Operators of several photography studios in Qatar have complained of a drop in revenues in recent times owing to the availability of user-friendly gadgets with high-definition cameras and the proliferation of freelance photographers.
Studio owners point out that the number of freelance photographers has increased considerably and everyone carrying a camera claims to be a “professional photographer”. On the other hand, they add, the number of studios has come down drastically.
One of them said the number of studios in the country had decreased from over 500 to around 100. According to him, freelance photographers should be allowed to work only after obtaining a licence and "other necessary documents" from the authorities concerned.
They also claim that many people claiming to be professional photographers arrive in the country on a visit or business visa and engage in photography, making money by investing practically nothing.
Further, they explain that with the introduction of smartphones with advanced cameras and cameras with high-resolution features, it has become easy for people to get high-quality photographs. This, along with the growing number of freelancers, has eaten into the business of most studios in a big way.
Francis, manager at Foto Gulf Studio, said studios were having a tough time coping with this situation. “Freelance photographers are operating all over the country. They have no investment, quote prices lower than ours and get jobs easily,” he claimed.
“They can afford to quote lower prices as they have no operational costs. They have no studios or offices to work from. They may have a website to display some of their pictures. This allows them to charge very low prices while we have to pay rents and staff salaries. This makes it extremely difficult for us to survive in the business.”
Yaqoob, owner of Picture World, said several photographers working for different organisations in the country also engaged in such practices.
“Photographers who are working for different outlets in the country are looking for extra income and engage in freelancing for other companies. Many freelancer photographers also come to the country on a visit visa or business visa," Yaqoob said.
“While people on visit visa are not allowed to work, people on business visa are permitted to work as consultants for any firm or to look after their own business.”
Doha-based lawyer Nizar Kochery said people on business visa could act as consultants for a firm and provide their expertise.
“They do not come under many of the provisions of Qatar’s labour law. They are also not eligible for many of the privileges given to employees of an organisation. Their compensation comes under special category.”
