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APRIL / MAY 2020 • £3
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IN THIS ISSUE…
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
BAGS OF IDEAS
MINILAB FOCUS
BUSINESS ADVICE
BPI News pays a visit to Nikon-only retailer Grays of Westminster, as it celebrates 35 years in business & 20 years of Nikon Owner magazine
Hama introduces four new globally focused camera bag series, sure to suit everyone from those starting out in photography to seasoned professionals
We revisit a previous Fujifilm Shop Of The Year, Island Photo Centre in Ryde, to find out how its owners’ clever ideas have continued to grow the business
How to get ahead in self-isolation: with bricks & mortars stores shuttered and e-commerce accelerating, we reveal how best to run your empire from home
Editorial | April – May 2020
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THE NEW NORMAL
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EDITOR Gavin Stoker Tel: 020 8274 0578 Tel: 07990 974 367 ART EDITOR Michael O’Connell EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please direct all advertising enquiries and sponsorship opportunities to gavin@bpinews.co.uk
Gavin Stoker, Editor gavin@bpinews.co.uk @GavinStoker
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his edition of BPI News has been put together in the strangest – and most challenging – of circumstances, with a global pandemic raging, most UK businesses and high streets shuttered, and us all told to stay indoors for our own safety and that of others, despite the spring sunshine tempting us to do otherwise. Offices have shut and shop floors have been cleared of customers, with social interaction and sales moving wholly online. It is like some dystopian sci-fi movie, except it’s real, and it’s taking us all a little while to get our heads around what is the ‘new normal’. Events have also, inevitably, been hit hard, with the cancellations of this year’s Photography Show and Photokina – moved to this September and May 2020 respectively – meaning that the next Photokina will take a place a full four years after 2018’s exhibition… so
COVER IMAGE: Your Covid-19 survival pack: Global business – specifically the photo industry in our case – is facing challenge on a scale it’s never faced before. While nobody has all the answers right now and we don’t know how the present predicament will end, we’re keeping calm and carrying on supporting you as much as possible. We trust you’ll do the same in return.
much for the idea that it should move to a yearly schedule to best document rapidly evolving technologies. That’s inevitably thrown BPI News’ plans up in the air – our next three issues had been planned around these shows – and our advertising partners have been pushing back their own launches to May or June at the earliest. We’re all waiting for the dust to settle, without knowing when it will. In these times, talking about commerce, or pursuing sales feels slightly awkward, but the hard reality is that most of us need to, in order to still have a business and employment when the present hardship abates or ends. Yes, the Chancellor may have allowed us to defer (but not waive) VAT payments for three months, and agreed to pay up to 80% of staff wages for businesses that might otherwise fold or lay off colleagues, with a similar olive branch offered to the self employed (albeit based on average monthly profits over the past three years), but many questions remain. And, with talk of a deep recession when the current situation ends because of the global hit to the economy, this isn’t the time for sunbathing, barbecues and Netflix box sets. It’s the time for bloody hard work. Which is why we at BPI News, unlike some, haven’t merely chosen to sit on our (well-scrubbed) hands and wait this out. We need to keep working and documenting this very odd time in our social and retail history, even if, with an enforced pause in industry news, it made sense to combine April and May editions on this occasion. With at least one manufacturer telling us it is thinking up ideas of how to help the trade at this time, we very much welcome your own. Like you, we still want to be here when whatever passes for normality returns.
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SHOWS OVER… FOR NOW The biggest casualties as regards the photo trade in the current pandemic have been The Photography Show and Photokina. While the organisers of the former commendably moved quickly, within days of its postponement, to reschedule 2020’s exhibition for this September 19th to 22nd – Photokina has now been put back a whole two years, to 18th to 21st May 2022, to give it even more breathing space. There will be those wondering how different the photographic industry, and the world at large, will be looking by then. And indeed how the show itself will look, having not taken place since September 2018, and witnessed the departure of some high profile exhibitors in that time. A four-year gap is a very long time for a show that was supposed to be moving to a yearly schedule from 2019. In an email sent to exhibitors, The Photography Show’s organisers admitted they wouldn’t have been able to deliver the show the industry deserved, had they have ploughed ahead. General consensus was that attendance would have undoubtedly
been down too. It proved the right decision in the circumstances, as news of Covid-19 infections in the UK grew daily and the government responded to calls to ban all
public gatherings. Existing tickets for The Photography Show remain valid for the new dates, with the current aim being that “the UK photography and filmmaking
MORE ‘4’ PLAY FROM FUJI Teased in our March issue, the upgrade to Fujifilm’s 18-month-old X-T3 enthusiast’s camera in the aptly named X-T4 (seen here with Fuji UK General Manager Theo Georghiades) has been launched and was due late April/May at the time of writing. It’s a little wider, deeper and heavier than its predecessor, which for the time being will continue to be sold alongside the newer model. How should you pitch the X-T4 to your photographer customers? Well, while it retains the X-T3’s sensor and processor, there are three key improvements and components worth highlighting. First up is a new ‘IBIS’ image stabilisation unit, 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the one in the X-H1, due to utilising magnetic springs rather than a hook and coiled spring setup. The unit provides the equivalent of 6.5 stops when used with up to 18 of Fuji’s XF series lenses. Incidentally, the manufacturer has confirmed that although its X-H1 has been discontinued, the X-H family “isn’t dead”. A second new component is the X-T4’s shutter unit, which boasts up to 15fps capture speed – an improvement on X-T3’s 11fps – with Fuji suggesting it can withstand up to 300K ‘actuations’. The shutter sound
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is now a claimed 30% quieter too. Thirdly the camera has a new battery that can manage 500 frames on a full charge, as opposed to the maximum 395 shots gleaned from the older X-T3’s battery. Retailers get an opportunity for an add-on sale, thanks to a new battery grip in the VG-XT4, adding two further cells, and allowing all three batteries (the two in the grip and a third in the camera) to be charged simultaneously. This combo provides power for up to a
whopping 1,450 frames. Other improvements have been made to the camera’s AF system, to include improved face and eye detection and improved AF tracking. Also boosted is its ‘movie’ functionality, with not only the ability to shoot Full HD video up to 240fps, but also added digital stabilisation. A top plate control now allows users to flick between stills and ‘movie’ capture and we get an independently presented video menu. MP4 format capture has been added, while users can record to both SD card slots at the same time (albeit in the same format). Alongside this, we can capture 4K clips up to 60fps. The 1.62 million-dot resolution LCD screen is here a touch screen that can be flipped out parallel to the body. As well as a new layout for
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communities do not lose this event for a year”. The programme for the show will also remain the same as that intended for March, wherever possible. In the meantime TPS’ organiser Future moved to help out exhibitors let down by March’s cancellation by promoting their virtual ‘show offers’ and online sales over the weekend the event was due to be
announcement on March 18th, Photokina’s organisers were complying with German federal government guidelines for the general closure of fairs and exhibitions, with the management team of the Koelnmesse – the location of the trade fair – deciding not to organise any events until the end of June 2020. By postponing the exhibition until 2022, however, they’ve gone considerably further and they admit there are several factors involved in this, with the press statement outlining that even before the coronavirus situation: “the imaging market was already subject to strongly dynamic movements. This trend will now gain momentum and must be factored into plans for the upcoming Photokina. “Added to this is the fact that our customers’ resources are already under heavy strain in 2021 – as a result of general economic trends as well as rescheduled events on the global trade fair calendar. The orientation towards 2022 gives everyone involved time enough to design the next Photokina with an eye to the needs of the market, and of our exhibitors and visitors.” www.photographyshow.com www.photokina.com
taking place. At the time of writing, a banner on the event’s home page further promises that: “we will continue to support you with promotion over the coming months. Please get in touch with kayleigh.aldridge@futurenet.com if there is anything specific you would like us to promote.” For their own part, as of the
FUJIFILM SHARES SURGE WITH VIRUS DRUG HOPE Reports out of the Far East suggest that a drug manufactured by a subsidiary of Fujifilm (Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Co Ltd) has had some success in combatting coronavirus, leading to a rise in Fujifilm’s stock last month of 15%, in contrast to the majority of other stocks and shares around the globe plummeting. As reported by news agencies including Reuters and the New York Times, the antiviral drug, known as both Avigan and Favipiravir – already approved for use in Japan since 2014 – has shown a positive effect against the Ebola virus, while recent clinical trials have demonstrated it can deliver encouraging outcomes in tackling novel coronavirus too. So, following use of the treatment in Japan some weeks earlier,
a clinical trial has taken place in Shenzhen, China, involving 80 participants. It found that patients taking Favipiravir showed greater chest improvement and were quicker to test negative for coronavirus than those not taking the drug. However, while there were reportedly no side effects and it presently appears to be working well with patients displaying moderate symptoms, the drug appears to be less effective on patients with more severe problems. In Japan, Fujifilm manufactures Avigan only on receiving orders from its government, with an official statement from Fujifilm Japan suggesting it has no sales target for the drug. We’re sure the world will be watching further developments with interest.
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the positioning of its AF-on, AEL and ‘Q’ menu buttons, the camera’s SD card cover is detachable; allowing users to swap cards if using a camera cage. The X-T4 has a body-only SRP of £1,549, while it’s £1,899 SRP for the 18-55mm lens kit or £1,949 for body plus 16-80mm lens option. www.fujifilm.co.uk
Business both small and large is under hitherto unforeseen strain because of the effects of the current health crisis. BPI News is no exception. Though we may read like and resemble a publication put out by a big publishing conglomerate, in fact we’re independently owned and published. Our revenue and existence is wholly reliant on paid-for advertorials and trade advertising. That’s how we’re able to post you a free copy every month, and have been ever since we took over publication of the magazine back in 2012. If we hadn’t have taken up the gauntlet, the previous publishers would have closed it and the UK photo trade wouldn’t now have its sole remaining photo industry magazine.
