A new company in the photography industry, Smiler's mission is to help people capture precious, high-quality memories all around the world. As of 18 May 2022, their 100% digital technology is now on board Batorama tour boats in Strasbourg.
Co-founded a year and a half ago by two successful Dutch entrepeneurs, Kasper Middelkoop (Hotelchamp, Tiqets) and Martine Rooth (Solvo, Health88), Smiler is quickly making a name for itself in the photography world. "To tell the truth, it all started back in 2014," says Aurélia Ségalat, manager at Smiler. "Kasper and Martine were walking around Times Square in New York when a professional photographer approached them offering to take their picture. They said yes and paid in cash, before giving the photographer an email address to send the photo to. Once received and printed, the photo came out really nice and they realised that this type of business model could be applied in thousands of photogenic locations. Over the years the idea has had time to evolve and develop, with Kasper and Martine's shared desire to embark on a new adventure serving as the driving fuel behind this venture".
The duo ultimately decided to launch the technical development of Smiler in late 2020, in the midst of the health crisis. After a successful first event at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, significant fundraising of nearly €8 million enabled the company to become one of the most ambitious scale-ups in the world within just a few months.
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Now present in 6 countries and 20 cities, with a network of 4000 photographers, Smiler has turned France into one of its favourite playgrounds. Following its initial partnerships with château de Chantilly, château de Chambord and the Tour Montparnasse, it has now arrived in Alsace, on board the Batorama boat tours in Strasbourg!
"It's really fast and efficient."
"Let's just say, the supply has met the demand," smiles Aurélia Ségalat. “We have also had successful experiences on sea cruises in Barcelona and on board the Vedettes de Paris on the Seine. Tourists on the water really appreciate a photo service, it works really well. Batorama has been searching for a high-quality photography service for some time now. Our new partnership was a natural fit."
Entirely digital, and therefore 100% "COVID safe", the concept developed by Smiler is certainly very appealing to customers wanting to take home a precious souvenir of their trip. How does it work? The photographer takes five to ten photos and then the visitor scans a QR code to submit their phone number or email address. The latter then receives a message with a personal and secure link to access their own photoshoot. After viewing, the customer is free to order their favourite pictures.
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"It's really fast and efficient," says Aurélia Ségalat. The photos are uploaded with a watermark and can then be ordered in different formats, either digital or printed. Printed photo options range from classic prints to merchandise such as a mug or a framed photo. Everything is delivered to your home at no extra cost."
"To reach everyone, everywhere."
The Smiler photographers have been on board the Batorama tour boats since 18 May and they intend to stay on Strasbourg's wonderful canals for the entire summer season, until the end of September. Once on the water, you will discover the most remarkable treasures of the European capital. This unconventional way of visiting Strasbourg is enough to inspire Smiler's best photographers...
Whether in a couple or with your family, this is a perfect opportunity to take home a high-quality photo souvenir that you can treasure for life," concludes Aurélia Ségalat. “Our goal is to make it on a global scale, to reach everyone, everywhere. Thanks to their equipment and expertise, our photographers' services make all the difference.”
Whether it be at a museum or a concert hall, in a football stadium or a theme park, Smiler is revolutionising our relationship with photos. Currently the world's leading on-location photography service, Smiler now works directly from Dubai, Singapore, Italy, Spain, and the USA. What better place for them to further expand their reputation than in a city as multicultural as Strasbourg!
Florian Dacheux
Smiler - Capturing moments that matter (joinsmiler.com)
Smiler (@joinsmiler) • Photos and videos Instagram
Florian Dacheux