Quick Facts: Lifetouch
| Owner | Shutterfly (subsidiary) |
| Shutterfly’s Parent | Apollo Global Management |
| Ownership Type | Private (subsidiary of Shutterfly) |
| Founded | 1936 (as National School Studios) |
| Headquarters | Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA |
| Shutterfly Acquisition | April 2018 (for $825 million) |
| Known For | School photography; yearbooks; church and family portraits |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns Lifetouch?
Lifetouch is owned by Shutterfly, the consumer photography and personalized products company, which acquired it in April 2018 for approximately $825 million. Shutterfly itself is owned by Apollo Global Management, the major private equity firm, which acquired Shutterfly in 2023. Lifetouch was previously structured as an employee-owned (ESOP) company for much of its history before the Shutterfly deal. The company was founded in 1936 in Minnesota as National School Studios and grew into the dominant force in school and portrait photography in the United States.
About Apollo Global Management and Shutterfly
Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO) is one of the world’s largest alternative asset management firms, managing hundreds of billions of dollars in assets across private equity, credit, and real estate. Apollo acquired Shutterfly in 2023. Shutterfly is an American online personalized-products and photo services company that operates brands including Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Lifetouch. The Lifetouch brand remains the leading professional photography service for schools, churches, and family portrait studios across North America, known especially for fall school picture day and spring portraits.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Lifetouch was founded in 1936 as National School Studios in Minnesota and grew into the largest school photography company in North America.
- Shutterfly acquired Lifetouch in April 2018 for approximately $825 million, merging two major consumer photography brands.
- Shutterfly, which now owns Lifetouch, was itself acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2023.
- Lifetouch photographs millions of school-aged children each year through school portrait programs across the United States and Canada.
- The company remains headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and operates as a subsidiary of Shutterfly under Apollo’s ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Lifetouch?
Lifetouch is owned by Shutterfly, which acquired it in April 2018 for approximately $825 million. Shutterfly is in turn owned by Apollo Global Management.
Was Lifetouch employee-owned?
Yes. For a significant portion of its history, Lifetouch operated as an employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) before being sold to Shutterfly in 2018.
Is Lifetouch publicly traded?
No. Lifetouch is a private subsidiary of Shutterfly, which is itself privately held under Apollo Global Management. It is not listed on any stock exchange.
What services does Lifetouch provide?
Lifetouch is best known for school portrait photography — including fall school picture day and spring portraits — as well as yearbook photography, church directory portraits, and family portrait studios in retail locations.