Shed Loads of Printing

Keith has re-located his entire hand printing business to his garden shed.

With 35 years’ experience in the photographic industry - both behind the lens and the counter - Keith Rothwell has seen significant change to his business over the years.

Committed to traditional printing methods, Keith has taken a very different approach to maintaining his specialist hand printing and analogue services - by relocating his lab to a purpose built shed in his own back garden.

Equipped with a full range of hardware, Keith can offer everything from standard D&P services to large format printing. With expert hand printing on offer too, Keith is a regular competitor in the Fujifilm/PPLA Colour Printer Awards.

“With the onset of digital, it was clear that the business needed to change if we were going to survive and prosper,” said Keith.
“We wanted to concentrate on traditional analogue and hand printing services, but needed to address the increasing cost of overheads, so brought the business right back under one roof - our shed roof! We have a purpose built 18 x 12ft shed for the lab and the minilab is housed in the garage. “Things have worked out well - we support at least 10 professional wedding photographers in the area, as well as clients which have very specific printing needs. We work closely with a local steam train enthusiast group, where skilled hand printing can mean the difference between a great shot and a frame of burnt out steam!”

Keith hasn’t retired his shutter finger either, and still does around 15 weddings each year. “The business has been based at home for 15 months now, and we’re busy every day. My wife and I run the business between us and we’ve proved that you can take an alternative approach, yet still be successful.”

For more information contact Keith Rothwell on 01253 780855.