% less than R$3,050.
The results reinforce the growing importance of digital presence for photographers seeking to expand their visibility and attract new clients. At the same time, professionals are expected to navigate a highly competitive market marked by high production demands and quick turnaround times.
In this context, the need for AI-powered tools like Aftershoot is increasing—as they help manage time-consuming tasks such as image selection and editing. Among respondents, 63% regularly use AI tools. These software solutions optimize tedious tasks like image selection and editing, streamline workflows, and enable faster deliveries without compromising quality.
The Aftershoot survey contributes to understanding the current landscape regarding industry transformations and the challenges faced by Brazilian professionals today.
