Wedding photo albums continue to be a profitable print segment for many print businesses in India and around the world. For Ernakulam-based Photopark, wedding albums are an award-winning triumph.

The company was named Digital Photo Album Printer of the Year in the PrintWeek Awards 2024 competition that honored top print projects and teams.

Mr. Louis Francis, managing director of Photopark, shared details about the award-winning projects and his impressive company:

Can you share the journey of Photopark Digital Press and how it evolved into an award winning digital photo album printer?

Photopark Digital Press began its journey in 1983 with traditional silver halide printing, steadily growing into a pioneering digital photo album printer. Over the years, we embraced cutting edge technologies, ensuring high-quality output. Our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and staying ahead of market trends transformed us into an award winning brand, deeply respected by photographers and clients.

What key decisions or turning points helped you achieve such recognition in a competitive industry?

Key turning points include consistent investment in advanced printing technologies, transitioning from traditional to digital methods and embracing personalization as a core service. Additionally, fostering strong customer relationships and maintaining financial discipline enabled us to grow steadily despite challenges.

How do you leverage digital printing technologies like HP Indigo in your photo album production?

These technologies allow us to achieve unparalleled print quality, vibrant color reproduction and durability. They also enable efficient handling of small- and large-scale orders while ensuring customization, a critical requirement today.

What are the unique aspects of your photo albums in terms of design, materials or craftsmanship that make them special?

Our albums combine aesthetic appeal with durability, featuring premium materials, creative layouts and precision binding. Scodix and other add-on machine technologies add tactile effects and personalized finishes that enhance the visual and emotional appeal of the albums.

How important is customization in your service, and how do you cater to the specific needs of individual clients or photographers?

Customization is at the heart of our service. We work closely with clients to understand their needs, offering tailored layouts, designs and finishes. From themed albums covers to specific paper choices, we bring their visions to life.

Do you have any memorable customer success stories that highlight the quality and emotional impact of your photo albums?

One memorable story involves in creating a wedding album for a client with a special design that perfectly aligned with the couple’s wedding theme and the photo book layout in InDesign. The photographer shared how the album turned out exactly as he had envisioned and mentioned that his client was deeply moved. They commented that the album not only beautifully preserved their memories but also became a cherished family keepsake showcasing the emotional value we strive to deliver.

Another notable story involved designing a custom photobook box with unique branding. The photographer shared it on Instagram, where it garnered over 200k views and led to a significant increase in inquiries.

How do you ensure continuous training and development for your staff, especially in the fast-evolving field of digital printing?

We offer practical workshops, opportunities to attend industry events and in-house discussions. Our staff are encouraged to stay current with the latest trends, ensuring they are well prepared to tackle evolving challenges.

What future trends do you foresee in the photo album printing industry, and how do you plan to adapt to them?

Key trends include sustainability, advanced customization and AI-driven design. We are investing in eco-friendly materials, enhancing personalization capabilities, and incorporating AI for faster design processes.

What does this recognition from PrintWeek mean to you and your team?

The recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and innovation. It motivates us to continue delivering excellence, and drives our ambition to set new benchmarks in the industry.