Core Viewpoint - The street photography service in Chengdu has become a new engine for driving cultural and tourism consumption, reflecting the growing demand for immersive travel experiences among tourists [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The street photography market in Chengdu is characterized by diverse services, including hourly shooting and costume rentals, with prices ranging from 200 to 400 yuan for different packages [2]. - Individual photographers dominate the market, with many relying on word-of-mouth and repeat customers, averaging around 500 yuan in daily income [2][3]. - The industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a notable increase in demand during the summer tourism peak, indicating a shift from niche to mainstream consumer interest in travel photography [4]. Group 2: Challenges and Issues - The lack of standardized pricing and service quality has led to consumer complaints about hidden costs and unexpected charges, such as additional fees for photo retouching [3]. - Many photographers operate without formal qualifications, raising concerns about industry regulation and consumer protection [3]. - The emergence of numerous individual photographers has complicated regulatory oversight, highlighting the need for clearer industry standards and practices [3][4]. Group 3: Regulatory Responses - Various regions are exploring innovative governance strategies to balance tourist experience, commercial vitality, and public order, such as defining "no-shoot" and "controlled" areas [4]. - Initiatives like the "Golden Hour" management scheme in Hangzhou aim to facilitate professional photography while managing tourist flow [4]. - Industry experts emphasize the urgency of establishing clear operational standards and pricing mechanisms to ensure a sustainable and orderly market environment [4].

Core Viewpoint - The decline of Bojue Travel Photography reflects not only the struggles of a single company but also the broader downturn in the travel photography industry, as consumer preferences shift towards lower-cost options and alternative forms of wedding celebrations [4][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - Bojue Travel Photography was once a leading brand in the travel photography sector, with a valuation exceeding 2.5 billion yuan and a global presence in 112 shooting destinations [4][5]. - The company has faced significant operational challenges, including customer service failures, unfulfilled orders, and employee wage disputes, leading to a loss of consumer trust [6][12][13]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The travel photography industry has seen a rapid increase in competition, with over 6,341 related companies currently operating in China, and a notable rise in new registrations [19][20]. - The shift in consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations, has led to a decline in traditional wedding photography demand, with many opting for lower-cost alternatives or forgoing wedding photography altogether [27][29]. Group 3: Business Model Challenges - Bojue's business model, heavily reliant on prepayments and high operational costs, has proven unsustainable as order volumes decline [24][26]. - The company's strategy of opening numerous physical stores in popular destinations has resulted in high fixed costs, which are difficult to maintain in a shrinking market [24][26]. Group 4: Consumer Sentiment - The perception of wedding photography has evolved, with many consumers now viewing it as an optional expense rather than a necessity, reflecting broader societal changes regarding marriage and relationships [27][29]. - The rise of social media and independent photographers has democratized the photography space, allowing consumers to seek personalized and cost-effective options [30][36].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing prevalence of travel photography in scenic spots across China, highlighting the disruption it causes to the traditional tourist experience and the commercialization of public spaces [5][12][32]. Group 1: Travel Photography Phenomenon - Many scenic areas have transformed into travel photography studios, with photographers and models dominating the landscape, often obstructing other tourists' experiences [5][8][10]. - The rise of travel photography is attributed to its low entry barriers and high profit potential, with many new businesses emerging in this sector [14][20][21]. - As of now, there are 6,341 travel photography-related companies in China, with nearly 45% established within the last 1-3 years, indicating a rapid influx of new entrants [17][19]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Competition - The travel photography industry has seen significant growth, with a 268% year-on-year increase in registered travel photography shops in 2023 [20]. - The competition has led to aggressive tactics among businesses, including physical altercations over customer acquisition, reflecting the intense market pressure [24][25]. - The focus on price wars and low-cost services has resulted in a decline in service quality and overall tourist experience [25][32]. Group 3: Cultural Implications - The article critiques the superficial nature of travel photography, where tourists prioritize taking aesthetically pleasing photos over genuine cultural experiences [28][30][32]. - This trend reflects a broader shift in travel behavior towards "checklist" tourism, where the emphasis is on popular spots and social media validation rather than meaningful engagement with the destination [32]. Group 4: Regulatory Responses - Some scenic areas, like Suzhou's Tongli Ancient Town, have begun to implement regulations to curb commercial photography, emphasizing the need for balance between public enjoyment and commercial activities [34][36]. - Effective management of travel photography is possible, as demonstrated by existing regulations in various parks and historical sites that prohibit commercial photography to protect the visitor experience [33][35].

