Photographic British
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MAY 2019 • £3
Putting the photo trade in the picture for over 35 years
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INNOVATION SPECIAL! What’s New, What’s Cool… & What’s Worth Stocking: Inside
PLUS: EDITORIAL COMMENT:
WHY WE NEED PHOTO STORE DAY P
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IN THIS ISSUE…
TIPA WORLD AWARDS
PATERSON PHOTO
COUNTER CULTURE
BUSINESS ADVICE
Which camera kit has been named as the best of the past year by the global imaging press? The answer’s inside!
Uniquely UK manufactured product from the TWP Group, responsible for the Paterson Photographic & Benbo brands
We hear from last year’s Shop of the Year to discover how it is doing even better and expanding further 12 months on
BPI News shares its 10 top tips for re-booting your photo business and finding the motivation to do so this May!
Logo based around Anders font. 3 possible logo uses.
INNOVATE TO ACCUMULATE I
Photographic British
Industry
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Published monthly by
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 Publisher’s Office: 31 New Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7HZ. Legacy Media Ltd accept no ultimate responsibility for accurate reproduction of digital artwork created by third parties. Insurance and carriage of products submitted for inclusion in reports rests with the owner. News, data, prices, interviews and opinion are printed in good faith E&OE. Content including advertising artwork created by Legacy Media Ltd or its agents is ©2019 Legacy Media Ltd. ISSN: to be advised.
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Editorial | May 2019
Gavin Stoker, Editor gavin@bpinews.co.uk @GavinStoker
nnovation is the lifeblood of any industry. We’ve seen excitement around full frame mirrorless in 201819, with retailers hoping to witness a rush of DSLR owners replacing their kit for more compact, lighter alternatives – giving the trade a much-needed pick me up. Whether that’s happening significantly or not, the price tags on such product (not to mention the slim margins to be had) makes them more specialist than mass market. The other success story of late has been the increased volume of instant camera sales – what would have at one time been referred to as Polaroid-style cameras. Lower priced, easy to use and therefore more likely to appeal to a younger generation ‘connecting’ with photography for the first time. As others have noted, we can’t keep marketing to grey haired photo enthusiasts now pushing 60 and 70. An increasing number of industry figures we speak to have been encouraged by vinyl records and cassettes making a comeback, seeing parallels with a younger generation discovering the joys of shooting on and developing film. Again this is more of a niche thing (as wonderful as it is) than mass-market. Yes, you can base a business around supplying a niche audience if you’re unique in doing it, but if you’re one of several fish in a shrinking pond, life’s challenging. While we can’t rely on manufacturers to come up with a major new innovation every six months to re-energize and enthuse – as was the case during the mid 2000’s digital camera boom– I do wonder if there is more that we can be doing collectively to help our trade help itself. To go back to the vinyl resurgence for a minute, for the past 12 years formerly struggling independent record shops have
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been collectively involved in something called Record Store Day. This nationwide initiative was kick-started by a shop manager who saw his industry struggling and called on music labels to increase support by manufacturing limited edition – and therefore collectable – titles by major (and minor) artists to be put on sale, in-store, one Saturday each year (online sales forbidden until a week later). The result has, increasingly, been queues around the block, folks being drawn back to the ‘hobby’ after years away, and, crucially, a new, younger audience won. It’s not uncommon to see teenagers browsing the racks alongside 50 year-olds. You’ve probably seen reports on the BBC and Sky News. BBC 6Music even devoted a whole weekend of programming to it. The hope is that the goodwill and custom generated continues for weeks and months afterwards. Our local store says ‘RSD’ is now bigger than their Christmas trading period. Why couldn’t our industry initiate its own Photo Store Day, with similarly time-limited deals, giveaways, in-store demos and photographers hosting workshops? This is something the manufactures and suppliers themselves could really get behind. Again, the aim would be to re-introduce – or boost – excitement back into visiting your local camera shop, minilab or photo retailer and bring in a younger demographic too. From our perspective, there seems to be a real need for it. So who thinks that sounds like a great idea? Your thoughts please to info@bpinews.co.uk
BPI News | May 2019 3
News
The electronics giant’s focus may have been on its full frame mirrorless releases in the S1 and S1R of late, but it hasn’t forgotten about the Four Thirds format entirely, which this June gets a new addition in the shape of the 20.3 megapixel Panasonic Lumix G90, sitting below the G9 in the current line up. Described as offering the best of both worlds, in featuring 4K video recording at 30P and five axis Dual Image Stabilisation, this latest ‘hybrid’ camera is splash and dust resistant, with a magnesium alloy full die cast front frame and re-designed grip. It further offers an eye level OLED viewfinder as well as a tilting 3-inch OLED screen on the back plate. For videographers recording sound, the G90 features a newly added headphone socket, while battery charging via USB is offered, alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Further qualities to pitch to your customers include 0.07-second auto focus acquisition, plus the choice of shooting at 9fps in AF-S mode or 6fps in AF-C mode. The G90’s AF system can also track moving subjects, while Face/Eye Detection
AF automatically detects human faces to make sure eyes are sharply in focus. A long battery life of up to 900 shots is achievable, says Panasonic, thanks in part to a new power saving function which puts the camera to sleep after a period of inactivity, as detected by its eye sensor. The Lumix G90 lands next month at a suggested price of £899.99 body only, £1,079.99 with 12-60mm lens, or £1,259.99 with 14-40mm lens. www.panasonic.co.uk
NIKON’S TOUGHENED COMPACT MAKES AN IMPACT ©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
With your customers’ thoughts no doubt scenes, the W150 is claimed to be so simple Lumix Nationalto Trust POS– there’s even an Underwater Face soon turning to summer holidays, Nikon’s use introduction of12 month a toughened waterproof Framing mode – that anyone in the family Complimentary national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72 Description • Complimentary National model in the brightly coloured Coolpix can enjoy taking pictures with it. Its Trust Membership Campaign POS W150 (in fact there are five different destruction proof qualities include the fact colours/designs available) is a timely one. that it is shock proofed against drops from Pitched as being perfect for shooting 1.8 metres in height, waterproof down to both snowy landscapes and underwater 10 metres in depth, freezeproof down to -10°C and dust proof into the bargain. Further features include a 3x optical zoom, Full HD video with stereo sound, large anti reflective LCD screen, and ©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
onth national trust e lumiX FZ200 or FZ72
NEW FOUR THIRDS MIRRORLESS ‘HYBRID’ FROM PANASONIC
to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.
Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG
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compatibility with Nikon’s SnapBridge photo app for iOS and Android phones. “The Coolpix W150 is a great waterproof point-and-shoot,” claims Nikon UK’s Product Manager for Coolpix Yoshihiro Katakami. “Kids can have fun with it, parents don’t need to worry about it—and it’s available in a range of vibrant colours. If you’re off on a weekend with friends, this is the camera that’s always ready to go.” Availability is from the end of May, at a manufacturer’s suggested price of £149. www.nikon.co.uk
A3 Poster Wobbler ©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72
laCes
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promotions Camera AG
to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.
Hang Tag
Photographic Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG
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4 May 2019 | BPI News
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News
Whale of a time for Olympus this summer In one of the more unusual news items to land on our desktop this month, Olympus has announced that one of its photographic ambassadors, wildlife specialist Tesni Ward, will photograph the move of two Beluga whales to the world’s first open water whale sanctuary, a trip involving a distance of 6,000 miles from China to Iceland, in association with the Sea Life Trust. Tesni’s ensuing photographs of the epic journey will become the source for a dedicated photographic book and touring photographic exhibition. “We are delighted to be working with Olympus to document this amazing world-first moment,” says Sea Life Trust Head Andy Bool. “We already know Tesni has a love for wildlife but hopefully she will also capture the passion, devotion and hard work that has been put in to this project. With the generosity of Olympus, all profits from the book produced will be going back to The Sea Life Trust.” More updates on this journey when we have them. In related news Olympus has set up a raft of touch and try dates for its TIPA winning OM-D E-M1X at various racetracks this summer/autumn, in order to experience the thrill of the British Racing Car Championship and shoot a few test images into the bargain… all designed to drive footfall to dealers. Your photographer customers wishing to get hands-on should apply via Olympus-imagespace.co.uk
That same URL is the place to apply for a 70s-themed date at Giffords Circus (see promo image above) in the grounds of Oxford University Parks this summer – with the chance to be one of 100 photographers trying out Olympus kit and mixing it up with Olympus photographer ambassadors and experts. Finally, as well as promotional days out, there are various time-limited summer Olympus promotions currently running to encourage sales. For example your customers can save up to £450 when buying the E-M1X with three Pro lenses until May 31st, and can grab a free 45mm f/1.8 lens worth £279.99 when buying a OM-D E-M10 Mark III before 30th June. As usual, T&C’s apply. www.sealifetrust.org www.olympus.co.uk
THE DRIVE OF YOUR LIFE Following on from Sony branded toughened media cards of late are, this month, toughened external SSD drives in the SL-M and SL-C series. The pitch here is that they’re designed for photographers, videographers and creative types needing to process large data files at higher speeds – with up to a 1000MB/sec read and write speed offered. Furthermore, the drives are claimed to be dust proof, waterproof (up to a metre deep for 30 minutes), impact proof (against drops from 3 metres in height) and highly durable. With bright yellow rubber bands provided to hold ID labels in place (and seemingly lend
the drive themselves a 1980s look), both models will be available this autumn in a choice of capacities: 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. Pricing is yet to confirmed. www.sony.co.uk
Spring deal promotes Fujifilm instant printer A 30% saving for customers buying a Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 smartphone printer – originally launched last summer – is currently being offered at the likes of retailers Jessops, Currys PC World and John Lewis. For a limited period the SRP has been reduced from £154.99 to an even more enticing £99. Smartphone users just need to download the Instax Share app, connect to Wi-Fi and start printing their photos from the gold or silver coloured device. Fujifilm suggests that the deal will give both long time fans of instant photography and newbies the chance to pick up a smartphone printer at its lowest price so they can print and share photos instantly, easily and on the go. www.fujifilm.co.uk
X-Rite via XP, alright? X-Rite is celebrating 10 years of its ColorChecker Passport Photo target – enabling photographers to quickly and instantly capture accurate colour and maintain colour control and consistency from capture to edit – by enhancing the original passport sized (i.e pocket friendly) case to include a new industry standard 18% grey target. This, it says, provides increased functionality to also support a traditional grey balance workflow. The original ColorChecker Passport Photo will still be available while stocks last and then will be replaced with the ColorChecker Passport Photo 2, according to its maker. With an SRP of £93 + VAT, the trade should contact XP Distribution to order in stock. www.xpdistribution.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 @bpi_news
BPI News | May 2019 5
It’s a photo print kiosk, but not as you know it.
