The technological landscape surrounding professional school photography has evolved significantly in recent years. Among the various advancements, dye-sublimation (dye-sub) photo printing has emerged as a robust and reliable technology, revolutionising how school photographers deliver high-quality photographs, promotional aid and timely on-site prints. This piece delves into the nuances and maturation of dye sublimation technology, its growing prominence in the professional photo printing industry and the diverse opportunities the technology presents for professional school photographers, including the potential to expand into other markets.
Dye sublimation printing, often referred to as dye-sub, involves a process where dye is transferred onto a substrate using heat; usually via a thermal head. Unlike traditional inkjet printers that lay down droplets of ink, dye-sub printers use a ribbon containing solid dyes. These dyes are heated and then vaporised, permeating the surface of the print media to create a continuous-tone image. This method has evolved in recent years to become one of the best and most reliable form of printing, resulting in prints that are not only high in quality but also durable and very resistant to fading over time. It’s fair to suggest that dye-sub photo printing has now become a mainstay in professional photo printing due to a number of key factors:
High-Quality Output:
Dye-sub printers produce vibrant and sharp images with smooth gradations and rich colours. The continuous-tone printing ensures that each pixel seamlessly blends with the next, providing a flawless finish that is perfect for professional resale.
Durability and Longevity:
Prints produced using dye-sub technology are resistant to water, fingerprints, and UV light, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for many years; in fact, decades in the case of Citizen’s leading dye-sub photo printing technology. This durability is particularly advantageous for professional school photographers and prints that are ordinarily cherished and shared as family keepsakes.
Speed and Efficiency:
Dye-sub printers are known for their speedy printing capabilities, making them ideal for on-site printing at school and other event photography. This efficiency allows photographers to provide immediate prints to clients, parents and guardians, enhancing the overall customer experience and attracting impulse purchasing of print products that might otherwise pass them by.
Citizen Systems has been at the forefront of dye-sub technology since it appeared as a printing format, offering a range of printers that cater to the needs of all kinds of professional photographers. The printers in the Citizen photo range are renowned for their reliability, speed, robust build quality and superior prints.
Expanding Horizons: Diverse Print Formats and Accessories
Many professional photographers will know that dye-sub photo printing technology opens a host of opportunities and for professional school photographers, the technology allows for the diversification of their product offerings. Some of the most appealing and profitable formats include traditional photo prints. These ‘standard’ photo prints are offered in various sizes and remain a staple across the industry. These can be presented in packages that include individual portraits, class photos, and group shots. These can be introduced to the client in a simple, cost-effective contact sheet format, which is an excellent, tried and trusted sales tool in the market. These sheets can simply display a selection of images, allowing parents to choose their preferred photos for ordering larger prints and can be produced from the very same dye-sub printer to demonstrate quality while keeping costs low.
Given the nature ofdye-sub printing, photographers are able to offer and produce customised items such as personalised photo books and albums. Creating photo books and albums that compile a student’s journey through the school year can be a cherished memento for families while offering a valuable additional revenue stream for the photographer.
Offering digital copies on USB drives or downloadable in various qualities via the cloud provides an additional revenue stream, catering to the increasing demand for digital media. With the accessibility of home printing evolving with the Citizen CZ-01 printer, it’s never been simpler to produce small-format, high-quality prints at home.
At first, this approach may appear as a counter-productive approach for a professional photographer who sells prints, but there is an opportunity to sell printers, such as the small format CZ-01 and media to serious customers, ensuring repeat business and minimising labour time and costs.
Exploring New Markets: Diversification Strategies in Schools Photography
To maintain a sustainable business model, school photographers are generally always looking to diversify their services beyond the seasonal peaks that are school photography term times. There are a number of avenues to explore with the most relevant and (perhaps) obvious being expanding into the wider event photography market. Lucrative commissions such as weddings, corporate events, and community functions, can provide year-round opportunities with a not-so-different business model or workflow to that of a professional schools photographer. The on-site printing capability of dye-sub printers is a significant advantage in this market with a real capability to upsell a quality product in real time.
Similarly, sports photography is a significant and growing market in many European territories. Partnering with local sports clubs and schools to cover sporting events can also be a lucrative addition to your professional calendar. Offering team and individual athlete photos along with themed photo gifts can drive substantial revenue.
This is a market where the panoramic photo capabilities of the Citizen CX-02 come into their own. Group and/or team shots can dazzle the client; especially when they are furnished with team branding, text and colourways. Get this right and sales are just around the corner.
Similarly, offering professional portrait sessions for families, graduates, and professionals requiring headshots can attract a broader clientele. This is another sector that almost stands alone and perhaps one that we will touch on in a separate feature.
In short, the advancement of dye sublimation photo printing technology has undeniably transformed the professional school photography industry. With high-quality, durable prints and the capability for on-site printing, dye-sub printers like those from Citizen Systems offer an unparalleled solution for professional photographers. By diversifying product offerings and exploring new markets, school photographers can leverage this technology to not only enhance their services but also ensure a steady and profitable business throughout the year.
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