Knight Think

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to innovate is essential for any business looking to thrive. When it became clear that we needed to transition from an analogue to digital workflow—integrating digital images and information into our processes—we recognized the challenge ahead. Our goal was to create a cohesive environment where everything could operate smoothly, even within a film-based context.

One key aspect we had to protect during this transition was the fledgling negative. Without it, we couldn’t produce our work effectively. I remember a pivotal moment when I gathered my team, who were buzzing with excitement over new equipment. I wrote on the blackboard: “It’s not about how we take the pictures; it’s not about how we print the pictures; it’s about how we sell the pictures.” It became evident that while the technology was exciting, we needed to keep our focus on sales and customer engagement.

We initiated a slow and thoughtful transition, starting with our cameras and photographers. The first step was to determine whether we could reliably capture digital images of graduates. Once we established that, we faced the challenge of ensuring that our production department understood the new processes—a task that wasn’t always easy.

From 2002 to 2004, we made the switch to a digital workflow. It was a messy process, filled with learning curves. While we quickly adapted to taking and printing digital images, we struggled with the steps in between—such as storage, matching names to faces, and ensuring everything was safe. In the film world, losing a negative meant losing one image, but in the digital realm, losing a file could mean losing thousands of pictures. This stark reality reminded us that digital photography didn’t necessarily simplify our work; it simply changed the nature of our challenges.

To successfully implement this digital workflow, we had to revamp our entire operation—from scheduling events to delivering the final images. The process took two years, but the outcome was transformative. Our commitment to embracing this change positioned us as industry leaders, allowing us to be among the first to adopt a digital approach.

As a result of our efforts, we were able to acquire 15 other companies in a few short years. This success was not merely due to our technological upgrades, but also our ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Looking back, I’m grateful we made that leap. Embracing change can be daunting, but it also presents opportunities for growth and leadership. Our journey is a testament to the power of innovation, and it serves as a reminder that focusing on the right priorities—like customer engagement and effective sales—can lead to remarkable success.