Photo Imaging CONNECT: Imaging Through the Lens of Fujifilm

Imaging Through The Lens Of Fujifilm was presented at Photo Imaging CONNECT by Dwain Parrish and Devin Perpetua from FUJIFILM North America. They opened explaining that ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is constantly part of Fujifilm’s management decisions, along with CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). “Sustainable Value Plan 2030 (SVP2030)” is its long-term vision and commitment as a global enterprise to contribute to the establishment of a sustainable society. Fujifilm emphasizes “environmental consideration / conservation” and “trust from society” as a corporate foundation.

Within the U.S. Photo Imaging division, there are manufacturing facilities on both the East (Greenwood, SC) and West (Portland, OR) Coasts that together process millions of images every day for more than 450 different unique products available for shipping to retail stores or customer homes. As shown in Figure 2, the optimum production technology is available for every product.

Optimum Printing With a Choice from Four Printing Technologies

With four components of the FUJIFILM manufacturing – Real-Time Dashboards & Analytics; Workflow Automation; Scalable Architecture; and Agile Resource Management – the key benefits are: Competitive Advantage; Increased Efficiency; and Enhanced Employee Engagement & Ownership. COVID gave rise to the blossoming of Print On Demand (POD) [sources: U.S. Print On Demand Market Size & Share Report, 2030; Print-on-demand trends 2026: What’s selling and what’s next]

• The effects of COVID on the print-on-demand space are still being felt today.
• Print on Demand providers saw record increases in revenue and accelerated growth of existing and the entry of new players into the photo imaging space.
• A 2021 survey found that 75% of POD store owners started as a result of COVID
• Work From Home and Quarantine: Home décor saw a 24% increase in CAGR
• The Side Hustle surge was in full force.

As a result, while the world was in quarantine…Printers were busy updating millions of customer walls and living spaces with customized products. This rapid growth and industry stabilization caused many to pivot their strategy. Sellers were looking for diversification of product, cost savings, and value. This created a focus on quality, speed, and the demand for Hyper Personalization – Print on anything. FUJIFILM has been producing single products for more than 2 decades. It has continued to invest in its craft, focusing on supporting all tiers of the industry, from large corporate customers down to the individual photographer.

According to studies of Photo Prints that they cited:

• Whether consumers are purchasing photo prints or merchandise, the whole journey revolves around preserving, commemorating, and/or sharing special memories with others.
• While most consumers purchase photo products (especially prints) sporadically or when the need arises, some purchase for winter holidays and birthdays more routinely..

Looking at Photo Gifting:

• The photo output market continues to be a stable, mature market.
• While digital photo products exist within the marketplace, on average consumers continue to purchase one photo output product for every 17 pictures taken.
• People continue to look at pictures more often than purchasing photo output products.
• Online ordering for home delivery and via self-service kiosks are the most common purchase method for photo output products.

Looking at Wall Décor:

• The fastest-growing segment of all measured output categories.
• Gen. Z and Millennials are more likely than older generations to purchase wall décor for display in their homes/office.
• Many consumers purchase wall décor items to elevate the look of their home, often choosing the items that fit with their desired aesthetic. Several believe it’s a more professional way to display their life’s milestones.
• There is quite a large commercial market for licensed art/imagery stemming from hotels, hospitals, restaurants, corporate settings, retail signage, and various others.

Looking at Photo Books:

• Photo books are a major revenue driver within the photo merchandise category.
• Photo book buyers often believe that books tell a more cohesive story than a single photo alone. They are suitable for gift-giving and help commemorate life milestones such as weddings or vacations.
• Photo book size preference depends on the book’s context and use. Some individuals choose larger books for display or significant events, and smaller books for everyday use, keepsakes, and gifting.

A January 2025 FUJIFILM study indicates:

• Nearly all consumers who have purchased photo products in the last year display photos in their home photo frames on shelves/tables, wall décor, and refrigerator magnets are the most common.
• Over half of these consumers change out their home photos at least once a year – consistent across all demographics.
• Consumers often change out their photos in an effort to make their homes look more up-to-date, new or refreshed. The younger generation (Gen. Z/Millennials) is more likely to change out their photos to match their home’s aesthetic.
• Overwhelmingly, the top reason for not changing out photos within their homes more often is the emotional attachment consumers have to the images or memories they already have on display. About one-third also consider it too much of a hassle.

For print and merchandise purchases, over three-quarters of both consumers are motivated to purchase because they have a specific need, rather than being influenced by an advertisement. Millennials are more likely than Gen. X to compare prices for printing during their latest purchase. Millennials are also more likely to shop at drug stores, mass merchandisers, and printing/shipping stores than Gen. X.

Dr. Lauren Cook was quoted as saying, “Photography provides a shared language for expressing our emotions, whether we’re celebrating an achievement, sharing a challenge or simply staying connected with others.”

A Frame of Mind survey conducted by MarketVision Research during 11/25/2024 – 12/4/2024 produced the following results:

• Memory Preservation and Joy: 74% of respondents take photos to preserve everyday moments, while 68% document major milestones.
• More Enjoyment in the Mundane: 71% agree that taking photos increases the enjoyment of an activity.
• Comfort at Home: 8 in 10 people believe displaying photos in their living spaces contributes to greater happiness and comfort.
• A Creative Outlet: 72% of respondents use photography as a form of self-expression, finding joy in capturing and sharing their unique perspectives.
• A Moment of Levity in Times of Grief: 65% of respondents find solace in photos during times of grief and 42% say revisiting old photos is a go-to strategy for cheering themselves up.

Report courtesy of Don Franz, Photo Imaging News.