BPI News May 2016 Photo Trade Award Winners

Photographic British

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ADVICE Motivational May: Expert tips & tricks for the photo trade to inspire your staff and boost your business!

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BPI News gets to road test two brand new lenses from Sigma in the 30mm f/1.4 & 50-100mm f/1.8 for CSC & DSLR

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Industry

Photo Trade Award Winners Discover who won what in: • The TIPA Awards • The BPI News Awards See inside for full details!

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EDITORIAL | May 2016

Photographic British

Industry

news

published monthly by

H 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.

Follow us on Twitter... @bpi_news

Get motivated this May with BPI News

ello and welcome to the bumper May September, this month also feels like a good edition of BPI News – packed full of chance to draw a breath and take stock. This current industry developments. We’ve is our eight edition of BPI News since I took ended up with a loosely awards themed edition the reigns (and ownership) from the previous – due to our publication date’s proximity to the publisher at the end of last summer – and, announcement of the 2016 TIPA Awards and as when you embark on anything new that our very own BPI News Trade Awards winners requires a period of bedding in and something – the latter voted for by you, dear reader. The of a learning curve (now I’m responsible for successful finalists this year won their ultimate selling ad space as well as doing the lion’s share accolades from this magazine on the back of of the writing), time has really flown. So it’s Gavin Stoker, self-started social media campaigns, which good to catch up various trade members who Editor galvanized their trade and wider fan base to we’ve run advertorials or promotions with over gavin@bpinews.co.uk vote, plus email submissions via our website, the past few months, and discover that BPI @GavinStoker as requested last issue. So no grumbling if you News is helping to make a difference to your didn’t win this time – we’re a democracy here, the numbers bottom line and draw in extra attention for your products don’t lie and it really is your own fault! and services. It’s also very heartening to be commended on That brings us neatly onto another major theme this the quality of the magazine. This, in turn, helps motivate us issue: motivation… partly because we felt ‘Motivational to strive to do even better… so thank you for that!

May’ had a nice ring to it – and also because several articles As ever, if you think there are ways we can improve, this issue – including one with Wendy Gray of Frosts Photo drop a line to info@bpinews.co.uk – which is also the Centre whose store has recently undergone a major re-fit, address for any matters of housekeeping, for example and our page 28 BPI business feature on getting the best of you’re moving premises or job and want to continue from your staff/team – followed a similar line. receiving BPI. In the meantime enjoy the issue and do share After the excitement of The Photography Show in March, your news and views with us. and with thoughts starting to turn to Photokina this NEW INSIDE: HANDS ON WITH NIKON 1 AW1 + OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1

British

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s S.CO.UK SHOTS! BPINEW GOLDEN Industry EVERYnew MONTH • WWW.

HANDS ON WITH NIKON

British

OCTOBER 2013 • £3

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04 NEWS What to stock and how to sell it from among the latest and greatest product releases this month

No need to check it twice as we spotlight

bags, lenses, straps, filters & more to order now for

No need to check it twice as we spotlight bags, lenses, straps, filters EXTRA BPI NEWS March 2016 & more matter still firing to order Gray after now for 30 years Christmas!

THE YEAR PRODUCT OF 2 Fujifi lm X-Pro

WE’RE MAKING OUR

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Gray ong-serving trade figure an Levett is what we’d term of ideal interviewee: plenty detailed stories to tell, and full and You answers given to each enquiry. customers can’t help but imagine his receive similarly comprehensive responses. Indeed, as a young recalls camera shop assistant Gray technical being routinely drilled for knowledge by an army sergeant-like time, but employer – resented at the training appreciated as invaluable later on.

Many in the trade will already to first know that Gray was inspired pick up the camera to photograph club nights rock and blues bands at – as a student in Bournemouth at local subsequently getting a job camera shop N Hartle Photographic at a more so he could buy equipment pictures reasonable rate. “I was taking on their of bands like Jethro Tull Black first tour of the UK, The Who, Sabbath, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers went on – groups like Ten Years After huge to play Woodstock and become stars,” he recalls.

2015/January 2016

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Sony A7R II

Yes, Grays is not your average is not camera shop and Gray Levett So, in some your average proprietor. that he’s ways it’s not so surprising highs and managed to weather the – the lows of 30 years in business last 23 as a ‘Nikon only’ specialist. to hard He puts the longevity down a mail-order work – having begun as at his late specialist in a spare room my business had been established very low for sister’s (“good margins and for a long time – hence going of course, style, overheads”) – along with, the copper plate design & Co. I exceptional customer service. like bankers Messrs. Coutts in “You have to be a professional of heritage, wanted to give it a sense you want to with.” whatever you do in life if that wasn’t there to begin if you logo is succeed,” Gray believes. “And The Grays of Westminster think with personal know your subject and can therefore based on Gray’s manual plate style the information and have signature and the copper shop dexterity with your equipment, of Coutts. The former barber’s field will given a any professional in that in Churton Street was also for recognise you as professional facelift to deliver an experience your a jewelers too. Far more importantly, customers akin to entering will camera knowledgeable professionalism rather than a high street customer and be communicated to the shop. “I never did developing to.” because and you will be listened printing and selling films chemists,” you could get that in your

February 2016

old cheques from bankers signage was inspired by Gray reveals his store’s traditional Gray’s ownership!

by Charles Dickens and in Coutts - this example signed

we were going to go exclusively “When we announced the trade thought we were Nikon, a lot of people in into certain of the original insane. Now when I bump was a ‘Gray, I always knew it naysayers they tell me: good idea.”

over the of blood, sweat and tears to offer a in for Grays of Westminster past 30 years. But for anything one you’ve specialist service just selling this universe to be successful, can be brand and be equally successful? do the got to work hard. Nothing camera he reasons. “So why not curve.

Nikon had always been the elsewhere? gained without that learning student things that you can’t get the key I’d wanted when I was a a Persistence is also, absolutely, ord. Funnily Because we’re in very much fuelled but couldn’t possibly aff that doesn’t From a humble start in 1985 to longevity.” before secondary retail location adverts enough I had owned a Canon we don’t by a £100 start up and tiny made, get much passing trade, and thought they were well at all in the back of Amateur Photographer, have cameras in our windows Pimlico, has but back in the 1970s it was pictures Grays in Churton Street, my – instead we have beautiful store with the Nikon F that captured did all the grown into a destination lenses of equipment. Initially we producing imagination. I loved the looking a global customer reach, of the major camera brands, but and and liked the philosophy its own Nikon centric magazine, other store adverts I saw was Coat of Arms through company, in that everything stand out last year gaining a Royal that we didn’t particularly in BPI News based around the lens mount, any other 23/09/2013 (see our previous feature of 19:25 in any particular way from and so there was a degree Dec 14/ Jan 15). also a dealer.” non-obsolescence. I was aware, “As customers became more , which As regular readers will be it became fan of the movie ‘Blow Up’ interested in visiting us, played the solution of going ‘exclusively the spare featured a photographer chance visit imperative to move from on Nikon’ was inspired by a ” Gray

by David Hemmings shooting Shop room into shop premises, to the all-year-round Christmas was Nikon and Hasselblad.”

London recalls. “Originally the business that used to be located near that This romantic view carries success at just called ‘Grays’, but I realised of Bridge – an improbable – through to the way Grays if you could by association with a location the the time. “I thought that – it would Westminster now sells us that ‘positioning’ as it’s called Nikon. run a business selling products a owning and of known is ‘romance’ three weeks gain something that would only be in use for I’d need “I used to stare in the windows possible well thought of. I thought and per year, would it not be that of camera shops at Nikons to give people the impression my Hasselblads and think ‘oh of God, I’d love to own one those. But when we announced we were going to go exclusively The book by Gillian Greenwood in the Owner Nikon in 1992, a lot of people (Features Editor of Nikon and 30 years trade thought we were insane magazine) commemorating to subtitled wouldn’t last. But it just occurred of Grays of Westminster – of camera me that there were a lot and the Legacy’ – is out. Nikon ‘The Legend with a shops and you had to stick published January 2016, much.

UK also liked the idea very forward by Mr. Kazuo Ushida, certain of “Now when I bump into President of the Nikon Corporation. tell me: the original naysayers they a good ‘Gray, I always knew it was www.graysofwestminster.co.uk its share idea.’ It hasn’t been without

From small acorns… to copper plates

OPEN NOW FOR ANALYSIS + COMMENT + NEWS + FEATURES + MORE! !

FEATURES + MORE ENT + NEWS + OPEN NOW FOR ANALYSIS + COMM ANALYSIS + COMM OPEN NOW FOR ENT + NEWS + BPInewsOct13.indd 1

23/09/2013

BPInewsOct13.indd

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PROMOTION OF THE YEAR Grays Of Westminster 30th Anniversary

Christmas!

08 BPI NEWS AWARDS 2016 WINNERS There was a clear winner in our Promotion of the Year category; Our Product of the Year votes were more neck-and-neck, leading to two category winners

AB

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WINNER WINNER WINNER

WE’RE MAKING OUR LIST…

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NIKON HANDS ON WITH

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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 ©2016 Legacy Media Ltd. ISSN: to be advised.

Photographic hic Photographic Photograp2016 Trade Awards ards Aw e

NEW INSIDE:

19:25

Moving to London and taking Exchange jobs at the London Camera one and Fox Talbot (“the number effort in anBPInewsOct13.indd shop for the Nikon man”) 1 of music to broaden his career, a love him in good and imagery also stood later stead when he and his camera in the spent five years in Los Angeles of the late 70s/early 80s, epicentre Naturally music and movie business. from this he has many stories to tell up to it time and the years leading calls too – including fielding phone fortuitously from Kate Bush, who he’d a mutual met pre-stardom through friend. The tale of him listening piano to a teenage Kate playing does in the next room whilst he and the washing up is charming as are fascinating in equal measure, by visits to his present emporium David Suchet likes of Stanley Kubrick, A-listers. record’ and ‘off the

1

of Nikon-only specialist Grays of cameras to Westminster – supplier directors A-list movie stars and Hollywood in business – is celebrating 30 years book this year, with a commemorative News speaks to released this January. BPI surviving and owner Gray Levett about thriving through three decades ‘Grays of Westminster 24 December 2015 / January

“You have to be a professional in whatever you do in life if you want to succeed. Far more importantly, your knowledgeable professionalism will be communicated to the customer and you will be listened to.”

– The Legend and the

Legacy’ by Gillian Greenwood,

with a forward by Mr.

Kazuo

Nikon Corporation Ushida, President of the

is published January 2016,

FEATURES + MORE !

23/09/2013

/ January 2016 BPI News | December 2015

19:25

25

2016 | BPI News

Introducing your BPI News Awards winners - see page 8

24 SIGMA DELIVERS PAIR OF ACES TO TRADE BPI News Editor Gavin Stoker gets to road test two optics launched at Feburary’s CP+ show in Japan: a 50100mm f/1.8 and 30mm f/1.4 lens

16 ANOVA BRIGHT IDEA FROM ROTOLIGHT The Pinewood Studios-based lighting specialist has a new tool for photographers to play with that’s already the toast of Hollywood

09 BECOME A MEDIA MOGUL WITH THE DPS GROUP The Kent-based supplier introduces the Indigo Inkjet range of media for Epson printers and more, a high quality yet cost effective alternative

28 MOTIVATIONAL MAY: MORE BRIGHT IDEAS TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Business expert Adam Bernstein gives us the lowdown on how team building and staff encouragement can reap rewards when it comes to totting up takings

18 STRONGER LINKS WITH FUJIFILM SEE PROFITS SOAR AT FROSTS Wendy Gray of Inspires Consultancy and Frosts Photo Centre outlines why she felt a shop re-fit necessary to align herself more strongly with Fuji’s brand

10 TIPA AWARDS 2016 WINNERS Not only were BPI News readers voting last month – so were 27 representatives from the photo press, making for a who’s who of brand names recognised

22 CULLMAN CUTS THE MUSTARD FOR BAGS AND TRIPODS Distributor Intro2020 has taken on a new agency in Cullmann, a brand which has been out of the UK market for two years but is back with a vengeance

Subscriptions, back issues & BPI News online Overseas annual subscription £50 (Cheques payable to Legacy Media Ltd). For details email info@bpinews.co.uk. View current and back issues online at www.bpinews.co.uk

New 44 page Frame & Album Catalogue Frost

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Code 139359

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Geo Nickel velvet backs.

