British Photographic Industry News December 2016 / January 2017

Photographic British

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Your inside track on the UK photo trade for more than 30 Christmases

DEC 16 - JAN 17 • £3

www.bpinews.co.uk

Snapshot of the Photo Trade A run through of the essential photo trade dates, exhibitions & events for your Filofax this coming year, including CES, BVE, SWPP & TPS

We road test Olympus’s just released E-M1 Mark II flagship system camera with a trade day at the races. Can it claim thoroughbred status?

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DIARY 2017

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We survey the big name photo manufacturers, distributors & suppliers to share their desires for Christmas 2016 & predictions for 2017

ADVICE With the most crucial sales period of the year upon us, we discover how the photo industry can minimise challenges by maximising assets you already have!

OPEN NOW FOR: FUJIFILM 2017 WALL PLANNER + SIGMA LENS DEALS + FESTIVE CASHBACKS! Photographer: Dave Kai Piper Model: Stephanie Rebello

I AM WHAT I SHARE

I AM THE NEW NIKON D3400. Impress your friends and family with stunning Nikon image quality, thanks to my large 24.2 MP sensor and versatile NIKKOR lenses. I use Nikon’s SnapBridge app to automatically transfer images via Bluetooth® to your compatible smart devices* as you take them. I make sharing your high quality images easier than ever.

I am what I share. nikon.co.uk The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Android® and Google Play® are trademarks of Google Inc. *This camera´s built-in Bluetooth® capability can only be used with compatible smart devices. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera. For compatibility and to download the SnapBridge application, please visit Google Play® and App Store.

EDITORIAL | Dec 2016/ Jan 2017

Photographic British

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published monthly by

EDITOR Gavin Stoker Tel: 020 8274 0578 Tel: 07990 974 367 ART EDITOR Michael O’Connell EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please direct all advertising enquiries and sponsorship opportunities to gavin@bpinews.co.uk.

Follow us on Twitter... @bpi_news 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.

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his issue of BPI News is being To get an even better impression of published at the busiest time of the state of mind (and state of play) as year for the photographic trade, in regards the photographic industry – and, the wake of Black Friday in November and admittedly, as a bit of seasonal fun too – with Christmas looming large. Seasonal we’ve asked leading lights in the trade to promotions are in full swing – you can read give us their Christmas wishes and New Year about key offerings and spot adverts for resolutions or predictions this issue. And others throughout this combined December it’s not all doom and gloom. Indeed, we’re and January edition – and doubtless the glad to see the industry staying positive and Gavin Stoker, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers that following the well-worn adage of keeping Editor make up our core readership will be heads calm and carrying on. ‘If you can keep gavin@bpinews.co.uk your head when all about you are losing down, fulfilling orders. @GavinStoker At the time of writing, reports suggested theirs… you’ll be a man, my son’, in the that consumer spending hadn’t slowed in words of Kipling. Monty Python put it more the wake of the Brexit vote but had, in fact, continued succinctly as: ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’. to rise. Pundits interpreted at least part of the reason See page 29 for your own views. being that people were mindful of possible challenges Following this traditional combined December and around the corner, so wanted to spend whilst the January edition, we’ll be back early in the New Year money was in their pocket. Initially, at least, this is with our February cover, published end of January (at welcome news for retailers and manufacturers, even which point we’re back to a regular monthly schedule). if tempered by price rises on certain goods due to a All the dates you need for news and bookings are on weaker pound. That said, dealers we spoke to over the roundel on the left of this page. It just remains, the past month suggested their customers had not therefore, for us to wish all readers a fruitful and noticeably put off purchasing the bigger ticket items prosperous Christmas and New Year. Whatever twists – and numerous camera and lens cashbacks over the 2017 brings for the photo trade, we’ll be here to give festive period may help further tempt that spend. you the picture, in full resolution.

