Street photography is providing an income-generating opportunity for photographers operating in Johannesburg’s central business district (CBD), where passers-by can pay to have their pictures taken and printed without arranging a formal photoshoot.
The business model centres on individual sales: photographers take customers’ pictures, print them using portable equipment and charge for the service. Their earnings depend on how many customers they attract and how many photographs they sell.
Thulani Mthethwa, 26, a street photographer working in Johannesburg CBD, said the business can generate around R700 on a good day, depending on how many customers want photographs.
“The business is good, but sometimes it is difficult because some people don’t want to have their pictures taken. We try to work in busy places such as the Johannesburg CBD because there are more people we can approach,” Mthethwa said.
Working in busy areas gives photographers access to potential customers, but they still need to persuade people to pay for the service. Each completed sale contributes to their daily takings.
Mthethwa’s estimate of R700 reflects what he can make on a good day. It does not establish his average daily earnings or the profit remaining after expenses.
The printing process is also part of the service. Photographers use portable equipment to produce customers’ pictures, allowing them to offer a printed photograph rather than simply taking an image on a camera.
The costs of printing supplies, equipment maintenance and transport can affect how much money photographers retain from their sales.
Customers pay for convenience
Nomsa Buthelezi said she decided to have her picture taken after attending an event because she was dressed up and wanted to capture the moment.
“It was convenient because I didn’t have to plan a photoshoot or worry about all the other arrangements,” Buthelezi said.
She said she would use the service again, citing picture quality and affordability.
“I would definitely pay again. Their prices range from R70 to R150, and the quality of the pictures is good, so I’m a happy client,” she said.
The prices reflect Buthelezi’s experience and should not be treated as a standard rate across all Johannesburg CBD photographers.
Her experience suggests that some customers are willing to pay for a convenient, printed photograph, even when smartphones allow them to take pictures themselves.