Say hello to PrintCube Smart phones are the cameras we carry around with us every day, so it makes sense to bring the taking and printing of photos closer together.
customer chooses what they want to print directly via the App and the cube is purely the print collection point. This means less time spent by you aiding customers.
Unlike traditional kiosks where the customer makes their purchasing decisions on the screen, with PrintCube the
Our aim is to make printing photos as easy as taking or sharing them. Say hello to the future of photo printing. Simply download the Print Cube App to get started!
Distributed in in the the UK UK by by Tetenal Tetenal Ltd Ltd Distributed
www.tetenaluk.com || www.tetenaluk.com
marketing@tetenal.uk.com || marketing@tetenal.uk.com
Making photo printing as easy as sharing There are also a wide variety of products available to display your photos, including ready made frames and collages as part of the Pixolo branded range. All available to order directly via the App.
PrintCube makes your smart phone the centre of your photo printing universe. The PrintCube App allows you to select the photos you want to print, the format you want to print them in and where you want to pick them up.
Products made ready for print There a number of ready made products available in the Pixolo range which enable you to make an eye catching display in-store.
It really is as easy as 1, 2, 3
1 Create an order
2
Scan your QR code
3 Print
your photos
Each product has a different 3 digit code. When prompted, the customer simply enters the code into the phone and they are able to drop their chosen photos into the template design which is presented to them. Once all images are selected, a QR Code is created. Once scanned into the Cube, the chosen design is printed, ready to place into the product the customer has chosen. No cutting out of photos to fit frames, it’s all done there and then in the PrintCube.
See PrintCube in action! Visit the link below to view a short video which shows the concept in a much more visual way. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code!
www.tetenaluk.com\printcubevid
Beautiful & Practical with a variety of display options
If you’d like to visit our showroom and see PrintCube in action then simply drop us an e-mail to:-
A smart design that provides maximum flexibility, leaves only a small footprint and looks great.
marketing@tetenal.uk.comor call us on 0116 2893644
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TEL: 0116 289 3644
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Get in touch to arrange a demonstration of the PrintCube
BPI News Product Focus
TRIPLE TIPA WINS FOR SIGMA
It’s once, twice, three times a winner, as Sigma proves it delivers glass with class. Its 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, 60600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports and 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports have all been acclaimed in the 2019 TIPA Awards...
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he third party lens manufacturer was one of the biggest winners in last month’s TIPA Awards, voted on by 30 publications comprising the international photo imaging press, with no fewer than three of its lenses receiving the nod from the knowledgeable judges. Best DSLR Prime Lens went to the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM ‘Art’, soon to be also available in an L-Mount fitting. This option is capable of delivering beautifully rendered 8K images with ‘stunning bokeh’ according to the TIPA panel, who added that it ‘delivers exceptional sharpness at maximum aperture, while it excels at low light photography.’ In addition, Sigma claims that, for videographers, this delivers on what would be expected of a benchmark cine lens. So a great choice for shooting stills portraiture or cinema quality video. Best DSLR Telephoto Zoom Lens went to the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.56.3 DG OS HSM Sports series lens. This is a 10x zoom that ‘opens up new possibilities for creative work’ says TIPA. Its properties include a dust and splash proof build, with a special water and oil repellent coating on the lens front itself. This lens comes with the versatility of a tripod socket with a replaceable ‘foot’, plus two full time manual modes.
“These lenses are clearly leaders of the pack when it comes to the considered opinions of the photo imaging press. Our retail partners will already be aware of that fact no doubt, but international acclaim never hurts and can provide the necessary ammunition to help push through a sale.” Graham Armitage, Sigma UK General Manager Construction comprises 25 elements in 19 groups, with a 9-bladed diaphragm. Another advantage is that the lens is just 120.4x268.9mm when ‘unzoomed’, making it ‘an easy fit for many camera bags and backpacks’, suggests TIPA.
THE PROFESSIONALS’ CHOICE
Below: Sample images from two of the three Sigma lenses ably illustrate why these are winners in their class
The third victor in the manufacturer’s current line up, bagging Best DSLR Professional Zoom Lens from TIPA is the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports. This fast lens with lightweight magnesium barrel and dust and splash proof coating should be pitched to your enthusiast and professional photographer customers as being perfect for handling challenging shooting conditions. It’s also suitable for capturing moving subjects, thanks to combining Intelligent Optical Stabilisation with an acceleration sensor. Other facets of its construction include
10 low dispersion glass elements ensuring high resolution capture from centre to edge, while its optimisation of spherical aberration delivers a natural bokeh effect, ‘making it likewise a good choice for portraiture’, say the TIPA bigwigs. “These lenses are clearly leaders of the pack when it comes to the considered opinions of the photo imaging press,” enthuses Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage. “Our retail partners will already be aware of that fact no doubt, but international acclaim never hurts and can provide the necessary ammunition to help push through a sale of one of our optics, whether you’re based in Bangkok or Basildon. Put simply, this is glass with class…” Get in touch with your local Sigma sales rep for more on the above lenses and details of how you can quickly add these award winners to your own stock. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
IMAGE QUALITY 40mm
60-600mm
60-600mm
All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com 8 May 2019 | BPI News
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News
MAGNUM RE-LAUNCHES COMMERCIAL SERVICES, SEEKS TRADE PARTNERS In other industry news this month, world-renowned photography collective Magnum – famously, the late, great Cartier-Bresson was one of its founding fathers – has re-launched its creative and commercial services, which it says has been ‘reinforced’ with a new dedicated website. Kicking things off and acting as a statement of intent, Magnum has published a campaign for Audi (specifically its four-wheel drive e-tron SUV), shot by documentary photographers Paolo Pellegrin and Gueorgui Pinkhassov. As most in the photo trade will already be aware, to be accepted as a Magnum photographer is one of the highest accolades in the business, and the latest re-launch reflects the agency’s contribution to the history of advertising and marketing in the context of the new media landscape, it says, adding that recent global partnerships have also included ones with the likes of Fujifilm (as previously reported in BPI News June 2018) and Samsung. As far as the trade is concerned, “Magnum’s new creative site will serve to highlight some of our better-known projects, and for the first time, present the breadth of our offer to prospective partners,” says Magnum Photos Global Cultural Director Sophie Wright.
Left: An original 1940s Magnum ad image. Above: New Magnum images for Audi by Paolo Pellegrin. Below: An image by David Alan Harvey for the Fujifilm/Magnum collaboration ‘Home’
See the new site at the URL below: https://creative.magnumphotos.com
CEWE to purchase wall art specialist WhiteWall The print specialist is much in the news this month, with not only its own photo promotions and competition – see page 25 – but the bigger industry news that it has concluded an agreement to purchase WhiteWall, the company producing renowned ‘gallery quality’ wall art for both professional and amateur photographers. Thus, it’s easy to see why such a business would be a ‘fit’ with CEWE itself (topically, too, as CEWE has just won a TIPA for its own ‘hexxas’ wall art solution – see page 16). Besides being active in Germany (specifically Berlin, where it is located), WhiteWall is said to be making inroads in many European countries and the USA. As a member of the CEWE Group, the plan is that it will remain
an independent brand with its own production facility in Frechen, near Cologne, meaning that nothing will change for existing WhiteWall customers. CEWE says that it expects the acquisition to have a ‘sustained positive effect’ on the market position and value of the company
as a whole. At the time of writing, completion of the transaction still depended on approval by the relevant Monopoly and Merger commissions. “The acquisition of WhiteWall is an excellent addition to our portfolio of brands, matching the premium standard of the CEWE Group,” believes CEWE CEO Dr Christian Friege. “The development of WhiteWall is impressive, with the company providing outstanding quality in the upmarket premium segment. The independence of the brand is to secure its dynamic performance in future. We are thus also strengthening the overall CEWE Group market position.” www.cewe.de
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 | May 2019 9
News
New Samyang lenses for Nikon users & spring cashback Until 31st May there’s a time limited promotion being run by Intro2020, the UK importer and distributor of Samyang lenses, whereby consumers can claim back up to £60 on the manufacturer’s AF lens range when purchasing from participating stockists. Intro’s General Manager Keith Ruffell reckons the timing is ideal: “Spring is the time when the outdoors comes to life and photographers are keen to get out and about with their cameras.” Lenses are available to fit Sony FE (full frame E-mount), Canon EF (EOS full frame) and Nikon F (full frame) cameras. The usual T&C’s apply. The full details can be found at www.intro2020.co.uk/samyangcb
Coming soon but awaiting pricing and availability as we went to press are three new Samyang lenses for Nikon users (shown above). These include one auto focus lens designed for the Nikon F mount in the AF 85mm f/1.4 F and two manual focus lenses for the new Nikon Z mount in the MF 14mm f/2.8 Z and the MF 85mm f/1.4 Z. All three new Nikon lenses are Ultra Multi Coated and feature weather sealing to enhance anti dust and water protection capabilities. Again Intro2020 is the company you need to keep an eye on for supply of these.
