Custom-designed digital platform for photography studios by Exyt Control

Maknetic is a photography studio that wanted to boost its yearbook and school photography campaign—usually held between October and December—and for which Exyt Control developed a custom digital solution that is definitely changing the way images are managed.

School photography in the digital age

Do you remember those group photos of the whole class when there was always a class clown who said something silly right before the flash went off? Or the individual photos. The photographer always positioned us with our heads tilted, as if we had stiff necks. Apparently, it was the fashion at the time because we all looked the same.

In the pre-digital or analog era, students received a complete package of photos in various sizes, which their parents then selected. They paid for the ones they wanted and returned the rest.

However, in some cases, some “street-smart” kids made photocopies of the photos and then returned them or even kept them without paying.

Times have definitely changed, and Maknetic understood this and wanted to create its own digital platform to respond to the current needs and characteristics of the market, improving image selection management and facilitating buying and selling.

Digital photos are preferred over printed ones.

The process is streamlined. With photos available on the platform quickly, parents can buy, download, or send them to be printed quickly, easily, and directly.

Non-payments are avoided. All photos are watermarked. Payment is easily made by credit card for later download and enjoyment.

Furthermore, we contribute to sustainability by mitigating the environmental impact of our products and services through environmentally responsible operations.

With this platform, only the photos that will actually be used are printed, avoiding wasted resources.

The digital platform adaptable to any photography studio

Although we have been mainly talking about school or academic photography, because it was the market niche that Maknetic wanted to exploit at the time, the platform adapts to all types of photographic reports:

• Weddings
• Baptisms and Communions
• Parties and celebrations
• Corporate events
• Book for models

Therefore, it is a very useful tool for any photography studio, regardless of its area of ​​specialization.

The digital platform also allows for the integration of catalogs where clients can find a wide variety of products. These range from different photo packs or lots to choose from, to complementary products such as a magnet, a keychain, or a mouse pad with the favorite photo, among many other possibilities.

How the photography platform works

It works very simply:

1. An Excel database is created containing the client’s email address (whether it’s the student’s parent or anyone else). Of course, this data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
2. This database is integrated into the platform and allows for the automatic, simple, and quick sending of emails.
3. The client receives an email informing them that photos of themselves, their event, or their child are available, which they can preview, purchase, and download if they wish.
4. This email includes a link so they can go directly to the photos.
5. Clicking this link will open a menu with several fully customizable options for each case.

For example, in the case of graduation photos, parents can access their child’s profile and see all the available photo sessions. If they have more children, they can also…They will also appear. Within the photo albums, you will find different photos in various sizes: passport, individual, group, medium-sized for framing, among others.

When you click on any of the photos, it enlarges so you can see it clearly and decide if it interests you. However, all photos appear with watermarks.

From here, the customer can choose the photos they like best and complete the typical online purchase process we are used to:

• Add the products to the shopping cart.
• Enter your card details.
• Complete the payment process.

Once this process is complete, the watermarks on the purchased photos will disappear, and you can download them. You also have the option to have them printed, if you wish.

Advantages and features of the Maknetic photography platform

• It’s convenient for the client because they can easily view all the photo shoots they’ve had done.
• It’s also convenient for the photography studio because they have complete control over all the work they’ve done.
• The purchase process is just as simple as on any e-commerce site.
• It allows you to control payments, which jobs have been paid for and/or delivered, and which are still pending.
• It also shows who buys and who doesn’t.
• It facilitates the sale of related products (calendars, magnets, and any item on which a photo can be printed). This can help increase the studio’s revenue.
• It’s also an advantage for the client, as it can give them gift ideas for grandparents and other relatives.
• Very easy to use for both clients and photography studios.
• Multilingual. All necessary languages ​​can be added.
• It’s auto-scalable, meaning it has a great capacity to adapt system performance as the number of users increases.
• It’s based on Google.
• The platform is fully mobile-friendly. This saves costs by eliminating the need to develop a mobile app. It also enhances the user experience, since we increasingly use our mobile phones to browse and buy, instead of computers or tablets.
• The photographer’s work is secure. Until the client registers on the platform, even if they receive a link, they will not be able to view the content of the photo shoot. They will only be able to view photos if they have permission to access that image package.
• Users can create fully personalized albums with the photos they want. After purchase, the album will arrive at their home already assembled.
• It is also advantageous for schools, nurseries, colleges, and universities. They no longer have to act as intermediaries, chasing parents to pay for the photos, among other inconveniences.

Greater reach and more sales with Maknetic

This photo platform allows for greater reach when viewing photos. The client can view different formats and sizes.

Digital photography also allows for taking a greater number of photos than with analog equipment. A few years ago, the only way to view a photo was through developing. This involved costs and also resulted in losses, as some photos turned out poorly and nothing could be done with them.

Currently, photos can be viewed on the device’s screen and the photo taken immediately. If it’s defective, it can be deleted without problems.

Therefore, if more photos are taken, the user has more variety to choose from. You might end up buying more than you initially planned.

Having the catalog embedded with all available products (bundles and related items) can lead to increased sales because it encourages impulse purchases.

We can even suggest related items when someone buys one, similar to other well-known online sales platforms. For example, when someone buys a passport-sized photo, we can suggest buying a refrigerator magnet with that same photo printed on it. Naturally, it also allows for discounts on product bundles.