CONTENTS 04 NEWS Nikon brings out the D5600 in time for Christmas sales, Olympus introduces a funky flash for its E-M1 Mark II, and The Photography Show ticket sales open 12 MAKE THE ‘SMART’ CHOICE FOR 2017 PhotoXport, UK distributor for Japanese print equipment specialist Noritsu, rolls out its Smart modular printers to the trade. Should you add one to your set up?

16 BPI NEWS WALL PLANNER 2017 Fujifilm’s X series sponsors our pullout wall chart this year – designed for you to hang in your back room or stock room and plot and plan trade activity

18 THE PERFECT TIME OF YEAR FOR PHOTO GIFTS We speak with Dantas Photography, a recent convert to the Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service, and learn how business has been boosted pre festive season 26 HOW TO ADD SPARKLE TO YOUR SEASONAL SALES PITCH Advice on countering the effects of rising import costs, transparency of Internet pricing and continued Brexit vote fall-out – with assets you already have 29 CHRISTMAS TRADE WISHES AND NEW YEAR PREDICTIONS We survey a cross section of the photo trade, including manufacturers and retailers, to get a snapshot of the present and an indication of the future

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

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BPI News | December 2016 / January 2017 3

NEWS

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW IS GO

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE M5 THIS CHRISTMAS AS WE WENT TO PRESS Canon announced that its latest compact system camera – the EOS M5 – was finally hitting stores, having originally been announced in the run up to Photokina in September.

The pitch to your customers is that this is an interchangeable lens compact with the performance of a Canon DSLR. As the trade will be aware, the camera is compatible with seven dedicated EF-M lenses, though via a mount adapter – bundled with supplies of the camera for a limited

period – users will have access to over 80 Canon EF lenses. The M5’s mod cons include the likes of builtin Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.

Body only SRP for the camera is £1,049.99, or it’s £1,149.99 when paired with the EF-M 1545mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens.

Alternatively your customers can buy it with an EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens for £1,399.99 from December.

NEWS IS EMERGING about about next year’s ‘TPS’ – the UK’s biggest annual consumer and pro photography event – which returns to its regular haunt of Birmingham’s NEC from March 18th to 21st 2017.

New this year are dedicated sections for video, 360° shooting and Virtual Reality, plus an enhanced ‘Drone Zone’, with more news on these promised by organisers in coming weeks.

New names are also promised among the exhibitors, to include premium bag brand Billingham, plus Paterson Photographic.

Making a return to showcase industry experts and photographers are the Super Stage, Behind the Lens theatre, Adobe Theatre and the Live Stage, along with the Video Theatre and the Mobile & Social Stage. Tickets should be on sale by the time you read this – but as a member of the trade those registering in advance get in free.

www.canon.co.uk www.photographyshow.com

Win a DX100 with the SWPP IN ADVANCE OF the annual January Convention (See our ‘Dates for Your Diary’), Fujifilm has teamed up with The Societies – more commonly known in the trade as the SWPP – to offer the glittering prize of a Frontier-S DX100 printer and software package, worth a whopping £3000.

“Fast, reliable, cost effective and with a surprisingly compact footprint, the DX100 is a powerful printer that can help you to take your event business to the next level,” suggests Fujifilm Marketing Manager for Photo Imaging Peter Wigington. See also our feature on page 18 this issue for more news from Peter and his team.

Meanwhile, for your chance to win a Frontier-S DX100 and Shirax CARBON software package worth £3000 visit http://bit.ly/winDX100-SWPP and answer this question: How many coloured inks does the Frontier-S DX100 have? The competition closes on January 14th, 2017.

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NEWS

Spotting a sales opportunity

NEW DSLR D-LIGHT FROM NIKON AFTER A START/STOP release approach in 2016 due to unforeseen natural disaster, there is good news on the horizon from Nikon in the form of the unexpected launch of a new DSLR – the 24.2 megapixel D5600. Its maker says the new APS-C sensor, consumer targeted camera is designed to help “passionate photographers step away from their smartphones… and up their game,” according to the brand’s Simon Iddon. One of the draws here to pitch to customers is bound to be the flip out, vari-angle LCD touch screen, along with an

ISO range stretching from ISO100 to 25600 and built-in Wi-Fi, along with Nikon’s SnapBridge Bluetooth technology for synching the camera with a smart device.