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So if you value continuing to receive BPI News in the future, or using it as an essential sales tool and means of communication with your customers and peers in the trade, here’s how you can help: book an advertorial for your product/s that we write and design for you, and/or place standalone advertising with us in our next issue, or – simplest and most affordable option – take out a year’s subscription to the magazine for £30. For both, get in touch via gavin@bpinews.co.uk or calling 07990 974 367. Let’s work together through this challenging situation – to ensure we all still have a business when it ends. www.bpinews.co.uk
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk @bpi_news
BPI News | April / May 2020 5
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JESSOPS STORES CULLED IN ‘RESTRUCTURING’ SHAKE UP In what would have been a much bigger story pre-Coronavirus outbreak, the UK’s biggest photo independent has been stealthily shutting a swathe of stores for good since the start of this year. As regular readers will know, news broke late last year that its property arm – JR Prop Limited – was proposing to call in administrators, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to renegotiate and drive down rents across the chain, while the official quote was that it was ‘restructuring’. Since then, local papers and press rather than the nationals who originally broke the news have continued the story, as they report local managers being door-stepped out of the blue,
keys and alarm codes requested, and their branches being shuttered. Returned issues of this magazine, cross-
checked against Jessops’ own online store locator, and conversations with former staff, have confirmed closures including the following: Aberdeen, Brighton, Brierley Hill (Dudley), Cambridge, Canterbury, Cardiff, Derby, Didcot Sainsbury’s, Harrogate, High Wycombe, Ipswich, New Oxford Street London, Reading, Southampton and St Albans. As we prepared this issue for press, 24 UK stores were still showing on the Jessops website. Just before Christmas 2019, the official figure being quoted was closer to 48. We’ve reached out for comment from Jessops on these developments, but no response has been forthcoming. www.jessops.com
Canon keeps no.1 spot for DSLR & mirrorless Despite strong competition and challenging market forces, the photo giant is claiming it’s still in pole position when it comes to global sales of its bread-and-butter products: namely interchangeable lens cameras. The company says it has maintained this feat for the past 17 years, from 2003 to 2019. Recent attention and resources have been focused on growing its EOS R mirror-less camera line up, aimed at enthusiasts and professionals. The latest full frame EOS R5 model will feature ‘advanced animal AF’, Dual Pixel CMOS AF in all 8K modes, 12fps shooting using the mechanical shutter and 20fps using the electronic shutter, in-camera image stabilisation, dual card slots plus automatic transferal of images to Canon’s new cloud platform: image.canon It tells us nine compatible RF lenses are in development, including the RF 100500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM, and that there are still plans to release them throughout 2020. “It is essential we continue to demonstrate technical and optical innovation in all our products, so that we provide excellence, reliability and value to our customers,” states Canon’s
Senior Vice President of Canon Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, EMEA, Issei Morimoto. A case in point: there is new ultra portable Canon printer on the way, originally earmarked for April release, that comes in two ‘variants’ – the ‘regular’ Pixma TR150 and a second version that adds a battery to “give mobile workers the freedom to take their business on the road.” Features include wireless connectivity, a 1.44-inch mono LCD, and the ability to either be charged via USB lead or mains adapter. Capable of producing A4 prints, the rear feed can hold 50 sheets of plain paper, it’s claimed. Finally, as previously revealed in these pages, Canon UK has moved. The new address is Canon UK Ltd, 5 The Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, UB11 1ET. www.canon.co.uk
PLENTY OF (DIGI)SCOPE WITH VANGUARD Vanguard is offering retailers stock of its new VESTA 8320M Monocular & Digiscoping Kit (mini tripod not included), which, at SRP £79.99, it believes delivers a fun and innovative product at an attractive price. Fitting easily into a pocket at 13cm in length and weighing just 260g, enabling the user to carry it with them wherever they go to get closer to the action, it also offers the facility for use with ‘almost any smartphone’ up to 87mm wide. A PA-60 Smartphone Digiscope Adaptor with adjustable eyepiece is included, along with a Bluetooth Remote Control to avoid jogging the phone when a picture is taken. The kit comes with a neck strap and pouch that attaches to your belt, providing a couple of options for how your customers want to carry it. Key specifications of the BaK4 roof prism monocular include a 32mm objective lens, 8x magnification, and a 1/4-inch thread that allows it to be attached to a monopod for added stability. What’s more the device is waterproof and fog proof, with thick rubber armour to offer protection if dropped, plus an eyepiece and objective lens cover to prevent its glass getting scratched. Call 01202 651281 or contact info@vanguardworld.co.uk for more. www.vanguardworld.co.uk
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 6 April / May 2020 | BPI News
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Grays of Westminster
‘THE ANSWER’S YES, NOW WHAT’S THE QUESTION?’
Nikon-only retailer Gray Levett has not only received our annual Retailer of the Year Award for 2020, his business is also celebrating its 35th anniversary, while Nikon Owner magazine is in its 20th year. So what is it that keeps his clientele returning time and again?
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he past 35 years have seen some seismic changes as regards not only the photographic industry but also the nature of retail within it. What started out for Grays of Westminster owner Gray Levett as a mail-order business run via small ads and conducted out of his sister Susie’s basement – using a desk constructed from an old door and twin filing cabinets – has grown into an internationally renowned specialist, which has just begun offering online sales and hosting YouTube videos for the first time. The decision to sell Nikon–only equipment – thought by his peers as slightly eccentric at the time – was famously inspired by a shop selling nothing but Christmas decorations. Like anything worth doing, that initial decision was based on a personal passion. “I’d always wanted to own a Nikon camera,” Gray recalls, “but in my teens had to start out with an old Praktica. Making the jump to selling solely Nikon was considered extremely risky at the time, but now seems more common because of the likes of the Apple store, while now there’s even a shop selling only Tintin merchandise. But I knew that if we didn’t have something that was unique about us, we weren’t going to survive.” Memorable moments for the business in the intervening years have included not just the opening of its present London location in 1989 – in a former barber’s frequented by Winston Churchill – but also winning retail awards from both Amateur Photographer and Practical Photography; an on-going ‘tradition’ starting back in 1994, when Grays had both a modest staff and turnover. Another signpost on the road to today’s
Now and then: Grays of Westminster today and below, back in the pre-Grays days when it was a barber shop once frequented by Winston Churchill
“Making the jump to selling solely Nikon was considered extremely risky at the time. But I knew that if we didn’t have something unique about us, we weren’t going to survive.” Gray Levett, owner, Grays Of Westminster success was late filmmaker Stanley Kubrick becoming a loyal customer, leading to ever increasing connections to the world of film and TV, maintained to this day – with one animated movie requesting more than 100 manual-focus Nikon lenses from the store in one order.
GAME CHANGING PRODUCT & SERVICE Below right: Regular communication: Gray maintains a dialogue with his customers once they’ve left the shop via the self published Nikon Owner magazine
Early days: Gray in the camera department at KJP (Keith Johnson Photographic) London
Asked how Grays has been able to attract and maintain such a loyal customer base over the years – the ultimate aim for any shop owner – Gray quotes his business mantra: “The answer’s yes, now what’s the question?” The devotion, it seems, flows both ways. A massive change in the time Grays of Westminster has been trading was obviously the increased presence and eventual dominance of digital cameras – a change, its owner says, the business didn’t resist. “And once Nikon released the D1, it really opened things up,” he recalls, singling out the D850 as another choice favourite which has maintained popularity. As well as it being the 35th anniversary of the retail side of the
operation, as many will know Grays also publishes Nikon Owner magazine, doing so in order to maintain communication with its customers and an extended dialogue beyond initial purchase – while again encouraging continued loyalty. As an added ‘hook’ for subscribers in what is also the publication’s 20th anniversary year, readers have access to both a helpline and an extended warranty on any goods they buy. “People tell us it’s like having a photographic family,” Gray concludes. And, as the old adage attests, a family that plays together stays together.
Find Grays at 40 Churton Street, Pimlico, SW1V 2LP. Visit www.graysofwestminster.co.uk or email info@graysofwestminster.co.uk NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline
BPI News | April / May 2020 7
BPI News Product Focus
SIGMA PUTS THE ‘E’ IN ESSENTIAL FOR SONY FULLFRAME MIRRORLESS OWNERS Sigma currently offers the photo trade no fewer than 15 Sony E-mount compatible optics. With the A7 series continuing to wow photographers, adding Sigma to your stock makes sound commercial sense
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ony’s full frame mirrorless camera series has been one of the biggest photographic successes in recent years, smashing the former dominance of the ‘big two’ brands. Excitingly Sigma has responded by developing a host of Japanese-made Sony E-mount lenses ranging from 14mm up to 135mm. There are currently 15 lenses in total, comprising 13 primes and two zooms. What’s more, all except one sit within Sigma’s ‘Art’ family of optics, which, as the name suggests, comprises products that are all about resolving the ultimate in fine detail. And because some, such as the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, have been produced specifically for mirrorless cameras, overall size and weight have been reduced. “The Sony A7 system is exploding – nudging in on Canon and Nikon’s monopoly,” confirms Sigma UK General Manager Paul Reynolds. “Our E-mount compatible line up is an affordable yet very high-quality alternative.”
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO Asked to pick some ‘hero’ lenses from its E-mount range, recommendations include the 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN | Art, which photo retailers should pitch to their Sony-owning customers as “the ultimate landscape photographer’s lens”.
The wide-angle zoom is also said to be a definitive option for astrophotography and interiors. Its construction includes FLD and SLD glass, as well as three aspherical elements, helping keep chromatic aberration suppressed across the whole frame. SRP is £1459.99. Recently joining it on shelves is Sigma’s 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN | Art lens in which interest is huge. The pitch is that this standard zoom offers best-inclass performance and delivers highresolution results across its entire focal
Shore thing: Lindisfarne, captured on the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN | Art
A perfect fit for Sony users: From L to R: 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 40mm, 105mm and 70mm lenses
Sigma’s Sony E-mount compatible Art lenses in full: 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN
28mm f/1.4 DG HSM 35mm f/1.2 DG DN 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM 45mm f/2.8 DG DN
50mm f/1.4 DG HSM 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM
range. Optical excellence is provided via a construction comprising both ‘F’ low dispersion (FLD) and special low dispersion (SLD) glass. Three aspheric elements are claimed to thoroughly subdue any aberrations. With a minimum focusing distance of 18cm at the wideangle end, SRP is £1049.99. For more see page 19 of our Dec 2019/Jan 2020 edition. Thirdly there’s the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art, often hailed as the sharpest optic in Sigma’s range. With an SRP of £1099.99, this services an “often underappreciated focal length,” according to Sigma’s Paul. Aimed at portrait and street photographers, the optical design was originally created for Sigma’s cine line-up before being adapted to a stills model. The lens boasts a dust and splash-proof structure, plus a water and oil repelling front lens coating. Anyone looking for something with the wow factor should check out the “super sharp” 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art. Described as the “bokeh master”, it offers the longest focal length of the Art line’s f/1.4 lenses. Featuring a rugged brass bayonet mount, construction incorporates 17 optical elements in 12 groups – uncommonly large for a prime lens. As with its other Sony E-mount options, Sigma has sought to minimise chromatic aberration, here including three FLD elements, two SLD elements and one aspherical element to do so. Our final recommendation from Sigma’s E-mount options for now is the 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro | Art, which Sigma tells us is already being very well received by photographers. Construction is here comprised of two FLD elements, two SLD elements and one element with a high refractive index. Additionally, two aspherical elements help increase resolution at close shooting distances. So if your customers are looking for affordable third party lenses capable of delivering outstanding resolution when twinned with their Sony E-Mount mirrorless camera bodies, speak to your local Sigma representative or contact head office NOW via sales@sigma-imaging-uk.com or 01707 329 999.
