Photography Market Expands Globally with 19.1% Growth in 2025, Report Shows
The photography market experienced significant growth in 2025, with international auction sales reaching $40.4 million, a 19.1% increase from the previous year. According to a Deloitte report presented at MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas 2026 in Milan, photography is increasingly integrated into mainstream art auctions rather than remaining in specialized sales. New York remains the secondary market hub, while Europe serves as a center for experimentation, with fairs like Paris Photo and Photo London playing key roles. The Italian market surpassed €1 million in revenue, with Finarte dominating 77.6% of domestic sales. Corporate interest is rising, with 94.1% of European companies using photography for brand awareness.
Key facts
- Global photography auction sales grew 19.1% to $40.4 million in 2025
- Unsold rate dropped to 17.1% while average sale prices increased
- Italian photography market exceeded €1 million with 249 Italian photographers at auction
- Finarte controlled 77.6% of Italian photography auction revenue
- 94.1% of European companies use photography for brand awareness
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Deloitte
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
- Phillips
- Finarte
- Bertolami Fine Art
- Capitolium Art
- Pandolfini
- Il Ponte
- Wannenes
- UniCredit
- Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation
Locations
- Milan
- New York
- Europe
- Italy