Visual Image Photography Goes Digital with HP and Duplo
After 25 years of using silver halide technology for their professional portraiture, Visual Image Photography in Cedarburg, WI decided it was time for a change. VIP, which offers schools throughout Wisconsin and Illinois class and senior portraits as well as sports photography, searched for a digital press that could print high quality photo applications comparable to their silver halide equipment. It was time to make a transition to digital print and after much research along with a trip to Dscoop, the studio moved forward with the installation of the HP Indigo 5600 last summer and they could not be more pleased. “The quality level of digital printing is finally here,” comments Courtney Lutz, owner of VIP. “The transition has been amazing. We are very happy with the process and it’s been excellent for our customers.”
To round out their new digital operation, the studio followed with the Duplo (Booth 2025) DC-646 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser and 350i Digital Booklet System. The all-in-one DC-646 made it easier to finish some of their full-bleed photo items, such as trading cards, which had previously required multiple steps. On the 350i Digital Booklet System, all of their photo booklets are fed through the DSF-2200 Sheet Feeder, stitched, and given a flat, square back finish with the DSS-350 Square Spine module. The barcode reader has provided an extra level of confidence by ensuring personalized photo booklets are processed with complete integrity and accuracy. Josh Steuerwald, production manager at VIP, adds, “The Duplo equipment has really benefitted our operation in that we’re able to take products that would have multiple steps, a real lengthy process, and finish them in one or two steps. It’s created a huge efficiency for our company.”
VIP keeps busy running a wide variety of jobs throughout the school year, yet also covers youth sports leagues, state finals, corporate events and weddings. Going digital with HP and Duplo has taken VIP to the next level, helping them get it all done in shorter turnarounds and less downtime.