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Bookbound with puzzle piece on satin ribbon and die cut puzzle shape for personalisation. Two Illustrated introduction pages.

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Luxury Silk Wedding

Laika

Style Pack Qty Puzzle Heart Traditional Wedding 28x30.5cm 1 Traditional, 25 white pages, 50 sides, glassine interleaves, holds 184 4x6 or 92 5x7 photos

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Exquisite pearl white zinc alloy frame with inset pearl beads and grey velvet back.

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Pearls 4x6 Pearls 5x7

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Luxury Silk Wedding White silk fabric with diamond stitiching detail and front cover opening for 11x11cm photo. Supplied in gift box.

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Front ribbon fastening bookbound album with recessed window for personalisation. Supplied in gift box.

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Traditional wedding images feature on this bookbound wedding album.

Elwood

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Style Luxury Silk Wedding Traditional 31x31cm Traditional, 50 white pages 100 sides, glassine interleaves, holds 400 4x6 photos.

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Laika

Beautiful traditional bookbound album with embroidered hearts. Supplied in gift box.

Code 122683

Style Laika Wedding 29x32cm Traditional, 50 white pages, 100 sides, glassine interleaves, CD pocket, holds 500 4x6 photos

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Alexandra

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Guide N.A.S £12.99 £5.41 £16.99 £7.08

Catalogue includes over 60 New Frame & Album ranges.

To place your order contact your Regional Sales Manager or our sales team.

NEWS

CANON JOINS SPRING CASH BACK BONANZA UP TO

£250/€335 CASHBACK

SONY TAKES IT TO THE BRIDGE

ON SELECTED PRODUCTS AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS*

OUR COVER star this issue is Sony’s latest super zoom model in the RX10 III, powered by 24-600mm f/2.4-4, 25x optical zoom lens, with glass supplied

by Zeiss. Other key photo enthusiast enticing features to pitch to your customers include 20.1-megapixel one-inch sensor, with Bionz X processor handling the file sizes generated by its 4k recording capability with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. Indeed, the video features here are pro level, according to Sony, and include slow motion capture at up to 1000fps.

Auto focusing is as quick as 0.09 seconds, light sensitivity ranges from ISO64-12800, whilst obviously the lens reach makes it something of an ‘all in one option’ for photographers and videographers.

Available now, SRP for the RX10 III is a cool £1,250.

DESIGN YOUR ULTIMATE KIT BAG AND IGNITE YOUR CREATIVITY

www.sony.co.uk

*Offer subject to full Terms and Conditions – see canon.co.uk/springcashback16 or canon.ie/springcashback16. Available on selected European products purchased between 17.03.16 and 18.05.16 from participating UK or Republic of Ireland retailers. Claim must be redeemed before 18.06.16.

BPI Advert May 16.pdf

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THE MANUFACTURER’S spring cash back is live and runs up until May 18th, with up to £250 cash back on selected products at participating retailers. Products in the promotion include the full EOS 5D series – on which the £250 cashback is offered, plus the latest in the high-end PowerShot G series, including the G1X MII, G3 X and latest G5 X. Also featuring as part of the cash back is the Cinema EOS C100 (Including DVC kits), premium fixed

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Images are not representative of the actual product - Trade Only - While Stocks Last - All prices exclude VAT and Delivery

4 May 2016 | BPI News

lenses and the full range of PIXMA PRO printers.

The usual T&C’s apply – so for more info visit: canon.co.uk/springcashback16

NEWS

INTRO2020 UNLEASHES THE BEAST(GRIP) LOOKING to expand your customer base or reach new audiences?

Distributor Intro2020 is offering up the trade stock of what is described as the world’s first universal lens adapter and camera rig for smartphones in the Beastgrip Pro – aimed at both phone photographers and videographers alike.

Available immediately, there are three kits in the product

family, including two with lenses, as follows: The Beastgrip Pro Rig (£139.99 SRP) is said to work with virtually any camera phone on the market and features a standard 37mm threaded filter/lens mount compatible with a wide variety of conversion lenses and filters.

Usefully, it also features a cold shoe for mounting LED lights, microphones or other accessories.

The second option is the Beastrgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle Lens at 37mm 0.43x which is said to nearly double the field of view of the camera phone – making it perfect for shooting landscapes, concerts, sports or family photos.

This is priced at a suggested £169.99.

ATTRACT NEW CUSTOM WITH GISELA GRAHAM VIA TETENAL TETENAL has added the Frame and Giftware Design range from Gisela Graham to its product portfolio. The line up comprises frames, accessories and home décor items, with a number of different themes including Weddings, Child and Baby and Everyday Living.

Tetenal believes that the sheer

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

national trust miX FZ200 or FZ72

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

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

T48046 Panasonic_A3_Poster.indd 1

21/08/2013 13:54

A3 Poster

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

variety offered will allow photo retailers to expand their offerings.

“When we look at most photo retail stores we are seeing the same range of frames almost everywhere, so we wanted to see if we could offer an alternative,” Tetenal Sales Director Phil Barker explains. “This resulted in Lumix National Trust POSGraham us approaching Gisela directly to discuss offering their Description • Complimentary National products to our market. They Trust Membership bought into our vision Campaign POSand we are delighted to be able to now offer a core selection of Gisela Graham products to our customers.

“The quality and variety is exceptional and the price points make them accessible to virtually everyone. We have produced a new catalogue which will show our customers how they can create a stunning product display which Wobbler will hopefully in turn attract new customers into their stores.”

The Gisela Graham range of products is available from Tetenal now. Call 0116 289 3644.

The third current option adds an extra ultra wide Fish Eye lens to the above set up, at a retail price of a suggested £199.99.

This is said to be perfect for those indulging in skateboarding, biking, snowboarding or skiing – and

wanting to film their exploits. www.intro2020.co.uk

SWAINS’ PASSPORT TO SUCCESS THE DISTRIBUTOR has the answer for anyone in the trade having problems with shadows when taking passport or ID photos for customers: a bespoke LED light panel – developed over the past 12 months in conjunction with a UK lighting engineer.

It’s suggesting those in the trade visit the web site www.swains.co.uk and under the categories heading, click on ID and passport and look out for the new

ID Station Mono Passport Light, product code 139677.

For more information contact Swains on 01485 536200 or e-mail sales@swains.co.uk

SONY LENS DUO DELIVER FULL PICTURE

TWO NEW full frame lenses for Sony’s Alpha line up have been announced in the FE 70300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom and 50mm f/1.8 prime; the former being the brand’s longest reach E-mount lens to date, whilst the latter has been designed to deliver beautiful ‘bokeh’ effects.

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 www.tetenaluk.com

www.sony.co.uk

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

21/08/2013 13:56

T48046 Panasonic_A4_Cling.indd 1

21/08/2013 13:59

A4 Cling

Photographic British

Industry

Items shown are for reference only and are not to scale

news

Visit www.bpinews.co.uk

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BPI News | May 2016 5

NEWS

ZEISS BRINGS ‘BATIS’ OUT TO BAT PREMIUM OPTICAL company Zeiss has been manufacturing interchangeable lenses for Sony Alpha series products ever since the latter took over Konica Minolta’s camera business in the mid 2000’s. So it’s no surprise to see a freshly minted Zeiss lens arriving for the electronic giant’s popular E-mount incorporating, full frame A7 family of compact system cameras in the Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 lens.

Intriguingly, this ‘Batis’ series lens (Zeiss further offers Touit and Loxia line ups) – the widest yet – features a built-in OLED display revealing focus

distance and depth of field. As anyone would expect given the Zeiss brand and resultant £1,188 SRP, the result is impressive image quality across the full frame.

In addition to offering auto focus and supporting all the operating modes of current E-mount cameras from Sony, the Zeiss Batis lens features a rubberized focus ring for precise manual adjustment. Furthering its pro-grade credibility, it’s also dust and weather sealed for use in a wide variety of conditions. www.zeiss.co.uk

ANSMANN’S PEAK PERFORMER THE HIGH-SPEED 6.8A four port USB charger from Ansmann is now in stock at its new distribution partner Peak Development, at £29.95 SRP, inc VAT. “This is the automatic type that adjusts to the application to give maximum current,” enthuses Ansmann MD Paul Channel. It comes with a three-year German manufacturer’s guarantee and includes a

mains cable. Appealing to photo dealers looking to branch out, it’s compatible with Samsung, Apple, Nokia and HTC smartphones, plus MP3 players and navigation devices.

To order your own stock, get in touch via sales@peak-uk.com, call 01489 796979 or visit www.peak-uk.com

DIREKTEK INVITES TRADE ON VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY THE PERFECT binocular for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a solid, multipurpose accessory for their travels… is the pitch to the trade from distributor DirekTek for the Praktica Discovery Series.

This features a roof prism design and multi-coated optics to help deliver claimed crystal clear images at an affordable price. Built with a durable rubber body, these waterproof, fogproof and nitrogen purged binoculars can survive all conditions. DirekTek says that whether your customer is a birdwatcher, sports fan or traveller, they can be assured that these binoculars will last a lifetime. Both 8x42 and 10x42 models are available at a

6 May 2016 | BPI News

TETENAL BOOSTS ITS ISO RATING TETENAL has once again passed its external assessment and been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 charter mark for 2016. As those in the trade will be aware, ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely recognized Quality Management System and helps organisations to meet the expectations and needs of their customers, amongst other benefits.

Each company applying for the Standard must have a management procedure in place to cover seven key areas of the business: customer focus; leadership; engagement of people; process approach; improvement; evidence-based decision making and relationship management.

Heading up the scheme for Tetenal is Finance Director Mark Norman, who says: “I’m really pleased that Tetenal has once more gained the ISO 9001 Standard. We see it as an important part of our business, which encourages us to continually look at our processes and improve them whilst ensuring that all our staff are given the best structure to help them improve as individuals, which in turn improves the level of service we offer to customers.” www.tetenaluk.com

trade price of £49, and come with a 25-year limited warranty.

For more email sales@direktek.co.uk or call 01494 471100. www.direktek.co.uk

#Splash16

The biggest photo & optics event in the North of England Following in the footsteps of our Digital Splash events over the last six years, Wilkinson Cameras lifts its famous event to another level.

A brand new prestigious venue on the waterfront in Liverpool (www.accliverpool.com) will be our biggest to date with more space, more presenters, greater product mix and most importantly more visitors.

Photography Videography Sport Optics Telescopes Drones & much more The “Turn-up and go” packages

Platinum 12x4m (48sqm) • 12m x 4m carpeted floor flats • Laminated walling to form booth enclosure as per design up to 2.8m high • 2m x 1m laminated walling to form small store with lockable door • 1500mm wide x 3000mm high central columns support front fascia and company logo • Fabric ceiling scrim • Coloured translucent glass panels built into curved panel • Custom built laminated reception counters • 2 company logos per booth • 2 product plinths/counters per booth • Full colour vinyl printed (assume approx. 12sqm per booth) • 2 powder coated lighting beams per booth • 5 Tier Extra Heavy Duty Shelving racks (1 per booth) • Plug & play power & lighting

Gold 5x5m (25sqm) • Reception desk • Provide company logo on angled wall • Single sided fabric graphics mounted within frames • Plug & play power & lighting • 5 Tier Extra Heavy Duty Shelving racks (2 per booth)

Silver 2x3m (6sqm) • Vinyl/laminate flooring @ 3m x2m • Custom built white laminated walling • Black laminate fascia to front of booth • Company logos • 3m x 1.4m full colour vinyl graphic • Product display plinths • Plug & play power & lighting Or any multiple of above, subject to availability

Will your brand be part of the biggest event in the North?