COULD YOU BOOST BUSINESS BY VLOGGING? Now, obviously photography is a visual medium anyway, but according to a recent independent consultation by online marketplace onbuy.com, 54% of consumers want to see brands and businesses they support actively create video content, surmising that in recent years ‘vlogging’ (or video blogging) has become a huge phenomenon. So, what are the most effective types of ‘vlogs’ a business should be creating? According to its own research, 74% of marketing experts believe that ‘documenting employees working’ – and sharing such content – is a good and effective place to start. Thereafter, 68% think companies should centre their videos around ‘simplifying complex industry topics’ – which makes sense for those in our business of selling high-end cameras and innovative new consumer tech. The experts added that ‘employee roundtable discussions’ (57%) and ‘influencer sessions’ (68%) were also worthwhile vlogging ideas for businesses.
Sprocket & roll star Analogue film fixated Lomography continues to surprise with its everexpanding range of low-fi film cameras, the latest edition being the eye-catching and imagination-firing Sprocket Rocket Red 2.0. With a new bright red crimson coat and more durable aluminium film advance knobs promised, the Sprocket Rocket has been designed for one thing – capturing the biggest possible photos on 35mm film. Lomography says it delivers a ‘gorgeous panoramic perspective’ with a sprocket-exposing frame.
Key features include 30mm focal length, aperture range between f/10.8 and f/16, a tripod mount and a hot shoe mount. Focus is from 0.6 metres to infinity, while the camera itself retails for £59. www.lomography.com However, the least important/impactful videos were said to be weekly re-caps. Most of those-in-the-know concluded that businesses should aim for a combination of the vlogging ideas as above, rather than striving for a specific one in order to broaden appeal and establish a strong following. www.onbuy.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 10 May 2019 | BPI News
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Minilab News
PHOTOXPORT: NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS 24/7
The pro-active printer specialist has re-tooled its website for e-commerce, meaning that its valued customers can order media and even printers any time of the day or night. BPI News finds out more from MD Derek Fieldhouse…
T
he photo market never stays still for long and neither does Leicester-based PhotoXport, which every month adds something new to its already comprehensive offerings to the trade – leaving little time for sleep it seems. “PhotoXport is now open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” its MD Derek Fieldhouse enthuses, explaining that it’s because its website at www.photoxport.com has recently been upgraded with new e-commerce features. This means that the photo trade really can place orders for its goods wherever and whenever, in anticipation of a next day delivery. The move was part prompted by PhotoXport recently becoming an official Citizen Photo Reseller, as reported in BPI News March, a relationship which has blossomed, with sales of Citizen’s offerings going well for both parties. Available printers include the Citizen CX02 (the core component of PhotoXport’s Wi-Fi enabled SnapFoto solution and the most portable option), plus the CY-02 and OP900II. The CX-02 (shown below) offers 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8 inch print sizes, plus a ribbon rewind function to avoid waste, and an energy saving sleep mode.
The CY-02 meanwhile offers user friendliness and up 700 4x6 or 350 6x8inch prints per roll. The idea is that you spend less time at the printer and more time with customers. We get the same three print sizes as the CX-02, plus the choice of printing at 300dpi or 600dpi. The third Citizen option in the OP900II boasts levels of colour, consistency and permanency described as ‘outstanding’, while it’s alternatively a great option for B&W. A high capacity ribbon can deliver 600 6x4-inch images
items – like a printer costing several thousands – are still ‘price on request’ so we see it mainly as a way for the trade to quickly order their consumables. “We took on this opportunity because we needed to be able to rapidly respond to demand for Citizen products and that’s where the e-commerce comes in – we’re pleased to be gaining new customers daily.”
COLOURJET PAPER
photoxport.com is now e-commerce enabled - so trade customers can order consumables and even smaller prints with the click of a mouse
per roll. There’s a choice of glossy or matte surfaces once again, with a dropin paper loading system. An additional 6x9 inch size is offered to the above. Obviously, there are many additional retail functions that can be served by Citizen printers – like providing ID photos in conjunction with ID Photos Pro 8 biometric passport software.
ORDER ONLINE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY Given that its customers in the trade can now order inks and printers online direct, PhotoXport’s sales are expected to continue to grow. “Prime users of Citizen printers include event photographers who are normally time poor and so want to be able to order something at the last minute and have it there the next day,” Derek reasons, adding that his firm now has complete barcoded stock control. “We’ve been developing everything for the past three months, so that everything is scanned in and scanned out and we know we’ve got stock at a moment’s notice. It’s therefore critical that we have the ability to respond in good time to an order, which now we do. “You can also order Noritsu ink and ColourJet inkjet paper via our website, along with our other brands. It’s extremely efficient; you come in on the morning and we already have orders waiting. The major purchase
The above is all part of the enhanced level of service that PhotoXport, to be fair, consistently offers. Likewise available for order 24/7 is its own brand ColourJet inkjet paper, for which sales have grown exponentially in the first quarter of 2019. “It’s a great product and our own brand,” Derek outlines. “And from this May onwards we’ll be offering it in new 65-metre rolls sizes in glossy and lustre, which will give people using desktop printers such as the Epson D700 or Fuji DX100 the ability to use the paper in their machines. That again we think will be of use, as customers can order it online for receipt the next day. We’re always going the extra yard and constantly adapting to market conditions.” Contact Derek Fieldhouse and his team to place an order for any or all of the above products on 0116 2675907 or to take advantage of the new e-commerce site, visit www.photoxport.com
Check out PhotoXport’s new e-commerce site and place orders 24/7 at www.photoxport.com NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline
BPI News | May 2019 11
BPI News Extra
NEW ‘SHOOTS’: CANON’S SPRING COLLECTION Already in the news this month with wins for its key products at the TIPA World Awards (see also news page 16), the manufacturer keeps the flag flying for the photo trade by rolling out a plethora of new products to stimulate sales throughout spring and into summer. BPI News gets the lowdown on the exciting latest developments…
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anon is firing all its guns at once this month, with the news that not only has it picked up a quartet of TIPA World Awards from the photo imaging press for current equipment, but there’s also a whole new raft of product on its way. This includes the new big-on-features yet small-insize EOS 250D, described as the world’s lightest DSLR with a moveable screen.
Despite this being a ‘starter’ DSLR, we get the ability to capture 4K-video here, along with the ability to record time-lapse videos at this top resolution and grab 4K frames from a moving sequence. The guided user interface provides on-screen hints and tips for newbies, while a Digic 8 image processor supports a variety of improvements in Live View auto focus precision and Eye AF. On top of this, as indicated at the outset, we get a vari-angle touch screen LCD, plus a 9-point AF system described as ‘responsive’. Concluding the list of the latest must-haves, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are also supplied, while the 250D is available in a choice of three colours: black, white or silver. Available now, the camera is priced at a body only £529.99 or it’s £599.99 with EF-S 18-55mm standard zoom.
NEW REFILLABLE INK TANK PRINTERS
In succeeding the 200D the new camera features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor, and, in terms of an audience, photo specialists should be pitching the compact DSLR at family members looking to step up from smartphone photography or upgrade from an existing camera.
The manufacturer hasn’t forgotten that its users may also like to print their pictures as well as take them, and there are three new Pixma series printers in the G5050, G6050 and GM2050 – all designed for frequent home office or small office use. The G6050 is described as a multi function colour printer with a scan and copy capability and a practical front facing tilt-able panel with built-in LCD. The G5050 meanwhile is pitched as
Triple Canon printer whammy (L to R): the G6050, GM2050 and G5050
a single function colour printer with both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity options. Lastly, the GM2050 is a single function black and white printer with the bonus of refillable ink tanks. This ensures low running costs, promises its
A bumper batch of new product from Canon this month on the back of four TIPA World Award wins. Key kit includes 12 May 2019 | BPI News
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Canon spring 2019 collection maker, as well as high productivity for businesses that just need monotone prints. Indeed, Canon says that each printer is capable of delivering up to 18,000 pages from just three black ink bottles, or 7,700 pages from the G6050 and G5050’s colour set. The latter two printers are also compatible with a number of new media, including magnetic photo paper, sticky backed photo paper plus 3.5x3.5-inch square photo paper – making them perfect for photographers who want to get creative at home.
Main picture: Canon’s Zoemini instant camera printers can help attract a younger audience (customers of the future) to your store!
options and is said to fit comfortably in the palm of a hand, pocket or backpack. It’s also supported by the free to download Canon Mini Print app, which lets users connect with Google Photos and Dropbox, so they can also print photos from sources online, or from their smartphone via Bluetooth. The Zoemini C (SRP £109.99) meanwhile is described as a more streamlined version, which doesn’t provide Canon Mini Print app compatibility but does come with a five megapixel camera, a selfie-supporting reflective mirror and a micro SD card slot. The ‘C’ version is available in either bumblebee yellow, mint green or seaside blue for providing its users with instant keepsakes on the go.
FOUR TIPA WINS FOR CANON As is usually the case this time each year, the manufacturer has picked up acclaim from the international imaging press this month for products released over the past 12 months. The TIPA World Award for Best Advanced Full Frame Camera has gone to its EOS RP. Three of its lenses were also in the frame, with Best Professional DSLR Prime Lens going to the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, Best APS-C Mirrorless Prime Lens going to the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM, and the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM named as Best Mirrorless Prime Standard Lens.
NEW 4K CAMCORDERS TOO
All three printers will be available this June. The Pixma G6050 is £299.99, the G5050 is £229.99 and the GM2050 is again £229.99.