Core Viewpoint - The decline of Bojue Travel Photography reflects not only the company's struggles but also the broader downturn in the travel photography industry, as consumer preferences shift towards lower-cost wedding options and a decrease in marriage rates [4][5][28]. Company Overview - Bojue Travel Photography was once a leading brand in the travel photography sector, with a global presence in 112 shooting destinations and a peak valuation exceeding 2.5 billion yuan [5]. - The company experienced significant sales success, including selling 10,000 travel photography packages in 18 minutes during a live stream, generating nearly 40 million yuan [5]. - However, the company is now facing severe operational challenges, including customer service failures, unfulfilled orders, and employee wage disputes, leading to store closures [4][12][13]. Operational Challenges - Customers have reported issues with unresponsive customer service and unfulfilled orders, leading to collective complaints and potential legal action [12][13]. - Employees have claimed that the company has delayed salaries for up to four months, affecting hundreds of staff members and totaling around 15 million yuan in unpaid wages [13]. - The company has acknowledged its financial difficulties, citing a significant drop in orders and revenue, and has announced plans to scale back operations and close unprofitable stores [13][15]. Industry Context - The travel photography industry has seen a rapid increase in competition, with over 6,341 related companies currently operating in China, and a significant rise in new registrations in recent years [19][20]. - Smaller photography studios have emerged as key players, offering flexible services and lower prices, which has eroded Bojue's market share [20][21]. - The industry's business model has become outdated, relying heavily on prepayments and high operational costs, which has left companies vulnerable to market fluctuations [23]. Changing Consumer Behavior - The marriage rate in China has been declining, with a reported 20.5% decrease in marriage registrations in 2024 compared to the previous year, leading to a reduced demand for traditional wedding photography [28]. - Consumers are increasingly viewing wedding photography as an optional expense rather than a necessity, with a shift towards more personalized and budget-friendly options [29][30]. - The rise of social media and the democratization of photography have led to a preference for unique, individualized experiences over standardized packages offered by larger companies [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing prevalence of travel photography in scenic spots across China, highlighting the disruption it causes to the traditional tourist experience and the commercialization of public spaces [2][17][41]. Group 1: Travel Photography Phenomenon - Scenic areas like Fenghuang Ancient Town and Guilin's Li River are now filled with photographers and models, transforming them into travel photography studios rather than places for quiet enjoyment [3][4][5]. - Social media complaints about the overwhelming presence of photographers at popular sites have become common, indicating a widespread dissatisfaction among tourists [5][9][10]. - The rise of travel photography is attributed to its low entry barriers and high profitability, with many new businesses emerging in this sector [18][19][21]. Group 2: Industry Growth and Competition - The number of travel photography-related businesses in China has surged, with 6,341 companies currently registered, and a significant increase in new registrations in recent years [22][25]. - The competitive landscape has led to aggressive tactics among photographers, including physical altercations over client acquisition [28][30][31]. - The industry's rapid growth has resulted in a focus on price wars, which negatively impacts service quality and customer experience [31][35]. Group 3: Cultural Implications - The article critiques the superficial nature of travel photography, where tourists prioritize aesthetics over cultural understanding, leading to a disconnection from the authentic experiences of the locations they visit [38][39][41]. - The trend reflects a broader shift in travel behavior towards a "checklist" mentality, where the primary goal becomes capturing the perfect photo rather than enjoying the destination [42][44]. - Effective management of travel photography in public spaces is possible, as demonstrated by existing regulations in various parks and historical sites [43][45][46].

