Lexmark UK Press Release 23/11/04

Research Opens the Shutters on Picture Practices of the ‘Heat Generation’

The Brits have become a nation of paparazzi, constantly on the lookout for a striking picture opportunity, and taking and appearing in more shots than ever before, according to research released today by printer manufacturer Lexmark International.

Yet whilst the explosion in digital photography means we?re now likely to star in a picture for friends or family at least twice a week, we’re vainer than ever when it comes to the results, with men serial offenders in the vanity stakes.

Lexmark commissioned the study to mark the launch of their new range of photo printers which makes it easier than ever before to ‘touch up’ and print your pictures at home.

100% Unapproved
Our enormous appetite for glamorous celebrity photography is piling the pressure on the average Brit, with almost half of women (47%) claiming to “turn and run the other way” when a camera’s pointed at them.

Over two thirds (69%) are worried that their nightmare ?100% Unapproved? picture will show them in an unflattering pose whilst over half (53%) share the same issue as Posh - they don’t like their smile.

The camera never lies
Remarkably, 86% of men claimed to be dissatisfied with how they looked in their photos. When asked which one feature they?d want change in old shots, almost a quarter (22%) were willing to keep the dodgy 80?s haircut, bad fashion sense and ex-beau in the picture in favour of digitally reducing their waist size. 34% of women chose the same option.

Even today when faced by a camera, 17% of all those surveyed were instinctively inclined to pull a silly face when a camera is waved at them. It seems playing the jester is a more popular option than being cool, only 14% replied they just ignore the lens and look natural.

Giovanni Giusti, Managing Director, Lexmark UK, said, “Whilst most of us wouldn?t claim to be a Sienna Miller or Jude Law, our latest technology makes it easy for you to look great when you print your photos at home.”

Lexmark International has launched two new products that make enhancing and printing photos at home easier than ever before. The result of exhaustive research, focus groups and user testing; every aspect of the P915 Photo Printer and the P6250 Photo All-in-One provide perfect printing solutions for home users wanting to print their digital photographs. Both models offer photo-editing features such as one-click red-eye removal and automatic image enhancement, ensuring the highest quality prints every time.