Digital Splash 2016; Hosted and driven by the industry for the industry

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October 2016 For further information and prices - please contact one of our team below

www.wilkinson.co.uk/digitalsplash

David Parkinson Alex Wilkinson Paul Edmondson

dkp@wilkinson.co.uk alex@wilkinson.co.uk pme@wilkinson.co.uk

01772 696630 or 07767 434954 01772 696631 or 07785 930932 01772 696630 or 07813 772256

NEW INSIDE: HANDS ON WITH NIKON 1 AW1 + OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1

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Photographic British

BPI NEWS EDITOR GAVIN STOKER SAYS: Sheer number of votes that came in for Grays aside, it was a clear winner this time for the passion, enthusiasm and effort

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Gray trade figure ong-serving we’d term an Levett is what : plenty of ideal interviewee detailed and full and stories to tell, You to each enquiry. answers given customers imagine his can’t help but comprehensive receive similarly as a young responses. Indeed, recalls assistant Gray camera shop drilled for technical e being routinely an army sergeant-lik knowledge by at the time, but employer – resented training as invaluable appreciated later on. trade will already Many in the to first was inspired know that Gray to photograph pick up the camera at club nights bands rock and blues th – Bournemou in student as a at local getting a job ic subsequently N Hartle Photograph camera shop at a more buy equipment so he could pictures “I was taking reasonable rate. their Jethro Tull on of bands like Black UK, The Who, rs first tour of the Mayall’s Bluesbreake Sabbath, John went on Ten Years After huge – groups like and become to play Woodstock stars,” he recalls.

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GENERAL MANAGER THEO GEORGHIADES SAYS: “We are delighted that the X-Pro2 has been awarded Product of the Year

by BPI News readers. This is a highly prestigious award and one that we are honoured to receive. The Fujifilm

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votes directed to our regular email address. All that was left was for us to tot up the votes received to declare our eventual winners as presented here.

We set out with the intention of having one Promotion of the Year and one Product of the Year. But mentions of both Fujifilm and Sony for the latter resulted in a vote that was too close to call, so we felt it only fair to recognise both manufacturers’ competing products.

X-Pro2 continues to exceed both customer and retailer expectations, building on the strength of the Fujifilm X-System. Every week we receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from both professional and enthusiast photographers telling us how happy they are with the camera and the overall experience from Fujifilm.

This Award is another testimony to the hard work and very highest of production values which Fujifilm take very seriously. I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in the development and launch of the X-Pro2.

GAVIN SAYS: The X-Pro2 is one of our favourites among recent releases, so we felt confident that the trade might feel the same way – and so it has proved!

Product of the Year 2 winner: Sony A7R Mark II WHY THEY WON: Because, in short, you guys voted for it. But we had ourselves already lit the touch paper by making the camera a Product of the Month back in our February edition. We said in our review: ‘when the A7R II is compared with what a medium format body or standalone 4K video camera would cost, its reasonable price and performance suggests this is a real alternative.’

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WHY THEY WON: The collective vote for this year’s awards aside, as we said in our original Product of the Month review: ‘The most thrilling element of the X-Pro2 is probably the hybrid viewfinder that gives us the natural view and sightlines of an optical viewfinder but includes electronic overlays of key shooting info; in other words it’s a best of both worlds shooting experience.

Thankfully the X-Pro2 is so quick to respond and commit images to memory that you don’t really think – or notice – what the camera is doing. Which is kinda as things should be. You concentrate on communicating with your subject, getting them in focus and correctly framed – and let Fujifilm do the rest.’

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Product of the Year 1 winner: Fujifilm X-Pro2

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SONY UK HEAD OF IMAGING FREDERIK LANGE SAYS: “We are very thrilled to have been awarded the Product of the Year award for the Sony α7R II by BPI News. Since we launched the camera the response from both consumers and trade has been fantastic, the α7R II is part of an award winning range of products that demonstrate the technical innovation Sony is capable of producing. It was a popular model at the recent Photography Show where we were able to demonstrate the capabilities of the full frame sensor to photographers of all abilities. And, with a growing family of lenses to compliment the camera, including the new G Master f/2.8 models we are opening up the shooting possibilities for great photography for amateurs, enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Many thanks again to you and your readership!”

GAVIN SAYS: This is another solid addition to the Alpha 7 series of cameras that have really taken the trade – and creative industry – by storm.

Agree or disagree with who came out on top in our 2016 awards?

As ever, direct your opinions to info@bpinews.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 8 May 2016 | BPI News

news

EVERY MONTH • WWW.BPINE WS.CO.UK

ust 2013 Future best sellersJuly/Aug from top tech show IFA

March 2016

MORE!

by Mr. Kazuo

Industry

PUTTING THE TRADE IN FOCUS

GOLDEN SHOTS! £3.00

OPEN NOW FOR ANALYSIS + COMMENT + NEWS + FEATURES + MORE!

with a forward

Photographic 2016 Trade Awards

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Fujifi lm X-Pro2

not your average Yes, Grays is is not and Gray Levett camera shop in some proprietor. So, your average that he’s so surprising ways it’s not highs and weather the managed to the in business – lows of 30 years only’ specialist. last 23 as a ‘Nikon to hard longevity down He puts the begun as a mail-order work – having at his late had been established a spare room my business for specialist in very low – hence going margins and for a long time sister’s (“good design style, of course, – along with, the copper plate & Co. I bankers overheads”) cheques from Messrs. Coutts customer service. l in like bankers inspired by old heritage, exceptional signage was ownership! it a sense of be a professiona and in Gray’s his store’s traditional wanted to give ” “You have to Gray reveals

by Charles Dickens want to to begin with. example signed do in life if you that wasn’t there logo is Coutts - this whatever you if you Westminster exclusively believes. “And The Grays of going to go with succeed,” Gray on Gray’s personal ed we were and can think we were therefore based style know your subject have manual “When we announc in the trade thoughtthe original the copper plate and signature and shop of of people the information former barber’s into certain Nikon, a lot BPInewsOct13.indd 1 a your equipment, a of Coutts. The when I bump knew it was dexterity with will was also given l in that field insane. Now tell me: ‘Gray, I always in Churton Street experience for any professiona l rs they to deliver an as professiona you naysaye facelift jewelers a recognise the your to entering importantly, and tears over customers akin good idea.” too. Far more of blood, sweat lism will in high street camera ble professiona r to offer a But for anything rather than a and knowledgea past 30 years. you’ve did developing for Grays of Westminste ted to the customer to be successful, shop. “I never just selling one because be communica this universe ” can be selling films specialist service be listened to. printing and hard. Nothing chemists,” equally successful? and you will got to work curve. that in your brand and be that learning you could get been the camera gained without the key why not do the Nikon had always acorns… to also, absolutely, he reasons. “So I was a student From small Persistence is can’t get elsewhere?

I’d wanted when Funnily things that you a possibly afford. copper plates to longevity.” in very much but couldn’t Because we’re a Canon before that doesn’t I had owned in 1985 fuelled retail location enough start made, well secondary they were From a humble trade, we don’t and thought up and tiny adverts get much passing windows at all er, 1970s it was by a £100 start in our but back in the Amateur Photograph my have cameras in the back of F that captured beautiful pictures Pimlico, has Nikon have we the Street, lenses – instead all the Grays in Churton . I loved the with Initially we did imagination the destination store of equipment. looking philosophy of grown into a brands, but and liked the reach, producing was major camera and a global customer adverts I saw in that everything store magazine, company, other centric out the lens mount, its own Nikon of Arms through particularly stand based around 19:25 a Royal Coat of that we didn’t other 23/09/2013 was a degree last year gaining News way from any and so there feature in BPI in any particular I was also a (see our previous non-obsolescence. dealer.”

‘Blow Up’, which Dec 14/ Jan 15). will be aware, fan of the movie became more As regular readers er played “As customers became of going ‘exclusively featured a photograph visiting us, it visit the solution shooting on interested in spare by a chance

by David Hemmings move from the Nikon’ was inspired Christmas Shop imperative to d Nikon and Hasselblad.”carries premises,” Gray to the all-year-roun London view room into shop was This romantic be located near the business that used to way Grays of success at recalls. “Originally that through to the but I realised the Bridge – an improbable now sells us just called ‘Grays’, – that if you could Westminster with a location the time. “I thought products that by association owning a Nikon.

– it would selling ‘romance’ of as it’s called run a business windows weeks the in three ‘positioning’ for and stare use in “I used to that is known would only be at Nikons and gain something I’d need it not be possible of camera shops of. I thought my per year, would well thought and think ‘oh that Hasselblads the impression of to own one to give people God, I’d love we announced those. But when Gillian Greenwood to go exclusively The book by we were going in the of Nikon Owner a lot of people (Features Editor ting 30 years Nikon in 1992, and we were insane magazine) commemora– subtitled to trade thought But it just occurred of Grays of Westminster – is wouldn’t last. of camera and the Legacy’ lot a were ‘The Legend me that there 2016, with a out. Nikon had to stick published January Ushida, shops and you much.

Kazuo the idea very . forward by Mr. UK also liked certain of Nikon Corporation I bump into President of the “Now when tell me: naysayers they ter.co.uk the original a good ofwestmins knew it was www.grays ‘Gray, I always share its been without idea.’ It hasn’t

RES + + COMMENT + NEWS + FEATU

and taking Moving to London Camera Exchange jobs at the London number one (“the and Fox Talbot in an effort Nikon man”) shop for the of music career, a love to broaden his in good also stood him and imagery later he and his camera the stead when in in Los Angeles spent five years of the 80s, epicentre 70s/early late business. Naturally music and movie to tell from this stories it he has many leading up to years the time and calls fielding phone too – including who he’d fortuitously from Kate Bush, through a mutual met pre-stardom of him listening friend. The tale piano Kate playing to a teenage he does whilst in the next room and up is charming the washing as are equal measure, fascinating in by emporium visits to his present Suchet Kubrick, David likes of Stanley A-listers. and ‘off the record’

and the Legacy’

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OWNER GRAY LEVETT OF GRAYS OF WESTMINSTER SAYS: “I am delighted to hear that we have won the BPI Promotion of the Year for our 30th Anniversary and the release of Gillian Greenwood’s new book ‘Grays of Westminster – The Legend and The Legacy’ published to commemorate our history.

“I would like to personally thank everyone that voted for us. This means a great deal to all of us here at Grays of Westminster.”

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WHY THEY WON: Grays of Westminster managed the feat of galvanising tens of its trade partners and customers to drop us a line in support and, as a result, was a clear winner for Promotion of the Year – its nomination based on our original article from BPI News December 15/January 16 covering the 30th anniversary of the store and commemorative book. This from the same shop we featured last year for receiving its very own coat of arms!

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ast issue we asked you to choose from amongst this year’s 30+ finalists, taken from the last 12 months’ worth of BPI News magazines, in order to select your Product of the Year and Promotion of the Year. We also offered you self -promotional tools in the shape of PDFs of your finalist certificates, handed out to those lucky few at The Photography Show back in March, for you to Tweet and share on social media generally - with resulting

Promotion of the Year winner: Grays of Westminster

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CAD

BECOME A MEDIA MOGUL WITH INDIGO INKJET FROM THE DPS GROUP We’ve covered the DPS Group’s Epson printer options in the past couple of BPI’s – so this time our dealer focus shifts to its many media options, including a comprehensive, great value and moreover high quality new range in Indigo Inkjet

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hen it comes to printers for the trade, we’ve covered the hardware options offered by Kent based supplier the DPS Group in the past couple of issues – including the exciting new P-series from Epson.

For May we’re looking at getting the

“For anyone running a minilab or large format printer, Indigo Inkjet print media is very cost effective but very high quality. The range covers poster paper, photo, and general usage paper at great prices.”

– Maneesh Patel, MD the DPS Group most from your large format Epson printer in terms of available media and paper – naturally also available from the one source.

Here the DPS Group is offering up

a new print media brand in Indigo Inkjet. DPS’ MD Maneesh Patel describes Indigo’s offerings as “very cost effective but very high quality”, adding that the Indigo Inkjet range covers poster paper, photo, and general usage paper at great prices.

For those wanting a higher end solution, the DPS Group can supply this too. “Apart from inks, we supply the full range of consumables; from maintenance tanks and ancillaries, to over 15 of the key photo and photo finishing brands as regards papers in roll and cut sheet format,” Maneesh confirms. “These include high end Hahnemuhle and Innova fine art media, alongside the great value Indigo Inkjet options.”

time. What’s more, we are always looking for new products for new and innovative applications. The whole ethos is that quality printing materials don’t have to cost the earth.”