INSTANT CAMERAS FROM CANON If your customers require a printer/ camera combo that is a bit more portable, however, then point them in the direction of the innovative Canon Zoemini S and Zoemini C instant camera printers, which deliver what are described as ‘easy to print, peel-and-stick photos on the go’. Designed to be able to take the perfect ‘selfie’, the 8 megapixel camera powered Zoemini S (£149.99 SRP) comes in a choice of rose gold, matt black and pearl white colour
It’s not all about shooting stills, however. Canon has additionally unveiled a pair of Legria camcorders for spring in the HF G50 and HF G60, with the former described as an ‘entry point’ into the world of 4K video capture thanks to its 1/2.3-inch sensor, while by contrast the G60 features a one inch sensor and is aimed at satisfying more advanced users. Further features of the G50 include a 20x wide-angle zoom lens with f/1.8 to f/2.8 maximum aperture. On the G60 we get a 15x optical zoom with f/2.84.5 lens aperture. Both camcorders are fitted with a pro grade zoom rocker, a dial to reduce the need to dive into menus, a lens ring with fingertip light sensitivity, plus the ability to assign functions and commands to five buttons. We also get a 460K-dot resolution 3-inch touch screen on each, a 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder
that tilts and dual SD card slots. For more on all of the above, or to order in stock for your store forthwith, talk to your local Canon sales rep now. www.canon.co.uk
the EOS 250D, three Pixma printers, two Zoemini instant camera printers and two 4K camcorders. www.canon.co.uk @bpi_news
BPI News | May 2019 13
News
Bowens brand ‘revived’ by Wex
TAMRON TRIO’S ARRIVAL IMMINENT Arriving, like buses, any time now – as ‘mid 2019’ was promised following their original announcement at Japan’s CP+ show back in March – are three new Tamron lenses for DSLR and mirrorless users. The full frame DSLR compatible lenses are the 35-105mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD compact zoom and the SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD fixed focal length lens. The third new lens in the 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is a
new high-speed ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount full frame mirrorless cameras. Final pricing and specifications were yet to be set at the time of writing, although Tamron USA had revealed a price for the 35-105mm of $799. All three new lenses are being imported and distributed to the UK and Ireland by Intro2020 Ltd. www.intro2020.co.uk
Having acquired the Bowens trademark, photo specialist Wex Photo Video is setting about re-launching the brand via a new series of equipment manufactured by a production partner said to be to the exact standards and specifications that customers have come to expect from the Bowens brand. Kicking off new Bowens kit, and announced at the end of last month, is a XMS500 Flash Head (at £599, shown here), for which twin head kits will also be available. A full line up of lights, flash systems, triggers and accessories is planned. All Bowens products come with a full two-year, Fixationapproved warranty. As BPI News readers will know, Fixation is the dedicated repair, rental and service wing of the Wex Photo Video group. In addition, Wex says it will continue to offer products from the existing Bowens range, including its XMT500 Flash Head. “Bowens is a highly respected name in the photographic lighting industry, with a strong reputation for reliability, speed and power,” suggests Wex’s Head of Content Matt Devine. “We are pleased to be able to continue its legacy with the introduction of a brand new line-up this year, backed by our trusted Fixation repair service, offering full support for professionals who rely on 100% performance from their equipment day-to-day.” www.wexphotovideo.com
LARGE FORMAT FILM PHOTOGRAPHY FOR INTREPID TYPES Well here’s something a little different in this digital age – a new pair (or rather upgrades) of large format film cameras from the Intrepid Camera Co (the biggest modern manufacturer of large format film cameras worldwide, it says). The analogue championing company tells us its 4x5 camera (red background image) is now entering its fourth generation (at £280 SRP) and the 8x10 (blue background pic) its second (at £480). The pitch is that the cameras boast features normally only seen in the high-end market, while themselves remaining affordable and ‘super lightweight’. The new models see the introduction of a slim black aluminium base to provide a steady foundation, while the focus plate runs on linear metal guides to guarantee pin sharp focus even with maximum bellows extension or heavy
lenses. The focus control is also now a single self locking wheel, mounted at the rear directly behind the ground glass, making it easier to access and use, says Intrepid, adding that the majority of the manufacturing and all the assembly is still done in-house in Brighton. Shipping is also direct from said warehouse. In addition to standard 4x5 or 8x10 sheet film the cameras can be used to shoot instant/Polaroid film, wet plate/ collodion, and other experimental processes. The Graflok back of the 4x5 further allows for the use of 120 and panoramic film backs. Versions with red, blue, black or green bellows are available. The company tells us it is currently working with a handful of places to be able to offer the cameras at retail, as well as via its website. www.intrepidcamera.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 14 May 2019 | BPI News
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BPI News Product Focus
HOT DEAL FOR FLAMIN’ JUNE FROM THE DPS GROUP & EPSON
Until the end of June this year there’s an extended three-year warranty offered on Epson’s P-series printers – including the acclaimed SureColor P10000 and P20000 – the former available for demo now in official re-seller the DPS Group’s showroom
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here’s rarely been a better time to invest in an acclaimed Epson SureColor P10000 or P20000 wide format printer. The ‘P’ series line up directly replaced Epson’s popular Stylus Pro printer line up and includes some of the biggest, heavy-duty devices available to the photo trade. There is one crucial aspect to be aware of however: “Don’t sleep, as you’ve only got until the 30th of June to take advantage of Epson’s generous three year extended warranty offer,” confirms Maneesh Patel, MD of official re-seller the DPS Group. “Be sure to speak to us today to find out how Epson’s P-series printers, in particular the P10000 and P20000, can make for the perfect partner for your print fulfillment service.” Better still, the DPS Group is offering the trade a demonstration of the P10000 in its purpose built showroom, giving you the crucial opportunity to try before you buy. “Book an appointment to be talked through the capabilities by one of our inhouse experts, so we can help determine which printer is best suited to your particular business requirements,” enthuses Maneesh. “We’ll tailor-make you a solution that will deliver reliability and profit.” The P10000 is a44-inch wide format printer which has been developed for photographic laboratories and copy shops, or, as with its larger P20000 sibling, any business wanting to offer an in-house large format printing solution. With current owners describing its operation as like an error-free return to the darkroom, the P10000 features a resolution of 600x600 dpi plus a PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head. To help ensure high precision and accurate results every time, the SureColor SCP10000 features a newly developed camera based paper feed stabiliser and media inductive roller system. A further plus for BPI News readers thinking about partnering with the DPS Group for their large format Epson printer needs is that you will also be able to take advantage of the DPS Group’s on-going low prices for the compatible inks.
Book a demo now on Epson’s P10000 printer at the DPS Group’s showroom to see what you’ll be getting when taking advantage of its timely three year extended warranty deal. But hurry, the latest offer ends this June!
ar three ynety warra now able! avail “You’ve only got until the end of June to take advantage of Epson’s generous three year extended warranty offer. So speak to us today to find out about Epson’s P-series printers, including the P10000 and P20000 and request a demo.” DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel
THE BIG ADVANTAGE Regular readers will be up to speed with the fact that Epson’s flagship P20000 replaced the Stylus Pro 11880, and is recommended by Maneesh and his team for any business seeking to stand out by adding industrial heft to its print fulfillment. Designed for mini labs and photo retailers, at 64-inches wide there’s versatility built in too: as well as printing photographs, its size enables it to additionally produce signage and point of sale material. A PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head can provide prints to a maximum 2400x1200dpi resolution, whilst its print head structure claims to result in fewer vibrations and more accurate ink drops and ink placement. As one of Epson’s largest authorised partners, Maneesh confirms that the
printer is a significantly superior successor to the previous Epson model, plus the time it takes to produce a print is rapid when compared to competing products out there. “The DPS Group can help BPI News readers make the decision to upgrade to the Epson SureColor P series from their existing Epson Stylus Pro range or from any other brand they might own – for example Canon or HP,” he further promises. So don’t miss out that time-limited window to grab a three-year warranty! Get in touch direct via sales@dpsb.co.uk or calling 020 8466 7230 to request a demo and discover the advantages of using an Epson P10000 or P20000 printer in your own business. www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk
Contact the DPS Group now for a demo on 020 8460 3690, email sales@dpsb.co.uk or visit www.dpsb.co.uk @bpi_news
BPI News | May 2019 15
BPI News Extra
TIPA REWARDS GLOBAL INNOVATION IN PHOTO
The Technical Image Press Association has once again collectively sat down somewhere exotic to make their selection of the greatest innovations in the imaging world over the past 12 months. We survey the spoils in order to provide your own business with the essential ‘who won what’ marketing ammunition, enabling you to push the victors to punters and make that crucial sale…
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he TIPA Awards has had ‘World’ added to its title for the second year running to reflect the international make up of its judging panel, taken from around 30 magazines and websites involved in writing and reviewing imaging products, stretching from the UK, across Europe and including the USA and China. Describing itself as the most coveted photo and imaging awards worldwide, manufacturers typically like to make the most of being featured amongst the winning names selected by TIPA – which this year include the familiar and less familiar across its 40 categories. Products were chosen from those announced between April 1st 2018 and 31st March 2019. Here we pick out some highlights…
IN IT TO WIN IT Taking home four awards for 2019 is Nikon – another big winner in our own BPI News Awards last month. Best DSLR Camera went to the Nikon D5300, while Best Expert Full Frame Camera went to the Nikon Z 6 and the Best Full Frame Professional Camera was named as the Nikon Z 7 (below). The acclaim for its fledgling mirrorless series continued with the award for Best Mirrorless Wide Angle Zoom Lens
going to the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S. Not to be outdone, Canon was also in the frame for some big wins, with Best Advanced Full Frame Camera going to its EOS RP (above left). Three of its lenses were also in receipt of acclaim, with Best Professional DSLR Prime Lens going to the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM. Best APS-C Mirrorless Prime Lens meanwhile was won by the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM, while Best Mirrorless Prime Standard Lens was named as the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM. Canon Europe’s Senior Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Issei Morimoto commented: “We are proud to be recognised by TIPA with
these four accolades. For the 25th year in a row, our on-going commitment to continually developing the most innovative products on the market, putting lenses and optics at the core of the business, has been recognised.” Staying with lenses, another winning optic this year was the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS that took Best Mirrorless Professional Lens. Best Superzoom Compact Camera meanwhile went to the same manufacturer’s RX100 VI (below, centre), while the Sony A6400 (above right) was garlanded as Best APS-C Expert Camera. The electronics giant also grabbed Best Imaging Storage Solution for its Sony SF-G series Tough Specification Cards, built with an ultrastrong one piece resin-moulded design and providing resistance to being bent, as well as to dust, water, mud and grime. Lenses also played their part in big wins for third party manufacturer Sigma, which took three TIPA’s. The title of Best DSLR Telephoto Zoom Lens went to the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports (see right) optic. Best Professional DSLR Zoom Lens was won by the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports,
The TIPA World Awards 2019 showcases winning products across 40 photo and imaging categories, as voted for by the 16 May 2019 | BPI News
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TIPA World Awards 2019 Describing itself as the most coveted photo and imaging awards worldwide, manufacturers typically like to make the most of being featured amongst the winning names selected by TIPA – which this year include the familiar and less familiar across its 40 categories...” Tripod and its Lowepro Whistler BP450 AW II was acclaimed as Best Photo Bag. Best Imaging Software meanwhile went to Skylum Luminar 3, while CEWE’s ‘hexxas’ hexagonal print option was named Best Photo Service.
