Professional photographers from across the UK have united to promote the positive impact that adding printing services has had on their businesses, following the launch of Fujifilm’s Print to Prove It campaign.
Recent Futuresource research has found that between 2018 and 2024, the UK photo merchandise market will grow by 57.9% to a staggering £330 million (approximately $431 million / AU$599 million). According to Fujifilm, this demand provides an opportunity for photographers to expand into this lucrative space, by offering printed products as part of their services.
Now Fujifilm industry professionals, including wedding specialist Scott Johnson, newborn and maternity artist Elli Cassidy and street photographer Mr Whisper, are encouraging other photographers to claim free prints as part of Fujifilm’s latest campaign.
Print to Prove It has seen Fujifilm team up with nine of its Professional Lab Partners to offer free prints. With labs in London, the Midlands, South East, North East and Scotland participating, UK photographers will be able to speak to their local expert and visit to discuss what they are looking for from printing.
As well as providing a chance to showcase their brand in the professional realm, high-quality photographic printing can be easily implemented by photographers with the right Pro Lab partner, as Fujifilm X-Photographer Bal Bhatla – aka Mr Whisper – explains:
“Initially an ad hoc service to my clients, over lockdown I was able to launch an online shop for my prints after having some consultations with a Fujifilm Professional Lab Partner. After discussing my work and understanding the paper options, sizes and other media available with the team, I was able to bring my work to life and show the value to customers.
“In addition, after the initial consultations, I was comfortable that every piece I print through the lab and sell on my online store would be high quality and special for each customer.”
Fujifilm's campaign offers three free 10x8” or 12x8” prints on a choice of either Gloss or Luster Fujifilm professional photo paper. To claim the prints, photographers must simply submit their interest before being directed to one of the participating Pro Labs, who will print for free and only charge for shipping, which was only £3 when I claimed my free prints!
“With a lucrative market at their fingertips, we want to help professional photographers see the impact printing can have on their business," said Theo Georgiades, Managing Director of Fujifilm UK. "Taking Print To Prove It national to Fujifilm Pro Labs across the country is our way of allowing all photographers, professional and enthusiast, to understand the value of high-quality photographic printing for their brand and customers.
“We are putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to our photographic paper and hope that strong working relationships between photographers and Pro Labs are formed in the process.”
This certainly is a steal to have some of your work professionally printed, offering three free prints and to only be paying the shipping cost, it's a fantastic venture by Fujifilm which is truly putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to professional print stock.
In fact, it's so good that I completed and paid for my order within minutes of the news hitting my inbox, and I would highly recommend those thinking about printing their work to do the same. There is simply nothing like hanging your own work on the wall or offering it to others.
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