Current photographic paper choices in the Indigo range include Premium Matt Coated Paper, Ultra White Satin Photo Paper, Ultra White Glacier Photo Paper, Lustre Pro Photo Paper, Satin Pro Photo Paper, as well as double sided and Water Resistant Matt Coated Paper. It also has a bunch of specialist media for creating banners, films and vinyl media for specialist use.

In short whatever your market or

business Indigo Inkjet produce print media to suit your needs in a range of sizes. For more info see www.indigo-inkjet.co.uk Dealer enquiries are very welcome. In fact, members of the trade interested in finding out more about not just Indigo but moreover the wide variety of inkjet media options available via the DPS Group are strongly advised to get in touch with Maneesh Patel or Gary Crawley on 0208 466 7230, or email sales@dpsb.co.uk www.indigo-inkjet.co.uk www.thedpsgroup.co.uk

Make Indigo your ‘go to’ for inkjet media The pitch is that Indigo Inkjet large format media gives you real quality and value for money in one of the broadest ranges of consumables available for a wide range of applications, suitable for everything from large format prints to outdoor signage – along with the promise of perfect results every time.

“Right now, Indigo Inkjet has one of the largest selections of high quality media under a single brand,” enthuses DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “We are constantly expanding our range with new uses and applications being met all of the

Indigo Inkjet has a brand new website to go with its extensive print media offerings see indigo-inkjet.co.uk - trade enquiries welcome!

Contact DPS Group’s Gary Crawley now on 020 8466 7230 regarding Indigo Inkjet media BPI News | May 2016 9

BPI NEWS EXTRA

AWARDS 2016

BIG HITTERS THE BIG WINNERS IN THE 2016 TIPA AWARDS

Editors from the Technical Image Press Association – spread across 27 magazines from 15 countries and five continents – have met to draw up their annual list of the ‘best of the best’ photo products from the past 12 months – including camera bodies, lenses, tripods, photo paper, flashgun, software and more. BPI News drills into who won what in order to boost your own sales power when it comes to pitching them to customers…

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he voting may have taken place on April 1st, but there are no fools when it comes to the winners in the 2016 TIPA Awards. Agreed on by the great and the good of the specialist photo press, with trophies due to be presented to the winners at this year’s Photokina in Cologne this September, TIPA also has a cooperative partnership with the Camera Journal Press Club (CJPC) in Japan, making this a truly global thumbs up for those featured in our report.

From BPI News’ perspective at least, it appears like the right cameras, lenses and accessories (mostly) won the correct awards.

took Best Professional Mirror-less CSC. Not done yet, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM (right) optic was named Best CSC Prime Lens and the Cyber-shot RX1R II (below) took Best Full Frame Compact Camera. Best ‘Action cam’ meanwhile also went to Sony’s HDR-AS50 (bottom).

A who’s who of the photo trade…

For example, Nikon has a pair of winners up its sleeve in the D5 and D500 (below), which were named Best Professional DSLR in the ‘Action’ category and Best Expert APS-C DSLR r espectively. It also took the gong for ‘Best Imaging Innovation’, which went to its Nikon Snapbridge wireless solution.

Canon meanwhile took Best Professional DSLR in the ‘High Res’ category for the EOS 5DS and 5DS R (top), and Best Photo/Video Professional Camera for its EOS-1D X Mark II (above) DSLR. In fact it bagged five awards in all – with its compact cameras in the IXUS 285 HS (right) and PowerShot G5 X taking the honours for Best Easy Compact Camera and Best Expert Compact Camera, respectively. Its printers also got the nod, with the Canon Pro-1000 being named simply ‘Best Photo Printer’.

Not to be outdone, Sony is represented by way of its A68 (Top, right), which was named Best Entry Level DSLR, plus the A7R II – also, coincidentally, getting the nod from BPI News this issue – which

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 10 May 2016 | BPI News

TIPA AWARDS 2016 Taking the honours for Best Full Frame DSLR meanwhile was the Pentax K-1.

“One of our own favourites in Fujifilm’s X-T10 took Best Entry Level Mirrorless CSC from the TIPA judges. The same manufacturer’s X-Pro2 – another winner in BPI News’ book (see News this issue) – also got rewarded…”

One of our own favourites in Fujifilm’s X-T10 (below) took Best Entry Level Mirrorless CSC from the TIPA judges. The same manufacturer’s X-Pro2 (right) – another winner in BPI News’ book (see News this issue)

Tamron’s lenses, distributed by Intro2020 in the UK, also got a look in. Best Entry Level DSLR Lens went to the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DI II VC (Above, left) and the Best DSLR Prime Lens was the SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (Above, right).

Olympus bagged a trio of TIPA’s, with Best Advanced Mirrorless CSC going to its OM-D E-M10 Mark II and its M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro being named Best CSC Wide Angle Zoom Lens. The third award was for the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 (below), garlanded as ‘Best Rugged Camera’.

for its distinction of being the world’s first full frame f/2 constant aperture zoom. The third TIPA award for Sigma went to its 20mm f/1.4 GD HSM Art lens, designed to bring out the full potential of high megapixel DSLRs. This was voted Best Professional DSLR lens.

– also got rewarded, being named as Best Expert Mirrorless CSC. Fujifilm bagged its third TIPA – this time Best CSC Telephoto Zoom Lens – for its XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. Leica also got a look in with its ‘SL’ camera, (right) which was acclaimed as Best Premium Camera by TIPA’s bigwigs.

One, two, three, four, five awards each Fellow Four Thirds sensor partner Panasonic was also recognized in the 2016 TIPA’s. Best Superzoom Camera went to the Lumix DMC-FZ300 (below), the Best Entry Level CSC Lens went to the Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH and the Best Camcorder – the only such product in this year’s TIPA line up – was named as the Panasonic HC-WXF991/WXF990/ VXF990/VXF999.

Other lenses to feature in the awards included a triple whammy for Sigma.

The manufacturer’s 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (Above, right) got recognised as Best DSLR telephoto Zoom Lens, while the 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art (Above, left) got voted the Best DSLR Wide Angle Zoom Lens

In terms of accessories, Best Portable Flash went to the Nissin i60A (above)– previously featured in our April cover date issue as part of our article on its distributor Kenro – whilst Best Tripod was said to be the Manfrotto 190GO! Carbon Fibre. www.tipa.com

To find out more about the voting process behind the TIPA Awards, direct your browser to: www.tipa.com BPI News | May 2016 11

BPI NEWS EXTRA

NEW LUMIX ILLUMINATED BY PANASONIC The electronics brand has a new premium Lumix G system camera in the serious-looking 16 megapixel GX80, which is about video just as much as stills – plus it’s continuing its successful demo days at National Trust properties this spring and into summer…

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anasonic’s recently announced Lumix DMCGX80 incorporates 4K video capture at 25 fps and 5-axis image stabilization built into the camera body, with a new shutter unit design minimising vibrations and a new image processing engine delivering greater colour accuracy. The highresolution video option provides photographers with the ability to extract an 8 megapixel stills from a 4K video clip – a standard feature on Panasonics these days. Likewise seen elsewhere in the Lumix series is its ‘Post Focus’ function, allowing photographers to alter what they want sharp in the frame after the fact.

In terms of composing shots, crucially we get that DSLR-like

handling, albeit in a more compact form factor. We also get a Live View Finder with 2764K-dot resolution, 100% field of view and an eye sensor built in, to avoid the need for additional button presses. For those who want to avoid post processing later, creativity is extended via 22 on-board digital filter effects.

“The GX80 has an exceptionally strong start with editor evaluations,” Panasonic’s Head of Imaging Marketing Barnaby Sykes tells us, directing us to the fact that it has already picked up five star write ups from the likes of PhotographyBlog and ePhotozine online.

‘The Panasonic Lumix GX80 brings some of the very best

features from all mirror-less cameras and delivers them in an extremely competitively priced package,’ said the latter, which has already awarded the GX80 ‘Editor’s Choice’. Meanwhile PhotographyBlog suggested ‘Panasonic has brought a very, very

The Panasonic team (including Mark Baber, shown here) is again out on the road at National Trust properties this summer - aiming to get cameras into hands and ultimately encourage sales in your stores!

strong contender to the game with the new Lumix DMC-GX80’ and awarded it an ‘Essential’ badge.

“Thanks to some hard work by our colleagues in Japan we were able to get seven review samples ahead of our embargo being lifted which enabled us to get some excellent press coverage from the get go,” enthuses Barney. This also resulted in an early First Impression review in Amateur Photographer as well, which wrote: ‘At first sight it looks as though Panasonic may well have hit on a Goldilocks formula; not too big, not too small, and not too expensive either. When shooting 4K with the GX80 we found that footage was incredibly steady.’

SRP is from £509 body only, with UK product availability from May 9th.

Panasonic has also been running a pre-order campaign whereby photographers buying one from an authorised retailer will qualify for a free street photography workshop with one of its photographer ambassadors; not only that, but there was a free leather camera case and free battery up for grabs by early birds too.

Panasonic introduces the Lumix G system GX80 model this spring/summer: offering 8 megapixel grabs from 4K 12 May 2016 | BPI News

PANASONIC PROMOTION National Trust partnership Panasonic’s promotional teams are going back out on the road this spring and summer, from May through ‘til October. Once again it’s all about getting cameras into the hands of the general public. Limited quantities of Lumix cameras will be available for loan by visitors to National Trust properties up and down the country. Plus there will be ‘photo walks’ with Panasonic’s Lumix G photographer ambassadors, including Esther Ling… the hope being that National Trust members then go on to buy a camera when done.

Members of the public are being instructed to find a National Trust property and date that suits them

and come along. They will be able to touch and try the latest 4K models and will be instructed in the art of extracting an 8-megapixel still image from 4K footage, so they never miss a crucial moment. They even get to keep the SD card they’re loaned with the camera. Models to play with include the GH4 and HC X1000 camcorder – also capable of 4K recording. Usual admission fees will apply to the National Trust properties themselves – unless you’re already a paid up member of course.

Panasonic’s 2016 roadshow was due to kick off at Killerton in Devon on Saturday 7th and 8th of May. Especially of interest to your enthusiast photographer customers will be the fact that Lacock Abbey

Panasonic’s photographic ambassadors, including Esther Ling, shown here setting up for an introductory talk to National Trust members, will also be out in force this spring and summer, offering first hand experience of camera use

in Wiltshire is back on the roadshow tour this year, a country house with monastic roots and once home to

Fox Talbot, the scientist, inventor and photography pioneer. www.panasonic.co.uk

video capture and tilting rear screen for easier framing and composition. Find out more at www.panasonic.co.uk BPI News | May 2016 13

BPI NEWS EXTRA

“WE’RE BACK”’ HASSELBLAD TELLS TRADE AT H6D LAUNCH

… the words of recently appointed UK MD Simon Coleman, shown below with the new medium format body, set to retail from £17000 upwards to those looking to upgrade. BPI News gets the background from CEO Perry Oosting and Product Manager Ove Bengtson, also pictured

B

PI News attended last month’s European launch of the new Hasselblad H6D medium format camera in East London. As you’ll doubtless be aware by now, the new model upgrades the previous H4 and H5 offerings and comes with the choice of either a 50MP or 100MP sensor – though the cameras are outwardly identical apart from their model numbers (50c or 100c respectively).

Hosting the company’s first launch this year, Hasselblad’s CEO Perry Oosting told those in attendance that this was “a completely new electronic platform. We started from scratch and are very proud to launch our first product of 2016.”

Perry handed over to Product Manager Ove Bengtson to run through the main bullet points, who continued the theme by adding

that: “This is the best medium format camera that you can work with. We’ve completely re-designed the heart of the camera to cope with 100MP files and 4K video. There’s also a new rear display plus dual storage options – with the CFast card slot providing speed and the additional SD card slot meaning that pictures can be saved to two cards at the same time, or JPEG files to one and Raw files to the other.