while last but not least the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art bagged Best DSLR Prime Lens. See a more detailed focus on the Sigma wins on page 8 of this very issue.
MANY SENSORS MAKE LIGHT WORK Another familiar name in Panasonic also earned its place on the winners’ podium with its recently released Lumix S1 (above top) grabbing the prize for Best Full Frame Photo/Video Camera this time around. Its partner in the Four Thirds format, Olympus, wasn’t left out either, with the equally new OM-D E-M1X (above) being acclaimed as Best Professional Micro Four Thirds Camera. Staying briefly with Panasonic and Sigma, a Special Industry Award went to the L-Mount Alliance (logo below) (also including Leica alongside
those two), which we’ve covered in detail in previous copies of BPI News (beginning with our October 2018 edition). Picking up two TIPA’s this year was another major player in Fujifilm, which bagged Best Advanced APS-C Camera in the Fujifilm X-T30. Its pioneering GFX 50R (right) also picked up Best Medium Format Camera. More unusually, the Zeiss ZX1 (above), also first announced back at Photokina 2018, picked up a standalone award for Best Design. Ricoh took a pair of awards, with its GR III named as Best Expert Compact Camera and its Theta Z1 Best 360° Camera. Accessories weren’t left out of the mix or from under TIPA’s watchful eyes, either. The Metz Mecalight S500 BC (right) was awarded Best Portable LED Light, while the Vitec Group’s Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon Fibre Tripod nabbed Best Travel
HAVE YOUR SAY! SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE 2019 TIPAS So, yes, once again some fairly obvious choices among the winners this year – with, arguably, the most talked about releases of the past year featuring prominently. But what do you think? Send us your own thoughts and opinions though via info@bpinews.co.uk – we’d be more than happy to hear them. For the complete list of all 40 winners for 2019 and more blurb about each, point your web browser at the below URL: www.tipa.com
international photo press. Agree or disagree with any of the products chosen? Have you say via info@bpinews.co.uk @bpi_news
BPI News | May 2019 17
Product of the Month
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: PANASONIC LUMIX S1 Our occasional series highlighting new releases of note makes a welcome return, curating innovative equipment actually worth talking about and cutting through the Internet ‘noise’…
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ollowing an original announcement at Photokina 2018 – reported on in BPI News October – the inaugural full frame mirrorless cameras from Panasonic in the 24.2 megapixel S1 and 47.3 megapixel S1R are landing in stock, and in customers’ hands. We got to have a play with the former just prior to Easter, and, in being a product from an electronics giant, both connectivity and video capability are as well catered for here as stills, with 4K up to 60P and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth offered as standard. Indeed, if your customers don’t need the mega resolution offered by its more expensive doppelganger, the weather and dirt resistant build S1 would pretty much seem to have it all for those wanting to step up to full frame photography for the first time. As we might expect given the angular, tank-like construction, this is s a pretty hefty and robust camera when held in the palm, especially with the kit lens option of an S-series 24-105mm zoom attached. On a positive note, this should instill confidence in anyone looking to ditch their DSLR for a mirrorless alternative. The size is in part due to Panasonic’s adoption of Leica’s L-mount, part of a new three
way alliance that sees Sigma also supplying L-mount optics. While the weight of camera and lens combined is not prohibitive, you may feel its presence after a day out sight seeing. Offering some comfort and razor-sharp clarity is the built in electronic viewfinder with 5.76 million dot resolution, ranged directly above a useful three axis tilting LCD, which proves so flexible we often used it in preference to the EVF. Despite the heft it is possible to shoot one-handed with the camera for brief periods, with the dual image stabilization system (in-body IS and in-lens IS) coming up trumps. The S1’s handgrip feels just right for this size of camera, providing space for three adult fingers to curl around it while the forefinger hovers over the shutter release button. The ergonomics appear to be exceptionally well thought out, with everything in its right place to the extent that you never feel like you’re frustratingly ‘hunting’ for a particular feature, with a control dial at the front of the handgrip mirrored by a second at the rear plus a ‘Quick’ menu provided highlighting key settings.
Quality you can a-fjord: a wide angle lens and a full frame sensor are capable of delivering detail in spades, as the shots we took below demonstrate
cheap by any means at around £2,200 body-only, if your customers aren’t wedded to a particular system already, the S1 may be the only full frame camera most will need. For more, talk to your local Panasonic sales rep or direct your browser to www.panasonic.co.uk
FJORD FOCUS While the camera is easy enough for your photographer customers to quickly familiarize themselves with, that and its comprehensive feature set would be for nothing if its photographic quality wasn’t any good. Fortunately it’s very good indeed, displaying bags of detail throughout the frame. The lens supplied also allows for some attractive bokeh effects, and, while the camera’s AF is very responsive, when we found ourselves switching to manual focus to deal with busier backgrounds, we appreciated the fact that an enlarged portion of the subject is offered on screen to check we have things spot on. While this camera isn’t
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 18 May 2019 | BPI News
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News
ZEISS EXPANDS RANGE FOR ‘DEMANDING’ DSLR OWNERS Have customers demanding the very best in optics? Premium lens manufacturer Zeiss has expanded its line up of lenses for full frame Canon and Nikon DSLRs by adding a tele focal length to its offerings in the Otus 1.4/100 (f/1.4 aperture, 100m focal length), which has a suggested retail price of an eye watering £3,600. Designed for ‘in the studio or on the go’ according to its manufacturer as well as the most demanding applications, the new high speed lens is claimed to provide a ‘3D pop effect’ in terms of its ‘exceptional’ level of detail and harmonic bokeh. The lens also features full metal housing and precise manual focusing thanks to its extended rotation angle and the smooth operation of mechanical
components. In short, Zeiss believes that its mechanical design will allow it to last a long time. A lens shade and protective caps for the front and back of the lens are included in the asking price. www.zeiss.com
NEW CAMERA PACKS AREN’T ALL IN THE MIND We can never have too many camera bags or backpacks can we? Authorised UK and Ireland distributor for MindShift gear, SnapperStuff, has unveiled new kit that’s just arrived from said brand. This includes a PhotoCross 15 backpack (centre) aimed at adventurous photographers, which is built to withstand the elements and is available in two colours – either Carbon Grey or Orange Ember – both at £169 SRP. Also new is a BackLight Elite 45L backpack (on right) in dramatically named Storm Grey. As it sounds, this bag provides an ample 45 litres of space for both camera gear and ‘adventure equipment’, with rear panel access adding security. SRP is £399. The third new MindShift branded method for your customers to transport their cameras and lenses in is the Stash Master 13L (on left, at SRP £59). This bag is designed to either extend the capacity of an existing MindShift backpack, or convert any other brand of backpack or roller into a camera bag.
Aimed at pros and enthusiasts alike, this padded insert is sized to fit pro camera gear, including a gripped DSLR body attached to a 70-200mm f2.8 lens. High-density ‘velex’ interior and reinforced vertical dividers claim to keep photographers’ gear secure and protected, while carry handles make it easy to transport. www.snapperstuff.com
Olympus appoints new ‘commercial ambassador’ The manufacturer’s scheme to showcase the talents of photographers creating exceptional imagery with Olympus equipment – and have them in turn act as ambassadors for the brand – continues with the announcement that it has a new ‘Commercial Ambassador’ in Twickenham-based pro photographer Marcus Clackson. Previously Marcus focused on extoling the virtues of shooting macro photography with Olympus cameras. The company adds that his new role brings the photographer more closely into line with his own long-standing specialism of commercial photography. Olympus UK Marketing Manager Georgina Pavelin says: “the commercial category offers a wider opportunity to deliver a variety of images and skills, whilst adding a business guidance element for followers.” Marcus adds: “I’m thrilled to be appointed Commercial Ambassador for Olympus UK and am looking forward to sharing my 25 years of photographic experience working for editorial and advertising agencies. Shooting all my work on the flagship Olympus OM-D E-M1 series cameras and M.Zuiko Pro lenses has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my photography.” www.marcusclackson.co.uk www.olympus.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 | May 2019 19
BPI News Product Focus
PATERSON & BENBO: A WINNING PROPOSITION
The TWP Group – owner of the Paterson and Benbo brands that will be even more familiar to the photo trade – makes its BPI News debut. We find out why stocking its UK manufactured products is a must…
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s one of the most diverse manufacturing companies in the UK, you may already be aware of West Midlands based TWP Group’s Paterson Photographic LED lamp and darkroom range – indeed it claims to be the world’s leading and largest distributor of darkroom products – as well as the Benbo tripod brand. Both were showcased at The Photography Show in March, as they have been in previous years. With renewed interest in analogue photography – and the skillsets required – as well as on-going interest in digital in its ever evolving shapes and forms, the Group’s offerings would seem to be very much in vogue, while stocking them could very well give your own retail business a boost and bring in fresh customers. Furthermore, its Director, Richard Perry, tells us that it is trying to “reignite an interest in UK manufacturing” – something that feels particularly relevant and timely post 2016 referendum, and where we presently find ourselves as a country. TWP, incidentally, stands for ‘Threeway Pressings’, with the 50-employee strong engineering company specialising in tool making, production and manufacturing. As a result it’s perfectly placed to be able to deliver a diverse product portfolio to the trade – and appeal to those who see the value in buying from and supporting a home-grown success. The UK manufactured products are not only of excellent quality but are offered to photo specialists at a competitive price – and with equally attentive customer service, an expanded sales and marketing team and a recently overhauled website, the TWP Group is well placed to deliver on demand.