Sigma E-mount lenses purchased new from a UK-based retailer come with a three-year limited warranty. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com 8 April / May 2020 | BPI News
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BPI News Product Focus
HAMA’S FANTASTIC FOUR NEW BAG SERIES
With camera bags comes ‘bags of profit’ for switched-on photo retailers. Hama has just introduced four new series updates, sure to prove popular with photographers of all skillsets…
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ffordable bags that deliver high quality to photographers and a competitive margin to the retailer; it’s no wonder Hama’s products are in demand. Further good news comes from the fact that its range has been excitingly revamped for 2020, with its traditional Rexton, Astana, Odessa and Syscase ranges directly replaced by Pittsburgh, Valletta, Monterey and Samara on a rolling basis. Hama’s Senior Product Manager Ben Jones explains the reasoning behind the re-vamp: “Photography has become an international language – and travel photography in particular, with huge volumes of images shared and interacted with worldwide across social media. Hama wanted to celebrate this with the introduction of several new global-themed ranges of camera bag. Combining all the familiar protection and security features of the pre-existing series with a smart restyle and increased on-the-go versatility, the range has been brought in-line with the demands of the modern photographer.” Fortunately there’s immediate availability for the new Pittsburgh, Valletta and Monterey bag ranges – with Samara following on in May. First up, Hama’s black liveried Pittsburgh camera bag range (right) comes in a range of popular sizes, with SRP’s stretching from £39.99 to £79.99. Even the most affordable and compact ‘100’ bag in this series comes with a rain proof cover and can accommodate a DSLR, as well as tripod on its exterior, which also handily features belt loops for easy transportation. Interior dimensions are a snug 14x8x11.5cm while it weighs a very manageable 320g. Conversely, the range topping ‘200’ Pittsburgh bag can accommodate both DSLR and compact system cameras along
equipment a photographer may need – the bag itself subtly referencing the laid-back easy going Californian lifestyle and the stunning Monterey Bay itself. Priced from £17.99 for the compact ‘90L’ bag with interior dimensions of 7.5x4x13cm up to £39.99 SRP for the likes of the ‘140’ option with interior measurements of 23x9.5x14cm; the latter Back in black: Hama with a bunch of accessories. Further comes with a trolley strap, handle, variable has four new bag flexibility comes via seven variable inner internal divider and soft fleece lining to ranges for the trade dividers, plus a pocket on the inside of prevent any camera getting scratched. to stock this summer the back of the bag for housing a tablet. Finally, the fourth new series arriving - new Pittsburgh bag shown Interior dimensions total 34.5x18x23cm, this May is the new Samara bag series while this bag weighs 875g. Further (below). This is suited to compact cameras, peace of mind for the Pittsburgh series is those owning even more equipment, provided by a generous 10-year warranty. plus features a roomier backpack option. The bags in the Samara family manage to look both Hama’s global themed bag ranges combine the familiar contemporary and timeless, protection and security features of the pre-existing series thanks to a ribbed black with a smart restyle and increased on-the-go versatility.” and red liveried design, Hama UK’s Ben Jones plus high quality, sturdy ‘Polytex’ construction. A more compact solution still is Hama’s So, to take immediate advantage Valletta range of bags and pouches of Hama’s latest offerings, get in (below)– inspired by the smallest capital touch now on 0333 123 4262 or city in the EU. These start at just £8.99 head to the below URL to register SRP for the ‘60G’ option in black, which to become a trade partner. is suitable for housing the smaller variety STOP PRESS: At the time of writing and of digital camera thanks to interior the current pandemic, Hama’s warehouse dimensions of 6x2.5x10.5cm. It’s a still was remaining operational, with the very affordable £24.99 SRP for either team working to process all orders. the range topping 110 or 130 options, https://uk.hama.com which boast interior measurements of 15.5x10x13cm and 16x10x21cm respectively. The Valletta series comes protected by a two-year legal warranty. The pitch meanwhile for the Monterey range (above right) is that here is perfect protection for all the professional
Get set for summer with Hama’s high quality yet affordable four new bag ranges. See also https://uk.hama.com @bpi_news
BPI News | April / May 2020 9
BPI News Product Focus
TRANSCONTINENTA UK INTRODUCES GODOX, SHINING A LIGHT ON PROFIT Having set up its UK office ably staffed by a host of familiar faces late last year, tech distributor Transcontinenta isn’t pausing for breath. Just this past month it added yet another big new brand name in Godox lighting equipment. BPI News finds out more…
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“We are delighted to announce we have the Godox brand; it is a first class product at an affordable price.” Transcontinenta UK Marketing Manager Jane Nicholson
hotography is light, runs the old adage. Now Transcontinenta UK, our new local office for the Netherlands based distributor, has bagged the distribution of Godox lighting equipment. This big new brand joins Transcontinenta UK’s existing line up of Tamron lenses, Peak Design bags and tripods (see BPI News Feb/March edition for more on the Peak Design offering), Boya microphones, Angelbird and Hyper storage and USB hubs, plus Cullmann bags, tripods and flashguns. As with the above product families, items from the Godox range are available immediately. For anyone in the photo trade not already up to speed, Godox claims to
be the world’s largest manufacturer of studio flash units, attachable flash units and LED lights. It has four factories in China, where it is the market leader – as it is in many other Asian countries. In terms of portable and studio lighting equipment, let’s just say Godox’s range is comprehensive. It includes studio and portable flash solutions, outdoor flashes, continuous lighting offerings, studio flash accessories, camera flashes, macro lights, speedlite power packs, camera flash accessories, flash triggering and control systems, plus sundry other studio lighting accessories. The pitch from Godox is that these are all high quality products which dealers will be able to offer to their customers at competitive prices – and on which there is an equally competitive margin to be made. Transcontinenta UK Marketing Manager Jane Nicholson enthuses to photo dealers: “We are delighted to announce we have the Godox brand; it is a first class product at an affordable price.”
WHAT’S IN THE BOX WITH GODOX? In the space available here, we’re focusing on just a few Godox ‘hero’ products recommended by Transcontinenta UK. These are items you’ll definitely want to order in to commence or to bolster your own offering when it comes to lighting. For starters there’s the Godox V1 round camera flash. This claims to offer photographers ‘studio level’ light effects that are softer and more even – thanks to its round flash head design. Tell your customers this option is suited to numerous types of photography; including wedding, portrait, event,
An all ‘round’ performer: the Godox V1 flashgun is being pitched at photographers as an excellent everyday companion, suitable for use both on and off camera
Get in touch with Transcontinenta now to discover what its brands, including Godox, can do for your business. 10 April / May 2020 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
Transcontinenta Promotion Your key contacts at Transcontinenta UK
Your Godox crib sheet: Godox is the world’s largest manufacturer of studio flash units, attachable flash units and LED lights Products are made in China, where Godox has four factories, and is the market leader Hero products include the Godox V1 round camera flash, Godox TT350S TTL flash, Godox LC500 LED light stick, and the Godox AD200 Pro TTL Pocket Flash Get in touch with the Transcontinenta UK team now to place your order for any or all of the above products, which have immediate availability travel and still life photography. The V1’s versatile features include the fact that it can be used either on or off the camera, with light evenly distributed from centre to edge, providing a natural and beautiful light effect. SRP is £250. More ‘classic’ is the Godox TT350S TTL camera flash, which is being pitched to photographers as being an excellent everyday companion. Again, suitable for use both on and off camera, the lightweight unit has a guide number of 118ft at ISO100 and 105mm. It can also be used as an optical slave in addition to use as a radio TTL master/slave unit. Put simply, this is a versatile beast, that has the ability to tilt from -7 to 90° and rotate 270°. A rear panel LCD provides ease of use and it’s responsive too, with a recycle time of 0.12.2 seconds. Separate models of this flash are available for Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Pentax and Olympus/Panasonic fittings – so there are many potential customers
Simon Coleman Interim Managing Director Tel: 0203 966 5947 Email: s.coleman@transcontinenta.co.uk Jeremy Martin Category Manager Tel: 07552 244129 Email: j.martin@transcontinenta.co.uk Andy Loughlin National Sales Manager Tel: 07919 148697 Email: a.loughlin@transcontinenta.co.uk James Finch Area Sales Manager Stick it to ‘em: The LC500 light stick is yet another highly portable and innovative lighting solution from Godox, so speak to Transcontinenta UK now to add it to stock!
Small unit, big energy: Godox’s AD200 Pro pocket flash is capable of providing up to 500 full power flashes from a single charge and is sure to add visual ‘pop’ to any picture
to target. SRP is an affordable £79.99. Another innovative solution worth singling out from the Godox range is the LC500 LED Light Stick. This features a cold and warm colour temperature switch, while the brightness of the light can be adjusted from 10% to 100%. Thanks in part to its portability the device is suitable for various shooting scenarios, including live action, self-portraiture, product and wedding photography, plus many, many outdoor activities. The nifty Light Stick features a built-in lithium battery with a long lasting power supply and a remote control to wirelessly adjust the light for more convenient shooting. SRP for this one is £169.99. The last of the four hero products we’re highlighting for now is the Godox AD200 Pro TTL Pocket Flash. This small but mighty beast features 200 Watts of power, adjustable in nine steps from 1/256 to 1/1, recycle times from 0.01 to 2.1 seconds
Tel: 07770 370828 Email: j.finch@transcontinenta.co.uk Tadgh Leonard Area Sales Manager Tel: +353 (86) 032 9680 Email: t.leonard@transcontinenta.co.uk Alex Cooke Internal Sales & Customer Support Tel: 0203 966 5947 Email: a.cooke@transcontinenta.co.uk Jane Nicholson Marketing Manager Tel: 07824 047336 Email: j.nicholson@transcontinenta.co.uk
plus flash durations as short as 1/15,380 second. The flash runs on a removable and rechargeable lithium battery, capable of providing up to 500 full power flashes. On top of this, the built-in Godox 2.4G wireless X system enables the AD200 Pro to fully support Canon E-TTL, Nikon i-TTL, Sony TTL, Fuji TTL and Olympus TTL systems. It is also usable with Godox X triggers such as the X32, X1T, X1R, XPro plus FT16 2.4G Godox Triggers on the Godox 2.4RF Radio Triggering System Frequency. Suggested retail price for the Godox A200 Pro TTL Pocket Flash is £379.99. Get in touch with your local Transcontinenta UK contact NOW for any Godox lighting enquiries, contact head office direct via sales@transcontinenta.co.uk or call 0203 9665947. Meanwhile, to discover more about its product offerings or place an order direct, take advantage of Transcontinenta UK’s recently established online Trade Shop to allow your business and your staff to do both. Direct your web browser to the below URL for more! www.transcontinenta.co.uk
Use the contacts listed on this spread, email sales@transcontinenta.co.uk or call 0203 9665947. www.transcontinenta.co.uk NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline
BPI News | April / May 2020 11
BPI News Award Winners 2020
AWARDS 2020
WORLD KEEPS SPINNING, TRADE KEEPS WINNING
What better a way to lift spirits in a pandemic than giving out our annual industry awards to those we – and most importantly our readers and your customers – feel are most deserving of recognition and reward for their past 12 months of service…
W
e originally had our industry renowned trade awards planned to coincide with The Photography Show this year. But with that cancelled, just four working days prior to the NEC being due to open its doors to the public, we had to rapidly swing into action with a plan B – which meant awards couriered to recipients plus a couple of personal visits to those most local to us in London, pre official lockdown, naturally. As we say in this issue’s editorial, unlike some, we’re not ones to sit on our hands in a time of crisis, reckoning on the industry being in need of a morale boost and support
in challenging circumstances. We hope good deeds will flow both ways when the dust settles. As detailed in our prior issue where we showcased those nominated, this year we’ve handed out 11 awards to cover the following key photo trade categories: Retailer of the Year; Pro Camera of the Year; Enthusiast Camera of the Year; Accessory of the Year; Printer of the Year; Print Media of the Year; Innovation of the Year; Launch of the Year; Campaign/Promotion of the Year; Overall Product of the Year. We’ve also – forgive us – squeezed in an additional reward of ‘Shop of the Year’, feeling that Alex Falk’s Mr Cad, which featured in
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: SIGMA L-MOUNT LENS LINE UP
our Dec/Jan edition last year, was worthy of special recognition for over 60 years of service. If you think we’re missing a category or two – and we did have suggestions for ‘best distributor/supplier’ for example – drop us a line to info@bpinews.co.uk and we’ll consider adding them for the next one. Without further ado, here then are the candidates with the most votes and acclaim in their particular categories for 2020. Disagree with any of ‘em? Then, as ever, we invite you to get in touch and have your say! And, in the meantime, stay safe out there…
RETAILER OF THE YEAR: GRAYS OF WESTMINSTER
“Winning the BPI News Retailer of the Year Award 2020 was thrilling and winning it for the second year in a row is very special. We are profoundly grateful to everyone that voted for us.“ Gray Levett, founder, Grays of Westminster
Paul Reynolds (with Marketing Manager Tim Berry on right), General Manager, Sigma UK
“We are absolutely delighted that Sigma’s L-Mount lenses have been recognised with the BPI Product of the Year award 2020. Widely acclaimed for their exceptional optical performance and robust build quality, this fastgrowing line-up of lenses can be used on Sigma’s new fp as well as Leica cameras and full-frame Panasonic cameras. These lenses have brought better choice to the consumer at affordable prices, which is fantastic news.”