“For video we also added a number of ports, including USB 3.0 and a Type C connector.” The camera further features a customised designed display screen, which Ove promises is “very crisp, with sharp colours and contrast. It has all the modern touch features of a smartphone – so smartphone users will feel really familiar when using this camera.”

The screen can also be customized: “You can add icons for your most

“This is the best medium format camera that you can work with. We’ve completely re-designed the heart of the camera to cope with 100MP files and 4K video.”

– Hasselblad Product Manager Ove Bengtson (shown right, with CEO Perry Oosting, left)

used functions to the rear screen – providing instant access to every setting in the camera,” he told BPI News.

Hasselblad body, Sony sensor Hasselblad revealed that both the 50MP and 100MP sensor (the latter providing an ISO range from ISO64 to 12,800 with dynamic range, the company says, being close to 15 stops) were CMOS sensors from Sony, and that the intention to raise the pixel count to 100 megapixels had been on the roadmap for a while.

Ove added that such sensors had “transformed medium format cameras from being purely studio based. As you need to make super big prints to see any noise, you can use the camera for many things.

“The system is better than anything else that we have seen.

The H5D already produced the most accurate colours possible but there is always something that can be improved. The H6D is a step better.

Regardless of the subject being photographed, the camera will always produce proper colours.”

Whilst there were no new lenses announced alongside the camera/s, Ove revealed that it already possessed

a new range of lenses for an even better performance; such optics featuring a small orange square, indicating that they prompted a better shutter performance. He added that shutter speeds of up to 1/2000 sec with full flash sync are achievable with the H6D. Video is obviously another area of increasing importance for working photographers – though obviously the large file sizes generated, and the processing power required, are major considerations for any manufacturer.

The 50MP version of the H6D boasts Full HD video capability at 25fps according to Ove, whilst the larger 100MP offers users 4K video. Here Hasselblad have added an HDMI port for an external monitor. “It also doesn’t have an internal microphone, so we have provided the ability to add an external microphone,” he told BPI News.

Also covered in the introduction to the H6D was the fact that Hasselblad has improved and made better its new Phocus 3.0 software to make its user interface and experience “more modern.”

“We’ve added adjustment layers for selective editing and it now supports video playback,” Ove tells us, wrapping up by noting: “We’re very proud we still make cameras in Europe, and in Sweden, with Hasselblad’s motto remaining ‘handmade in Sweden.’”

We spotted a number of UK specialist retailers in the crowd at the event, so it will be interesting to see how many of the latest Hasselblad – claimed to be its easiest to use and most accessible camera yet, despite sizeable price tag – make their way into high street retail. www.hasselblad.com

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 14 May 2016 | BPI News

MINILAB NEWS

PHOTOXPORT & NORITSU BRING FAR EASTERN PROMISE BACK HOME PhotoXport’s MD Derek Fieldhouse recently visited Noritsu Precision Company in Japan to take part in a three day ‘think tank’ - in advance of the latter exhibiting at Photokina in September – and shares his thoughts here on how the UK trade can benefit from some Far Eastern thinking

PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse (third from right, front row) and Noritsu’s Ron Kubara (front row, far left) met up with colleagues for a three day summit in Japan to discuss requirements for their perspective territories and Noritsu’s direction going forward

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s PhotoXport is official distributor of Noritsu dry lab printers to the UK photo trade – a company which boasts a heritage stretching back almost 50 years – it makes sense for the two to sit down and chew the fat once in a while. There have been major developments too at Noritsu of late, including the fact that Noritsu Koki Company transferred their shares for Noritsu Koki Works to a private company last month.

This marked an occasion Noritsu has called its ‘independence day’, witnessing a name change to Noritsu Precision Company – though obviously customers will continue to see just the familiar, long term ‘Noritsu’ branding.

The gist is that it’s received support to enable the company to take things to the next level.

Or as Noritsu President Michio Fujimoto said: “While this has no direct impact for our worldwide customers, this independence provides more opportunity to focus on future imaging products.”

The other major news is new hardware available too. Recent innovative solutions PhotoXport and Noritsu have shared with the photo trade have included its Green QSS (Quick Service

Systems) series drylab line up, plus the spanking new multi platform, HPT consumer kiosk.

Described as both beautiful and state-of-the-art, the Windows and iOS compatible HPT kiosk will officially launch at Photokina in Sept, but PhotoXport has already started rolling it out an

April that: “Noritsu too must evolve and to do so in the right direction. This requires worldwide market information and to focus on many complex and challenging topics.” Mr. Nishibayashi added that the three-day think tank had provided “valuable insight for

“It is currently believed that 80% of all image captures are by a camera phone. Consumers printing patterns are also evolving and images captured are often displayed on high-resolution smartphone displays with colours that exceed the technology of prints only 10-years ago.

Noritsu too must evolve and to do so in the right direction.”

– Ron Kubara, Director, WorldWide Strategic Sales & Planning, Noritsu Precision Company early version to the trade.

The other option for those yet to tap into the potential and highly profitable audience for photobooks is Noritsu’s Quick Service High Quality Photobook; deliverable on site in under 20 minutes.

Shoji Nishibayashi, General Manager of the NPC Sales Unit and former R&D engineer informed those present at Noritsu’s Japanese summit, attended by PhotoXport in

future products as well as helping groom the path for an exciting Photokina. I am pleased with the results and this will not be the last Worldwide Strategic Sales meeting.”

In the meantime, interested trade members should contact PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse regarding its Noritsu Green Lab offerings on 0116 2675907.

3 NORITSU GREEN DRY LABS TO CHOOSE! Get started with the entry-level Noritsu Green Simplex dry lab.

“It offers the same output capacity as a Fuji or Epson – but we believe it’s significantly cheaper,” Derek says. There is also a duplex version that offers double sided prints and adjustable paper platen that can accommodate around 36 different paper types, including third party papers.

The next step up is the Noritsu QSS Green standard edition. This automatically offers duplex printing on different surfaces from different paper manufacturers, allowing for photo book production. Watch a promo video at: youtu.be/0BPCnR5Zpvo Top of the range meanwhile is the Noritsu QSS Green II. With the industrial build of a wet lab, yet with a dry lab engine, it’s built for a hammering and to produce millions and millions of prints.

This has all the key features of the popular D1005HR and over 3000 prints can be produced before new paper needs loading.

See the video at: youtu.be/0BPCnR5Zpvo

www.photoxport.com

Contact PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse regarding Noritsu Green Lab offerings on 0116 2675907 BPI News | May 2016 15

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

‘ANOVA’ BRIGHT IDEA FROM ROTOLIGHT Showcased for the first time at last month’s NAB trade show in Las Vegas, UK lighting specialist Rotolight wants to share its latest Anova PRO continuous LED light solution with photo retailers and suppliers. BPI News learns why this ‘game changer’ offering excellent trade margins should be added to your stock forthwith…

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British success story, Rotolight, recently in these pages for its award winning Neo LED light, has an exciting new product to share with the UK photo industry – as well as anyone involved in the growing market for video production. Being pitched as a ‘game changer’, and the world’s most advanced LED flood light, the Anova PRO is a continuous LED light with flash sync capability built in – and is designed for use either on location or in the studio.

Set to retail from £999.99 + VAT – with June release date planned and pre-orders beginning now – the promotional push involves shots of A-list film stars taken by celebrity portrait photographer Mark Mann with the Anova – Rotolight is

it is up to 43% brighter than the previous generation, featuring revised electronics, 10% weight reduction, revised yoke design and a new Flash Sync Trigger input for camera shutter release synchronization at up to 150% of maximum continuous light output.

Fellow portrait photographer Greg Gorman is also a fan, using it to shoot another Hollywood actor – Andy Garcia of Untouchables fame. “I chose the Anova as I had to capture a lot of images in a short period if time,” he notes. “It’s very good in terms of quality and as a very good source of light. What impressed me most was the octagonal shape – for better catch lights – and the beautiful skin tones I was seeing for the first time from an LED. The compactness,

“What impressed me most was the octagonal shape – for better catch lights – and the beautiful skin tones I was seeing for the first time from an LED.” – Award winning photographer Greg Gorman famously based at Pinewood Studios and naturally has a close connection with the movie world.

Mann, a Leica ambassador, used the Anova at the Sundance Film Festival to shoot a galaxy of stars including Jack Black, Spike Lee, Margot Robbie, Jason Swartzman, Ejiofor Chewetil, Zachary Quinto, Jason Sudekis, Chris Pine, Johnny Knoxville, guitarist Slash and James Franco and says: “I’m really enjoying the flexibility and just like the camera the lights guide the shot.

The build quality is exceptional as is Rotolight’s support. It was really easy to shape the light with Rotolight LEDs in a way that was complimentary to each subject, keeping a palette of warm skin tones, from a natural looking soft light.”

Like the Neo, the flicker-free Anova PRO can be used as a modeling light and allows LED lighting to be incorporated into any photographer or videographer’s digital workflow. A key fact is that

portability, weight and the fact that it can be battery driven with a life of three-and-a-half hours convinced me that this was an essential tool for my portrait photography. It’s something I know is going to give me a great picture – my new favourite light!”

Industry approved, from Pinewood to Hollywood As with the Neo before it, an important feature of the Anova PRO is True Aperture Dimming, whereby it automatically adjusts to the brightness the photographer (or DSLR videographer) chooses. As we mentioned in our write-up of the Neo last issue, the True Aperture Dimming feature accurately calculates the correct aperture (f-stop) for the subject at a given distance, eliminating the need for metering and allowing the creative person involved to concentrate on shooting their subject instead.

But in fact this is just one of four unique innovations as regards the

SRP for the Anova PRO starts at £999 + VAT, but may well be the only light your photographer & videographer customers need. Excellent margins are available to trade partners.

Rotolight products are available to the photographic trade via Digital Distribution.

16 May 2016 | BPI News

ROTOLIGHT PROMOTION

Anova Pro – the other three being CineSFX, Flash Sync and Designer Fade – in combination “set to revolutionise the industry”, according to Rotolight MD Rod Aaron Gammons. “This product is a revolutionary product, we feel, in that it bridges the gap between legacy strobe technology and continuous lighting, for the first time offering the benefits of both systems without the typical limitations of either.

“Added to this we have the fact that it is 43% brighter than the previous generation, with many new innovative features. Additionally it is now 25% less expensive than the previous model starting at just £999 ex VAT (SRP) with excellent margin opportunities for the trade.”

But don’t just take his word for it.

Visual Hollywood effects veteran Stefan Lange says of Rotolight’s new Anova PRO: “The CineSFX mode that’s built into the Rotolight Anova PRO is an advantage to any production. It’s fast – it doesn’t matter if it’s a feature, a drama or a documentary, it’s always going to come out and add that little effect.

Celebrity portrait photographer Mark Mann has used Rotolight’s Anova to capture a whole host of Hollywood actors, including Chris Pine (above) and Margot Robbie (left). He was most impressed by its soft light and delivery of warm skin tones.

There isn’t a job I wouldn’t take it on.” The Guild of Television has already recognized Anova with its prestigious ‘Seal of Approval’ award, the first time in its history it has been given to a lighting manufacturer.

There will be three iterations of the Anova PRO available to buy. It’s also worth reiterating that it’s 25% less expensive than the previous model.

It’s available in either BiColour (6300K-3150K) ‘Standard’ 50 beam angle (for greater straight line output), 110 ‘Ultrawide’ (for soft-fill, flood or Chromakey), or fixed colour 5600K. Suggested pricing is £999.99 for the latter, whilst the ‘Standard’ and ‘Ultrawide’ are £1049.99 SRP, all prices excluding VAT. Optional Wi-fi models are available separately,

arriving in Q4, and which have the advantage of allowing the light to be controlled via Magic Eye iPhone or iPad App (also available in the fourth quarter).

Good competitive margins are available to trade partners. www.rotolight.com

ANOVA PRO INNOVATIONS AT A GLANCE: • CineSFX provides users with a powerful arsenal of customisable lighting effects for those shooting video footage, for example: Strobe, Lightning, Fire, Cycle, Throb, Police, TV, Spin, Weld, Spark, Film, Neo and Gunshot.

