Traditional photographer embraces digital age

Jul 20 2010 The Journal

A TRADITIONAL family photography business has used new technology to attract customers into its shop in Northumberland.

Stait Photography was opened in Morpeth in 1953 by Alfred Stait and established a local reputation for its work for the local Press and in wedding photography, as well as selling cameras and film.

But now Alfred’s son Ken has built up the business by bringing in new technology. He has installed five photo kiosks which can produce and manipulate digital pictures using environmentally-friendly technology.

He said: “Our eco-green labs run on dry technology and contain no chemicals whatsoever.

“This is one of the fist labs of its kind to be installed in Northern England and one of only three in the UK. Unlike other labs it contains no bleach, developer or other harmful chemicals that were traditionally once used by photographers and processors.”

He has seen more customers coming into the shop since he brought in the equipment and it is boosting his whole business.

“The photography business has changed so much since my father started the business.

“Photographs are now instant so what better way to share them than to print them out minutes after taking them using clean, environmentally-sound methods in a pleasant unrushed atmosphere.”