A cherished Perth establishment, Perth Photo Lab, is successfully navigating a new chapter on George Street, thanks in no small part to the overwhelming support of the local community. The business, under the stewardship of owner Shaun Ward since 2022, carries a legacy of providing photographic services to the city for over half a century, making it a truly integral part of Perth’s heritage.
The journey to its current location was prompted by the devastating fire that swept through Scott Street in June. This tragic event brought immense disruption and sorrow to the heart of Perth, claiming lives and leaving many residents and businesses facing prolonged uncertainty about their future. The extensive damage meant Perth Photo Lab’s former premises became inaccessible, forcing an immediate and significant change for the long-standing enterprise. The fire’s widespread impact reverberated throughout the local economy, affecting numerous small businesses and the daily lives of countless individuals who lived and worked in the affected area. A Community United in Support
In the immediate aftermath of the inferno, the prognosis for the Scott Street area was grim, with estimates suggesting closures could last for many months. Faced with this challenging reality, Shaun acted swiftly and decisively. He secured a new unit on George Street within a matter of days, showcasing remarkable entrepreneurial spirit in the face of adversity. This rapid relocation marked not just a change of address, but a determined effort to rebuild and ensure the continuation of a valuable local service that many in Perth had come to rely on.
Shaun expresses profound gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Perth community. “The city truly rallied around us,” he recounts, highlighting the tangible sense of solidarity. This collective spirit manifested in various forms, from local patrons actively spreading the word about the new location to a highly successful gift card initiative launched early on. This thoughtful gesture provided crucial financial support to help the business restart, proving indispensable during the arduous transition period and demonstrating the strong bonds within the city.
Relocating a well-established business is no easy feat, especially when it involves moving specialised, delicate equipment and re-establishing customer flow. Shaun dedicated himself to the painstaking process of retrieving and transferring the essential tools of his trade from the former Scott Street shop, a task he only recently completed. The physical move also presented a shift in trading dynamics; George Street, while a bustling and historic thoroughfare known for its diverse independent shops and vibrant atmosphere, is not as centrally located as the previous Scott Street spot. This difference necessitates an adaptation to a new kind of passing trade, requiring proactive efforts to inform and attract customers. Re-establishing Roots on George Street
Despite these challenges, Perth Photo Lab is steadily re-establishing its presence. Shaun, a seasoned photographer at 56 with a decade of valuable experience teaching at Perth College, brings a wealth of expertise and a deep connection to the art and community. He is passionate about preserving memories and offering high-quality photographic services, from traditional film processing – a rare and valued service in the digital age – to modern digital printing, ensuring all generations can cherish their moments.
The new George Street premises offer a fresh start, and the team is focused on reminding Perth residents that their beloved photo lab is open for business. Services include a comprehensive range of photo and canvas printing, intricate scanning of old negatives and cherished prints to digital formats, traditional film processing for analogue enthusiasts, and even converting old VHS tapes to modern digital files, safeguarding family histories. Additionally, they provide essential passport photo services and run engaging photography courses for those looking to hone their creative skills or simply learn more about the craft.
Shaun acknowledges that rebuilding the customer base to its former level will naturally take time. “Footfall has been down a little bit from the previous shop, but that’s because people are still finding us,” he explains. He remains optimistic that through continued community engagement, word-of-mouth, and the consistent delivery of high-quality, personalised services, Perth Photo Lab will soon regain its momentum. The visible location on George Street, in his view, offers even greater long-term potential for attracting new customers and becoming a new focal point for Perth’s photographic needs. This story of resilience in the heart of Perth serves as a powerful reminder of how local businesses and communities can come together to overcome significant obstacles, ensuring cherished traditions and services endure.
The journey to its current location was prompted by the devastating fire that swept through Scott Street in June. This tragic event brought immense disruption and sorrow to the heart of Perth, claiming lives and leaving many residents and businesses facing prolonged uncertainty about their future. The extensive damage meant Perth Photo Lab’s former premises became inaccessible, forcing an immediate and significant change for the long-standing enterprise. The fire’s widespread impact reverberated throughout the local economy, affecting numerous small businesses and the daily lives of countless individuals who lived and worked in the affected area. A Community United in Support
In the immediate aftermath of the inferno, the prognosis for the Scott Street area was grim, with estimates suggesting closures could last for many months. Faced with this challenging reality, Shaun acted swiftly and decisively. He secured a new unit on George Street within a matter of days, showcasing remarkable entrepreneurial spirit in the face of adversity. This rapid relocation marked not just a change of address, but a determined effort to rebuild and ensure the continuation of a valuable local service that many in Perth had come to rely on.
Shaun expresses profound gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Perth community. “The city truly rallied around us,” he recounts, highlighting the tangible sense of solidarity. This collective spirit manifested in various forms, from local patrons actively spreading the word about the new location to a highly successful gift card initiative launched early on. This thoughtful gesture provided crucial financial support to help the business restart, proving indispensable during the arduous transition period and demonstrating the strong bonds within the city.
Relocating a well-established business is no easy feat, especially when it involves moving specialised, delicate equipment and re-establishing customer flow. Shaun dedicated himself to the painstaking process of retrieving and transferring the essential tools of his trade from the former Scott Street shop, a task he only recently completed. The physical move also presented a shift in trading dynamics; George Street, while a bustling and historic thoroughfare known for its diverse independent shops and vibrant atmosphere, is not as centrally located as the previous Scott Street spot. This difference necessitates an adaptation to a new kind of passing trade, requiring proactive efforts to inform and attract customers. Re-establishing Roots on George Street
Despite these challenges, Perth Photo Lab is steadily re-establishing its presence. Shaun, a seasoned photographer at 56 with a decade of valuable experience teaching at Perth College, brings a wealth of expertise and a deep connection to the art and community. He is passionate about preserving memories and offering high-quality photographic services, from traditional film processing – a rare and valued service in the digital age – to modern digital printing, ensuring all generations can cherish their moments.
The new George Street premises offer a fresh start, and the team is focused on reminding Perth residents that their beloved photo lab is open for business. Services include a comprehensive range of photo and canvas printing, intricate scanning of old negatives and cherished prints to digital formats, traditional film processing for analogue enthusiasts, and even converting old VHS tapes to modern digital files, safeguarding family histories. Additionally, they provide essential passport photo services and run engaging photography courses for those looking to hone their creative skills or simply learn more about the craft.
Shaun acknowledges that rebuilding the customer base to its former level will naturally take time. “Footfall has been down a little bit from the previous shop, but that’s because people are still finding us,” he explains. He remains optimistic that through continued community engagement, word-of-mouth, and the consistent delivery of high-quality, personalised services, Perth Photo Lab will soon regain its momentum. The visible location on George Street, in his view, offers even greater long-term potential for attracting new customers and becoming a new focal point for Perth’s photographic needs. This story of resilience in the heart of Perth serves as a powerful reminder of how local businesses and communities can come together to overcome significant obstacles, ensuring cherished traditions and services endure.