Purushottam Todi’s role in shaping Varanasi’s photo printing industry, rooted in family legacy and a passion for print

When Purushottam Todi reflects on his life and career, the threads weave together a rich tapestry of family heritage, hard work, and a deep-rooted passion for the photography trade. Born in Varanasi on 19 August, coincidentally World Photography Day, his destiny seemed bound to the world of images from the very start.

Educated at Bal Bharati Vidyalaya before completing his BCom from DAV Degree College, Todi grew up with an almost predetermined ambition. “As far as I can remember, I always wanted to get into the photography goods trading business,” he recalls. “My grandfather, along with his brother, had a photo goods store called Film Cine House, established in 1961. I was around ten years old and would regularly visit the shop after school.” The store’s proximity to the family home meant he could immerse himself in the business from an early age.

His fondest childhood memories are equally steeped in the culture of Varanasi. He vividly remembers accompanying his mother to the ghats at sunrise. “It was on these banks of the Ganges that I learnt swimming, and to this day, I never miss a chance to swim,” he says.

While many begin their careers with a salaried job, Todi never considered such a path. “Since we already had a business, and I wanted to get into business, I never looked at taking up a job,” he says. One early lesson stuck with him: “There are no shortcuts if one wants to succeed.”

Building on a legacy
Todi’s career began by working alongside his father at Shree Shyam Photo Store, established in 1991. This expanded into Shree Shyam Colour Print in 1998, equipped with a the then state-of-the-art Noritsu QSS 1201, later upgraded to the QSS 3202. “Those days, all printing was analogue, on silver halide paper,” he says. Today, that same lab, now Shree Shyam Digital Lab, also houses an Epson large-format inkjet printer for enlargements.

In 2016, recognising the industry’s shift from analogue to digital, Todi founded Shree Shyam Global Press. He invested in an HP Indigo 3600 digital press, primarily catering to professional wedding photographers through a B2B model. “The photography industry was moving from wet to dry processes, and wedding albums were the focus,” he explains.

The family business has since diversified further, with Shree Shyam Digital House established in 2019 to handle photo goods trading. His younger son Anuj runs the large-format printing and trading arms, while elder son Tanuj has pursued a corporate career as a senior banker.

A wide reach and strong reputation
Operating from one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, Todi’s businesses employ 25 staff. The customer base spans professional photographers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, producing 100 to 150 wedding albums daily. These numbers surge significantly during the wedding season.

“We deal in everything from cameras, studio lights, and small-format printers to accessories, and we also print albums and photo books,” he says. The reach spans both B2B and B2C. While the trading division thrives on walk-in customers, the wedding album business largely runs online, with orders shipped by courier.

Core product range includes photo goods, wedding albums, enlargements, LED frames, photo calendars, and collages. For substrates, the business uses synthetics from TechNova and Polyplex, photo paper from VMS and Felix Schoeller, alongside various coated and uncoated papers.

Supply chain reliability has been strong. “Minor hitches are always there but nothing much to complain about. All our suppliers have been very supportive,” says Todi. Waste is responsibly managed through scrap buyers and recycling agencies.

Growth and challenges
In recent years, Shree Shyam Global Press has grown steadily at 8–10% year-on-year. However, Todi acknowledges a significant shift in consumer behaviour. “The younger generation increasingly values digital convenience and prefers social media. At every opportunity, we educate them on the value of a printed album,” he says. Those who recognise the importance of print often become repeat customers.

Competition, especially in entry-level markets, is fierce. “As we go higher up the quality ladder, there is less competition,” Todi notes. “We never compromise on quality, and that is what helps us grow.”

His view on the future is optimistic: “Photo printing and wedding albums will always remain. Nothing can take away the joy of holding a printed photograph. The best is yet to come.” He sees consumer photo books as a significant untapped market in India, offering huge growth potential.

Innovation and market engagement
Customer tastes vary by region, so Todi’s team regularly develops new album covers and packaging. “The standard question we get all the time is ‘Naya kya hai? (What’s new),” he says with a smile. The business responds with frequent design refreshes to help photographers sell their packages more effectively.

Marketing is direct and personal, leveraging long-standing relationships with over 2,500 professional photographers and several dealers. New designs are communicated quickly to keep clients inspired.

Among recent trends, Todi highlights the integration of QR codes linking to digital versions of albums – blending physical and online experiences. He also believes the industry must collectively promote printing. “We all need to come together and promote photographs and albums,” he says.

Influences and advice
Todi attributes much of his success to his late father’s guidance. “The entire credit for the success of our current business goes to him because of his teachings,” he says.

For newcomers to the wedding album printing business, his advice is clear: “Never compromise on quality. Offer the best to your customers, in both product and service.” He also calls on manufacturers to “bring in innovation, maintain quality at a reasonable price, and ensure uninterrupted supplies.”

Given the chance, he prefers engaging with professional photographers over any celebrity guest. “It helps me understand the ground realities and convince them of the value of printing,” he explains.

Life beyond the press
Outside work, Todi is a keen swimmer – a hobby dating back to his days at the ghats. He enjoys keeping up with current affairs, relaxing in the evenings with news broadcasts.

Travel remains a joy, with Nainital holding a special place in his heart for its scenic views and climate. He is active in both the Rotary and Lions Clubs, relishing opportunities to serve the community.

Varanasi’s culinary landscape offers endless options, yet Todi’s palate leans towards South Indian snacks. He recommends visitors try Malio in winter, a local delicacy available only during the colder months.

An avid collector of old currency, Todi also enjoys kirtan (devotional music) and makes an annual pilgrimage to the Khatu Shyam ji Fagun Mela in Rajasthan, where millions gather to pay homage. Above all, he values time spent with his family and close friends. “That is what I cherish most,” he says simply.

From his childhood walks to the ghats, to running one of Varanasi’s most respected names in photography printing, Purushottam Todi’s journey is as much about preserving memories as it is about creating them. His story affirms that while technology evolves, the human need for tangible, lasting keepsakes will always keep print alive.
 

Vimal Parmar is an independent marketing consultant and digital print evangelist.