At Zebra, our mission has always been simple yet ambitious: to make the beauty of plate photography available to everyone. Whether you are just starting your journey with handmade emulsions or are an experienced practitioner exploring new techniques, we want to make sure that nothing stands in the way of your creativity, not shipping hurdles, not customs paperwork, and certainly not hidden costs.

Over the past months, we have been listening closely to your feedback and working behind the scenes to improve the way our products reach you. Photography is an art form that deserves dedication and care, and we believe the same level of care should apply to how we handle every single order that leaves our workshop.

Today, we are excited to share two important updates that will make your experience smoother, more transparent, and more enjoyable.

Important Update for Our U.S. Customers

We know that many of you in the United States have been eager for a simpler way to receive Zebra products without unexpected charges or frustrating delays. Here in Europe, we have been paying import taxes and dealing with customs for many years, so we know from firsthand experience that the biggest struggle often lies in the entire import process. Sending paperwork back and forth, waiting for clearance, and losing valuable time can make the experience unnecessarily complicated.

That is why we are proud to introduce a major change.

Starting September 3rd, all U.S. orders are shipped under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms.

What this means for you:

• We cover all import duties, customs clearance, and paperwork.
• No more surprise bills or extra fees after checkout. The price you see is the final price you pay.
• Orders are shipped via trusted express couriers, arriving quickly and securely at your doorstep.

This update means you can focus on what matters most, creating beautiful images, while we take care of the logistics.

Shipping Update for Our E.U. Customers

Our European customers are the heart of Zebra, and we have been working to simplify your shopping experience too. Two major improvements are now in place.

VAT Policy Update

From now on, VAT is calculated based on the specific country of the customer, ensuring full compliance and fairness throughout the E.U. This means greater transparency and alignment with local tax regulations.

Better Shipping Options

We have introduced new shipping tiers to give you more flexibility when placing an order:

• Economy (5–7 days) – affordable delivery for non-urgent needs.
• Standard (4–5 days) – our best price-performance option: only €12 to most E.U. countries, complete with full tracking.
• Express (2–3 days) – fast and reliable for when every day counts.

This way, you can select the option that best fits your schedule and budget, while still enjoying clear and upfront pricing.

Why These Changes Matter

We know that analog photography is more than just a hobby. It is a passion, a craft, and in many ways a way of life. Our goal is to ensure that nothing interrupts the flow of that passion. By removing the stress of unexpected costs, delays, or complicated shipping, we hope to give you more time and freedom to focus on what you love: making images that matter.

These updates are part of a larger commitment to bring plate photography closer to people everywhere, no matter where you live. Every improvement we make, from better logistics to more transparent pricing, is driven by our belief that this beautiful process should be accessible, inspiring, and sustainable for all who wish to practice it.

🍂 New in the Zebra Store

This fall, we are preparing to release a range of new and unique products that we cannot wait to share with you. From fresh innovations that make plate photography easier to tools that expand what is possible in your darkroom, there is a lot to look forward to.

We will be announcing more details very soon, so stay tuned. The coming months promise to be some of the most exciting yet in Zebra’s journey.

💌 A Note of Thanks

None of this would be possible without your continued support, encouragement, and passion. Every order, every shared photograph, and every message of feedback helps us grow and improve. We are incredibly grateful for this vibrant community that surrounds Zebra, and we remain committed to giving back in every way we can through innovation, quality, and care.

Together, we are not only keeping plate photography alive but also pushing it forward into a new era of accessibility and creativity.

Thank you for being part of this journey.