PRINT MEDIA OF THE YEAR: SWAINS PHOTO GIFTS “Receiving an award is always welcomed by the team at Swains International Ltd. Even more rewarding is being given it as a Winner. I would like to thank BPI News and wish all our customers a safe journey though these difficult and very challenging times. Please all stay safe!” Danny Williams, MD, Swains International
Your garlanded BPI News Trade Award winners for 2020 include: Fujifilm, Swains, Olympus, DPS Group/Epson, 12 April / May 2020 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
BPI News Award Winners 2020 PRO CAMERA OF THE YEAR: FUJIFILM GFX100
ACCESSORY OF THE YEAR: TENBA BAGS VIA MAC GROUP EUROPE
Theo Georghiades, General Manager, Fujifilm UK
WINNER
WINNER
ACCESS TENBA BAGS ORY OF THE YEAR VIA MAC GR OUP EURO PE
Photogra phic
BPI News Product Focus
SKY’S NO LIMIT TO PROF IT FROM TENBA BAGS
With your customers packing their bags for summer holidays, there’s rarely been a better to introduce them to a new time camera bag series – Skyline from Tenba bags, as distributed MAC Group Europe – to affordably by house all their photo accessories...
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read
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ST 2019
• £3
Putting the the picture photo trade in for over 35 years
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British
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22
MEDIUM FORM MIRRORLESS AT
Hands on with 50C Hasselb the new X1D II lad, plus digital back, slim-line camera & lens combo
The trade should
SHOP OF
THE
2019 18 July/August
YEAR We catch up with Steven Lord of Lords Photography to discover how his store stands apart in a compet itive market
Loraine Morgan, Brand Manager, MAC Group Europe
LAUNCH OF THE YEAR: TRANSCONTINENTA UK
www.bpinews.co.uk
PROFIT FROM PRINTS Advice from your peers on
though be computer to delicate detail, an up-to-date media card plus mega file sizes
DEALERS ASSEM
BPI News BLE reports from exclusive Sigma’s Japanese themed event for UK photo retailers, showcasing its L series lenses
“This is a superb surprise! The Mac Group Europe team are thrilled that Tenba Bags has won Accessory of the Year, and really appreciate the recognition. Thank you to all the BPI News readers who took the time to vote for us.”
Putting the photo trade in the picture for over 35 years
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HOW TO…
we were told 5.5 stops and maximising income from equivalent of being 10,000 calculations that there are for every second photo gifts and more! done by the camera a steady to end up with users to be able there are 95 weather image. In total and ‘go “It’s very durable sealed parts. most of our cameras,” it anywhere’, like A case in point: Andreas confirms. and two including EVF weighs 1400g the EVF. 1320g excluding batteries – or “a lot the camera has Operation wise, Fuji, plus buttons”, says more custom top and – one on the two LCD windows a as expected, plus one on the back being a Fuji monitor. This new rear sub get 16 Film Simulation camera we also film look, the analogue so there’s huge modes, ape-ing Eterna is seen as inexpensive…world for this first GFX to offer the video while this is the A winning proposition: of interest from mode. Photographers 4K recording Fujifilm UK’s General Film Simulation apply camera.” Impressively, possible, the option to Manager Theo in duration is additionally have is we recognise the up to 60 minutes Georghiades Effect mode “as tell us how warm the Smooth Skin pleased with though Fuji couldn’t be used for portrait to, was attempted. this camera will positive reaction the camera might get if that Another for, says Andreas. and pre-orders photography,” & that also Detection AF, GFX100 (in hand BUT NOT bonus is Face Its maker above right) face tracking. BIG ON SPEC supports smaller IN SIZE as quick as former is “not PROHIBITIVE admits that the four sensors via here we have the first place in but X-T3, the were also Images are composed together.” We 0.86x magnification that have come shutter the aid of a 0.5-inch, there’s an quick and silent EVF, told the camera’s its mirrorless 5.76 million dot camera to all the same as on board and the mechanism is itself shutter X-processor on the and that has been designed, X-H1 model to intents and purposes actuations. and operation is good for 150,000 offers not a in terms of usability wise, the GFX100 P 8 12 a mirrorless camera, who Connectivity it can P “perform like Those and, conveniently, adds Andreas. USB Type-C, large camera,” format that way. Naturally handled a medium also be charged may well may not have to pick it up for this camera should be able the audience in this it’s camera before instantly. tethered, and it pretty much want to shoot Pro software. and start using Capture One alloy constructed supported by The magnesium start of this and dust resistant As noted at the camera is weather is currently down to temperatures article, availability and can operate the of August end vibration, back help avoid towards the of -10°C. To separate any new orders. made up of a for retail and camera is actually Its image plenty of .uk PHOTO GIFTS MEDIUM FORMAT shots display construction. www.fujifilm.co 100 megapixel capacity outer and inner The GFX100’s provide the will need a fast/large the Brixton’s Rapid Photo tells us Burst of colour: mechanisms MIRRORLESS handle your customers stabilisation able to
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last t a London preview to try got month, we finally sample of out a working ed medium Fujifilm’s much-anticipat in the camera format mirrorless unveiled at Photokina GFX100, first its manufacturer’s 2018 and certainly prestigious launch biggest and most of time in terms for quite some intended audience. in specification and been quite unexpected “Demand has admits Fujifilm’s terms of the numbers,” Andreas Georghiades, Marketing Manager retailers and that specialist with the result to get hold should be able once their customers the end of August, of. of stock towards are taken care those who pre-ordered at the core of the issue, As we learnt last which Fuji 102MP sensor, camera is a new illuminated same backside told us is the The sensor in the X-T3. chip as found being a Raw (Raw files . supports 16 bit uncompressed) size, in massive 200MB option offers users the The camera also setting for when of a new ‘M’ JPEG up or want to end users don’t need would also file size. This with a massive shots. when reviewing come in handy who photographers While, for those the camera occasion, on also shoot video 30fps, we video at up to can shoot 4K get 60fps yet possible to were told it isn’t time. at this point in it is on the GFX100 that its maker believes Nevertheless cameras. high-end cinema to in the realm of fact that, according There’s also the the GFX100 the cine world Andreas, “in
PHOTO GIFTS
255500 or email orders@macgroupeu.co Brixton’s Rapid Photo m tells us how it is benefitting from selfBPI News | July/Augustproduci 2019 19ng photo gifts in-store – and how you can do the same
Industry
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Photographic
BPI News Extra
WITH HANDS ON102 MP ‘BEAST’ FUJIFILM’S
format mirrorless biggest medium month with Fujifilm’s stock towards end of August hands on last can expect invited to get and their customers BPI News was to date. Retailers camera launch
Advice from maximising your peers on income from photo gifts and more !
IN THIS
Get in touch with MAC Group
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HOW TO…
Q
uality items at affordable price “Like the existing Skyline points that will deliver you bags, these new models have a been designed deliver healthy profit margins competitive margin is what at high-volume and consumer-friendly to MAC Group Europe consistently points, all without compromising price on excellent quality and great promises and delivers for the UK photo MAC Group Europe Brand features” Manager for Tenba, Loraine trade. New products and innovations Morgan are similarly just as important to keep customers engaged and drive sales – and that’s just what the distributor is offering this month via new additions to the Tenba branded Skyline camera bag collection. To enable MAC Group Europe’s retail partners to make a swift and easy sale, the latest Skyline products maintain its ‘keep it simple’ philosophy, which extends to their minimalist design and use of durable, high quality materials. “Like the existing Skyline bags, these new models have been designed to deliver healthy profit margins at high-volume and consumer-friendly price points, all without compromising on excellent quality and great features,” says Brand Manager for Tenba bags, Loraine Morgan, by way of a pitch to potential stockists. respectively. These come in grey or walls and adjustable dividers, black, and are priced at £15 just one size Out of the shadows: SRP for MAC GROUP EUROPE HAS choice here in black or grey, the ‘4’ and £12 for the ‘3’. SRP is £75. Tenba’s expanded Durable and SUMMER ‘IN THE BAG’ The final (and roomiest) option Skyline family features weather resistant, they’re made for from photographers is the stylish camera bag options water repellent fabric with Skyline There are six new Skyline reliable YKK in all shapes and sizes, Backpack 13 (below, right). products being zip fasteners and a Velcro This option blending minimalist released for this summer in loop at the back should be pitched as a practical the existing for attachment to a belt, if carrying design with durable, contrasting colour schemes so desired. option that doesn’t automatically – black with high quality materials Next up are the slightly bigger scream silver logo plate and grey with Skyline ‘camera bag’. Again with just blue Top Load 8 & 9 bags (below), one size logo plate. With this eye-catching which are choice in black or grey, SRP laser designed to fit either a Canon is £90. Selling engraved aluminium Tenba EOS type points here are its capacity badge on DSLR in the smaller ‘8’ option to fit a pro each, MAC Group Europe (at £25 DSLR believes the with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached, SRP) or a pro DSLR such brand will be highly visible as the Canon plus further 70-200mm f/2.8 in the market. 5D plus 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and 16-35mm What’s more, there is a Tenba in the roomier f/2.8 lenses, camera bag along with a flash, while a ‘9’ option (£30 SRP). It’s also to suit every budget and size suggested padded front pocket can accommodate of camera – that a compact camera drone whether that’s a compact, would fit. a laptop up to 13-inches. Like CSC or DSLR. Again the bags are water repellent all Owners of small mirrorless and options here it’s durable and cameras, come with attachment points weather such as the Sony Alpha 6800, such as resistant, while it singularly or premium shoulder strap and belt loops features compact cameras, such as at the rear. a lightweight breathable harness the same For larger pro DSLRs there’s brand’s RX100 series, are Tenba’s with the benefit of a trolley directed to Skyline Messenger 13 (right). strap. the Tenba Skyline 4 and As it sounds www.macgroupeu.com this is a messenger-style bag 3 pouches (below, left), that can house www.tenba.com a pro DSLR with a 24-70mm 8 f/2.8 lens P attached, plus further 70-200mm f/2.8 and 16-35mm f/2.8 lenses and a laptop up to 13-inches. With quick access top zip, side mesh pockets, padded
PRO CAMERA OF THE YEAR FUJIFILM GFX100
British
Industry
look to the end
of August for
fresh availability
on Fujifilm’s 102MP
medium format
mirrorless GFX100how it is benefitting from self-
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Hands on with the new X1D II 50C Hasselblad, plus digital back, slim-line camera & lens combo
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DEALERS ASSEMBLE
BPI News reports from Sigma’s exclusive Japanese themed event for UK photo retailers, showcasing its L series lenses
22
SHOP OF THE YEAR
We catch up with Steven Lord of Lords Photography to discover how his store stands apart in a competitive market
| BPI News
Editor Gavin Stoker on why Fujifilm won: “The medium format GFX100 mirrorless, which finally appeared last summer having been teased at Photokina 2018, is not only Fuji’s highest resolution camera but also its biggest and most prestigious launch for quite some time.”
