Subhash Photos, an iconic name in the world of photography in Belagavi, has a rich history that traces its roots back to 1934. The journey commenced with the establishment of Shambhu Appaji Photo Artists near the Camp Fish Market by Late Shri. Shambhu Appaji Oulkar, a visionary in the field.
Early History of Subhash Photos
The legacy expanded as Shambhu’s sons, Mahadev and Bahirji, ventured to Bombay to delve into the intricacies of photography, mastering techniques, and staying abreast of the latest equipment trends. Bhairji, one of Shambhu’s sons, gained recognition during the Goa liberation movement, earning a National award, marking a significant milestone for the family.
Under the guidance of Bahirji, Anand Oulkar, Bhairji’s nephew, excelled in black & white portrait photography, laying the cornerstone for ‘Subhash Photos.’ The Panchratnas of Laxmanrao Oulkar – Anand, Shashikant, Subhash, Shivaji, and Dinesh – initiated Subhash Photo Studio at Hutatma Chowk, Ramdev Galli, in 1974. Their innovative ideas, prompt service, and commitment to customer satisfaction propelled Subhash Photos to rapid popularity.
In the evolving landscape of photography, the transition from 120 mm black & white film to color photos in 1974 marked a turning point. Subhash Oulkar, foreseeing the future, established Subhash Color Centre in Deshpande Galli in 1983, equipped with a manually operated color developing machine. The introduction of advanced technology, including the imported QSS 701 machine from Japan in 1985, solidified Subhash Photos’ status as a leading photo lab.
Expanding beyond Belgaum, the family saw opportunities in Kolhapur, opening a lab in 1992 affiliated with Kodak Express. Subhash Photos embraced digital photography, importing Noritsu machines for high-quality prints at high speeds across branches in Belgaum, Kolhapur, and Sangli.
With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Subhash Photos stands tall with a four-storied flagship store in Ramdev Galli and many branches in different cities. Their mission includes adopting cutting-edge technology, exemplified by the introduction of self-operated Kiosks for convenient photo ordering.
Golden Jubilee Year of Subahsh Photos
Fifty years have passed, and now the third generation of the Oulkar family is injecting new energy into their business. Presently, Subhash Photos has established branches in three locations: Tilakwadi, Belgaum, and Kolhapur.
During the intervening years, the business faced a decline due to the digital revolution, causing many renowned individuals to abandon the industry. However, the Oulkar brothers astutely recognized the changing landscape and significantly changed their business model. Through their unwavering commitment to innovation, Subhash Photos has managed to soar to new heights by incorporating state-of-the-art machinery and technology. Currently, the company employs approximately 150 individuals across its three locations, with over 30 employees boasting an impressive tenure of 25 years or more.
These dedicated individuals have been part of the Subhash Photos family, contributing their expertise for the past 50 years. The exceptional quality of their work has garnered numerous accolades for the company. Notably, Subhash Photos has been honored with the prestigious Best Industry Group Award from the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, as well as multiple awards from Rotary Governors and the Belgaum Chamber of Commerce, among others.
Subhash Oukar, the Head of Subhash Group, proudly asserts that our success lies in treating each customer with utmost respect while adapting to evolving business conditions without compromising on quality.
In the upcoming year, they have an array of exciting programs planned. These include organizing diverse seminars, hosting informative lectures for both our employees and the general public, and curating captivating photography exhibitions.
The tradition of visiting the studio for family portraits is unique to the Belagavi area. It was initiated by Anandrao Oualkar and has been carried forward by Subhash Photos. Even today, on special occasions such as Gokulashtami, Christmas, and Diwali, people intentionally choose to capture their cherished moments with Subhash Photos.
Subhash Photos has mastered the art of printing, and they have expanded their expertise to include Indoor studio or indoor photography, Large size printing, Restoration, Albums, Personalised Gifting, Framing, Logo designing, Brochures/ Catalogs, Invitation cards etc.
The Subhash Photo Studio is equipped with the capability to restore old photographs, and the Subhash Group takes immense pride in offering a comprehensive range of photography services under one roof.
Whether you seek the latest in digital technology or hand-processed black-and-white photography, Subhash Photos is your ultimate destination. It’s not just a photograph; it’s a Subhash Photos moment.