Includes wired remote trigger functionality and wireless control (Wi-Fi models only), along with

rolling shutter compensation. In short CineSFX saves significant time and cost to otherwise achieve similarly powerful lighting effects.

• Flash Sync and remote triggering allows Anova Pro to be integrated into a traditional photography workflow whilst providing a hyper

accurate modeling light, plus control of flash power/duration colour temperature and offset, combining the best of both legacy strobe technology and continuous ‘shoot what you see’ light output.

• True Aperture Dimming calculates and displays the

correct aperture (f-stop) for a subject at a given distance, aiding workflow by eliminating the need for metering.

• Designer Fade mode provides custom fade up/fade down effects for DSLR videographers and cinematographers, reducing time required in post production.

Email sales@ddltd.co.uk, call 01442 230022 or visit www.ddltd.co.uk for more BPI News | May 2016 17

MINILAB NEWS

STRONGER LINKS WITH FUJIFILM SEE PROFITS SOAR AT FROSTS Celebrating 50 years in Europe in 2016, innovation has always been Fujifilm’s driving force; which means constantly refreshing and reinvigorating its offerings. Encouraging and aiding its FDIS members to do just that is Retail Support Consultant Wendy Gray of Inspires Consultancy who also owns and runs Frosts Photo Centre. Practicing what she preaches, Wendy recently had the great idea of a re-fit to make the most of the weight and recognition the Fujifilm brand brings…

I

actually started at Frosts when I was 15 – donkey’s years ago.

Frosts was a family run pharmacy business; John Frost had a passion for photography and started up the Photographic Society in Sutton Coldfield. He was a pharmacist by trade but was one of the first to put in a photo lab. The business grew to include 11 stores. Most were subsequently sold to Boots, but my shop and the staff in it were kept as a specialist photo retailer.

past six years, travelling the country and visiting fellow FDIS retailers. That relationship was born out of my retail background.

Fujifilm’s Peter Wigington came to see us with a suggestion of how Fujifilm could support the business, so we became part of FDIS and suddenly it was bingo! We had our kit, our signage and away we went.

However I felt at the time there was still more that could be done in terms of support from Fujifilm, because

they got it straight away and asked me to come on board to help provide specialist business support to the other FDIS stores in the group. That birthed Inspires Consultancy.

Lots of retailers are happy to stick their heads in the sand and

think that it’s everyone else’s fault if their business isn’t doing well. The fact is that people do still use the high street, but if they’re not using you let’s see why and see if we can improve it – and that’s what I do.

“It’s not about a customer coming in and printing off hundreds and hundreds of photos anymore – it’s about them being creative with their photos and that’s what we wanted to try and put across in the shop. The business is: ‘bring us some images and we’ll show you what we can create with them’.”

– Wendy Gray, Frosts Photo Centre Our customer base now is a real mix. We have quite a few elderly people coming in with tablet PCs they’ve been given by their family, wanting to know how they can get the pictures off, plus youngsters with mobile phones. We also have an awful lot of mums come in.

I’ve also been working with Fujifilm three days a week for the

I had their name on my shop and was in effect advertising the brand.

Luckily, before I took over at Frosts, the owners sent me on a business course, teaching me how I could grow my business and improve my figures. That gave me the tools to do so. I shared my thoughts on how I felt the FDIS retail support could be enhanced and in true Fujifilm style

Team players: Fujifilm Marketing Manager Peter Wigington (centre, top) and Frosts’ Wendy Gray (below Peter) have worked together to help re-align Wendy’s store more closely with the very recognisable Fujifilm brand.

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 18 May 2016 | BPI News

FUJIFILM FDIS PROMOTION

New fit-out matches new Fujifilm logo I have always been a strong advocate of Fujifilm so I wanted to align myself even more closely. We regularly invite prospective new FDIS members to the store to either see the lab in action before they buy or have customer service training after they have and I felt that my store wasn’t perfect. The layout was fine and the sales were good but it didn’t give me the complete image I wanted to better represent my connection to Fujifilm.

Three years down the line from taking the store over I felt I was ready to make my mark and had an idea how the store should look. I wanted my brand to be a lot stronger because listening to customers in the store they would either say “I’m in the photo shop” or “I’m in the Fujifilm shop”, they wouldn’t say “Oh I’m at Frosts Photo Centre”. The Frosts bit is the staff. So I needed the Fujifilm brand to stand out – that’s a lot stronger that the name of the store.

I also wanted a bright airy store that was contemporary and reflected the colours of Fujifilm’s new logo, including the black and the red and the white. Now it looks

Wendy Gray and her team at Frosts Photo Centre were aiming for a fresh, airy contemporary look with their re-fit, with products very visible to customers entering the store. Newly fitted interior (above) and old shop look (below) Before

nice and fresh and you can see all the products on the walls. It’s not about a customer coming in and printing off hundreds and hundreds of photos anymore – it’s about them being creative with their photos and that’s what I wanted to try and put across in the shop.

The business is: ‘bring us some images and we’ll show you what we can create with them’. We get that message across via point of sale material and staff training.

Because when the customer comes in asking ‘can I get a print off this?’ well of course they can, but there is a whole lot else we can do. The staff ask lots of questions to find out what the customer wants and then provide a range of options.

Instead of it just being a standard print it’s now going out as a piece of wall art, a canvas print, or they can create a montage or a photo book.

So we end up selling a higher end product on which we then make more margin. The way the industry is now, you’re not a lab technician any more – you’re a salesperson and you’ve got to sell those services to

After

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk BPI News | May 2016 19

MINILAB & PRO LAB NEWS the customer. And the only way you can do that is by demonstrating exactly what you can do. Although we really tried hard to promote the services that we were doing before, it probably wasn’t putting the message across as well as we wanted – but now it is. The visuals are very strong and eye catching and the store’s not cluttered anymore; it all helps the staff do their job.

In terms of kit we have the Fujifilm DL450 Drylab as the main lab plus a Frontier-S DX100 Drylab, five DCP10 kiosks front of store, plus an instant photo book machine.

We also do all photo gifting on site.

We’ve got a 44-inch wide format printer so we can print up to A0

size, which is great and have a mini studio too. If someone is coming in for a passport photo we’ll take one in a studio environment and hopefully get an extra sale from that too. And we still do film processing too: on an average day we process about 30-odd films, but yesterday I was surrounded by 160 rolls of film. We do processing by post and act as a fulfillment site for other FDIS members. It wasn’t about me wanting to take their business, but rather not wanting to see them turn business away. I find it really difficult when I hear a retailer say ‘sorry we can’t do that’, because they’re losing a customer. So I always say to retailers that I coach that if they’re

not sure they can do something then phone me and we’ll find a way of doing it.

Despite offering all these services our store footprint is actually tiny, about 450 square feet, but we’ve made the most of the space available. There are five staff in total, including my manager John Stanley, and sometimes I’ll go in on the two days when I’m not working with Fujifilm too. I also have the ability to see online what the day is like and how many customers have been served and what the average sale is. The staff are very much figure driven themselves, so we share all of that information; even our apprentice knows how the business

is performing. I don’t think the owner should keep that back from their staff because it makes the staff part of the business. They know how much we’ve got to make to improve the business and they get rewarded for it. We’re really good team players and work well together!

Find out more about Frosts Photo Centre by paying a visit to their website at www.frostsphotocentre.co.uk For more on the benefits of becoming a member of Fujifilm’s FDIS network the man you need to speak with is Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington on 01234 572138 or email pwigington@fuji.co.uk

If only Michelangelo could have used Fujifilm Wallpaper on the Sistine Chapel…

If your store or lab is looking for a way to bring in new customers and expand your range of services, have you considered offering Fujifilm’s Wallpaper Media?

Photographer Nick Turley recently turned to the product, and Leeds based lab CC Imaging, to help him fulfill a brief to provide imagery for the ceiling of a new restaurant opening.

“There’s a motoring theme running throughout the whole restaurant,” says Nick, “and we were briefed by our client to look at putting together a selection of photographs that tapped into this and which would be displayed on the ceiling/wall in the bar area. The idea was to create one complete artwork that would become an integral part of the decoration.”

The spaces to fill on the ceiling came in a range of different sizes and Nick needed to find a pro lab

that could understand the unusual nature of the job and who might suggest a suitable media to print on.

“I chose to work with CC Imaging in Leeds because it was a lab I knew well and I was aware of their reputation for high quality printing and attention to detail. They advised that Fujifilm Wallpaper would be the perfect media to use.”

Mark Senior (Right), co-MD of CC Imaging, says: “This was a first for us but we knew we had the facilities to cope and we felt confident that Fujifilm’s Wallpaper Media would be up to the job. The images were created in Fujifilm ImageHunter software and printed on an Epson Stylus Pro 11880 64-inch inkjet printer. With the help of Fujifilm’s Mark Wade, their inkjet media and software specialist, the whole process was really straightforward.

The ink went down really well, with no smudging or banding, and, importantly, the colours from roll to roll also matched perfectly. The media was also quite lightweight despite coming in rolls that were

Fujifilm’s ImageHunter software has been designed specifically for large and wide format printers - so perfect if you’re producing wallpaper!

42 inches wide, and our fear that it might be difficult to hang was unfounded. In short, Fujifilm has got the product exactly right.”

For more information on Fujifilm’s extensive range of large

format media or the Fujjfilm ImageHunter or Shiraz Carbon RIP software please contact Mark Wade on email mwade@fuji.co.uk or call 07747 017216

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 20 May 2016 | BPI News

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The perfect picture A members only partnership with the market leader in photo imaging.

Providing a modern marketing solution for photo retail within your business.

The perfect solution to increase your profit margins from photo retail.

For more information For more information the benefits of FDIS membership or to please call on 01234 572138 or request a brochure please call Peter Wigington visit www.fdisphotoretailers.com on 01234 572138 or email pwigington@fuji.co.uk

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

CULLMANN CUTS THE MUSTARD FOR CAMERA BAGS & TRIPODS

Distributor Intro2020, which worked with the brand some 30+ years ago, is re-introducing Cullmann bags and tripods to the UK market – a location it hasn’t been seen in for the past two years. BPI News finds out why this is great news for retailers looking to bag themselves some excellent margins and resulting profit…

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ntro2020 has renewed its partnership with Cullmann bags and tripods – a brand it first distributed more than three decades ago when it was Introphoto.

“We must have finished distributing before 1986 as it wasn’t in our product line up when I joined,” Intro’s Marketing Manager Jane Nicholson recalls. “Not sure where the brand went to after us, but I know that the product had limited distribution for many years. We didn’t feel that was acceptable, so have brought back an old friend to re-introduce it to the trade and a fresh generation of photographers.” New in stock at

Intro2020 is therefore an extensive range of photo accessories bearing the rejuvenated Cullmann branding.

Supporting dealers to the (Nano)max Those dealers looking to introduce a new range of tripods to their stock will want to investigate the fourth iteration of Cullmann’s ‘Nanomax’ tripod in the 460M. This model includes a two-way pan-head, quick-release platform and centre column which can be removed – allowing the photographer to use the Nanomax 460M as a monopod instead. Fashioned from aluminium, the tripod comes in black, offers a maximum height of

168cm, a minimum height of 19cm, four section legs and a maximum load of 4kg. A special feature of all new Nanomax models is what’s described as a triangular aluminium profile for the tripod legs and centre column, which, according to the manufacturer, makes for reliable antitwist protection.

Also well worth stocking and ideally suited to professionals looking for a ‘workhorse’ support is the slick and contemporary-looking ‘Titan’ model in gunmetal silver, featuring heavy-duty watertight legs and solid body made of anodized trapezoidal aluminium. Unsurprisingly the tripod is designed to support a heavy body and lens set up – with maximum sustainable load a whopping 21kg.

Cullmann’s comprehensive product line up available via Intro2020 includes the Nanomax 460M tripod, above and left, and the contemporary ‘Titan’, aimed at pros, shown top right

Other features of note include an air-cushioned centre column, helping to guarantee a solid platform for jitter-free shots – whether it’s used for stills or video work. Maximum height is 162cm and minimum height is 74cm. Not only is this tripod precision made in Germany, it also comes with an impressive 20 year warranty for peace of mind.

