'Cloud Storage And Connectivity Is Key To Photography'

Canvera Digital Technologies that creates photo albums has collaborated with the world’s two most famous album design software brands, Pixellu and Fundy. This is for the first time that an Indian printing company has had its specs loaded onto these international software for a seamless transaction between album designs to album print. Through this association, Canvera’s plan is unifocused to take pro photographers into the digital world of smart and efficient working; build an eco-system for design services that includes internal growth and external collaborations. “We focus on the needs of our partners and device strategies to help them enhance their experience. The association is one step closer to the digital design ecosystem and empowers our partners with new trending software, helping them with an array of design templates to choose from. In addition to this they get a fast and seamless digital work flow, everything done at the click of the mouse,” says Ranjit Yadav, Managing Director, Canvera Digital Technologies.

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Tell us about the journey so far?
The company was started by Dr Dhiraj Kacker and Peeyush Rai. We have raised Rs 20 crore in its Series B funding round in 2016 from Info Edge with participation from existing investors Footprint Ventures and other undisclosed participants. Canvera has built up a strong franchise with professional photographers in the most demanding sector now. We help them become more productive and effective with our best in class services. Canvera has set up industry standards for fine quality of printing photobooks which encompass silver halide, inkjet and Indigo. Canvera’s plan is unifocused; to take professional photographers into the digital world of smart and efficient working; build an eco-system for design services that includes internal growth and external collaborations like Fundy & Pixellu. We are generating effective ways of working through our apps and online tools. Over the time, we have built strong consumer franchise through our classified offering to connect consumers and photographers.

How has the consumer choice changed over the years? What do people look for in a design service solution?
Consumers these days are very particular about their preferred choice of photographers. They are looking for the right type as per their specific requirement who is approachable, consultative and most importantly possess creative approach. Many times people can’t decide on a photography style as per the occasion. Every photographer has their own creative bent. So it is important to hire a photographer who blends his creativity with consumer needs, resulting in beautiful shots. Since the sector is evolving multifold, there is no dearth of photographers to suit one’s budget. The only thing required is browsing through the right channels while looking for a professional photographer.

Can you throw some light on the design and print industry today?
The ability to handle the photo and imaging requirements is an acquired skill. The growing trend is towards short-run printing and cloud based solutions. Brands are moving to build an ecosystem that bring together the photographers, printing experts and design services as a wholesome experience. Print on the go is needed. Canvera is a leading player in the industry which offers excellent design and printing facility under one roof.

What according to you are the technological advancements beneficial for the sector?
The proliferation of images via smartphones and lens technology is growing; the option of cloud storage and connectivity; availability of design software, photo editing apps, etc help in improving the images dramatically. Printing them is the final proof, rest everything is online and in the virtual world.

What is your outlook for this sector?
The sector is bright. It is an under-served market for both professional photographers and consumers. There is a need to work digitally and enable strong growth of data/ broadband penetration. The market is growing 15-25% annually due to increased requirements/ spends on weddings and special occasions. And the consumer market is ripe for expansion.

What are the future plans?
We have planned lots of new launches in product and service categories in 2017-18. We are building a digital ecosystem within photography industry and collectively along with other industry experts investing in the overall growth of the category in Indian market.