About

Studio22 is a Cape Town (South Africa) based company and manufacturer of various Coffee Table Books and Storybook albums. Established in 1993 as a photographic studio our skill as qualified professional photographers have been our guide to producing quality books using genuine Fuji Crystal Archive photographic paper. Owning and operating one of Cape Towns leading professional digital photo labs is an ideal outlet for our albums.

Our family business started in the early 80’s when Colin and Marianna Sunkel opened their first photographic studio. Colin Sunkel Photography grew progressively to include a Black & White darkroom, two Colour darkrooms, a studio and a small retail area. Only a few years later they introduced custom picture framing to the list of services. When I joined the business in 1993 after graduating in photography, we formed a closed corporation, Colin Sunkel Photography cc. 

As the business continued to grow, now with two photographers, so our lab grew. Although we had a full compliment of staff at that time, Colin and I were the technical people and attended to all our repairs and maintenance ourselves – little did I know then how much positive impact this would have in the future. In 1999 I took time off to travel and work in the UK. It was not long before I was working in one of the UK’s largest photographic stores, Jessops. It was here I was inspired to open “my own” lab and retail store – a lab that was aimed at printing for photographers. On returning home, I started investigating the possibilities. The timing was perfect as the digital era was about to strike in Cape Town.

It did not take much to realise that our photography business on its own would not be able to support the high costs of running a professional digital lab. We proceeded to do our market research amongst the local photographers and the positive feedback was overwhelming. The idea of a lab operated by qualified, experienced professional photographers was welcomed with open arms. Overtime, we put our cameras down and the full-time professional lab took over. At a time so many photographers wanted to know more about digital printing – who better than Studio22 to present the opportunities. With the outstanding support of our photographers,numerous enthusiast and local photographer students, Studio22 is now know across South Africa. Our clientele now reach beyond the borders of South Africa.

For our full range of services, please visit www.studio22.co.za.

Contact person:
Kurt Sunkel
kurt@studio22.co.za 
021 5922922