Forget the fluff. The 2024 Aftershoot Report dropped earlier this year, and it’s stacked with real-world stats on what’s happening behind the lens. From client bookings and pricing tactics to AI editing habits, this isn’t just another yearly wrap — it’s the pulse check photographers didn’t know they needed.
If you’re in the business of selling photos — whether that’s corporate headshots in Adelaide, weddings, real estate, events or boudoir — this is the stuff that actually matters.
Straight from the Aftershoot Report, here’s what’s actually moving the needle:
Client booking windows are shorter than ever.
43% of clients booked within 1 month of their session. Panic-planning is the new normal.
AI in photography isn’t “the future” — it’s already baked into most workflows.
Over 60% of photographers said they’re using some form of AI photo editing software, mostly for culling or editing bulk sessions.
Most photographers aren’t charging enough.
The majority sit below industry benchmarks, and many aren’t raising prices despite higher demand.
Private sessions are winning out.
Families, couples, pets — intimate shoots are still reliable money makers, with headshots and personal branding climbing fast.
According to the data, here’s where photographers are actually making bank:
Fast turnaround, predictable demand, and strong upselling opportunities (think AI staging and drone work). Clients usually care more about speed and delivery than creative flair — perfect for batching.
Check out the Adelaide real estate photography services.
High volume, repeat clients, and minimal editing when shot properly. Especially effective at expos and conference pop-up booths.
Still a massive earner. Requires strong trust-building, but once a reputation’s in place, it often leads to referrals and higher ticket pricing.
The short version: most are using AI tools, but not for everything.
AI culling tools are saving people hours each week — especially for high-volume shoots like birthday events or conferences.
Editing software like Aftershoot and Imagen are popular for batch colour correction, especially in real estate and weddings.
Creative AI tools (like generative fill) are still divisive. Some love it for removing distractions or creating sky swaps; others see it as a shortcut that butchers authenticity.
Bottom line? If AI helps deliver faster without cutting corners, it’s worth using. But no software’s going to fix bad light, crap compositions, or missed moments.
No drawn-out email chains. Just fill in the basics and get a clear, no-nonsense response — fast. Whether it’s a single property or ongoing shoots, this is the quickest way to get started.
(Oh, and you can grab the full Aftershoot report by clicking here)
Here’s what’s changing behind the scenes:
Photographers who increased their prices in 2023 earned 35% more revenue on average.
The ones who didn’t? Flatlined.
Client loyalty is falling.
70% of new clients found their photographer through online search or social media, not referrals.
Photographers with clear booking workflows (automated emails, forms, follow-ups) reported fewer ghosted leads.
Basic systems save you more than fancy branding ever will.
If you’re not already tightening your own booking process, check out how it’s handled across services like corporate events and portraits.
Short notice is the new normal.
Clients are waiting until 2–4 weeks before the shoot. If your calendar isn’t flexible, you’re missing easy jobs.
Ghosting is up, especially in lead gen platforms.
Photographers relying purely on platforms like Bark or Facebook groups saw higher dropout rates compared to those using their own sites.
Clients want proof.
Portfolio samples and behind-the-scenes content outperform “about me” waffle. Pages like this Sellicks Beach birthday set get more engagement than service-only pages.
Mostly, yes — but it’s evolving:
Here’s the common setup most professionals now use:
Shoot in RAW (obviously)
Cull using AI or PhotoMechanic
Batch edit with Lightroom Classic or AI tools
Retouch in Photoshop (if needed)
Export, deliver via cloud gallery (like Pixieset)
Upsell prints, reels, or repeat sessions
If any part of that feels clunky, there’s probably a faster way to do it.
Session examples like this birthday shoot or corporate events now double up with short reels and blog recaps — both of which help with Google rankings and future bookings.
Shorter booking windows, rising use of AI editing tools, and shifting client habits. Photographers are adjusting pricing and workflows to keep up.
Not fully — but it’s heavily used for culling and batch edits. Tools like Aftershoot speed things up without replacing your style or control.
Real estate, headshots, corporate events, and boudoir photography are consistent earners. Fast delivery and clear value keep them in demand.
Most are still undercharging. Those who increased rates last year saw over 30% more income. Confidence in pricing makes a difference.
Primarily online — through Google, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Referrals have dropped, so having a solid online presence matters more than ever.
Yes — for those who value time. AI tools now help with culling, previews, editing and even AI staging in real estate.
Clients expect faster replies and clear booking systems. Using automated forms, fast email replies, and proper FAQs can prevent ghosting.
Yes — as long as they’re helpful and honest. Posts like the aurora guide or behind-the-scenes jobs add trust and boost SEO.
It helps. Clients want more than just stills now — quick highlight reels or BTS clips can boost bookings, especially for event work.
Here’s what’s working — and what’s wasting everyone’s time.
SEO-optimised blog posts with actual value (like this one)
Content-heavy service pages (see headshots or event photography)
Google Reviews (preferably with real names and faces)
Casual, non-salesy LinkedIn outreach
BTS reels and sneak peeks that feel human, not polished
Paid ads with no organic content behind them
Instagram grid obsession
Spamming Facebook groups with “Available this weekend!” posts
If the Aftershoot Report proves anything, it’s this:
Photographers who adapt — with pricing, with tech, with how they book clients — are doing fine.
Photographers stuck in 2016? Not so much.
The business is still there. But clients are fussier, faster, and expect more from less. It’s not about being everywhere — it’s about being where it counts.
Fair enough. If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about your listings. Reach out below — whether you’re chasing pricing, availability, or just want to see more sample work.
This article was written by Corey M — the bloke behind Shameless Visuals, based right here in Adelaide. Whether it’s chasing the Southern Lights through a frosty paddock or setting up lights in a boardroom, the job’s the same: find the shot that actually means something.
When Corey’s not editing until his eyeballs hurt, he’s out shooting everything from commercial campaigns to birthday chaos to full-scale conference coverage. No fluff, no gimmicks — just real work that makes people take notice.
If you’re here reading this, chances are you’re after more than just a pretty picture. Here’s what Shameless Visuals actually does:
Professional headshot photography for teams, creatives, and anyone who’s sick of cropping themselves out of group shots.
Commercial photography in Adelaide that shows products and brands at their best — not in some soulless stock style.
Real estate and drone photography that makes listings stand out, even in a flooded market.
Event and corporate photography that captures energy, moments, and actual people (not just blurry backs of heads).
Portrait photography that brings out character without making it awkward.
Boudoir photography that’s more about confidence than clichés — completely private, entirely on your terms.
Explore the full range at the Shameless Visuals homepage or get in touch here to book something real.
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