ILLUMINATING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PHOTO TRADE With its brands including Paterson Photographic, Richard’s fellow Director Philip Stanley describes its exhibition at The Photography Show this year as “a great opportunity to show visitors the range of Benbo tripods, a product assembled in the heart of the Midlands very close to where the show itself takes place. The manufacturing process for the tripods recently underwent a complete review, which has allowed distribution of the products to markets all over the world. “Also displayed was the extensive range of traditional darkroom products bearing the Paterson brand, 95% of which are moulded and assembled at our injection moulding facility in Wolverhampton. The Paterson range is not just about analogue however and we were keen to
A lightbulb moment: Paterson Photographic is the brand for both traditional darkroom kits (below left, in boxed and unpacked versions) and digital age LED technology. Shown here with Director Phil Stanley at The Photography Show in March is its new LIT 400 LED Lamp... while its Film Processing Kit provides all your customers need to get set up from scratch
showcase the ‘digital age’ range of studio lighting equipment and accessories.” A case in point is the new LIT 400 LED Lamp launched at TPS in March – which is the only LED lamp designed and manufactured in the UK, according to Paterson. This consists of 48 bright light emitting LEDs, rated to last upwards of 10,000 hours of use. The lamp delivers a daylight-balanced light that is easily transformed into a warmer tungsten light, if desired, with the addition of a tungsten cap included in every box. While it has been UK designed, the circuit board has been developed for use with all voltages from 85-265v, thereby truly making it a worldwide product. Described as simple, effective and incredibly economical, the Paterson LED lamp utilises only 21 watts to produce 3300 lumens – which is equivalent to a 135-watt fluorescent lamp! The Paterson Photographic darkroom equipment brochure meanwhile displays an exhaustive array of accessories for the traditional darkroom, including developer trays, tongs and drying racks. Worth flagging up from the range for those curious customers of yours looking to get into wet processing and set up the basis for a complete darkroom is the Film Processing Kit. This contains everything required to process up to two 35mm films or one 120 roll of film at a time. In short, it’s perfect for photographers wanting to capture images on film – and, of course, there’s the ability for them to scan their prints later should they wish to turn them into digital files. The Paterson range also includes an
Place orders for the Paterson Photographic & Benbo products featured here via 0121 520 4830 or sales@patersonphotographic.co.uk 20 May 2019 | BPI News
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Paterson Photographic promotion
SPECIALIST SKILLS IN MANUFACTURING
Strong & stable: Showcasing parent company the TWP Group’s expertise in engineering and manufacturing are the Benbo No1 and 2 heavy duty tripods; the No2 offering extra height due to its longer legs
Threeway Pressings Limited began life in October 1995 as one small unit with two machines and two employees. In its early days it predominantly serviced the automotive sector and still continues to expand its customer base in that market. However, it has since expanded into many other areas of manufacturing and it now manufactures one of the most diverse portfolios of products in the UK. With a specialism in injection-moulded parts and the metal pressing business, injection moulding supplies the lion’s share of its darkroom products for Paterson Photographic, the world’s largest and leading distributor of darkroom equipment. One of its most recent product expansions has been into manufacturing attractive and ergonomic hand tools for gardening – including a foldable spade! Unsurprisingly given the above, it has won awards for its innovation, including one for Manufacturing Achievement from the Made in the Midlands Awards. www.threewaypressings.co.uk
enlarger, enlarger lenses, timers and a darkroom safelight. Get in touch with the team to request a full brochure (or brochures) for the above products, or call direct to find out more.
ENJOY ‘STABILITY’ WITH SALES OF BENBO For 35 years Benbo tripods have matched photographers’ requirements for stability linked to versatility and weight, with tubular aluminum leg construction and the tripod’s unique highly flexible main joint allowing each leg to be independently positioned. Whether used with the centre column vertical or low to the ground with the
95% of Paterson products are moulded and assembled at our injection moulding facility in Wolverhampton. The Paterson range is not just about analogue however and we are keen to showcase the ‘digital age’ range of studio lighting equipment and accessories.” Philip Stanley, Director, Paterson Photographic legs splayed out, the tripods are as reliable as they are well constructed. Customers with heavier camera and lens combinations are pointed in the direction of the Benbo No1 and 2 heavyduty tripods (shown right). Both featuring the same tough aluminium tubing, the No2 tripod features extra height with its longer legs. The double-ended centre column also offers a choice of standard 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch fixing for ball and socket heads. Kit versions of both include a pro ball and socket head and carry bag.
Benbo tripod kits come with a convenient carry bag, as detailed in the main text
Alternatively there’s the Benbo Trekker Tripod. This one’s ideal for when a tripod needs to be carried greater distances, while newly designed leg head castings allow the legs to be folded compactly when transporting the tripod. The flexibility of the leg joint mechanism when combined with the ability to swing the centre column through 180°, allows the camera to be positioned at almost any point relative to the tripod legs. A fixed or swivel head mount can also be chosen, while a hook at the bottom of the centre column allows for a camera bag or other weight to be added for extra stability. The Trekker Tripod is available in three different sizes: The BEN107 is the standard size, being the same height as the heavier Benbo No1 Classic Tripod when extended. The
Compact Trekker is, as it sounds, the shorter, even more ‘travel friendly’ version, capable of being transported in a suitcase while the Mini Trekker is designed for low level photography. With short, one-piece legs, it’s ideal for getting in close and photographing plants, flowers and still life. When space is particularly tight, or your photographer customers want the ultimate in portability, there’s also the Benbo Trekker Monopod. The two-section monopod utilises the 180° tilting camera mount from the Trekker tripod, thereby making it one of the most versatile monopods on the market. Also available in the Benbo range are a selection of standalone ball and socket heads and quick release plates, as well as various spares and replacement parts. It goes without saying that there’s a solution to fit each photographic discipline, skillset and budget. So get in touch with the team now via the contact details below. www.patersonphotographic.com
Visit also www.patersonphotographic.com for the full UK manufactured product range @bpi_news
BPI News | May 2019 21
Minilab News
FUJIFILM: INSPIRING PHOTO DEALERS TO BETTER THEIR BEST BPI News catches up with last year’s ‘Shop of the Year’ winner in the Fujifilm Business Excellence Awards – Island Photo Centre, Ryde – to find out how the retailer is continuing to innovate and broaden its scope for profit…
A
year is a long time in the photo industry – particularly with the challenging uncertainty of the past 12 months. But one Fujifilm dealer appears to be avoiding any retail wobble and is continuing to boost the profile and bottom line of his own business: Steve Brown of Island Photo Centre on the Isle of Wight (www.islandphotocentre.co.uk). Steve’s store won top prize of ‘Shop of the Year’ at last year’s Business Excellence Awards. With Fujifilm’s annual Conference & Awards Evening once again coming up this very month (May 18th and 19th) we felt it was ‘Ryde on time’ to catch up with the photo independent and learn of the exciting
Island Photo Centre owner Steve Brown, shown here with wife Amanda, is always on the look out for new opportunities to maximise revenue, and has had support from Fujifilm in doing so for over a decade, with its branding front and centre
new ideas he’s put into practice since his 2018 accolade. Ones that may, in turn, inspire your own business.
POP-UP PHOTOGRAPHY While last summer saw the pioneering retailer organise a promotional day out at the Isle of Wight Zoo in conjunction with Fujifilm, this year Steve tells us he’s been focusing even more on events photography, heading out with Fujifilm ASK printers and laptops. “We got asked to shoot some charity balls on the Isle of Wight; the Gatsby Ball…. The Lions Club 40th Anniversary… and do a pop up studio,
take the shots and sell the pictures to those that wanted them,” he divulges, adding that the apparent demand for photographing such events inspired his business to last Christmas hire a shop space down the road from his main store in Ryde (a second one is in Newport), in order to host a pop-up studio. “We had a sleigh and a Christmas tree and got all the local schools to mention it in their Christmas newsletter,” recalls the retailer. “We had the mums bring their kids in to have their photographs taken and receive a print near instantly, for Christmas presents.” This has prompted Island Photo Centre to consider a move to larger premises
Boost your print sales in 2019! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_uk@fujifilm.com 22 May 2019 | BPI News
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Fujifilm Advertorial
The days of just opening a shop, sitting back and waiting for the customer to come to you have gone. You need to be doing other things; for example our pop up studio was to encourage mums and kids to start using us. And we have got a lot more coming in because word’s got out…” Steve Brown, owner, Island Photo Centre locally, so it will be able to offer such services in store. “But because we didn’t have the space at the time, rather than pass up the opportunity, we approached the landlord of one of the empty shops in the town and offered to put something in there for a week – which he was more than happy to do. We didn’t know if the demand would be there or not, but we thought we’d offer something a little different. It worked very well and we’ve bookings again this year for other events.” Steve’s business also made use of what’s traditionally a quiet time for retail in January. He approached schools and nurseries to provide their school photography and has managed to win new business as a result. “Because we’ve expanded into other areas, it’s snowballed. One school wants a photograph of all 450 pupils in a traditional panoramic type image. So we are busy with that side of it.”