ENTHUSIAST CAMERA OF THE YEAR: OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 MARK III “Can we simply say: Thank you very much.” Mark Thackara, Marketing Director Olympus UK
WINNER
OF THE YEAR T CAMERA MKIII ENTHUSIAS EM-D M1 OLYMPUS O
Photographic British
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OUR UNTIL YOU’VE READ
PREVIEW ISSUE
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Fresh report on the future of photo retail: inside!
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“We are absolutely delighted to have won the BPI News award for Launch of the Year. The Transcontinenta UK team would like to thank everyone that voted for us. “
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‘ONE’ s Extra BPI New IS THE S: THIS OLYMPU
| BPI News
Mr Cad, Grays of Westminster, Sigma, Transcontinenta UK, Kodak Moments and MAC Group Europe. @bpi_news
BPI News | April / May 2020 13
BPI News Award Winners 2020 SHOP OF THE YEAR: MR CAD “It’s a delight and a pleasure to receive such a prestigious award, even if it’s such an untimely moment, for this country, the world and the whole photo trade. The future of our industry is at a crossroads. How many retailers will survive this time of closure and what shape will retailers be in? We do not know the answer to the above questions, but one thing that we do know is that we must continue to enjoy the image taking process, whether on film, digitally, or using your telephone. Images are very important for one generation to pass on to the next.” Alex Falk, Owner, Mr Cad
PRINTER OF THE YEAR: EPSON P7500 & P9500 VIA DPS GROUP
INNOVATION OF THE YEAR: KODAK MOMENTS M1 ORDER STATION & KIOSK SOFTWARE
CAMPAIGN/PROMOTION OF THE YEAR: FUJIFILM PHOTO PRINT SERVICES CONFERENCE
WINNER
PRINTER OF THE YEAR VIA DPS GROUP EPSON SC-P7500 & SC-P9500
Photographic British
Product Focus
BPI News AGES P ENCOUR SON DPS GROU BIG WITH EP YOU TO AIM
Industry
NOVEMBER 2019 • £3
Putting the photo trade in the picture for over 35 years
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their s can broaden big this Christma looking to aim – that’s the message promised, retailers format printers er availability SC-P9500 large With Decemb SC-P7500 and Epson’s latest horizons with the DPS Group from re-seller of the year for he busiest season is coming up anyone in retail is very definitely fast – so now trade to in the photo to the time for those suitably equipped s. make sure they’re of any opportunitie a make the most thinking of adding “If you’ve been for to your set up wide format printer demand or expand a while, to meet month’s base, then last your customer Epson nt of two new and announceme 24-inch SC-P7500 offerings in the should have you the 44-inch SC-P9500notice,” enthuses taking sitting up and Managing Director Maneesh Patel, the DPS Group. of Epson re-seller of the last issue, both As we learnt offer the r’s ‘big beasts’ manufacture canvases, on fine art paper, ability to print very and more. They’re a solid, photo paper devices, boasting much workhorse proudly with Epson itself proven build, set a new benchmark. claiming they down to the SC-P7500 Part of this is a 12 deployment of K3 and SC-P9500’s Pro ink set with colour Ultrachrome can be conveniently, technology, which, if they run low. individually replaced
T
Group Top: The DPS is offering up Epson’s new wide in format printers (left) the SC-P7500 & even larger SC-P9500 (right)
for up to 800 nozzles print heads use dot produce accurate each colour to eliminate misprints, placement and up to 4.3x faster. while printing
ACCURATE & FASTER, MORE T MORE EFFICIEN
and its , the SC-P7500 Furthermore are in the SC-P9500 any bigger brother sealed to prevent almost completely
set up printer to your and a wide format 24-inch SC-P7500 thinking of adding offerings in the “If you’ve been and taking notice.” two new Epson you sitting up for a while, then should have the 44-inch SC-P9500 Patel Maneesh via their front DSP Group MD intrusion of dust
– like is that these inks The promise via the available directly the printers, dynamic offer exceptional DPS Group – more that there’s no range, meaning devices’ ink sets. The choosing between
customisable touch screen
large format
ink ever 12-colour n Epson’s first its widest ever claiming to deliver with 99% Pantone colour gamut increased accuracy coverage for up to print heads use n Advanced each colour 800 nozzles for & quality are n High speed to a μTFP12 combined, thanks 300dpi print head with 12 channels resolution and a panel LCD with touch n 4.3-inch n options range of configuratio through achieved n Deeper blacks t over-coating black enhancemen results in even technology which prints and dramatic more striking art papers, given for fine n Support is paper and more canvases, photo
OUT OF THE SHADOWS!
Latest & greatest photo innovations & accessories from Canon, Fujifilm, Kodak Moments, MAC Group, Olympus, Panasonic, PhotoXport, Vanguard, Viking Optical, Ultimat & more to inspire winter sales – SEE INSIDE!
the possible That said there’s and back covers. the to still access ability for operators for maintenance needed, print head, if change of media Group purposes. A quicker auto with the DPS thanks to a new to book a demo simply is promised too, installed showroom, or while a newly in their Kent through feed mechanism, improves order to chat screen further make a call in the 4.3-inch touch 5 The user can bespoke options P time around. prices and the business. usability this tailor to your to the screen’s background re-seller can also customise out on the opportunity if so desired. So don’t miss level colour and layout of the new printers take your income to the next “In short, whichever to exciting new to Christmas. all adds up in the run up you choose it co.uk or for our customers,” Contact sales@dpsb. business potential 7230 now. Group MD Maneesh call 020 8466 confirms DPS are also forget that we “Don’t Patel. solution roup.co.uk the complete www.thedpsg able to offer you too.” .uk inks and media www.dpsb.co – in supplying are strongly advised RETAIL parties Interested co.uk
IN THIS ISSUE…
Left: Both printers feature a larger 4.3-inch user-
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“Wow, what a welcome surprise. As an official reseller, Epson has done us proud with its two new wide format machines. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote!” 2019 20 November
Maneesh Patel, DPS Group MD DPS Group MD
“We’re delighted to have won this award. Kodak has long been known as a pioneer in the world of photography, so I’m particularly pleased we have won the award for innovation. I shared this news with the team, just as we were adjusting to our working from home restrictions, and it was the perfect lift!
WINNER
PROMO FUJIFILM PHOTO TION OF THE YEAR PRINT SERVIC ES CONFEREN CE Fujifilm Advertorial
DEALERS’ CHOICE: FUJIFILM CONFERENCE INSPIRES SALES SUCCESS
Fujifilm Advertoria
Photograp hic
l
British
told us that including video content can act as both a way of keeping people on your site for longer and as a call to action: “Video is the most it gets the highest important thing, as engagement
Industry
Photographic Services offering its camera servicing members expertise as as a Veritek Technical Services well Fujifilm’s Software and Saturday evening Support helpdesk – the annual Business played host to Fujifilm’s Endeavour See side panel Awards. for the list of winners! In all, this was an informationpacked weekend that left the we spoke to retailers feeling very positive and engaged about their businesses their industry. and No mean feat!
Fujifilm’s Photo Print Services held its annual of anything”. level out Conference for retailer members last month, which this search engine The other way to be more year comprised an expanded two days’ worth friendly to of workshops, awards and trade fair. BPI News include a brings regularly updated blog.isThis you this inspiration packed report to showcase be a way to could also how you could benefit from joining the group… make your business more approachable “People buy
to a first time customer. from people,” Sian concluded.
news
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cross a weekend last month in the surroundings of the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel, Fujifilm, its partner Swains and key retailers held court, seeking to help motivate its dealer membership to realise their businesses’ potential when it comes to profiting from print. Indeed, this year the manufacturer was asking attendees to tag their social media posts with #fujifilmpotential. Once again, Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington acted as ringmaster and mentor – though this year the Conference had a bittersweet air, as it was Peter’s final appearance before a well-earned retirement. He is succeeded by new Fujifilm recruit, Gloria McCann, who was also present at the event by way of introduction.