Core Insights - The travel photography market is facing significant challenges, with many businesses struggling to remain profitable due to intense competition and declining prices [1][3][12] - A large number of new entrants continue to enter the market despite previous signs of difficulty, leading to unsustainable pricing strategies [1][3] - The overall consumer experience has deteriorated, with reports of poor service quality and hidden costs becoming common [1][3][8] Market Conditions - Many travel photography businesses are closing or transferring ownership, indicating a trend of unsustainable operations [1][12] - The average daily orders for some businesses have dropped significantly, with reports of only 20 orders per day during peak season [3][5] - Price competition has led to drastic reductions in service costs, with some businesses offering full makeup and photography services for as low as 199 yuan [5][6] Consumer Experience - Consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of services, leading to a rise in negative reviews and complaints about service quality [1][3][8] - The pressure to reduce costs has resulted in lower wages for photographers and makeup artists, affecting the quality of service provided [6][8] - Many customers report feeling rushed during their sessions, leading to a lack of personalized service and dissatisfaction with their experience [8] Industry Trends - The number of travel photography-related businesses has surged, with a reported 271.23% increase in registrations in 2023, indicating a peak in market entry [12][14] - However, this growth is accompanied by a high turnover rate, with many businesses operating for only a few months before closing or relocating [14] - The industry is expected to undergo a significant transformation, moving towards a more regulated and quality-focused model as consumer expectations evolve [14]

Group 1 - The travel photography giant, Bojue Travel Photography, has recently faced significant issues, leading to speculation about the company's potential collapse [3] - The company is currently in a state of suspension, with the Xiamen market regulatory authority investigating the reasons behind this situation [3] - Customers have reported being unable to contact the company after booking services, raising concerns about the company's operational viability [3] Group 2 - Bojue Travel Photography has been experiencing a decline in orders, revenue, and increasing costs since 2020, resulting in financial difficulties and continuous losses [3] - The company was established in December 2014 with a registered capital of approximately 56.57 million yuan, focusing on cultural and artistic activities, photography, and video production services [4] - The travel photography industry has gained popularity as a new consumption model that combines travel and photography, catering to consumers' desire to capture beautiful moments [6] Group 3 - The high upfront investment and labor costs associated with travel photography make it a capital-intensive industry, requiring significant resources for quality service [6][8] - Bojue Travel Photography's aggressive marketing and rapid expansion strategies have contributed to its current challenges, with high promotional costs and operational expenses from numerous locations [8] - Despite the challenges, the travel photography market still holds potential due to rising living standards and a willingness among consumers to pay for high-quality travel memorabilia [10] Group 4 - The market is experiencing polarization, with large online travel agencies (OTAs) gaining market share while small studios and individual photographers find niches in the market [10] - The recent issues faced by Bojue Travel Photography do not indicate a decline in the travel photography market but rather a shift in business logic towards localization, fragmentation, and personalization [11] - Successful travel photography businesses may need to adopt a platform-based, content-driven, and community-oriented approach to thrive in the evolving market landscape [11]

Core Insights - The emergence of new professions, including "travel photography customizer," reflects the vitality brought by new technology applications, consumer demands, and market changes [1][10] - The travel photography market is rapidly growing, with tourists seeking immersive photography experiences as a key aspect of their travel enjoyment [1][10] Industry Overview - The travel photography industry has seen a significant increase in demand and the number of companies, with over 6,341 related enterprises currently operating in China [5][6] - The number of registered travel photography companies has grown substantially, with 2,119 and 2,593 new registrations in 2023 and 2024 respectively, marking increases of 268.52% and 22.37% [5] - The market is characterized by low entry barriers, leading to intense competition and a proliferation of similar products, which poses risks of price wars and business failures [6][8] Professionalization of the Industry - The recognition of "travel photography customizer" as an official profession is expected to promote the professionalization and standardization of the industry [10] - The role of a travel photography customizer is multifaceted, requiring skills in photography, makeup, customer service, and post-production, indicating a shift towards more skilled and specialized professionals [1][4][10] - The demand for personalized travel photography services is increasing, with a notable rise in interest for various styles, including ethnic costumes and wedding photography [5][9] Market Trends - The travel photography market is projected to support a consumption demand of over 25 million people, contributing to a market size of nearly 40 billion yuan in China, which accounts for over 30% of the global market [9][10] - The trend towards personalized and immersive photography experiences is driving growth, with significant increases in searches for outdoor photographers and related services [9][10]

