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WhiteWall: Personal Photos Are Among Most Treasured Possessions
1 August 2017
A survey by the German-based online photo lab WhiteWall of its U.S. newsletter subscribers has revealed over three quarters of them consider their photo collections one of the most valuable assets they one. And 10 percent said it was the most valuable.
Power of Print Survey Infographic. Scroll down to see more.
WhiteWall cited the survey's key findings in an infographic, highlights of which include:
- 79 percent of respondents said they took at least 1,000 photos in the past year; 52 percent took more than 3,000; and 26 percent took more than 10,000 photographs
- 54 percent took photos with a digital camera or mobile device and 33 percent used a digital camera exclusively. Only 10 percent said they used a mobile device exclusively to take pictures in the past 12 months.
- 77 percent of respondents viewed their collection of photos as one of the most valuable assets they own; 10 percent said it was the most valuable asset
- 92 percent said they made at least one photo print in the last year and 90 percent said they currently display their photos on a desk or wall.
"The survey definitely shows that respondents still place a high value on their photographs, especially those that have personal meaning such as family photos and special destinations," said Katrin Schwarzenberg, public relations manager at WhiteWall.
"We were pleasantly surprised by the number of respondents who felt 'very strongly' about decorating their home and office with photos they've taken (76 percent) and a larger percentage who actually have at least one of their photos on display (89 percent)," she added. "While we understand the idea of sharing your life on social media is more the norm, it was encouraging to see that sharing memories with prints still has significance."
The survey also revealed that respondents' favorite subjects included animals and wildlife (75 percent), friends and family (47 percent) and photographing all subjects of interest while traveling or on vacation (63 percent).
For more information see the news release below.
WhiteWall Lab's 'Power of Print' Photo Survey Reveals Personal Photo Collections Among Most Valuable Assets
92 percent of Respondents Still Make Prints from Favorite Photos; Many Are Unaware of Extensive Print Services Available from Photo Labs
BERLIN, Germany and NEW YORK -- Photography has certainly changed over its 175-plus year existence. From darkroom to digital, many believe the "art" of photography has given way to casual snapshots where the final stage of the process -- a photographic print -- has been replaced by posting images to a variety of social media sites. WhiteWall, a German-based online photo lab and recent recipient of the annual TIPA Award for Best Photo Lab in the World, surveyed just over 800 of its U.S. monthly newsletter subscribers to determine how photography and the overall value of a photograph, have changed.
Survey respondents included a group of self-proclaimed professional photographers (55 percent) and photo enthusiasts (45 percent). The survey results, illustrated in an infographic, is an encouraging reality check for those who fear the art of photography is on the verge of extinction.
Among the key survey highlights:
- 79 percent of respondents said they took at least 1,000 photos in the past year; 52 percent took more than 3,000; and 26 percent took more than 10,000 photographs
- 54 percent took photos with a digital camera or mobile device and 33 percent used a digital camera exclusively. Only 10 percent said they used a mobile device exclusively to take pictures in the past 12 months.
- 77 percent of respondents viewed their collection of photos as one of the most valuable assets they own; 10 percent said it was the most valuable asset
- 92 percent said they made at least one photo print in the last year and 90 percent said they currently display their photos on a desk or wall.
"The survey definitely shows that respondents still place a high value on their photographs, especially those that have personal meaning such as family photos and special destinations," explains Katrin Schwarzenberg, public relations manager at WhiteWall. "We were pleasantly surprised by the number of respondents who felt 'very strongly' about decorating their home and office with photos they've taken (76 percent) and a larger percentage who actually have at least one of their photos on display (89 percent). While we understand the idea of sharing your life on social media is more the norm, it was encouraging to see that sharing memories with prints still has significance."
Don Franz, group publisher of Photofinishing News International Media Group and an expert in the photofinishing industry for more than 40 years, says the photo industry needs to focus on educating consumers about all the ways they can share and display their photos.
"With a vast majority of survey respondents taking more than 1,000 photos a year, the industry concern is no longer that people are not taking photos but that people are not using them," Franz explains. "Based on their answers to open-ended questions, many respondents indicated they are not aware of the huge range of photo products they can order and would like guidance/advice about these possibilities."
It is widely estimated that more than one trillion photos will be taken this year and consumers' growing propensity for travel, along with advancements in digital technology, can take at least some of the credit. WhiteWall's survey revealed that respondents' favorite photographic subjects included animals and wildlife (75 percent), friends and family (47 percent) and photographing all subjects of interest while traveling or on vacation (63 percent).
To see the complete results of the "Power of Print" photography survey and access the survey infographic, visit the WhiteWall site.