E.D. Clark School Photography, based in Gages Lake, Illinois, has long been an innovator in school portrait photography. Founded by Corey Clark’s father in 1963, the company has continually embraced new technologies to stay competitive. Today, under Corey’s leadership, E.D. Clark School Photography is one of the first companies to adopt Panasonic’s LUMIX S5II camera system equipped with the LUMIX Volume Photography Software Package. This cutting-edge system is transforming the way high-volume school portraits are captured and processed, delivering better results with greater efficiency.
The adoption of this innovative technology, which includes the S5II advanced 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF), is helping E.D. Clark School Photography streamline its operations, enhance image quality, and maintain its leadership position in the industry.
The Switch to Panasonic LUMIX
E.D. Clark School Photography has always been quick to adopt technology that enhances its workflow. In the early 2000s, the company made the switch from film to digital photography. Although the transition was initially intimidating, it became clear that digital photography would provide greater flexibility and more efficient post-production. “The switch to digital for us was nerve-racking because I believe we were one of the first to do it,” Corey Clark recalled. “But once we made that switch, no more pulling film in, cutting film, boxing it, and sending it out. With digital, the editing and post-production is amazing, and it has made my life so much easier.”
Before adopting the LUMIX S5II, the company relied on Fujifilm S5 cameras, which required patchwork solutions to meet the demands of high-volume photography. “We had to patch cords together and come up with cords that weren’t made for what we wanted them to do,” Clark explained. “But they worked for that application. We were super thankful that Panasonic came across and actually designed something for the high-volume photographer.”
Based in Gages Lake, Illinois, E.D. Clark School Photography has been a trailblazer in the school portrait industry for years.
Enhanced Workflow and Efficiency
The decision to adopt the Panasonic LUMIX S5II, with its 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and PDAF, has revolutionized the company’s workflow. One of the most significant improvements comes from the integrated Opticon QR and barcode scanning system (OPN-2006 & PX-20). This feature allows photographers to quickly and easily capture student data, linking it directly to their portrait, or photo file.
Field Manager Miguel Salgado described the difference: “With the Fuji S5, we had a big scanner on a tripod, and everything was a little more cumbersome with more cords. Now, with the new LUMIX system, we’re able to scan the cards with a small scanner hanging around our neck. We can see the barcode number come up right onto the back of the camera, reassuring us that we’re attaching the data to every student.”
The Opticon barcode scanner enables photographers to efficiently capture and link student data directly to their portrait or photo file with ease and speed.
The LUMIX system saves valuable time during school photo sessions, allowing Salgado and his team to focus more on the students. “It buys us two to three seconds to interact with each kid and make sure their hair, collars, and buttons look good,” he said. “Instead of focusing on scanning the card, we can spend those few extra seconds on the subject.”
The LUMIX Volume Photography Software Package also offers specialized masks, which help photographers frame shots consistently. “We used masks before, but they were simple guidelines that some photographers had trouble using,” Salgado explained. “Now, the masks are built into the camera, so you just line up the student’s face within the circle, and it makes things a lot easier. This helps photographers, especially new ones, focus more on their subjects.”
E.D. Clark School Photography enhances efficiency and image quality with the S5II’s 24.2MP sensor and PDAF.
Maintaining Quality with Improved Image Capabilities
Senior Manager Hillary Lawson, who oversees quality control and post-production, has noticed significant improvements in both the image quality and consistency since switching to the LUMIX S5II. “The images themselves are higher quality, clearer, and have better color all around,” she said. “Because of the cropping options, our photographers are more consistent with what they’re bringing back, which makes it easier to crop it appropriately for what we need.”
Lawson’s role involves selecting the best images from the SD cards provided by the photographers and ensuring they are sent to the company’s lab partner, H&H Color Lab, for processing. The integration of the LUMIX system’s barcode technology has made this process more efficient and error-free. “We send them the barcoded camera cards and one image of each student, and they crop, color-correct, and load all those images with their packages,” Lawson explained. “If there’s ever an issue, we can usually figure it out right away.”
The LUMIX Volume Photography Software Package includes specialized masks that assist photographers in framing shots consistently.
Collaboration with Panasonic
One of the main reasons for E.D. Clark's success with the LUMIX system was Panasonic's openness to collaboration and feedback. As early adopters, Clark and his team provided valuable insights that helped Panasonic fine-tune the technology for high-volume photographers. Panasonic has assigned two employees specifically to assist volume photographers with both sales and ongoing support. “One important piece of feedback we received was the need for direct contact with real people from the manufacturer for support,” noted Mathew Frazer, Panasonic LUMIX Business Development Manager.
“When we got the test camera, we ran it through thousands of images and came back with ideas,” recalled Clark. “We asked for changes to the menu options and mask settings, and they made those changes almost on the fly. Panasonic gave us an open ear throughout the entire process.”
The customizable frame masks have been particularly useful for the team, allowing them to switch between different types of portrait sessions with ease using custom modes. “We use custom modes for fall, spring, and sports photos,” Corey says. “It clears the waters completely, and the photographers can focus on getting the shot without needing constant coaching.”
Looking Ahead
As one of the first companies to adopt Panasonic's LUMIX Volume Photography Software, E.D. Clark School Photography is already thinking about future advancements. Clark sees wireless image transfer and real-time delivery to labs as a possible next step for school photography. “It’s something the community is discussing, but I’m not sure if we need it right now," said Clark. "We’re already offering digital downloads within three to four days, and I’m not sure parents need images instantly.” Panasonic LUMIX views Adobe’s Frame.io as a potential tool for wireless upload and image culling in the future because of its ability to organize assets.
For now, the LUMIX S5II’s 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, advanced PDAF, and integrated software package have enabled E.D. Clark School Photography to streamline their workflow, deliver higher-quality images, and maintain their leadership in the industry.
By being one of the first to adopt the LUMIX S5II and Volume Photography Software Package, E.D. Clark School Photography has set itself apart as a leader in the school photography industry. The combination of improved image quality, efficiency, and Panasonic’s responsive collaboration has allowed them to maintain their high standards while adapting to the ever-evolving needs of high-volume photography.
Field Manager Miguel Salgado notes that the LUMIX Volume Photography solution gives them an extra two to three seconds to engage with each child.
“The cameras really run themselves, which allows us to focus on moving kids through the system and staying on schedule,” concluded Clark. With Panasonic’s ongoing support, E.D. Clark School Photography is poised to continue innovating and leading the way in school portrait photography for years to come.
For more information on the LUMIX Volume Photography Software, visit https://shop.panasonic.com/pages/lumix-volume-photo. For more information on the LUMIX S5II, please visit https://shop.panasonic.com/products/s5m2-full-frame-mirrorless-camera-body.
For more information on E.D. Clark School Photography, visit their website at https://edclarkschoolphoto.com/.
