Responses of traditional studios to challenges Posed by digital photography in Nairobi

Abstract

This study sought to find out the responses of traditional processing studios to challenges posed by digital photography in Nairobi. The need for this study arose from the fact that for a long time, photography has relied on a roll of film as the primary input. Due to the increasingly change in technology, digital photography has emerged whose primary input is memory cards, diskettes, compact disks or flash diskettes. The manner in which the traditional studios respond to this change is very critical to the customers. The study was guided by two objectives: First to determine the challenges brought about by digital photography. Secondly, to find out the responds of the traditional processing studios to the challenges. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires for a census of fiftynine studios in Nairobi. Data was thereafter analyzed using descriptive statistics through the use of mean scores, percentages, standard deviation and content analysis. The analysis revealed that digital photography has posed enormous challenges to the traditional photo processing studios. It also shows that though the studios have responded in different ways, there is need for them to respond more effectively. Some of the ways in which the traditional photo processing studios have responded to digital photography are: Strategic alliances, additional investments, selection of qualified staff and increased product range. To respond more effectively the studios need to understand the changes in technology and customers tastes and preferences and be able to formulate strategies that will enable them respond appropriately to these changes.