Effects of Smartphone Photography on Commercial Photographers in Bolgatanga, Ghana.

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of smartphone photography and social media use on the professional photography business, focusing on commercial photographers in Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana and the Bolgatanga Technical University campus. Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive research approach was used, with quantitative data collected through standardised questionnaires distributed to 196 smartphone users and 23 commercial photographers. T Findings: The findings show a considerable decrease in demand for commercial photography services due to the widespread usage of smartphones for personal photography and social media sharing. Many smartphone users consider their photographic skills sufficient, resulting in less reliance on professional services. Research Limitation: The study focuses solely on the commercial photography sector, overlooking other possible impact areas within the photographic industry. Practical implication: Commercial photographers must adopt new technologies to remain competitive and provide distinctive, high-quality services that smartphone users cannot readily reproduce. Social Implication: Smartphones have democratised photography by allowing consumers to capture and share visual content on social media platforms, contributing to decreased demand for professional photography. This social shift emphasises commercial photographers' need to integrate their business models with changing customer behaviour in the digital era. Originality/ Value: This study adds to our understanding of the changing photography landscape, especially in a developing economy. It provides significant insights into how commercial photographers may adapt to the challenges provided by the advent of smartphone photography and social media.