It is known to be one of the most dynamic and inclusive sectors of the art market. In the past decade it has gone from a niche category to an essential element of the global art ecosystem, with numerous fairs, auctions and highly specialized galleries. It is photography, among the most ephemeral of arts and at the same time a keeper of memory, whose dynamism is the focus of the very recent report The Photography Market in 2024. Trends, auctions and emerging dynamics, published by Deloitte Private on March 20, 2025. A sector that has seen 90.9 percent growth between 2023 and 2024, according to the Photographs Index, the company’s proprietary index that measures annual changes in various pleasure assets such as art, design, luxury goods and others by analyzing public data from major auction houses such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips.
Growth and trends in the photography market in 2024
A growing figure, then, compared to the previous period, albeit in line with its historical average (the earliest data dates back to 2007), but one that photographs only a partial view of the market, not taking into account the very active negotiations between intermediaries and private individuals, as well as purchases directly from artists. “The secondary market for photography remains highly selective, with collectors favoring works of historical significance and high quality. Given the complexities related to authenticity and the value of editions, many collectors continue to acquire