JOIN THE CLUB
Happy shoppers: A pop up studio in a nearby vacant retail unit paid dividends for both Island Photo Centre and the landlord renting them the space over the Christmas period last year
Customer care: Adding photography workshops to his range of services allows Steve and his team to build loyalty and sell equipment in a softer manner
of increased interest for the business was its provision of photo workshops, undertaken both in-house and on location. Steve updates us by saying that these have again “taken off” for 2019. “We’re doing more workshops than we did last year. Last year it was 12, and this year we have 15 or 16 planned. We have more day courses as well and increasingly they’re fully booked. We’ve also set up a photographic club, whereby people pay to be a member and are taught one aspect of photography each time that we meet. This also involves discussions about photography and a question and answer session. “That’s been growing to the extent that we’re 50% up in terms of attendance compared to what we started with. It’s a club for people who want to learn, rather a traditional, perhaps cliquey, camera club where it’s all about competitions. People are able to ask us silly questions and try out different techniques with their cameras.”
When we first spoke to Steve for our May 2018 issue of BPI News, another area
These club meetings have taken place in the informal atmosphere of a local pub, which provides Steve with a room for the purpose of hosting such events. He adds that with the weather getting better the club will start meeting out and about. “Maybe we’ll go down to the beach and shoot a sunset,” he adds. Another event Island Photo Centre has coming up in what sounds like an already busy summer schedule is a balloon festival – something of a first for the Isle of Wight. Originally the shop was asked by the organisers simply to provide a prize for a photographic competition, but Steve threw in the suggestion of some workshops as well. “It’s now grown to the extent that we’re doing three workshops at the balloon festival where we’ll be teaching people about photography… there’s a photographic competition… plus we’ve got a marquee. So I’ve asked Swains and Fujifilm to come along too and provide a bit more of a showcase. “We’ll also be attending a dog festival in June, then we’ve got the world famous Cowes sailing event coming up over here, at which we’ll have a stand on the main parade for the first time.”
Boost your print sales in 2019! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_uk@fujifilm.com NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline
BPI News | May 2019 23
Fujifilm Advertorial THE PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH All of this is obviously quite an undertaking alongside the daily demands of running a high street business – but making the most of such opportunities is, Steve feels, just what the modern photo retailer must do. “Obviously hardware sales are slower than they used to be a few years ago – although mirrorless and second hand continues to be popular – so we’re always looking at different ways to do things so we can keep everything ticking along. “I think you do have to offer these ‘extras’. If you’re trying to survive just on hardware then it really is tough, whereas if you start adding in workshops and events then you build up a greater rapport with your customers – especially through the club night – and they tend to come back. “The days of just opening a shop, sitting back and waiting for the customer to come to you have gone. You need to be doing other things – for example the pop up studio was to encourage mums and kids to start using us. You’ve got to approach a demographic that actually wants to take pictures. And we have got a lot more coming in because the word’s got out about what we’re trying to do.” Aiding and abetting Steve’s success is also his store’s association with Fujifilm for over a decade – a widely recognised brand that people have immediate confidence in, he suggests. “Yes there is a demand for photo printing, but, again, rather than just sitting back, you can go out and try and increase it. Getting the custom now requires a two-pronged attack, as it were.” Photo gifting options are another area that Island Photo Centre is looking to expand on this year, with an eye on trade over Christmas 2019. Hopefully its plans to move into a bigger shop in Ryde, within which there would also be a fully blown studio, will allow for this. “You’ve got to be open-minded and see what you can find,” concludes Steve, by way of advice. “There is work out there and sales to be had – just that sometimes you have to approach it from a different angle than we would have approached it from years ago. We get great support from Fujifilm, which is always helpful, as is the fact that we have their wellknown branding outside the shop. Over here on the island we get a lot of holiday trade, so when people see names that they recognise, it helps. There’s confidence in the Fujifilm equipment.” All said, Island Photo Centre is looking confidently towards trading this summer.
We get great support from Fujifilm, which is always helpful, as is the fact that we have their well-known branding outside the shop. Over here on the island we get a lot of holiday trade, so when people see names that they recognise it helps. There’s confidence in Fujifilm equipment.”
“The Isle of Wight is quite a big county in its own right – there’s something like 135,000 permanent residents – but it can swell up to two million when you add in holiday trade. And I am hearing that a lot of hotels and holiday camps this year are almost fully booked, possibly because of Brexit, so hopefully we’ll have quite a profitable season, which always helps!”
Having a ball: Island Photo Centre has recently branched out into event photography, undertaken on request, adding another string to an already heavily laden bow for the pro-active retailer
‘Net gain: Steve Brown and his staff have more photography workshops planned for over the summer period and are taking advantage of future events on the Isle of Wight, such as its first ever balloon festival, to reach out to potential new customers
To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and help boost the profile and bottom line of your own store or minilab, get in touch with Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington now on 01234 572138 or view www.originalphotopaper.com “Steve and Amanda and the rest of the team at Island Photo Centre are a real credit to the Fujifilm Photo Print Services network. Steve and Amanda’s energy and passion for their business is infectious and I am always inspired by them whenever we get a chance to catch up. And they are not the only ones. Our member network is about working as a team, where our job is to keep providing marketing support through our range of products and services, while our retailers, using their own business know-how, leverage this to help grow their photo businesses. Our annual members Conference is our chance to catch up and compare notes and see how we can keep on making it better.”
Boost your print sales in 2019! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_uk@fujifilm.com 24 May 2019 | BPI News
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News
Brits in pole position at World Photography Awards Want to inspire your customers to invest in a new camera, lens or accessories in order to be able to deliver award-winning shots? Then look no further than the inspiration provided by last month’s 2019 Sony World Photography Awards, which saw four British artists in the top three categories. British-Chinese photographer Yan Wang Preston (winning image shown immediate right) won the Professional Landscape category, followed by Marco Kesseler in 2nd Place and Kieran Dodds (island image, shown far right) in 3rd Place in the same category. Additionally, Edward Thompson was awarded 3rd Place in the Professional Brief category. Preston’s series of shots, entitled ‘To The South of the Colourful Clouds’ is described as otherworldly and illustrates an ecology recovery landscape in Haidong Development Zone in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. The series, forming part of an eight-year project, claims to provide viewers with an insight into the conversion of a rural stretch of land to an international leisure town. The vibrant colours visible in the landscape
are a result of semi-artificial soil that forms the base for non-indigenous plants, including many mature trees. The winning and shortlisted work was being displayed at London’s Somerset House until May 6th, before going on a global tour. Produced by the World Photography
Organisation, the Sony World Photography Awards is one of the world’s largest and most esteemed photography competitions and is now in its 12th year. Organisers claim the 2019 Awards received a record-breaking 326,997 submissions from 195 countries. www.worldphoto.org
CEWE brings the past into the present Photofinishing specialist CEWE ‘s latest marketing initiative has involved running a competition for Brits to have their old photos brought back to life. It was calling for people to post their black and white photos on Instagram using the tag #ColourMyPhoto to be in with a chance of having their old snaps totally transformed. The company hopes that its scheme – which ran for the month of April – sheds light on lives formerly only known in black and white, as well as restoring tatty vintage shots to their former pristine selves. CEWE’s Digital Marketing Director Clare Moreton says: “We understand all too well the positive impact a photo can have on someone and what a wonderful gift it can make, so the idea of bringing a moment time has forgotten back to life is really special. We can’t wait to pour over the images and select the lucky winners, we’re sure the images will look amazing and reveal secrets from the past as we’ve never seen before.” www.cewe-photoworld.com/ life-in-colour
Still open for entries (to anyone aged over 18) as we went to press was the CEWE Photo Award 2019 (entrant Anders Brakestad pic above), described as the ‘world’s biggest’, with 175,000 submissions from around the world so far received and 250,000 Euros in prizes to be won. In addition three winners are chosen each month who bag a €100 voucher for CEWE. Closing date for entries is May 31st, with winners announced in an awards ceremony in Vienna on September 26th. For more details, and how to enter, head to the below link: https://cewe-photoworld.com /cewephotoaward
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 | May 2019 25
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Business Advice
GET MOTIVATED FOR MAY & RE-BOOT YOUR BUSINESS With sunnier days approaching, moods lifting and purse strings (hopefully) loosening, it’s a perfect time to take a long hard look at your own business and see if there’s anything you need to change, increasingly focus on or expand on, perhaps to take account of changes in the market and consumer habits. With the above in mind, we’ve some motivational May suggestions for re-booting your business…
I
f you do the same thing you always do, you’ll always get the same results, runs the adage. Another suggests diversity is key. In a retail environment in which photo specialist stores can no longer rely purely on the old staples of profit margins from selling new cameras or fulfilling 6x4-inch print orders – as the mass market appears perfectly happy to snap away with their smartphones and keep the pictures therein – fresh ideas and innovations, as regards both the art of photography and the wider photographic industry, are worth their weight in gold. Whether you believe the camera market is still contracting, or any decline has leveled off, thanks in part to the rise in adoption of mirror-less cameras and folks exchanging old for new, we appear to be back to the biggest spends coming from the pockets of the photo hobbyists. So, particularly if you’re a retailer with a high street presence, how can you endeavour
28 May 2019 | BPI News
to attract (or maintain) a wider audience, or ideally, make your shop a ‘destination’ store? Here are our top ten tips…
FOCUS LOCALLY It’s important to not lose sight of the one advantage a bricks and mortar photo retailer has over online box shifters: a local community to market to. While you may want to post updates and deals on your Facebook page or Instagram, consider getting involved with local groups, schools and clubs in the real, rather than merely virtual, world. After all, they’re another potential source of new business – and one that you’re not competing with every photo retailer who has a web or presence for. Wherever you visit and whomever you talk to, let the advice do the work here – a good rapport with the audience will do more for the business than pushing products hard
ever will. Be seen as someone who gives to the community: the more networking you do, the better your reach and the bigger your catchment area for potential customers. The positive word of mouth that hopefully ensues will provide you with the best advertising you’ve ever had.
