The photographic industry has been revolutionised in what seems a few short years. Where once we took our holiday snaps to the chemists and waited a few days for them to be developed, now it is just a question of downloading them onto a computer in a matter of seconds and having an instant slideshow.

Everywhere you look these days there seems to be someone taking a photograph with either a mini digital camera or a mobile telephone and the technology is constantly evolving.

All that is great for the consumer but spare a thought for the professional photography laboratory where a similar revolution has been taking place.

For generations these places were populated by men in white coats occupying dark rooms where chemicals were used to develop prints and transparencies for professional photographers.

But now those labs have been replaced by computers and terms such as file size, uploading and resolution have come into play.

And the new technology has also meant traditional firms have had to invest heavily simply to keep abreast of the way their industry is evolving.

While the potential is vast, much speculation has to be done to reap the rewards and on a regular basis just to keep up with the times.

Five years ago, the family members behind Headington-based Colorbase were forced to make a decision as to whether they could afford to embrace this new world.

Bravely, they decided to go ahead and owners David and Carol Belcher have since ploughed in a "six figure sum" in the last five years.

Mr Belcher said: "The year 2000 saw the beginning of the major changes. From then on there were developments every six months. I have never known such a topsy-turvy industry.

"The investment has been phenomenal but, if we had not done it, then I don't think we would have been here today. Labs that have not invested in digital technology have probably fallen by the wayside."

Colorbase offers a wide range of services ranging from traditional printing using film to producing images for exhibitions, advertising hoardings and trade stands.

In fact it is possible to reproduce virtually any size required. But interestingly, the only limit is the technology.

Ken Robinson, the only non-family member of the workforce, said: "The only limitation is the size of the computer. The irony is that you can do what you like with the old negatives and transparencies but computers depend on the file size."

Digital cameras are now capable of taking images of up to ten megapixels which are very high resolution. But the computers on which thet rely are still playing catch-up.

Such images take up large chunks of memory and are difficult to e-mail.

Colorbase uses a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) system, which allows photographers to transfer their images onto the company's website directly, removing the need for e-mail or delivery of a disk.

That means high-resolution photographs can be moved quickly and easily, allowing Colorbase to download and print overnight, if necessary.

Mr Belcher said: "It is a very efficient way of creating multiple digital files. A lot of commercial photographers working on a shoot during the day can then transfer their files and walk away."

Having embraced technology, Mr Belcher is determined to not just keep up with latest developments but lead the way.

As we speak, engineers from Fuji are working on installing the latest digital mini-lab, the first of its kind to be up and running in the UK, that can print from both digital files and film quickly and efficiently.

Although Mr Belcher declines to reveal, how much it cost, it is clearly expensive, but it is an investment driven by the necessity of offering the best service to customers.

And the custom he receives from as far away as Leicester is testament to that commitment.

Mr Belcher holds events at Colorbase specifically to inform customers of the latest developments at the company. The theory is that if customers know exactly what Colorbase is capable of, then the results are mutually beneficial.

Colorbase, founded in 1989, is made up of Mr Belcher, 52, wife Carole, who handles the accounts and daughter Natalie, 27, who helps with the scanning and development of images. Mr Robinson is the only full-time employee, although there a couple of people that can be called on to help during busy periods.

And, with a turnover of £500,000 a year, it is a successful business thanks to the Belchers' vision and willingness to take a risk - along with support from equipment suppliers such as Fuji.

Having started as a dark room assistant with Ivor Field's business in Abingdon, Mr Belcher feels he has come a long way.

But, despite all the changes, his motivation for doing the job is still the same.

He said: "It is very rewarding to present a print to a customer who is very pleased with it. That has not changed since the early days."

Contact: Colorbase, 01865 766028, www.colorbase.co.uk