Using a Monthly Newsletter’, with advice from InSpires Consultancy’s Wendy Gray. Peter’s advice to the audience of retailers was to regularly check its online marketing ‘Hub’, to which all its members have access. This resource provides point of sale materials; topically, a new POS campaign starts this June. Fujifilm is also looking to produce a new series of productrelated videos, such as encouraging customers to put together a photo book, that retailers can host on their own sites and social media feeds. The aim is that these videos will be engaging enough to be ‘thumb stopping’, when customers are idly scrolling through social media. “We can act as your marketing department, but we’re not retailers, so it’s up to you to do the rest,” Peter outlined. “The Members HUB is where we put our marketing tools, so any time we create new posters we will put them up there. If there’s a particular poster you need then give us a call. “We try to give you as many different promotional items as possible, including an article on 1000 different marketing ideas. Content is king and the Hub
is where we’re putting it all.” As a further push, Peter revealed that Fujifilm has produced an A3 marketing calendar for its dealers, highlighting various promotions and ideas plus providing space for shop owners and staff to be able to note down sales targets and how well they’re doing. With Swains distributed mini photo
The second of two workshops given by social was media manager McDougall, Suzanne who focused on ‘Making Media Work Social For Your Small Business’. She divulged that, whereas Twitter immediacy gives you in getting your message across, Instagram is all about the aesthetics. worth knowing
Also Dealers assemble! is that 91% of customers now research Super heroes and their purchases online heroines of thebefore fight committing, and that 50% to profit-from-print engage with of us relevant social gather for Fujifilm’s media content/ ads at annual weekend of least once as part of that process. “Have a look workshops, awards at competitors’ media social and trade show. accounts and Below, see what’s working the departingfor Peter them,” she advised. “Then Wigington welcomes where you consider think your attendees business
Showing the trade 20% of promotional what it’s all about: activity posted, Sunday of the should post you 80% of ‘other Convention stuff ’. Namely people want witnessed a plethora online of print informs, educates content that inspires, products showcased. and entertains ultimately, Peter shown – and, tells a story. here How to’s, with his Marketing tips, relevant insights, interesting practical Manager replacement community facts and news are all Gloria McCann ways
Bal Basra of
18 June 2019 | BPI News
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TO DISCO VER
COOL NE W IDE AS TO BOOS T YOUR PH O BUSINOT ESS
Birmingham’s
recieves his customers in. of Outstanding Focus Studio, Again, consistency drawing Contribution award from its part here Peter and Wendy – and be consistent plays comes to the when it times of the The full list day you post. The final two of Award winners: sessions of the Saturday, for us, were n Shop of the workshops Year: with Lindsey Trundle, owner Lords Photographic, of retailer Click Brighouse previously Click, n Business featured Endeavour Award Winner: BPI News February as a case study in Click Click, Bishops Stortford 2019. We also from Pete Davies n BEA Highly heard of Marlborough Commended: Services, who Photo Photos2Print, previously Andover; featured in our March Salisbury Photo 2019 edition. Centre & Lindsey talked about ‘How Y Stiwdio Brint, to Design Your Shop Layout For Maximum n Shop Assistant Lampeter Impact & Increased of the Year: with her advice Sales’ Rosie Payne, on how spending Colorgrafix, modest £200 n Swains Regional Louth a on new brick Sales Manager: effect vinyl wall coverings Neil Wooldridge, and using a South scented air fresher West Region in store really can make a difference. n Mystery Pete advised Shopper Result on ‘How to With Your Local of the Year: Engage Community for Fivemiletown Sales’ with striking Additional Pharmacy, 16 Co. candour, Tyrone P discussing how partnerships & Treorchy Photolab, with local schools Rhondda him market 20 n Best Marketing let P to people who Campaign: might not necessarily Island Photo otherwise come Centre, Ryde into his shop. See our relevant I.O.W (Capture Perfect) back issues & Photos2Print, for more! With the Sunday Andover (My of the Conference Dad’s Shop) weekend being n Best Window all about the Display: Y trade element – with Stiwdio Brint, Lampeter Swains showcasing show (St David’s photo gifting n Best Social its Day) and framed Media print ideas, Novachrome Campaign: promoting Morrison Photos, dye sub gifts, EVENT Pictures To Douglas, REPORT Fabric Isle of Man Prints & the prints on cushions,promoting personalised NEW PRODUCT revolution: talking all things Photowonder BPI See also News picks FOCUS theup congratulatory A sound choice: photo restoration tips & tricks and enhancement winners’ the Reach a new trade to page Turn to page this issue, for of and H.Lehmann audience share 31 of this magazine with readers photos with Saramonic this year’s awards atfrom Fujifilm’s now to see pro audio kit annual conference gala. more for
If you want sits.” to have maximum on social media, impact then Instagram are ‘huge’ at ‘Stories’ the moment, according to Suzanne, who noted that retailers should always include hashtags on their Instagram posts to get more traction. The ‘optimum’ number of hashtags she says, anything for any one post is, between seven nine, though and can be as high as 30. She also advised using vertical ratio images dimensions at of 1080x1350, HELPING RETAILERS TO and tagging your location – particularly HELP THEMSELVES important your marketing to a local community. when In terms of This year, the first day of the Conference using Twitter as a promotional tool, the advice was divided into six workshops, attendees always use here is to images, utilise split into groups. Our first workshop was Twitter and connect with your followers lists, ‘Planning Your Marketing Year’, given by relevant Twitter during Peter himself, followed by ‘Creating and hours. Twitter also a good way of generating polls are responses, interest and as are including To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and @ mentions and tagging help boost the profile and bottom line of your photos. However, own store or minilab,want you don’t to bore your constantly selling Twitter audience by 16 June 2019 | BPI News to them. The is to follow advice here www.bpinews.co.uk the ’80:20’ rule – so, for every
JUNE 2019
Putting the the picture photo trade in for over 35 years
DIVE IN
FUJIFILM’S SPECIAL FOR OUTSTANDING AWARD
CONTRIBUTIO INDEPENDENTN TO PHOTO RETAIL
IN THIS ISSUE…
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Thanks to everyone who voted for us.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award, especially as it’s for an activation that supports our valued Independent Retail Partners. Thank you to BPI News for their support of Fujifilm initiatives. We’re incredibly grateful for this accolade.”
Paul Austin, Business Director, Kodak Moments Division
Gloria McCann, Fujifilm UK Marketing Manager
Think we missed anyone deserving? Then email your alternative winners to info@bpinews.co.uk 14 April / May 2020 | BPI News
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BPI News Product Focus
NEVER A BETTER TIME TO UPGRADE WITH THE DPS GROUP Official Epson re-seller the DPS Group is helping the trade spread the cost of upgrading to new wide format SC-P7500 and SC-P9500 printers – ideal replacements for older 24-inch and 44-inch models like the 7800/7890, 9800/9890 – via its attractive Photolease scheme
P
erfect for these increasingly unpredictable times we’re living through, the DPS Group is providing a low risk/low investment opportunity to upgrade your old 24inch and 44-inch printers to Epson’s new and critically acclaimed workhorses in the SC-P7500 and SC-P9500. Last month we told you that these two ‘big beasts’ of the printing world were shipping direct from official Epson reseller the DPS Group, and now its MD tells us that both are available to photo labs and retailers without them having to invest a chunk of change up front. “Epson’s new wide format SC-P7500 and SC-P9500 printers provide businesses with a perfect reason to upgrade their older 24-inch and 44-inch units – such as the 7800/7890 or 9800/9890 – especially as we can now offer them via the Photolease scheme,” Maneesh Patel sensibly suggests.
TAX EFFICIENT FUTUREPROOFING VIA PHOTOLEASE As the likes of the Coronavirus pandemic and Brexit have made it tricky to plan ahead with 100% confidence, the tax efficient Epson Photolease scheme, facilitated by the DPS Group, is a timely one to take advantage of. The deal here is that the cost of the printer is spread across three years. This avoids tying up large bundles of your business’ cash; an absolute godsend if you need to remain flexible about how and where you invest such money. “Many clients have told us they’ve been considering adding a wide format printer
“Epson’s new wide format SC-P7500 and SC-P9500 printers provide businesses with a perfect reason to upgrade their older 24-inch and 44-inch units – especially as we can now offer them via the Photolease scheme!” DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel Shipping news: Both Epson’s new ‘big beasts’ in the SC-P9500 (left) and SC-P7500 (right) are available to ship now via official re-seller the DPS Group
Offering exceptional dynamic range, UltraChrome Pro inks can be individually replaced if they run low. Talk to the DPS Group team to find out more!
to their business for a while, to either meet demand or expand their customer base – so the announcement of two new Epson offerings in the 24-inch SC-P7500 and the 44-inch SC-P9500, along with the ability to spread the cost and ease any impact on your cash flow, should have them taking serious notice. Stock is ready to ship and install – so just get in touch!” As previously outlined, both of the new printers are very much workhorse devices. They boast a solid, proven build and the flexibility of printing on fine art paper, canvases, photo paper and more. The media the printers deploy – also available direct from the DPS Group – is likewise worth singling out for praise. The 12 colour UltraChrome Pro ink set with K3 technology they both utilise offers exceptional dynamic range and can be individually replaced if the inks run low, meaning that there’s no more choosing between ink sets. Speed and accuracy is also guaranteed. The machines’ print heads use up to 800 nozzles for each colour to produce accurate dot placement and eliminate misprints, while printing up to 4.3x faster. Interested parties are strongly advised to get in touch now with Maneesh Patel
and his team via sales@dpsb.co.uk or call 020 8466 7230. www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk
Epson SC-P7500 & SC-P9500 at a glance: Both wide format printers offer identical class-leading features, including: Epson’s first ever 12-colour ink set, claiming to deliver its widest ever colour gamut with 99% Pantone coverage for increased accuracy Advanced print heads use up to 800 nozzles for each colour High speed & quality are combined, thanks to a TFP12 print head with 300dpi resolution and 12 channels 4.3-inch touch panel LCD with a range of configuration options Deeper blacks achieved through black enhancement over-coating technology which results in even more striking and dramatic prints Support is given for fine art papers, canvases, photo paper and more
Call DPS Group about the printers and Photolease scheme on 020 8460 3690, email sales@dpsb.co.uk or visit www.dpsb.co.uk NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline
BPI News | April / May 2020 15
Minilab News
FUJIFILM BOOSTS RETAILER WITH THE ‘WIGHT’ STUFF BPI News catches up with Island Photo Centre owner Steve Brown, to discover how Fujifilm’s continuing support and product line up has helped an established business on the Isle of Wight to grow even bigger…
W
hen we last spoke to Island Photo Centre, former Fujifilm ‘Shop of the Year’, some 12 months back, the talk was all of pop-up portrait studios and photo workshops – both suggested as great ideas for expanding your customer base and driving sales of prints and photo processing products. While that’s still the case when we reestablish contact in 2020, there have been some big changes for the business – not least a move to new, larger premises. Plus the awards keep on coming, with owners Steve and Amanda Brown telling us that they’ve been named ‘Independent Retailer of the Year’ by the local Isle of Wight radio station. The bigger premises in Ryde are a stone’s throw from their old store – their second shop in Newport, which was already larger, has stayed the same. The move was prompted by a need to essentially do more of what they do well, plus pursue further clever ideas for business generation. Since they took on the new premises last October, it’s been all hands to the pumps, putting in a new contemporary looking wood floor and establishing a balance between the vintage fittings and the latest high tech hardware.
