Christie Boxill is the creative force behind some of Bay Photo’s most iconic print displays and product innovations. As Brand Partnerships Manager, she’s spent over 30 years shaping the brand’s identity, from curating trade show setups to supporting product development and high-level client relationships. Her deep product knowledge, eye for detail, and warm personality have made her a trusted partner for photographers across the industry.
At ProGrade Digital, we were thrilled to sit down with Christie to chat about her journey at Bay Photo, how technology continues to transform the print world, and her advice for photographers who want to present their work at its very best.
“Treat the print as part of your creative process, not just the end result.” – Christie Boxill
Now, let’s dive in.
Christie, you’ve been with Bay Photo for over 30 years. Can you share what initially drew you to the company and how your role has evolved over time?
What initially drew me to Bay Photo was a deep appreciation for visual storytelling – and let’s be honest, a borderline obsession with photography. Like many of us here, photography wasn’t just a hobby, it was a passion. So, when I joined Bay Photo back in 1995, I thought it was a perfect fit while pursuing my degree in Biological Anthropology. We had a much smaller operation then, printing exclusively from film, but even at that stage, the focus on quality, innovation, and supporting the pro photography community was clear. I was surrounded by creativity. In those early days, I was very hands-on—working in production, answering phones, helping customers. But it gave me a real foundation for understanding what photographers need: accuracy, consistency, and a lab partner that has their back.
As Bay Photo grew and technology evolved, my role grew too. I’ve had the chance to work across multiple departments – developing new products, curating print displays, and building lasting partnerships within the photo community. These days, I’m the Brand Partnership Manager, which basically means I get to talk to amazing creatives all day and help bring cool ideas to life.
What’s kept me here all these years? It’s the same thing that brought me in, a love for photography, and being part of a team that doesn’t just keep up… We lead, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
In your experience, what are some of the biggest changes in the photography industry that you’ve seen during your time at Bay Photo?
Over the past 30 years, the photography industry has undergone a massive transformation, and being at Bay Photo during that time has given me a front-row seat to the evolution. One of the most significant changes has been the shift from film to digital. When I started, film processing was the backbone of the industry. Photographers were meticulous with every shot because each exposure counted (literally). The transition to digital photography changed not just how images were captured, but also how they were edited, shared, and printed. It brought both challenges and opportunities.
Another big change has been the rise of online platforms and social media. It’s transformed how photographers’ market themselves, build communities, and connect with clients.
Print itself has evolved too. While some feared digital would kill the print business, it actually opened up incredible new possibilities. And of course, the technology just keeps improving cameras, editing software, color management. Keeping up with those changes has been both exciting and essential to staying relevant.
Bay Photo is known for its high-quality printing and custom products. What do you think sets the company apart from other printing services in the industry?
Bay Photo has always stood out because of our deep-rooted commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and service. From day one, we’ve focused on supporting professional photographers with hand crafted products that reflect the care and creativity they put into their work. What sets us apart comes down to a few key things:
- Uncompromising Quality:
From prints to albums to wall displays, every product we create is made by hand, with care, precision, and very little automation. We use top-of-the-line materials and industry-leading print technology, but what really makes the difference is the experienced team behind it. Many of our staff have been with Bay Photo for years, and they take real pride in what they do. - Customization and Variety:
Photographers aren’t all the same, and their clients aren’t either. That’s why we’ve built such a wide range of customizable products, whether it’s unique sizes, surfaces like metal or wood, or handcrafted presentation options. We want to help photographers stand out and deliver something special every time. - Innovation with Integrity:
We’re constantly evolving, adapting to new trends, testing new products, and improving our systems. - Customer Support by People Who Get It:
Our customer service team has a long-standing reputation for their care and understanding of what our clients need. We listen, we problem-solve, and we work closely with our clients to make sure the final product meets (or exceeds) expectations. That personal connection is a big part of our culture. We’re not just a print lab, we’re a partner to the creative community.
How has technology shaped the way Bay Photo does business, particularly when it comes to serving photographers? What tools or innovations are you most excited about?
Technology has absolutely transformed how we do business at Bay Photo, especially in how we serve photographers. From the way images are submitted, to how orders are processed, produced, and delivered, every stage has been shaped by innovation.
One of the biggest shifts was moving from analog to digital workflows. That change enabled faster turnaround times, more precise color control, and the ability to handle higher volumes without sacrificing quality. It also opened the door to a wide range of creative print surfaces and custom products that weren’t possible before.
Online ordering and integration with professional galleries and studio management software have been game-changers as well. Photographers can now place orders from anywhere, at any time, and streamline their client sales through automated systems. We’ve built tools that connect directly to their online storefronts or editing platforms, making the whole process seamless and efficient.