Sales were due to start toward the end of November, with the kit including 18-55mm VR lens at £799.99 SRP or the expanded 18140mm VR at £989.99.

Piggyback sales opportunities exist in the likes of the Nikon ME-1 stereo microphone and ME-W1 wireless microphone – as well as

obviously a wide range of Nikkor lenses and Speedlights. www.nikon.co.uk

HERE’S A SNEAK PREVIEW of Praktica’s 2017 optics collection in the shape of the Alder, a mocha coloured spotting scope with a magnification range of 20-60x and a 65mm objective lens.

Said to be perfect for anyone who enjoys bird watching, target shooting, or observing impressive landscapes, the scope is waterproof, fog-proof and nitrogen purged. It also comes with its own tripod, claimed to be extremely lightweight and portable. With an SRP less than £150, this lowcost scope is being pitched as the perfect exploration partner for your customers. For more, speak to your local Swains’ rep. www.swains.co.uk

SAMSUNG’S FESTIVE DRIVE

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Olympus’ flash in the cam ©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

national trust iX FZ200 or FZ72

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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THE PHOTO STALWART has introduced a compact and lightweight STF-8 Macro Flash to sit alongside its equally new OM-D E-M1 Mark II flagship interchangeable lens camera. Both products are dust, splash-proof and freezeproof – which Olympus A3 Poster is claiming as a world first for the flash. The device has a guide number of 8.5 when both heads are fired, and 6 when firing one head.

The construction is such that the flash heads can be tilted in a range 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

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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

Description

• Complimentary National Trust Membership Campaign POS

of 60° upwards or 40° downwards and slid along the ring adapter.

Said heads can also be detached for added versatility. Available this December, SRP is £449.99.

Pricing has also been confirmed for the 20-megapixel OM-D E-M1 Mark II body, originally covered in our October cover issue Wobbler Photokina report. It is likewise available this month at £1849.99 SRP or in a kit with 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens for £2399.99. www.olympus.co.uk

GOT CUSTOMERS LOOKING for storage solutions to cope with all those images they will undoubtedly be taking over the festive period?

Samsung is pitching its previously announced Portable SSD T3 drive as capable of coping with all the 4K content today’s cameras can generate, whilst offering blazing-fast file transfers based on sequential read and write speeds of up to 450MB/s with a USB 3.1 interface.

What’s more the drive is smaller than an average business card and weighs a mere 50g. Attendant features include a shock-resistant metal case and internal frame.

The SSD T3 offers 250GB, 500GB, ITB and 2TB capacities, with prices ranging from £98.99 to £596.99 SRP, depending on capacity.

Also pitched as a perfect gift for photographers is Samsung’s micro SDHC PRO plus memory card range, which delivers read and write speeds up to 95MB/s and 90MB/s.

All the cards in the range come with an SD adapter and are waterproof, temperature proof, X-ray proof and magnet proof. In short, potentially a perfect gift to fit many devices. SRP’s range from £41.99 (for a 32GB card) to £118.99 (for 128GB).

www.samsung.co.uk

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 BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.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

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A4 Cling

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BPI News | December 2016 / January 2017 5

NEWS

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2017 Sit up & take note! Iconic photographer David Bailey pictured at The Photography Show 2016

AS SOON AS the Christmas sales frenzy is over, all eyes will be on the New Year trade show season.

This kicks off early 2016 with CES in the States (January 5th to 8th, albeit now minus its PMA element), and then closer to home, The Societies Convention (January 11th to 15th, with Trade Show dates 13th to 15th), Spring Fair at the NEC in Birmingham (February 5th to 9th), the Broadcast Video Expo (BVE) at London’s ExCel in February (28th to March 2nd), not forgetting The Photography Show in March (18th to 21st).

