From Chaos to Calm: How John Hunt Photography Revolutionised Their Workflow with GotPhoto 

Managing high-volume school photography can sometimes feel like juggling knives, especially when it comes to processing orders, coordinating schedules, and maximising sales whilst maintaining consistent quality. For Martyn Headley, Director at John Hunt Photography, these challenges were all too familiar. However, their story proves that with the right tools, even the busiest photography companies can transform their operations from an old-fashioned paper-based business into an up-to-the-minute, mobile-ordering powerhouse.

Making the Leap to Online-Only Sales in 2017

Back in 2017, John Hunt Photography faced a tipping point. The old ways of managing workflows and handling customer orders were beginning to buckle under the pressure of their growing business of around 300 schools. Transitioning to an online-only sales system through GotPhoto in 2017 felt like a leap of faith, but it quickly became clear that this move wasn’t just a tweak; it was a game-changer.

Why online only? The simplicity! Traditional order forms, collecting cash, and manual processes left too much room for error and logistical hiccups. After implementing GotPhoto’s platform in 2017, John Hunt Photography now enjoys a streamlined, digital-first approach. No more messy paperwork or confusion; just efficient, automated processes that put everything in one place. 

About Martyn Headley

“I’m Martyn Headley, Director at John Hunt Photography, based in Greater Manchester, UK. We specialise in school photography. I entered the world of volume photography over 22 years ago and the company has been operating for over 40 years. I was originally hired as an order processing assistant when we used to count cash and enter each order individually and send them to a lab. I then moved on to be a photographer, then established our own printing lab, so I think it is fair to say that I have experience in all areas of school photography. I also personally still use GotPhoto every day to process orders as I unusually really enjoy working on the printing side of the business. We will photograph 450+ schools in Autumn.”

Key Benefits That Transformed Their Operations 

When asked about the standout features that made GotPhoto indispensable, Martyn didn’t hesitate to list a few reasons why the platform is essential for photographers with high-volume demands:

1. Transition to Online Sales

“We were apprehensive about schools wanting to move away from proofs and cash back then. It proved to be much easier than we thought. A few schools hung on to the proof system in the early days when we used a GotPhoto ‘hybrid proof’, but over time most of their systems have moved online anyway so it is not an issue anymore at all.”

2. Simple Setup with Full Flexibility

“There were no problems at all with initial setup and we are always as free to make changes to packs and pricing as we were before.”

3. Seamless Integration with In-House Printing

“We do print in-house with our Fujitsu setup and partnering with GotPhoto has only improved the overall system to automate the processes.”

4. Real-Time Tracking and Insights

“We can keep track of sales as they happen or compile batch orders to release at a future date, and we can very easily bore down into statistics relating to products and customers and get some interesting insights.”

5. Reliable Platform with Great Support

“Our journey with GotPhoto over the past eight years has been exactly as it should have been, it just works extremely well…GotPhoto worked with us and helped us to make the transition.”

6. Better Value Than Building a Custom System

“At the time of moving to GotPhoto we were considering creating our own system but when we saw GotPhoto and weighed up costs, maintenance and keeping the system up to date we thought GotPhoto offered good value.”

Why GotPhoto Is the Go-To Solution in 2025 

John Hunt Photography isn’t just surviving, they’re thriving. Their experience showcases why GotPhoto is trusted by high-volume photographers across the UK. The platform isn’t just another piece of software; it’s a full-scale solution. 

From bulk photo processing to mobile-first sales, GotPhoto integrates seamlessly into the workflows of photographers who shoot for schools and sports teams. 

“The average spend per customer has increased by approximately 7-10%…The GotPhoto system has allowed us to reduce staff in the lab and packing area as we can more accurately collate orders and schedule workload way in advance.”

Imagine This for Your Business 

Imagine cutting down on manual tasks and speeding up your turnaround time—without the stress. With GotPhoto, what once felt time-consuming becomes part of a smoother, more manageable workflow.

“To anyone hesitant about using GotPhoto, I would say: the benefits of selling online and streamlining your workflow are immense. In the ultra-competitive UK market, staying ahead often requires embracing such innovative solutions.”

Take the First Step Towards a Better Workflow

John Hunt Photography’s success story is proof that school photography companies don’t have to wrestle with inefficiencies all on their own.

“If I had to sum up GotPhoto in a sentence, it would be: an indispensable tool that has been pivotal in elevating our business and helping us achieve our goals.”

If you’re managing school or nursery portraits and feeling bogged down by outdated processes, maybe it’s time to try a better way. GotPhoto not only streamlines your workflow but boosts satisfaction for both you and your clients. 

The results speak for themselves. Why not see what GotPhoto can do for you? Start exploring what a future-proofed business can look like. Your schools and parents will thank you!