On the production side, innovations like high-definition print technologies, laser cutting, and UV printing have allowed us to offer stunning new options like metal, wood, and acrylic prints, at a level of detail and consistency that just wasn’t possible decades ago.
Can you highlight a specific project or milestone that stands out in your career at Bay Photo?
One milestone that really stands out in my career at Bay Photo was when we launched our MetalPrints product line. At the time, it was a bold move—dye-sublimation on aluminum wasn’t mainstream yet, and there were a lot of technical challenges to get it just right. But we saw the potential early on. Photographers were looking for new ways to present their work, and we believed MetalPrints could offer something truly unique: vibrant color, incredible detail, long-lasting durability, and a modern, gallery-ready finish.
Bringing that product to market involved close collaboration across teams: R&D, production, color management, customer service and countless hours of testing and refinement. We didn’t want to release it until we were confident it met the high standards our customers expect from us.
When it launched, the response from the photography community was incredible. It quickly became one of our most popular product lines and helped position Bay Photo as an innovator in the pro print space. Seeing MetalPrints in galleries, homes, and exhibitions around the world has been deeply rewarding, and it marked a turning point in how we think about combining technology with fine art presentation.
That experience reminded me why I’ve stayed with Bay Photo all these years, because we’re not afraid to push boundaries, and we always keep the photographer’s vision at the heart of what we do.
Are there any photographers or artists who particularly inspire you and your work?
In my early years, I was in love with black & white film. I was especially inspired by photographers like Sally Mann and Mary Ellen Mark. Their ability to capture raw, emotional, and often complex human stories really resonated with me. They showed me how powerful photography can be. That kind of storytelling is still something I’m very drawn to.
What advice would you give to photographers who are looking to present their work in the best way possible through prints?
The best advice I can give photographers who want to present their work through prints is this: treat the print as part of your creative process, not just the end result. The way an image is printed, finished, and displayed can completely change how it’s experienced.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Bay Photo, and what direction do you think the printing industry will take in the next 5–10 years?
Looking ahead, I see a really exciting future for both Bay Photo and the print industry as a whole.
We’re in a time where photography is more accessible than ever, and yet the value of printed photography is becoming even more meaningful. People are craving tangible, high-quality expressions of their memories, their art, and their stories and that’s where we come in.
At Bay Photo, we’ll continue to evolve by focusing on three key things: intentional product curation, lasting value, and quality. We’re dedicated to offering thoughtfully selected products that bring the greatest benefit to photographers, while enhancing efficiency and streamlining the ordering process.
In the next 5–10 years, I think the industry will continue to shift toward high-end, experiential printing—wall art, specialty materials, mixed media, and truly custom pieces that go beyond traditional prints. Sustainability will also become increasingly important, and we’re already looking at more eco-conscious materials and practices.
Another big direction is the integration of printing with the digital workflows photographers already use – whether that’s through automated gallery sales, mobile-friendly ordering, or direct-to-client fulfillment. The line between shooting, sharing, and selling is getting shorter, and print will remain a key part of that ecosystem.
What keeps us inspired is the role we play in helping photographers succeed, not just as artists, but as entrepreneurs. As long as there are stories to tell and moments to preserve, there will be a need for quality print, and Bay Photo will continue to lead the way in making that possible.
Any other tips or highlights from your experience you’d like to share?
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that attention to detail and consistency truly set great photographers apart. Whether you’re shooting a wedding, a landscape, or a fine art piece, how you present your work, especially in print, speaks volumes about your professionalism and passion.
Another piece of advice: build strong relationships with your lab. Don’t treat us like just a vendor, think of us as part of your creative team. We’re here to help you succeed, and when you involve us early in your process, we can offer guidance that can make a real difference in the final result.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of printing your own work regularly. It sharpens your eye, builds your brand, and reminds you of the value of what you’re creating. There’s something incredibly rewarding about holding a finished piece in your hands, it reconnects you with why you started in photography in the first place.
And finally, I’d just say: never stop learning. The tools, trends, and techniques will keep changing, but if you stay open, stay curious, and stay true to your vision, you’ll always find new ways to grow. That’s been true for me, and it’s true for anyone who’s in this for the long haul.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or have been photographing professionally for decades, one thing is clear after talking with Christie: printing isn’t just about output, it’s about elevating your work. From choosing the right materials to building a true partnership with your print lab, every detail matters. And if you approach it with the same passion you bring to your shoots, your prints will speak for themselves.
Stay curious, stay creative, and never underestimate the power of a well-crafted print.
