Analysis
NAICS 541921 is the 2022 national industry for photography studios, portrait, part of 54192 (Photographic Services). Census lists 9 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 11,483 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 37,479 people at an average annual payroll of $34,133 per employee (6th percentile of national industries). 88% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 16% and employment fell 23%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
By establishments it ranks 1st of the 2 codes at this level within Photographic Services, with 69.6% of them.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 512110, 81292, 512199 and 711510. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include passport photography services, photography services, portrait (e.g., still, video), photography studios, portrait and portrait photography services, among 9 in all.
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments known as portrait studios primarily engaged in providing still, video, or digital portrait photography services.
Illustrative Examples:
Home photography services School photography services Passport photography services Videotaping services for special events (e.g., weddings)
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Producing film and videotape for commercial exhibition or sale | 512110 Motion Picture and Video Production |
| Developing still photographs | 81292 Photofinishing |
| Developing motion picture film | 512199 Other Motion Picture and Video Industries |
| Taking, developing, and selling artistic, news, or other types of photographs on a freelance basis, such as photojournalists | 711510 Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers |
| Supplying and servicing automatic photography machines in places of business operated by others | 812990 All Other Personal Services |
Index entries (9)
- Passport photography services
- Photography services, portrait (e.g., still, video)
- Photography studios, portrait
- Portrait photography services
- Portrait photography studios
- School photography (i.e., portrait photography) services
- Video photography services, portrait
- Video taping services, special events (e.g., birthdays, weddings)
- Wedding photography services