Core Insights - The collapse of Platinum Travel Photography (铂爵旅拍) highlights the vulnerabilities in the travel photography industry, particularly the risks associated with the prepayment model and high fixed costs [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Overview - Platinum Travel Photography was once a leading player in the travel photography market, operating in over 112 countries and regions [1] - The company has ceased operations as of July 2025, leaving over 200 employees unpaid for four months and numerous customers without their purchased services [1] Group 2: Business Model and Challenges - The company's business model relied heavily on a prepayment system, where customers paid a deposit to secure their booking, which became unsustainable during the pandemic due to a sharp decline in orders [1][2] - High fixed costs, including rent in popular tourist areas, exacerbated the financial strain, leading to a cash flow crisis when new orders could not cover historical costs [1][2] Group 3: Industry Trends and Competition - The travel photography industry has seen a significant increase in competition, with customer acquisition costs rising while average transaction values have dropped from 8,000 yuan to 6,000 yuan [2] - The market has been flooded with new entrants, with a 268% increase in registered companies in 2023, leading to severe market saturation and homogenization of services [4] Group 4: Consumer Behavior and Market Shifts - Consumers are increasingly turning away from traditional travel photography services, favoring independent studios that offer unique and personalized experiences [3] - The rise of destination weddings and integrated services that combine travel photography with wedding planning is becoming more appealing to younger consumers [3] Group 5: Future Outlook and Industry Restructuring - The collapse of Platinum Travel Photography signals a potential restructuring phase in the industry, with a shift towards smaller, more agile studios that can adapt to changing consumer preferences [4][5] - The cyclical nature of the industry suggests that companies must focus on rebuilding trust and enhancing service quality to survive in the long term [6]

Core Viewpoint - The travel photography industry, represented by companies like Bojue Travel Photography and Korean Artisans, is facing significant operational challenges, including continuous losses, service delivery issues, and a decline in consumer trust, leading to closures and layoffs [1][2][10]. Company Overview - Bojue Travel Photography achieved a record sales figure of 40 million yuan by selling 10,000 packages in just 18 minutes during a live stream [1]. - The company has announced a temporary suspension of its wedding photography business due to years of continuous losses and high operational costs [1][11]. - Employees have reported that the company is in debt to both staff and suppliers, with some locations already closed [1][6]. Marketing Strategy - Bojue Travel Photography initially gained market prominence through aggressive marketing strategies, including extensive advertising and collaborations with popular celebrities and shows [3][4]. - The brand's marketing peaked in 2018, utilizing a saturation approach that included partnerships with major entertainment programs and celebrity endorsements [3][4]. Industry Challenges - The travel photography sector is experiencing a decline in demand, with significant revenue drops and increased competition from smaller, more agile players [6][8]. - The industry is characterized by severe price competition, with prices for basic packages dropping from around 8000 yuan to as low as 4000 yuan due to market saturation [8][10]. - The rise of social media platforms has diminished the effectiveness of traditional marketing strategies, leading to a loss of customer trust and brand loyalty [6][10]. Consumer Sentiment - Consumers have reported issues with service delivery, including unfulfilled orders and difficulties in obtaining refunds, leading to a growing number of complaints and calls for action [1][12]. - There is a shift in consumer preference towards smaller studios that offer transparent pricing and personalized services, as trust in larger brands declines [10][14]. Market Potential - Despite the challenges faced by major players, the travel photography market is projected to grow, with an expected demand of over 41 million consumers by 2028, indicating potential opportunities for smaller, more flexible companies [14].