Photography has long been regarded as an art form that captures moments, emotions, and memories, preserving them for generations to come. The constantly evolving photography landscape is mostly driven by the advancement of the tools and technologies used to create and deliver photographs. While the art of photography has progressively changed and improved, the way images are developed has not changed much and often lagged behind based on the traditional lab approach.
In 2012, a group of visionary friends in the San Francisco Bay Area embarked on a mission to challenge the norms of the photography lab industry. Frustrated with the limitations and inefficiencies of old labs, they envisioned a better, more innovative approach. One that would empower photographers and redefine the way photographs are processed, ordered, and shared.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the story of this revolutionary print lab for photographers, known as Zno. With a passionate focus on photography and design, the founding team at Zno set out to create a lab that would not only print images like a traditional lab but would also embrace cutting-edge technology to revolutionize the entire photography workflow providing convenience for photographers to order and send prints to their clients.
The Issue With Old Labs
Old labs, as you may have expected, have old problems and have no incentive to address them. While they may be proficient in printing, they often lag behind in other critical aspects. Many of these labs continue to rely on outdated technology, with a staggering 90% of the top 50 US labs using 20-year-old white-label ROES solutions for album design and have little to no support for a convenient approach to collage frame orders. The ROES system is not only cumbersome to install but also frustrating to use, consistently falling behind in updates. This refusal to adapt and innovate highlights their neglect of the broader digital workflow that photographers need in today's rapidly evolving industry.
Furthermore, old labs tend to cling to obsolete pricing models. Despite technological advancements and efficiencies, prices often remain stagnant, and in some cases, domestic monopolies result in prices staying unreasonably high. This stagnant pricing is a well-guarded secret of the old lab world, leaving photographers feeling short-changed and underappreciated.
Solution With New Labs
Challenging the old labs would mean coming up with a better solution to do things smarter, better, and fairer. Zno launched its first revolutionary Zno Designer™, a 100% in-house built, browser-based ordering system for all types of prints. This cutting-edge technology replaced the outdated ROES system and offered photographers a seamless, user-friendly experience at the same time significantly streamlining the ordering process for all print products, especially for collage frame orders.
Through Zno Designer™, photographers are able to easily customize almost every aspect of their collage frames all in the internet browser itself. This revolutionary platform provides photographers with the flexibility to choose different types of layouts, linen colors, photo shapes, frames, papers, and sizes for their collage frames orders.
Zno's transformation didn't just end there. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive digital workflow, they envisioned the world's first total end-to-end solution with the launch of Zno Gallery™, Zno Slideshow™, Zno Proofer™, and other photography studio software which became integral parts of their innovative ecosystem. By combining printing with a range of digital tools, Zno was able to revolutionize the photography industry, empowering photographers with the tools they needed to thrive in the modern world and improve their efficiency by being a one-stop solution provider.
Conclusion
Our Zno review shows a journey from frustrated customers to industry revolutionaries, which exemplifies the power of challenging the traditional way of doing things. By rejecting the shortcomings of old labs and embracing innovation, Zno has transformed the photography industry, providing photographers with the tools, efficiency, and support they need to succeed in the digital age.
With a vision for a more powerful ecosystem, Zno continues to empower photographers worldwide, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life and leaving a lasting impact on the photography industry as a whole. As photographers continue to embrace the revolution, it's clear that the future of labs lies in providing a comprehensive and cutting-edge digital workflow, one that inspires creativity and supports the global community of photographers.
