Kodak Comeback

Over 50,000 sq. ft of Kodak Endura Real Photo Paper

There's no doubt that many of us in the professional photography industry have followed with great concern, the recent negativity surrounding the Eastman Kodak Co.


On average I read 5-10 articles or blogs every day in an attempt to follow Kodak's progress in dealing with declining cash reserves and the their filing for bankruptcy protection.  (Chapter 11 does not mean a company is closing.)


Steve Jobs once said that Apple was only a few quarters away from bankruptcy in 1996.  Today it's the most valuable tech company on the planet, with more than $76 billion in the bank.


Unlike the majority of articles being written on Kodak, I'm focused on what we as an industry can do to make Kodak the great comeback story of 2012 and beyond.  


In late 2010, we decided to expand our horizons by taking our professional lab experience and expertise to the consumer photo lab market, both locally and nationally. The most important thing we've learned is that consumers are craving for the quality that a professional lab processes in "real photo paper".   Consumers aren't really sure why there are differences in professionally developed photographs and a big box, drug store - but they recognize it in their photographs and want more.  

I have to say that Kodak is the main reason for the quality that comes from professional labs around the world.  It's what sets us apart.  There's simply no one company who has such an interest in color management and true quality results than Kodak.  Bullock Professional was one of the first labs in the US to use Kodak DP2, which is the cornerstone of our operations, both for professional photographers and consumers.  

One large opportunity that Kodak Professional has, is to take the high standards of quality brought to prolabs via DP2 and Endura and build-in online ordering and marketing capabilities for both professionals and consumers.  Kodak's reputation for quality prints, is largely based upon the history enjoyed with pro labs and photographers over the years.  Kodak's experience with online ordering combined with DP2 would provide a powerhouse of opportunities that would perpetuate "professional quality" from photographers, labs, and Kodak.


Please feel free to share creative ideas on Kodak's comeback, but save the negativity for your spam folder.