Register online now for The Societies Convention & Trade Show, once again at the London Hilton Metropole Hotel in Edgware Road, to avoid an entry fee on the day. As regular BPI News’ readers will be well aware, the annual event pitched at ‘the serious photographer’ markets

itself as a comprehensive trade show, featuring the latest products and services from many of the industry’s top brands.

For more head to : www.swpp.co.uk/convention The Spring Fair, at the familiar venue of Birmingham’s NEC, and at which BPI News regulars including Kenro and Fujifilm exhibit, markets itself as the destination gift and home wholesale trade event, and claims to pull in 60,000 visitors.

A free trade ticket can be had upon registration via www.springfair.com Tickets will also be on sale for TPS as you read this (you can also register as trade in advance to avoid an entry fee), whilst the last few exhibition spaces can be booked via Future’s Richard Macey (richard.macey@futurenet.com).

See our news feature this issue and page 31 advert for more.

A winning partnership LUMEJET PRINT PARTNER Booked Images scored wins in two categories at the Digital Printer Magazine Awards last month – both its entries a showcase for LumeJet’s layflat photo book printing. The categories in question were ‘Books’ and ‘Innovative Use of Digital Imagery to Create Impact’.

LumeJet Co-Founder Paul Anson (shown right) says: “These fantastic accolades are a perfect example of the LumeJet Partnership model in action. Booked Images craftsmanship and design combined with our unique LumeJet layflat blocks results in the most exquisite products that enable true differentiation in a crowded market.

We are delighted that Booked Images has received these awards to acknowledge the investment it has made in developing and launching the best bespoke book products on the market.”

To find out how you too can become a LumeJet partner, read the articles in our September and October 2016 editions of BPI News (if you haven’t kept the print issues to hand, all recent editions can be read electronically at

www.bpinews.co.uk). Alternatively interested members of the trade can contact the LumeJet team on 02476 992 649 or via sales@lumejet.com www.lumejet.com

Compact Cameras • Camcorders • Binoculars • Spotting Scopes

Alder Spotting Scope 20-60x65 Features • Fully Multi-Coated Optics • Waterproof, Fogproof & Nitrogen Purged • Fine Adjustment Focus Wheel • Includes Desktop Tripod

+44(0)1494 768613 wholesale@praktica.com 6 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

LET SIGMA’S SYSTEM GROW YOUR LENS SALES Pitching the Contemporary or Sports versions of Sigma’s big hitting 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM lenses to customers? Then it’s worth bearing in mind that plentiful accessories are available to piggyback on sales and boost profit, as Sigma UK’s Graham Armitage outlines to BPI News readers…

M

ost have grasped the concept that if you buy a new DSLR or CSC then you’re buying into not only that specific camera, but the ‘system’ that comes with it –namely numerous accessories and add-ons that both boost your customers’ creativity and your business’ bottom line. It might be easier to overlook the fact, however, that the same is true as regards the buying and selling of lenses.

A case in point is the 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM telephoto zoom duo offered by Sigma – one falling within its ‘Sports’ optic category, the other its ‘Contemporary’ line up – and first announced back at Photokina 2014, as an update of the existing 150-500mm lens.

“Here your customers are likewise not just getting a single tele zoom but a complete system with it,” outlines Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage. “There is something for everyone, with lots of combinations and accessories for retailers to sell and benefit from.”

Combinations include the 150600mm ‘Sports’ category lens and

“Here your customers are not just getting a single tele zoom but a complete system with it. There is something for everyone, with lots of combinations and accessories for retailers to sell and benefit from.”

– Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage the 150-600mm ‘Contemporary’ version both in kit form and with the addition of a 1.4x converter for those customers wanting added reach, thus providing dealers and their customers with a range of different price points to choose from to best suit their photographic requirements and their budget.

Expand the system – and your sales “On top of this we have a range of accessories all designed to ‘grow’ the sale for the retailer,” enthuses Graham. He adds that, for example, when used with Sigma’s MC-11 mount adaptor its 150-600mm lenses in a Canon and Sigma fit

can make for a perfect tele-zoom system for Sony Alpha E-mount camera owners, and at an attractive price too.

