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Picture Perfect Graduation Gifts

Graduation day is nearly here for thousands of high school and college seniors. Soon friends and family will be coming to town for the big day, and young men and women who have grown up together will be wiping away tears as they get ready to go their separate ways.

When they take to the stage, camera flashes will go off left and right, and images that will last a lifetime will be captured by both film and digital cameras.

It’s the stuff that memories are made of, and the people in the audience with digital cameras will have the advantage. “Digital cameras have transformed the way we capture and share images. You don’t have to shoot a whole roll of film anymore and then wait until after it’s developed to find out if you got any good photos. Digital cameras allow you to see the images instantly and take another one if you don’t like what you have,” says Philippe Sanchez, President and CEO of PhotoWorks, a digital and film photofinishing services provider based in Seattle.

The way you get your prints has also changed. Now, instead of spending the money to print every single picture on the roll, good or bad, you can pick and choose which images you like, and have them printed in the size and format that you want. “The digital revolution allows photographers more flexibility than they’ve ever had before, but you don’t have to own a digital camera to enjoy the advantages the technology offers. Our company offers both print film and digital customers the same services. All that differs is how they get their images to us,” says Sanchez.

Customers with digital cameras can either upload their images directly to the PhotoWorks Web site, or send in their memory card or CD. Film customers send in their 35 mm, APS film, or single-use camera, and PhotoWorks develops the film. Once developed, the images are uploaded to a secure online account where customers can view them, share them via email, and order prints of only the best shots.

“Pictures make great graduation presents because they keep memories alive,” says Sanchez.

This time of year, PhotoWorks sells a lot of photo greeting cards, BorderPrints, BragBooks, and PhotoDVDs set to music. PhotoCards and BorderPrints are especially popular among people who want to save a little money on graduation announcements. They cost a fraction of the amount studio photographers charge for pretty much the same thing. BragBooks make great gifts not just for the graduate, but for family and friends or a favorite teacher as well.

“They‘re a wonderful way to bring back memories not just of the day, but of the entire high school or college experience,” says Sanchez. You can put a picture of the graduate wearing his or her cap and gown in front then work your way back in time, adding photos that mark significant milestones, like a big win on the football field or a first place ribbon in the science fair.

PhotoDVDs set to music make an even more memorable gift. Unforgettable images flash before the viewer’s eyes as popular tunes play in the background. There won’t be a dry eye in the house!

Print film customers who want to share pictures with a lot of people, can take advantage of PhotoWorks’ Pick Your Print service. They get credits for each roll of film they send in and can spend them all on multiple prints of the same image if they want.

For more information about the Pick Your Prints program or any of the other services offered by PhotoWorks, log on to www.photoworks.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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