A BIGGER SPACE FOR BIGGER PLANS “It’s a lovely old Victorian building with a big skylight, so it has a lot of character and a wow factor,” marvels Steve Brown. “The old shop didn’t have enough room for all we’re doing now. Fortunately we’ve now got a back room that is five metres square, for use as a studio. We’ve also got a large full height cellar which is divided up into eight rooms which we’re using for photo gifting, mounting pictures and doing all the other bits that we want to do.” Island Photo Centre Ryde’s first day of business last November saw exclusive deals offered, plus the likes of Fujifilm and its business partner Swains in attendance. “Fujifilm and Swains played a big part in a successful opening,” Steve acknowledges. “We had a trainer from Fujifilm come down and they’ve also paid
for one of our display cabinets. Luckily we were able to use the existing black Fujifilm sign from our old shop on the new one, with a bit of adjustment.” Because Steve and Amanda now have a bigger double-fronted shop, a lot more people are noticing them, and sales are on the up. “Re-locating has definitely made an
Home grown success: Steve and Amanda Brown are constantly coming with innovative ideas to generate revenue for their business, which has allowed for the recent expansion of their premises, seen here
impact,” nods Steve. ‘Our processing and framing services have really taken off, now we can display them in a larger space. So a big part of what Fujifilm is doing is really paying off for us.” While some retailers would view taking on a larger premises in the present climate as potentially risky, Steve disagrees: “I looked at it more like we were losing sales, because the old shop wasn’t big enough to show everything that we did. Now we can show it all, everything has taken off because of it. “So now one of our windows is full of stock and the other window is services we offer. And a lot of people are reading our posters and banners and coming in and saying: ‘I didn’t realise you did that.” The natural layout of the 150-year-old building housing the new store has also played to the Brown’s advantage. “There is lovely old shelving across half of the shop, which is ideal for displaying frames. And above that is a huge Victorian skylight four metres across, which we’ve painted in tones of grey for a more
To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and help boost the profile and bottom line of your own store or minilab, 16 April / May 2020 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
Fujifilm advertorial Victorian splendour: Island Photo Centre’s re-location to a bright and airy store just down the road from their old shop in Ryde is giving its product offerings room to breathe, with a dedicated Fujifilm print section and lots of room for additional offerings such as an on-site studio
corporate look, accented with some black to reflect the Fujifilm signage at the front. That illuminates all of our photo processing services. The first six metres of the shop is hardware – mirrorless is where everything seems to be going – while the next six metres is processing. Then behind that is a door through to our studio, which is five metres square.” A larger space also means that customers feel less intimidated about just popping in for a browse – inevitably
to dispense “some advice and pointers,” according to Steve, “returning as we were finishing up to give some advice on where we should put our displays and stands. We had a lot of discussions and input, took most of the ideas on board and it’s going well. We’ve been open 30 years but are still getting customers saying ‘Ooh, we didn’t know you were here’ because a lot of what we’re doing now is all new stuff. “We’ve also had some customers commenting: ‘I feel like I’m in a
Re-locating has definitely made an impact. Our processing and framing services have really taken off, now we can display them in a larger space. So a big part of what Fujifilm is doing is really paying off for us.” Island Photo Centre owner Steve Brown seeing something they like in the process and buying on impulse.
SUCCESSFULLY STAYING ‘ON BRAND’ The banners around the store’s photo finishing area are obviously Fujifilm branded – explaining the range of services on offer, including photo gifting. A bespoke desk has also been built to house Fujifilm DX100 printers, while, tying it all together, the store’s logo in black and red successfully matches Fujifilm’s own. As regular readers will expect, Fujifilm’s Business Advisor Wendy Gray has been on hand as fittings have been put in place,
London shop’, which I put down to the corporate colours,” he adds. “The island has quite a few second home owners, so I hear that quite a lot.” It all goes to show what a store facelift can achieve, but as you’d expect of Steve and his team, their proactivity stretches beyond merely establishing a new store. “We’ve had bookings and sittings for the studio even though we haven’t really started advertising it. But it’s been seen, which is encouraging. The next stage is advertising, now we’re up and running. We’re also looking at developing other things like our camera club, which is a year old and has doubled in membership since we started. We’ve now got the space to hold meetings
in our studio and it’s become multi purpose. We’re thinking of doing some in-store days with the manufacturers and customers can make use of the studio to take some photographs which we can print straight away and they can really try out the kit before they buy.” Naturally not many retailers have the luxury of the space to be able to offer up such extras – so Island Photo Centre has a real advantage here. Looking forward, the business has been considering what it can do this year to earn more money and expand its customer base – which has meant branching out into schools photography. “We thought let’s do it and rang up all the schools – managing to get five on our books so far. We’ve started out with class photos and are moving on to single portraits. In October when we were fitting the new shop we also had 1,000 kids to photograph! Now we’ve been contracted for this year to go and do the same. Because of that, the parents have heard about us, and come in for child passport
get in touch with Fujifilm Photo Print Services at photoimaging_uk@fujifilm.com or visit www.FujifilmPhotoServices.co.uk @bpi_news
BPI News | April / May 2020 17
Minilab News photos. So now we’ve got a different age group of customers, which is the young mothers – and that just keeps growing. So the way to attract that audience is to go and do schools’ photography.” Being on the Isle of Wight also offers the possibility of shooting annual and ongoing events, including the famous Cowes Week, for which the shop had a stand on the sea front. “We’ve even photographed an annual event of burlesque dancers on the Isle of Wight,” Steve adds, never missing an opportunity. “We got the job of photographing the groups, photographing the individuals
Radio stars: As a successful local business, Island Photo centre’s achievements have, in turn, been celebrated by the local community. One of its most recent awards was presented by the local radio station, as seen here
in to collect their prints and seeing them, which provokes an impulse buy. I’ve just bought all the photo gifting machinery, which has come via Swains, to do it ourselves and set that up in the cellar. We just have to finish setting up the printers and working on the price
and photographing them on stage. Plus we did a pop up studio for the audience as well, because usually people dress up at these events.” Looking further into 2020, pandemic permitting, there are plans to cover a hot air balloon festival, an around-theisland race, as well as more photographic courses, more schools photography, and a workshop with people with disabilities in Robin Hill Country Park.
‘Bear’ essentials: Like any retailer worth their salt, Island Photo Centre takes advantage of the changing seasons for seasonal promotions, such as a pop-up studio for Christmas that will result in shots perfectly suited to photo gifts, while it also shoots at many regular events on the island
Events and ensuing print opportunities aside, when asked which products are doing well for the business, Steve replies it’s processing at all different sizes, right across the board. “We’ve got 44-inch printers, so I’ve done a couple of 5ft wide prints for people. Plus sales of frames are just going crazy really. We’re ordering more frames than we’ve ever ordered before. And that’s down to increased visibility – people coming
list. So hopefully that will take off too.” Given the success of Island Photo Centre so far, in pitting itself against the prevailing economic winds, we certainly wouldn’t want to bet against it. To learn more about how Fujifilm Print Services can help advise, inspire and improve your own business and turnover, get in touch with Marketing Manager Gloria McCann now on 01234 572138 and visit www.fujifilmphotoservices.co.uk
STOP PRESS: FUJIFILM LIFELINE TO DEALERS DURING PANDEMIC: Steve Brown tells us Fujifilm has been in touch with advice on looking after your dry lab during these strange times, and will not be raising invoices for any kiosks or membership fees for April or May. Equipment agreements and installment payments have also been frozen for two months with immediate effect. Steve adds: “I’m sure such help will be gratefully received by us all in these difficult times.”
Get in touch with Fujifilm Photo Print Services at photoimaging_uk@fujifilm.com or visit www.FujifilmPhotoServices.co.uk 18 April / May 2020 | BPI News
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News
£16.5K FOR MEDIUM FORMAT LEICA
The premium camera and optics brand has at long last launched the latest iteration of its medium format camera that was originally announced as being in development as far back as Photokina 2018. Prominent amongst the improvements that arrive for pro photographers in this latest generation Leica S3 is a resolution increase of 71%, from 37.5 megapixels to a whopping 64MP. We also get a dynamic range claimed to be the equivalent of 15 f-stops, plus a maximum ISO 5000 sensitivity setting, while the LCD screen on the backplate displays a Live View image with a refresh rate of 60fps. While for medium format
photographers it’s all about a large sensor size and a high resolution to match, the magnesium-bodied and stainless steel lens bayonet S3 also delivers both Full HD and 4K resolution video, along with integrated GPS and Wi-Fi functionality. Unsurprisingly at this price, the camera features numerous seals to protect it from moisture and dust, while compatible S-lenses are similarly protected, ensuring both is viewed by potential customers as long-term investments. The Leica S3 is available as you read this, both online and in store. www.leica-camera.com
Epson’s printers aim for ‘non printer’ look Epson has a pair of new printers that your customers will be able to get their hands on imminently: the SureColor SCP900 and SC-P700. They’re being targeted at professionals who, according to their manufacturer, ‘value image accuracy and depth along with design simplicity.’ Interestingly, Epson is making a point of flagging up their ‘non printer’ look and feel – stating that it was aiming to make photo printers that are ‘as easy on the eye as the prints they produce’. The difference between the two options is the SC-P700 delivers prints up to A3+, while the SC-P900 goes up to A2+. Both feature black enhance overcoat technology, Carbon Black Mode and utilise UltraChrome Pro 10 ink for what’s described as the truest, deepest blacks. Epson UK’s Pro Graphics Product Manager Tim Owens believes: “We’re confident that these printers will appeal to those working in a number of creative industries, who have a keen eye for detail, as well as an appreciation for high-performance hardware that’s aesthetically pleasing. As clichéd as it sounds, both the SC-P700 and SC-P900 manage to combine form with function, to great effect.” At the time of writing, April availability was promised. www.epson.co.uk
LEE LAUNCHES COMPACT FILTERS FOR CSC’S Your mirrorless / compact system cameraowning customers are directed to the newly introduced LEE85 Filter System, designed to allow photographers to travel light without compromising quality or creativity. It’s claimed the latest system – which replaces the now discontinued Seven5 Filter System – features the same intuitive design as the existing LEE100 system, launched back in 2019 for DSLRs and medium and larger format cameras. This ensures the LEE85 filter holder can be easily attached, adjusted and locked to the lens with just a finger and thumb. Available with one, two or three slot filter guides, the LEE85 system can be used with up to three filters, plus a rapid-fitting clip-on polariser. LEE Filters MD Paul Mason tells us: “The LEE85 Filter System’s simple and
intuitive design allows photographers to stamp their own creativity on their work and bring their vision to the frame.
Whether you’re shooting a beautiful landscape or a gritty urban scene, the LEE85 System enables photographers to enjoy all the benefits of LEE’s filter products on a very compact system.” The LEE85 Filter System was due to be available this spring in a range of four kits: Discover, Develop, Aspire, and Deluxe. Included with each LEE85 Kit is the LEE85 System Pouch, which holds a LEE85 Filter Holder, Polariser, and filters. Additionally, marking a first for LEE Filters, each kit will include three adaptor rings (72mm, 67mm, and 58mm) so that the system can be used straight out of the box. Adaptor rings will also be available for purchase in a range of other lens-thread sizes to support lenses from 37mm up to 72mm. www.leefilters.com/LEE85
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BPI News | April / May 2020 19
Business Advice
TO ‘PHOE VS D A R T -19 COVID L! ’ A I C E SP
HOW TO GET AHEAD IN SELF-ISOLATION Not words we ever thought we’d be writing in BPI News. But as the UK transforms from a nation of shopkeepers into a nation of home workers to combat the spread of Covid-19, we offer essential tips and tricks on how to run a business remotely – and seek to make a success of it!