Call Intro2020 now on 01628 674411 to place your order for Cullmann camera bags and tripods, 22 May 2016 | BPI News

INTRO2020 PROMOTION

From Amsterdam to Sydney, it’s in the bag As those in the trade will be aware, Intro2020 already has plenty of experience when it comes to marketing and supplying camera bags – and the latest line up from Cullmann should slot seamlessly in among your current offerings.

to the camera without having to place the backpack on the floor, whilst a flexible yet robust inside partition with a soft inside lining can be removed to convert the backpack to a leisure backpack. A rain/sun cover offers protection against wet and heat, plus there is a convenient flap provided for transport your jacket or bicycle helmet. Inner dimensions are 160x140x290mm.

The Sydney Maxima 425+ camera bag from Cullmann, available now via Intro2020, is pitched at ambitious photographers and videographers and has space for tablet or notebook alongside camera body and lenses

As one would expect, again there is comprehensive choice here, so we’ve picked out some highlights.

Accommodating medium DSLRs with a standard 18-55mm zoom lens attached is the Ultralight Pro Maxima 120 (Above) bag in black.

Despite being lightweight, a high level of protection is claimed, thanks to use of tear-proof RipStop nylon material with a waterproof floor to the bag to keep your customers’ camera kit dry when the bag is placed on wet ground. There is a net pocket on the side for a smartphone, whilst the inner lid pocket contains several stowage compartments and the shoulder padding is said to be ‘skid proof’. Inner dimensions are 200x160x120mm.

A further carry option comes in the shape of the Cullmann Ultralight Sport 300 Day Pack (Right), available in black/blue or grey/orange.

The camera compartment is opened from the back, protecting equipment from theft. A side opening provides direct access

We then move into a slew of destination-themed bags. The Madrid Sports Maxima 125+ (Above) is a attractive mix of grey with orange detailing. Suitable for storing CSC equipment (camera and two lenses), it can also be used for a sporty leisure bag. The padded back of the bag and the wide shoulder padding with anti slip strip contribute to comfortable carrying. The interior also includes a compartment for a tablet of up to 10 inches in size. Interior dimensions are 230x90x150mm.

Moving further south we come to the Cullmann Sydney Pro Maxima 425 (Top Right). This should be pitched as the bag for ‘ambitious photographers and videographers’, suitable for medium size DSLRs and a tablet up to 13-inches in size. The base of the bag is made of rubberised, skid-resistant material, which is said to be durable and easily cleaned. Inside the bag is a detachable camera insert and convenient organiser at the front. A notebook compartment is suited to tablet PCs up to 13-inches in size, and once again we get a rain/ sun cover. Inner dimensions are 350x230x110mm.

Alternatively you might want to point your photographer

punters who own medium to large DSLR gear, in the direction of the Amsterdam Maxima 520 Gladstone (Right) bag – a special feature is the unique opening, which opens along the entire length of the top of the bag and enables rapid access to all their equipment. The bag is well padded on the inside with numerous compartments plus two lockable front pockets with additional flaps on both sides for access to memory cards. The outer material of the Amsterdam bag is hardwearing and water repellent. The interior measures 360x200x170mm.

Our final bag to spotlight on this spread is the Lima Backpack 600+ (Below) aimed at ‘outdoor loving’ photographers. This is said to be able to cope with a large amount of camera equipment plus a laptop up to 15.6-inches, whilst a ventilation system ensures what Cullmann describes as a ‘pleasant airy feeling’ on the back. Convenient Velcro fasteners allow you to open the camera compartment securely and just wide enough to remove the camera quickly. Inner dimensions are 290x150x390mm.

For further details and to order stock of all of the new Cullmann tripods, bags and accessories covered here, please speak to your regular Intro2020 contact NOW or get in touch direct on 01628 674411.

Alternatively, for more info please point your web browser at: www.intro2020.co.uk/pages/ cullman.html

email sales@intro2020.co.uk or simply visit www.intro2020.co.uk for the full specifications and lowdown BPI News | May 2016 23

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

SIGMA DELIVERS PAIR OF ACES TO TRADE

BPI News field tests two new lenses from Sigma in the 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art telephoto zoom – which has freshly bagged a TIPA Award – plus the 30mm f/1.4 DC DN prime lens. Both were originally unveiled in February in Japan and showcased to UK enthusiasts for the first time at The Photography Show in March…

W

e reported on Sigma’s latest lens releases, arising out of February’s CP+ Show in Japan, in our March cover edition of BPI News. Promising best-in-class optical performance, this month the manufacturer has sent us one of each to have a play with, coinciding helpfully with some seasonally fine spring weather – and the icing on the cake of a TIPA win for one of them (See box out here, plus our page 10 round up, for more).

50-100MM F/1.8 DC HSM ART TELEPHOTO ZOOM The larger of the two lenses, this one aimed at DSLR users (we tried it out on a Canon APS-C DSLR body) is Sigma’s second f/1.8 APS-C format telephoto zoom lens in the 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art, which comes supplied with a petal type lens hood. A TIPA Awards winner

“Immediately responsive in terms of auto focus when twinned with our Canon APS-C DSLR body, Sigma’s 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art telephoto zoom looks, feels and handles like a professional piece of kit” as we write, fits are available for Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts, with Sigma having previously stated that it sees the audience as not just photographers but videographers too – this lens additionally featuring a tripod socket and inner focus/inner zoom mechanism.

Aside from the fact it is now newly an award winner in its own right, the key pitch to customers here is that the Japanese made ‘Art’ series lens covers the focal lengths of three prime lenses in one package: 85mm f/1.8, 105mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/1.8. Described as ‘a true game changer’, the optic is said to be ideal for delivering portraits or close ups with subtle bokeh effects – closest

focusing distance is a metre – and claims a new standard for zoom lens image quality. In short we found it a very useful all-in-one option.

When attached to the camera body, particularly a consumer model like the 550D we were using, the combination is reassuringly weighty for its £999.99 suggested retail price; and one you’ll need two hands to support.

An enhancement on this lens comes in the shape of Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), the new version being 30% slimmer than before. The diameter of the 9-blade rounded lens diaphragm is also the second largest in the Sigma lens line up after the Sigma 200-

500mm f/2.8. The result is a claimed exceptionally smooth operation even during continuous shooting, whilst the polycarbonate construction is durable and weather resistant.

Immediately responsive in terms of auto focus when twinned with our Canon body, it looks, feels and handles like a professional piece of kit, with edge to edge sharpness maintained from widest to maximum telephoto setting, an effective focal length of 75-150mm on an APS-C sensor incorporating camera.

Above: The Sigma 50-100mm handles well as a jack-of-all trades option, delivering attractive shallow depth of field effects with attractively blurred backgrounds as these test shots straight from the Canon body prove. Facing page: The 30mm also delivers subtle ‘bokeh’ effects, making it perfect as a portrait lens - even when the Editor is snapping selfies!

All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty. For more info on 24 May 2016 | BPI News

SIGMA NEW LENSES PROMOTION

30MM F/1.4 DC DN PRIME LENS The second new lens we got to take out for a springtime spin is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN, again made in Japan, and which slots into the manufacturer’s ‘Contemporary’ product category. The selling point here is that this is an ultra bright compact, lightweight standard lens available for both Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount. Suggested retail price is an affordable £299.99.

Accessories include a supplied extra

long lens hood.

This prime lens offers a focal length of around 50mm, an angle of view similar to human vision, and obviously thanks to the f/1.4 brightness, allows for attractively flattering shallow depth of field effects when capturing

portraits (even selfie images!) or still life shots. To be precise, the lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 60mm when twinned with a Micro Four Thirds camera and 45mm on the Sony E-mount system.

We added it to an Olympus OM-D

“We were very pleased with the life-like quality of the shots we got from the Contemporary class Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN – in conjunction with a Four Thirds sensor we were even able to pick up droplets of water on a duck’s undercarriage!”

E-M10 camera body, making for a near perfect pairing it has to be said, the compactness of the lens itself matching the small form factor of the Four Thirds sensor incorporating Olympus.

Once again we found the lens’s AF operation in conjunction with the camera to be seamless.

Interestingly, a stepping motor has been incorporated to allow for an auto focus performance described as both quiet and exceptionally quick, and can testify that that is a very fair – and accurate – description on behalf of its manufacturer. This is obviously a useful feature too when

shooting videos, plus it’s perhaps worth noting here for those who intend to put it to such a use that the Sony fit lens is also compatible with Sony E-mount Fast Hybrid AF. We were very pleased with the life-like quality of the shots we got from the 30mm – in conjunction with the Four Thirds sensor we were even able to pick up droplets of water on a duck’s undercarriage, when photographed from a few feet away!

One other general feature to note is that all new Sigma lenses are evaluated with the manufacturer’s own ‘A1’ MFT measuring system, they’re made in Japan – with all the quality control and expertise that implies – and feature a brass bayonet mount as standard. Seek out your regional Sigma representative to order your own stock in now. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

TRIPLE TIPA WIN FOR SIGMA The manufacturer is at the forefront of the familiar names mentioned as part of this year’s TIPA trade awards, as voted for annually by the global tech and photo press.

As well as the 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art getting recognised as ‘Best DSLR telephoto Zoom Lens’, Sigma’s 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens has been voted ‘Best

DSLR Wide Angle Zoom Lens’ for its distinction of being the world’s first full frame f/2 constant aperture zoom.

The third TIPA award for Sigma has gone to its 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, designed to bring out the full potential of high megapixel DSLRs. This was voted ‘Best Professional DSLR lens’.

As regular BPI News readers will be aware, the TIPA Awards are voted for by 27 publications spanning Europe, South Africa, Canada and the USA.

both the 30mm f/1.4 DC DN and TIPA winning 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM, visit: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com BPI News | May 2016 25

NEWS

OLYMPUS CELEBRATES 80TH ANNIVERSARY IN 80 SHOTS OLYMPUS UK chose to commemorate the 80th birthday of Olympus Cameras with an exhibition of 80 photographs taken by photographic ambassador John Nassari (pictured below) behind the scenes at the swish Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge. Having debuted at an invite-only night at the hotel itself, the collection of photographs was due to move to the Art Bermondsey Project Space for public view at the time of writing.

Nassari was given unprecedented access to all areas of the hotel over a period of several months in 2015. This allowed him to experience its workings first hand. Remaining unobtrusive whilst the hotel was operational was challenging, although using the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II allowed him to quietly observe and capture the staff as they went about their very diverse, busy duties. www.olympus.co.uk

LEICA S GETS FIRMWARE UPDATE NO NEW camera from Leica this month, but instead a software update (3.0.0.0) for its Leica S (Typ 007) medium format camera.

Stated improvements include an automatic lens update, whereby lenses with older firmware will now be automatically recognised and updated, plus user-defined programming (customisation) for the Live View button, as well as the shutter release button, which can now be programmed for AE lock.

Also new is the fact that the AUTO-ISO setting is now displayed on both panels, video recording (REC) is displayed on the panel on the top plate, and GPS and WiFi are displayed as icons on the camera’s back panel. In addition, the new firmware includes several enhancements in camera performance.

Registered Leica S customers can log into the Leica owners area on its website to download the firmware. https://owners.leica-camera.com

KODAK ALARIS’ STATE OF INDEPENDENCE THE COMPANY is reporting that it is in its best interests to close its current Harrow factory, as it continues to position itself as an independent company.

Regular BPI News readers will be aware that Kodak Alaris was formed out of the purchase of the imaging division of Eastman Kodak, and has been pretty proactive since, debuting its Kodak Moments App to encourage more printing from smartphones and tablets which built on brand goodwill and recognition. Current proposals are that the factory closes this coming November, but before that a period of consultation is taking place, with Kodak Alaris’ Head of Operations Brian McGowan saying that the company would do everything it can to redeploy employees and provide support to those employees who leave the company on redundancy terms. Its HQ will remain in Hemel Hempstead and all other branches of the business are unaffected. www.kodakalaris.com

26 May 2016 | BPI News

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www.bpinews.co.uk BPI News | May 2016 27

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

MOTIVATIONAL MAY: BRIGHT IDEAS TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Business expert Adam Bernstein shares some clever ideas with BPI News readers on motivating your staff and co-workers to give your business some added ‘oompf’….

