The study discusses the role of tourism photography in the increasing existence and sustainability of heritage areas in Yogyakarta. Tourism photography has become a lifestyle trend in the current digital era. The principle of tourism photography as a promotion media of tourism objects and destinations contributes to the increasing popularity of the heritage areas in Yogyakarta as the uniqueness of urban tourism in Yogyakarta. Tourism photography is developing in the heritage area of Malioboro. It can be seen as an opportunity and a threat for the district as well. Therefore, the study aims to find out the sites and their architectural characteristics that are used as the setting of tourism photography. The study implemented an explorative case study method with Malioboro heritage area as the case study. Data was collected through a participatory observation, interviews with key persons and participants, and relevant documents. The results of the study shows that tourism photography plays a key role in the preservation of heritage buildings in the Malioboro heritage area. The activities of tourism photography in the Malioboro area involve the local community as the actors of tourism photography, such as photographers, renting traditional costumes and preparing the local transportation. The active participation of the local community gives financial benefits for the community. Furthermore, the old buildings are well maintained, so that they become more attractive for tourists. It can be said that tourism photography contributes to the effort to maintain the heritage buildings in Malioboro, Yogyakarta.