Vorarlberg photographers remain in demand for life events

Professional photographers in Vorarlberg remain sought after for weddings, births and pregnancies despite household cost-cutting, ORF reports. Many people take photos on smartphones, but still value professional coverage for important occasions.

Photography has been an unrestricted trade in Vorarlberg since 2013. The change brought a sharp rise in membership of the photography section at the Vorarlberg Economic Chamber, its chair Frederick Sams said. The section now has about 370 members, compared with 175 before the rules changed.

No specific training is required to join, and Vorarlberg no longer has a formal photography course. The chamber’s section now runs occasional courses and offers mentoring with experienced photographers to help newcomers get started.

Making a living as a photographer depends in part on keeping up with developments such as artificial intelligence and social media, Sams said. The advertising industry, on which many photographers rely, has changed substantially in recent years. Clients value the authenticity photographers can create, he said.

Traditional photography shops are becoming less common, according to Sams. Studio family portraits have declined, and shops in pedestrian areas have shrunk considerably. The report notes that “classic photography” turns 200 this year.