REFRESH YOUR SHOP WINDOW Don’t get so hung up with fighting retail battles online that you ignore the potential custom that can be found on your doorstep – and, obviously, you can begin marketing to your local community via the medium of your shop window and exterior sandwich board. Tie a refresh in with a seasonal theme. With summer on the way, high street photo specialists have a golden opportunity to visually lift spirits and encourage spend. Perhaps there’s a
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Motivational May Special local fayre or festival happening that you could tie in a time limited promotion with, for some cross fertilisation. Or, with a royal baby imminent at the time of writing, here’s an opportunity to attract new mums to your store with a suitably themed promotion. Advise them that a dedicated digital camera is going to be better suited for high-resolution stills and 4K video of their new arrival than a smartphone, especially in low light, while pointing them towards the albums and frames you also stock.
MAKE SURE YOU CAN BE FOUND This point doesn’t just relate to your physical presence (if you have one) but your online shop window too. If people can’t find you via various search engines and familiar keywords, then how are they going to know that you exist? Also make sure your location, contact details and opening hours are easily found – preferably as soon as someone lands on your homepage. PR is also, obviously, a good way to put your business on the map – literally. The local press, radio, online publications and even podcasts love to feature local businesses, as they thrive on feel-good stories – and the closer they are to home, the better. Try running a kids’ photo competition, with a prize that is presented in your shop and which can be publicised to the local paper (if you’re fortunate enough to still have one published for your area), or community website. You may be tempted to cut down on traditional marketing spend – but don’t! While it may save cash in the short term, the reality is that if customers cannot find you because other retailers are shouting louder, you will, in the long run, lose far more than you’ll ever save.
KEEP TRACK OF WHO’S BUYING FROM YOU Many stores will, with consent, gather lists of customers’ emails – which can then be used for direct marketing, perhaps letting them know of a flash deal, a seasonal sale or new finance package – each designed, naturally, to encourage a purchase. A clever way to build up such a database in the first place is to re-think your receipts. Can you send them by email? Not only do you save on print, you’ll be gathering a collection of contacts that can, again with consent, be marketed to.
REWARD LOYALTY Offer promotions that reward loyalty rather than dishing out discounts (which can erode margin and ultimately kill off the business) in order to win custom.
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In a retail environment in which most photo specialists can no longer rely purely on profits from selling new cameras or fulflling 6x4-inch print orders, fresh ideas and innovations are worth their weight in gold.” A reward programme based on the frequency of customer purchases is easy enough to set up and can encourage repeat purchases. Likewise, special shop events aimed at these same loyal customers – or first dibs on covetable new photography kit – can also help them feel extra special and cement those feelings of loyalty to your business in the long term. Customers can be fickle, but, equally, you can go some distance to preventing them from being so.
LOWER YOUR OUTGOINGS One answer if you can’t countenance raising prices – feeling it would cause more pain to do so – is to lower costs. Talk to your suppliers. If you’re cash positive, seek discounts for paying bills early; this reduces suppliers’ risk of your non-payment and speeds up their cashflow, which might get you a few extra per cent off invoice values. With bank interest negligible, this could pay more handsomely. Consider also taking a lead from manufacturers who operate just-in-time delivery processes aimed at keeping their stock levels to the minimum. For them it’s about less cash tied up in inventory and less storage space required. Granted, retailers need to have product on tap or else customers will go elsewhere, but nevertheless, 10% less stock (to suggest one example) is less working capital needlessly tied up. We all know the high street has a few challenges, so also see if your landlord will help with reduced rent, or at the minimum, agree to no further increases. In most towns there are enough empty retail spaces to concentrate their mind.
GO GREEN Utilities such as lights, air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter can be a huge expense for independent businesses. While we sometimes can’t avoid the need for either, look at investing in low energy bulbs everywhere in the shop and let movement detectors control those in backrooms. ? If possible, put equipment that generates heat in places where you can turn off a radiator – don’t put it where the air con box is. Also, power down any unnecessary equipment when you close up at night; many have standby timers that can be set to maximum. All of these options will help lower cost.
FIND (& PROMOTE) THE UNIQUE With the transparency of the Internet and greater confidence in e-commerce, your customers have myriad choices when it comes to what they buy and where they buy it from, so make sure you stand out. You could do this by including demo videos on your website for example, to showcase that your business is a helpful and knowledgeable one – and that customers will gain something extra, along with excellent customer service, from shopping with you.
DEVELOP & MAINTAIN A MULTI PLATFORM APPROACH While e-commerce evolves, there seems still to be a valued place for a high street presence. Rather than bricks and mortar and the online world fighting it out, you can make them work together – by offering a click (online) and collect (in store) service for example. If people want to pop into your store, and get some face-to-face advice before buying, encourage that. But, at the same time, if they already know what they want, provide them with the opportunity to place an order 24/7. At the end of the day, in a changing retail environment, maintaining a flexible approach seems crucial.
INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS While it’s prudent to keep costs in check as we’ve outlined above, it’s just as wise to invest in your business. HMRC makes this a little less expensive, with regard to repairs or improvements to the premises, for example. There are tax rules that apply to repairs (say repairing damaged doors or re-painting the interior) and a different set of rules that apply to improvements (such as putting in a new stud partition). There’s also help available for expenditure on capital equipment (tills, computers etc.). Annual investment allowance (AIA) was increased by the Chancellor from £200,000 to £1m for purchases made on or after 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2020. Sure, an independent won’t spend anything like that amount, but nevertheless, the AIA is a valuable form of tax help. Advice from an accountant will, of course, help you navigate these processes and make deductions to their best effect.
BPI News | May 2019 29
Talk of the Trade
FAREWELL ‘DANNY BOY’
The life and career of former Pentax MD and Photo Imaging Council Chairman Gerry Dingley, who died last month, celebrated by son-in-law Andy Rice, former publisher of BPI News under Archant ownership
G
erry Dingley slipped away peacefully at the age of 82 on Saturday 20th April, and is survived by his wife Christine, son Mark and daughter Tina. As MD of Pentax Europe (1979 – 1997) and Chairman of industry trade association The BPIA, and latterly The Photo Imaging Council until 2008, Gerry was a well-loved character in the industry. At the close of his career he was the volunteer Executive Chair of medical charity Teaching Aids at Low Cost (TALC), which he guided from bankruptcy to financial stability – in the process supporting thousand of healthcare professionals in the developing world with training materials and support equipment. Gerry was also at the heart of seismic shifts in the photo industry. He was one of a number of Rank Audio Visual Senior Directors who led their brands to independence in 1979, including Nikon, Mamiya, Sankyo and Aldis projectors, and was the springboard for industry luminaries such as Norman Harrington, Dick Luff, Harry Collins, Bob Pike and Laurie Moore. Harry remembers Gerry with great fondness: “In our early days together at Rank we often ended up in karaoke bars, where Gerry always wanted to sing. His favourite song was ‘Danny Boy’, but he did not know all the words, so I had to stand beside him and prompt him all the time. The Japanese thought this was hilarious and it earned us many rounds. Gerry always enjoyed the singing more than the drinking; he could never be serious for long, which was one of his great attributes. “Many, many industry people will thank Gerry for his sense of humour, his advice and his friendship.” Barry Young, former MD of Photomarkets and owner of Digital Depot recollects that “Gerry was a great ambassador for the photo industry: open, fair and honest to deal with; an all-round good guy.”
A HALCYON PERIOD The 1980s were a halcyon period for the photographic industry with Pentax alone selling 800,000 SLR bodies in a
We often ended up in karaoke bars, where Gerry always wanted to sing. His favourite song was ‘Danny Boy’, but he did not know all the words, so I had to stand beside him and prompt him all the time. The Japanese thought this was hilarious.” single year! The ace up the sleeve of his marketing armoury, when competing for market share with his old ‘buddies’, was the perfection of the Dealer Trip. In 1989, Gordon Stent of Chester Camera Centre commented in ‘Meetings and Incentive Travel’ magazine that the Pentax dealer trips had “no comparison because of the attention to detail and level of expertise invested in them.” Gerry’s genius was to invite partners to join independent dealer owners – and to send their monthly target updates to them. It was a great way to encourage a 20% year-on-year turnover up-lift. It was from Vegas that Joanna Oliver MBE remembers Gerry: “He was a much-respected PIC chairman, but I
A life well lived: Remembering the late Gerry Dingley, and his sizeable contribution to the UK photo trade
remember him mainly for his dancing skills. My abiding memory is of late one night at PMA when we ended up in a club where Gerry persuaded me to get up on the dance floor. As we finished our spin, a very handsome man came over to talk me – or so I thought. It turned out he was gay and so impressed with Gerry’s dance moves that he’d come over in search of a number!” Gerry will be remembered as an inspirational and loved business leader; a raconteur who used his charm and wit for the betterment of the photo industry across more than three decades of service. As Barry Young so eloquently concludes in tribute: “they didn’t make many like him.”
BPI News is your mouthpiece to your peers in the photo trade. Send news & views to info@bpinews.co.uk 30 May 2019 | BPI News
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