A
s someone who has been ‘self isolating’ for the past 16 years – what we more commonly used to refer to as ‘working from home’ – I find myself in the unusual position of perhaps being better placed than most to offer advice on how to build and maintain your own little empire from the back room. With shops and places of work shuttered across the land because of the invisible threat, and the majority of retail shifted to online-only sales, we’re all making a major lifestyle adjustment in an alarmingly swift period of time. Particularly those of us now home schooling as well as trying to hold our working lives together – a tricky task indeed. When we began to put this issue together the photo trade was hastily cancelling hotel rooms and re-routing product in light of The Photography Show’s abrupt postponement, only to be followed a week
later by sending staff home and shutting the doors on their businesses entirely. It’s fair to say many of those in the trade we’ve spoken to over the past couple of weeks have expressed bewilderment – and while some have simply chosen to sit out the present difficulties, pressing the pause button on product launches and further promotional and sales activity until May or June – there are those, like us, who have chosen to keep calm and carry on. Or at least make the best of it. With bills to pay, many of us simply don’t have any other choice. Firstly, any home worker will tell you that setting up and maintaining a routine is essential. To-do lists, although it sounds terribly grown up and boring, also prove invaluable. Otherwise you can find it’s 4pm and you’ve spent most of the day on Twitter. And, by having a list of essential tasks, and crossing them off as you complete them,
there is at least some sense of pride in achievement, rather than crippling ennui. Maintaining a positive attitude and good mental health is likewise essential. It’s always been said that working from home is not for everyone – but now it literally is, some selfdiscipline is required – especially when you feel it is a situation, like this one, you’ve been forced into, rather than chosen by choice, so there is extra stress involved. The division between home life and working life has been ripped asunder, so work quickly to establish your sense of order amid the chaos. Establish your working hours within the day and try and stick to them as closely as possible; even if working a straight eight hours when you’ve got kids at home may prove challenging, aim to establish some boundaries. As mentioned earlier, it’s all about establishing a routine, and from that will naturally come a degree of self-discipline.
Got an idea for a photo trade-related business issue you’d like us to cover? Let us know direct via info@bpinews.co.uk 20 April / May 2020 | BPI News
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Business Advice: Lockdown Special Maintaining a positive attitude and good mental health is essential. It’s always been said that working from home is not for everyone – but now it literally is for everyone, some self-discipline is required…” But don’t beat yourself up about it. In the present scenario, it’s all about getting as much done as we can in the time available – and, with health a priority, while we’re still safe and well.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS 24 HOURS There will be many retailers and suppliers reading this who have been forced to shut up shop, send staff home and will be wondering if they have a business to return to in the weeks and months ahead. While at the time of writing the government is attempting to prevent businesses firing staff and shuttering for good by offering to pay up to 80% of wages (up to a £2,500 per month limit) to prevent mass unemployment down the line, and deferring VAT payments for three months, along with further compensatory measures, retailers who have been forward-thinking enough to establish an e-commerce site at least have some means of keeping the business ticking over. While nobody is going to pretend that you won’t still see a sharp dive in sales and revenue (unless, that is, you’re selling home entertainment equipment and tech; with Dixons Carphone claiming strong online trading since its physical stores shut on March 24th) your website is now, more than ever your shop window. So today is the time to populate it, revamp it, and – by way of promotion – dig out or reactivate that mailing list you’ve hopefully built up from prior customer interactions. Though reports suggest printer and laptop sales are booming as people set up home offices across the land, this is conceivably a wise time to offer an extra incentive to buy. That usually means a sale, and even better if it’s a time limited one, thus encouraging your customers to act now, not tomorrow. We’ve had many emails and notifications through from retailers over the past couple of weeks hosting a ‘flash sale’ across their sites – and while, yes, many consumers will be watching their pennies in these unprecedented times, there will be others who will find the thought of grabbing a bargain within a narrow sales window impossible to resist. Also, there’s a school of thought that suggests in stressful times (normally recessions) people continue to spend money on what makes them happy – so it’s not so odd to suggest a photo hobbyist
will be eyeing up the latest online camera deals, even as he attempts to grab the last Tesco delivery slot. Flash sales aside, you could even encourage local customers to continue to support their local business by delivering orders to their door locally for free – while maintaining the two metre distancing advice. They’ll hopefully remember the extra effort made when times are better. A major benefit of engaging in online retail is also the ability to earn money in your sleep – literally, as you’re not restricted to regular high street trading hours. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of firing up the computer on
a morning to be met with a list of sales notifications. Fulfilling these – if your access to stock or warehouse remains open – in turn provides much needed structure to your day and a continued sense of purpose. Chilling on the sofa with a glass of wine and the latest Netflix box set if you’re working from home may sound extremely attractive in principle, but the novelty soon wears off. Especially when there are money worries and bills to be paid, as there continue to be during this pandemic. Maintain the mindset that you are still running a business, even if the physical premises are on lockdown. Who knows, you may even look back on this period, eventually, as a turning point; one that, while it may have forced you to fix a problem that hitherto hadn’t existed, nevertheless proves to be a personal change for the good. We certainly hope so.
E-commerce accelerates as Covid-19 effects felt far and wide The latest from industry watchers Futuresource states that, unsurprisingly, the effects of the Covid-19 virus are being felt far and wide, across all industries – while, on a more positive note, it echoes BPI News’ own sentiments and belief that, in such unprecedented circumstances, we are stronger together. Understandably, as many consumer electronics are produced in and shipped from the Far East and in particular China, where the virus originated, even before our own lock-downs in the West, there was significant disruption to global supply chains, while domestic demand was dampened. Futuresource notes that, given the Chinese consumer electronics market accounted for 22% of a $1 trillion dollar industry in 2019, such ‘side shocks’ may considerably hurt vendor’s revenues. Constrained supply will affect the global market too, with global distribution inhibited and the ability of vendors to compensate for lost revenue in other markets affected. While there remains a range of unknown and unknowable variables around the virus, the short and long term effects on consumer electronics will be ‘significant’, Futuresource believes. It’s looking like a poor performance in Q1 as a result, will easily extend into Q2 – making for a full year of decline – though, to look for a silver lining, it’s just
possible that pent up demand when all this blows over may somewhat (if not quite completely) compensate for the difficulties. As one would also expect, it’s the digital media platforms that are really benefitting from the crisis, with the populace confined to their homes. The report notes that digital video, music and gaming are all seeing spikes in engagement and retail trends towards e-commerce are also accelerating. Besides being a short-term effect, this could have implications in the long run as consumers are likely to continue engaging with these platforms after the virus is derailed. It also suggests that Covid-19 has further highlighted the risks associated with overreliance on Chinese manufacturing. All the above has to also be set against a global economy already in recovery mode after the range of headwinds it experienced in 2019, including the Sino-American trade war, Britain’s exit from the European Union, and a wide-ranging slowdown in developed economies. Global stock markets have experienced significant volatility as a result of the spread of Covid-19 into Europe too. In a very short space of time, it’s fair to say the virus has had a disruptive impact on individuals, countries and major companies alike. How we recover and rebuild after this blight, time will tell.
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk @bpi_news
BPI News | April / May 2020 21
News
NIKON ENCOURAGES LIGHT IN DARK TIMES
Nikon Europe has launched a new social media campaign in #createyourlight, aimed at keeping photographers motivated and inspired during these weeks in isolation. The company tells us: “As a camera brand, we have a responsibility to inspire photographers and we hope to do so by providing them with a series of educational videos, photography challenges and positive critiques over upcoming weeks. We’ll be working alongside familiar Nikon School mentors, as well as a bunch of our loyal influencers to provide all of this and plan to showcase featured work at an exhibition in the long term, with ticket proceeds going to charity.” To respond to the challenge, photographers simply need to post an image documenting their isolation story on their Instagram channel using #createyourlight. Nikon will then be showcasing some of the stories/images on the campaign webpage, to be launched in coming weeks. The intention is then to hold an exhibition at the Nikon School in London to further showcase the work. For more info, interested parties should follow the hashtag #createyourlight and join the community on Instagram. www.nikon.co.uk
WPO spotlights photographic discovery The World Photography Organisation has named the winner of its fifth annual Zeiss Photography Award for 2020 as South Korean photographer KyeongJun Yang (winning image shown). Yang won for his series ‘Metamorphosis’, exploring the experience of immigrants and, for this shot in particular, the story of a young Chinese woman who emigrated to the USA as a girl of 12. For this year’s brief, photographers were asked to submit a series of works focused on the theme of discoveries that transform our everyday lives. These could range from personal revelations to scientific and technological breakthroughs or ideas that led to social change. As the winner, Yang receives €12,000 worth of Zeiss lenses of his choice and €3,000 to cover the cost of a photography project. www.worldphoto.org
Getty a load of this: visual trends highlighted A ‘Visual GPS’ report from picture library Getty Images, looking into emerging trends in the ways people use visual imagery, has found that – even before the coronavirus outbreak – consumers were placing high value on the wellness of themselves, their family and the Earth; even if intention doesn’t always translate into action. The insight comes from Getty Images’ analysis of its own proprietary sales and search data from over one billion searches annually, plus a wide ranging consumer survey of over 10,000 respondents, completed in conjunction with global market research YouGov. Following this initial report, Getty hopes that Visual GPS, which it calls an ‘industry disruptive’ means of visual research that is ‘live and dynamic’, will deliver fresh insights throughout 2020 and beyond, through reports, articles, videos, social content and custom
opportunities. One thing BPI News learnt from the press morning we attended is that marketing types are increasingly seeking to humanise technology to tell
their story and that there is a fear when it comes to AI, privacy and data, with tech monitoring us more than ever before. That said, 79% of those surveyed said technology makes them feel more connected to those who matter most. There is also a trend for using real people in ad campaigns rather than models, and people are also searching more for un-retouched imagery. For the full report see www.visualgps.com On a related note, Getty has also launched a #ShowUs Grant initiative, which will award $10,000 to a commercial photographer or videographer using their talent to create inclusive visual stories depicting authentic representations of women, femaleidentifying and non binary individuals. Applications before 10th May are via https://wherewestand.gettyimages.com/grants/ www.gettyimages.com
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 22 April / May 2020 | BPI News
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BPI News, your tool to educate and communicate. Over the past 35+ years we’ve enjoyed with you the successes and weathered the storms that have affected the photo trade. In this issue we’ve attempted to address the biggest one of our lifetimes; a pandemic that is affecting us all, big and small, along with the economic challenges that will follow once the immediate health crisis has subsided. No one business – or magazine – can do it all however, so we want to know how we can best help you, how we can better communicate with our industry – and how our industry can best help itself. Get in touch now via gavin@bpinews.co.uk or info@bpinews.co.uk
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