An increasing number of Australian workers are thought to be deriving at least part of their income from work accessed through online digital platforms. Platforms operate on different scales but in general, they all connect individual workers, through intermediaries, with end-users who seek specific services. While a growing body of grey literature speculates about work trends in the gig economy, there is surprisingly little empirical evidence to support such conjecture. This project explores the extent, nature and impact of digital platforms in the photography industry in Australia. In an industry that has experienced significant technological disruption, the study has implications for how the contours of the gig economy are impacting employment opportunities, the experience of work, income security and the professional identity of creative workers.
