Shaun Ward
Owner of Dundee Photo Lab – Based In Dundee
About the business
Shaun Ward has spent almost 40 years capturing other people’s stories through his camera. But after a career that has taken him to New York, up Mount Kilimanjaro and into the classroom, he is now focusing on a different kind of development.
Shaun originally planned to become a journalist, but after leaving the RAF and enrolling on a media course at Perth College, he discovered a talent for photography.
That chance discovery led to a varied career, including 10 years teaching photography at Perth College where he eventually worked alongside some of the lecturers who had taught him.
He also became a contract photographer for the Kiltwalk charity, travelling to New York and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Yet despite his photographic experience, Shaun has always been equally interested in the business side of his profession.
“I’ve always enjoyed the business side of photography. I like meeting people, taking on challenges and creating something that works. I’m always coming up with new ideas and looking for ways to make them happen,” he said.
That enthusiasm led to a new opportunity in late 2021, when a photography shop on Scott Street in Perth was preparing to close.
Shaun initially considered buying the equipment to support his existing school photography business, but eventually decided to take over the premises and open Perth Photo Lab in January 2022.
The business quickly established a loyal customer base and proved so successful that Shaun began looking at opportunities for growth. Building on that success, he expanded into Dundee in 2026, opening a second photo lab and bringing traditional photography services to a new audience.
He had just two weeks to prepare the shop, retaining two experienced employees who had worked in the previous business and who remain with him today.
“My original plan was just to buy the equipment and use it for my school photography business. But as things developed, I thought I’d give the shop a go and see what happened. We had two weeks to get everything ready and then we just went for it.”
The lab offers photographic printing, scanning and other traditional photography services to the public and professional photographers, alongside supporting Shaun’s school photography business.
The Dundee expansion became a reality in May 2026, when Shaun opened a second lab in the city centre.
Although the shops offer similar services, they have developed different personalities and customer bases.
“I always describe Perth as the sensible big sister and Dundee as the younger brother. They’re quite different businesses with different customers, but they work really well together.”
Perth serves an established customer base and handles much of the specialist scanning and larger printing work, while Dundee has become particularly popular with students and younger photography enthusiasts.
Demand has exceeded Shaun’s expectations, with the Dundee shop sending more than 600 films for processing during its first five months.
“Film photography has become such a big thing again. I knew Dundee would be popular, but I didn’t expect quite this level of demand. We’re getting new film customers through the door every day, which has been a real eye opener.”
The expansion has also created employment opportunities, with around nine people now working across Shaun’s businesses.
He deliberately recruited students and younger photographers in Dundee, recognising their knowledge and enthusiasm for photography and social media.
“Young people have so much to offer a business. They bring knowledge and skills that older business owners don’t always have. They’ve got real value to bring to the business.”
However, growing the business has also brought new responsibilities, particularly around managing employees and operating multiple premises.
How Business Gateway has helped
Working closely with Business Gateway Adviser Michelle Maddox, Shaun has received practical guidance on HR, VAT, staffing and business management. Michelle’s own experience of running a business has also given him someone to approach with questions and discuss ideas.
“When you’re a self-employed photographer, you’re used to looking after yourself. But when you’re running two shops and employing eight or nine people, there’s a whole other side of business you need to understand.”
For Shaun, one of the biggest benefits has been recognising gaps in his knowledge that he might otherwise have overlooked.
“Sometimes it’s about discovering things you didn’t even realise you needed to know. Having someone you can speak to and get guidance has been really valuable.”
Business Gateway adviser Michelle Maddox said: “Shaun has done a fantastic job of growing Perth Photo Lab and building a second successful business in Dundee, where he has developed a particularly strong following among students and younger customers. As the business has expanded, we’ve supported him with practical advice on staffing, HR and marketing, as well as helping him explore funding and staff development opportunities. We’re now looking at specialist financial support to help Shaun plan for the next stage of growth, including the possibility of a third location in Edinburgh.”
Shaun would encourage other business owners to seek advice, even if they are unsure what support they need.
“I’d definitely recommend Business Gateway, even to people who think they don’t need any help. Sometimes you don’t know what you need to know until you start asking questions.”
With two established locations and a new generation discovering film photography, Shaun continues to enjoy the challenges of building a business.
Almost four decades after discovering his passion for photography by chance, he is still experimenting and exploring new ideas. Only now he is developing businesses too as well as photographs.
If you think you could benefit from our support, then contact us today.