I

t’s remarkable that some managers are in positions of authority not because they’re good with people, but because they’ve been in the business long enough to slowly rise to a position of seniority. While they may be proficient in their work, their poor

28 May 2016 | BPI News

interpersonal skills can affect the mood and the success of the firm. With bricks and mortar retail dependent on physical contact and enthusiastic engagement with the buying public, more so now than ever before, anything that has an impact on the public perception

of a shop should be kept high on the management’s agenda. So with this in mind, how should managers motivate their staff to perform at their best and show the business in the best (and hopefully most profitable) light?

It’s important to understand

that commanding individuals to undertake a task isn’t the same as motivating them to do it. The reality is that individuals have to want to do something; coercion is never going to work long-term (and may even be considered bullying in some instances). In essence, most staff

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

members are only really going to do something if the possible outcome appeals to them in some way.

The main motivators There are two main motivators that managers can use to achieve a given outcome - extrinsic and intrinsic. The former occurs when a factor ‘external’ to the individual causes them to take action. A good example would be the carrot of double time pay for working on a Sunday. In general, many managers use extrinsic motivation to get things done through what is, in effect, bribery, promises and compliments.

The problem with this form of motivation is that its effects rarely last… and so larger and larger incentives to keep the motivation going are inevitably required.

Boosting someone’s salary or sales commission doesn’t last long as a motivator, as they soon become used to the extra money (or become annoyed by the amount of tax taken when they see the payslip).

The other form of motivation, intrinsic, follows when someone takes a course of action for reasons personal to them. Good examples here would be going the extra mile to help a customer with a refund when they’ve genuinely lost a receipt, or alternatively, working over lunch to help a customer who doesn’t understand what type of camera they need. Everything people do is ultimately determined by the values they hold – the standards to which they live their lives and their attitudes and behaviours.

Understanding staff Managers who are good with staff are the ones who understand what makes people tick and what interests them. The time they invest with staff in creating a bond, finding the intrinsic motivators and matching those to extrinsic options is often well spent.

While this matching process sounds easy on paper, it’s actually quite an art – and one that not everyone can master. It requires an understanding of an individual’s personal circumstances, abilities, level of education and experience.

And this boils down to asking questions and listening to the answers. Even better, a good manager will discover something during the process that needs fixing

and then go on to offer a solution where possible.

So when should such an exercise be run? The answer is, of course, that it’s a continual process that can be carried out in ad hoc conversations, formal appraisals or in meetings.

Money isn’t everything In terms of extrinsic motivations, managers shouldn’t be deluded into thinking that just offering money is the cure-all panacea. Staff in the world we live in now consider it their right to be paid at the true market rate – even if retail is not known for its extravagant pay. This means that in addition to paying the going rate, firms need to think about other benefits to keep staff working onside.

Staff nowadays want – need – to develop themselves to enhance their market potential, so that they are an attractive prospect to other employers. If you can’t help, then staff may well move to another firm that can.

In our increasingly complex lives, many strive to achieve a good work life balance. After all, there’s no point in being either the richest man in the cemetery or the most powerful individual with no friends or family.

Retailers that help staff achieve this balance are on to a winner, especially if they take pains to considerately manage staff who are needed instore late into the evening, or to work over weekends and bank holidays.

While (most) businesses aren’t a democracy, staff still like to think that they have some level of input as regards the decisions that may affect them. Any organisation which ignores this is on a hiding to nothing.

The information age has enfranchised everyone with the

notion that they’re entitled to communication. The workplace is no different – people aren’t stupid and owners that treat staff as though they are will lose out.

It’s often said that people have short attention spans. While this clearly won’t apply to everyone, it nevertheless makes sense to give staff plenty of achievable goals with plenty of positive feedback for the instances where goals have been achieved. The warm glow of recognised success works wonders for morale.

And let’s not forget the obvious.

People aren’t automatons – they require interesting tasks to keep them satisfied, motivated and engaged. Drudgery is a perfect reason to leave for a new job.

Be constructive Everyone has an ego. But no matter the level of massaging that it may need, the point is that staff work better when they get feedback that isn’t destructive or demoralising.

Sure, praise should be offered when work has gone well and a customer is happy (or the shop has benefitted in some way), but when things go wrong, staff shouldn’t be excoriated.

Instead, it would be better to criticise constructively, and possibly privately, and look to see how the issue should be dealt with if it arises again. So, for example, when a customer lets off steam as he voices the fact that he felt ignored by a staff member, instead of ticking off that individual, look to see how the ‘welcome’ could be better handled by everyone in the shop.

Six monthly or even annual appraisals are a good place for constructive criticism. But care needs

to be taken so that staff feel that the appraisal is valuable and not a witch hunt; avoiding a ‘blame culture’ is absolutely key. Staff who worry that they could be blamed for an error will be more likely to bury it, leaving the problem either unfound, or ripe for growing, unchecked, into something larger.

No one can work like a Trojan without degradation in performance.

Employees should be encouraged to take any unused leave or owed hours. It’s not only a legal right to take leave, but if it’s not used then it is invariably lost. Another facet of this is to suggest team-building days where – as a business – staff offer time to a (local) good cause. Not only does it raise the shop’s profile in the community, but it also can help to bond staff members together in a semi-social environment.

Lastly, businesses which succeed have owners and managers that lead by example – people who embody the principles the business or shop espouses and who are true to the ethics of the owners. If staff can see that managers are putting in as much time and energy as them, instead of sloping off for a long lunch, they’ll be more willing to go the extra mile. It’s the age-old principle that ‘positivity breeds positivity’.

Managers should review the points made earlier and if anything is missing, it should be placed on the agenda as soon as possible. Equally important is the need to establish a routine that leads to updated profiles of staff, with a view to matching them to the motivators that can be offered.

Businesses that think about what staff really respond to, will find a smoother and more harmonious route to success.

BPI News | May 2016 29

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

NEWS

NO FLIES ON SONY WPA WINNERS

Kei Nomiyama, Japan, Open Photographer of the Year, 2016 Sony World Photography Awards

ANYTHING that encourages people to take up a camera and appreciate the art that can result has only got to be a good thing for the photo trade. With this in mind, late April saw the announcement of the victors in the annual World Photography Awards, once again in partnership with Sony and now it its ninth year. Open Photographer of the Year went to Kei Nomiyama of Japan for his striking fireflies image entitled ‘Enchanted Bamboo Forest’ (pictured). His photograph was shot in the mountains of Shikoku Island and captures the Luciola parvula firefly at the beginning of the rainy season.

Meanwhile Iranian photographer Asghar Khamesh bagged the grand prize of L’Iris d’Or Photographer of the Year for his images of acid burn victims. Altogether, 14

Professional category winners were announced, with recipients selected from a record breaking 203,103 submissions this time around.

World Photography Organisation CEO Scott Gray said: “I hope that the winning work this year can provide an inspiration to other photographers, helping to push their creative boundaries, whilst also serving to build the wider appreciation of photography.”

The World Photography Organisation hosts a year-round portfolio of events including the Sony World Photography Awards, the world’s largest photography competition, and international art fairs dedicated to photography, Photo Shanghai and Photo San Francisco.

For more info see www.worldphoto.org

DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF NIKON? THE PHOTO STALWART has released an Android version of its SnapBridge app, which enables constant connection of a compatible Nikon digital camera to a smart device, via Bluetooth, whilst, it says, consuming little power. It is already available,

naturally, in an iOS version for Apple users. Nikon says SnapBridge is now a standard feature in all of its new cameras for 2016, beginning with the D500 DSLR, released into stores at the end of April. www.nikon.co.uk

JUST BANISHES DUST DISTRIBUTOR Just Ltd has added Dust Patrol’s range of sensor cleaning products to its catalogue, described as comprehensive and affordable – plus available with 17mm, 20mm or 24mmm swabs. “They manufacture and package their swabs, pads and solutions in the USA to a high standard and we are excited to expand our cleaning catalogue with this excellent brand,” says Just Ltd’s MD Peter Brogden, who can be reached on 01793 855663 or via sales@cameraclean.co.uk www.cameraclean.co.uk

30 May 2016 | BPI News

PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-TZ80

C

oming out of Easter and smartphone or Dad’s tablet. There approaching the summer is a smaller (0.2-inches) eye-level holiday season it seemed electronic viewfinder top left of this sensible to focus on a travel camera LCD, to appease photo enthusiasts, this issue. Panasonic arguably but to be honest we hardly used it pioneered the travel zoom compact over the course of a week’s holiday – seeking to distance itself from the as the 1040dot resolution screen bog standard 3x zoom models of the proved perfectly usable, unless time that have latterly fallen by the we were shooting in direct, bright wayside – of which the TZ80, along sunlight. with its bigger brother in the TZ100, The TZ80 feels well-built and is the latest iteration. solid in the hand thanks to its The TZ80, in replacing its TZ70 mainly metal construction. Though predecessor, manages to squeeze in the zoom stands proud of the a 30x zoom equivalent to 24-720mm body when in use, we didn’t feel as in 35mm terms and f/3.3-6.4 aperture though it was especially vulnerable. range whilst being small enough to The ridged rubber-feel grip at the conveniently fit in the pocket of your front, although not prominent, also holiday shorts. Not only that but it’s ensured that the camera didn’t Full HD and 4K video equipped (at up slip from our grasp when we were to a respectable 30fps) and features slapping on the sunscreen.

Panasonic’s latest talking point in its As this is a Panasonic, the images re-focus after the event Post Focus it delivers are bright, detailed and technology. Suggested retail price colourful enough to look at their best was in the region of £359 on launch when displayed on your widescreen back in February. telly, tablet or PC monitor, though Making the camera familyalso enjoyed selecting theGraham built rom small we beginnings Gisela friendly is the fact that pictures can in ‘Expressive’ colour filter when we has built one ofto give Europe’s leading be captured and/or reviewed via a up wanted visuals even more prod or a finger swipegiftware of the touchdesign punch.

In short this is an easy to companies. Having screen at the back, as even the use, reliably performing camera that made her name youngest members will be familiar makescrafting for fuss-freebeautiful holiday shots. with from handling their Mum’s www.panasonic.co.uk decorations for Christmas and Easter,

INTRODUCT F

she turned her creative flair to designing useful, pretty things for the home and garden.

Gisela was born in Germany and educated at Goettingen and Berlin Universities. While her father wanted ‘Cape’ expectations: As a holiday camera the TZ80 is perfect for delivering panoramic her to follow in his footsteps and shots at its widest setting, or getting in close from afar thanks to its powerful 30x zoom become a lawyer, her ambition from earliest years was to own a shop. Gisela founded her business more than 30

G

a new range of frames, gifts and accessories to help you attract a new kind of customer.

Tetenal are proud to be working with Gisela Graham to bring these beautifully designed products to the Photo Retail market.

We have carefully selected a number of products which we believe complement your photo print based business whilst allowing you to create a beautiful visual display which will attract new customers into you store.

This is an exciting addition to the standard range of photo frames and gifting products and your opportunity to add a well respected, worldwide brand to your store.

You can request a full brochure and price list by e-mailing info@tetenal.uk.com or see the range by visiting www.tetenaluk.com/gg

TION

AVAILABLE NOW FROM

ABOUT GISELA GRAHAM From small beginnings Gisela Graham has built up one of Europe’s leading giftware design companies. Having made her name crafting beautiful decorations for Christmas and Easter, she turned her creative flair to designing useful, pretty things for the home and garden.

Gisela founded her business more than 30 years ago with a borrowed £27, starting her business at the kitchen table when her children were small. She recalls ferrying components and paint to outworkers around London, in a 2CV with a child in the back, with Terence Conran among her first customers.

Gisela is personally in charge of a talented in-house team of designers at the converted stable-yard that serves as her London office. She’s involved in the design and selection of every one of the 4500 products in her range and sells to shops worldwide.

Gisela Graham, Managing Director, Gisela Graham London

Distributed in the UK by Tetenal Ltd | TEL: 0116 289 3644 | www.tetenaluk.com

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