As a reminder, if needed, the ‘Sports’ iteration is available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts at £1599.99 SRP, whilst the more affordable and slightly more compact and lighter weight ‘Contemporary’ option at £1119.99 SRP. The Sports lens’ construction is weather sealed and oil and water repellant, with a push and pull action, whilst the Contemporary version likewise offers peace of mind in terms of performance thanks to being dust and splashproof. Quiet, fast and optimized to deliver a high performance and superb quality,

according to Sigma, both telephoto zooms come bundled with a soft case, lens hood and shoulder strap.

Two conversion lenses were also added to Sigma’s line up in tandem with the above: a 1.4x at £259.99 SRP (model no: TC-1401) and a 2x for £329.99 SRP (TC-2001) enabling effective AF up to f/8, for those customers wanting added reach.

Further compatible accessories include an Arca Swiss Compatible Tripod Socket (TS-81) for the ‘Sports’ version, plus the Sigma USB Dock, that acts as an interface between the lens and a PC, thereby allowing for Firmware upgrades and a handy degree of future proofing for the product/s. There are also, of course, a number of Sigma-branded lens filters, both protective and creative.

In short, when it comes to both optical excellence and boosting your chances of making a profit this festive season, this manufacturer has it covered.

For more details of how you can sell the benefits of Sigma’s lens system to your customer base, speak to your local Sigma sales rep and visit www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

Detail delivered at speed & in snow: Sigma’s ‘Contemporary’ version of its 150-600mm captured the bike image above, whilst its ‘Sports’ version tamed the bison on the right

All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty.

8 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

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PAPERWAVE PAPERWAVE BRINGS BRINGS A A WAVE WAVE OF OF INNOVATION INNOVATION TO TO THEIR THEIR MODERN MODERN PRINT PRINT STUDIO STUDIO WITH WITH EPSON EPSON

Aaron and Joanne Hodges meet demands for higher print quality and increasing order numbers Aaron and Joanne Hodges meetas demands for higher print quality and increasing with the Epson D3000 SureLab their photo print business continues to groworder numbers with the Epson D3000 SureLab as their photo print business continues to grow Paperwave Print Studio Paperwave Print Studio The print studio Paperwave

in The studiooffers Paperwave in Great print Yarmouth innovative Great Yarmouth offers innovative print solutions to its customers print solutions toin its customers by specialising photo prints by specialising in photo prints which can be turned into a variety which can be turned into a variety of products such as retro style of products such prints, as retroframed style prints, square prints, square prints, framed prints, posters, canvas and other prints, posters, and other products.

These canvas can be purchased products.

These can be purchased online through their website and online through their website and via apps for iPhone and iPad. via apps for iPhone and iPad.

Growing demand Growing The businessdemand was established in 2012

The business established in 2012

by Aaron andwas Joanne Hodges who by Aaron and Joanne Hodges started Paperwave as a small who side started Paperwave as a small project which kept growing over side four project which over four years. Up to kept todaygrowing Paperwave has years.

Up to today Paperwave has sold photo products to over 45,000 sold photo products to over 45,000 customers from all over the world. customers from all over the world.

Joanne Moore, Director at Joanne Moore, Director at Paperwave, explains the recent Paperwave, explains the recent development of the business: development of the business:

Aaron and Joanne Hodges, Directors Paperwave Aaron andofJoanne Hodges, Directors of Paperwave

“We have now reached a print volume “We have now reached a print volume of around 3000 to 5000 photos per of around 3000 to 5000 photos per day during our busy periods which is day during our busy periods which is why we had to optimise our printing why we had to optimise our printing process. We also noticed that some process.

We also noticed some of our competitors were that delivering of our competitors were delivering higher print quality which was a higher print quality was to a development we didwhich not want development we did not want to miss out on.” miss out on.”

New equipment New equipment Integrating the Epson

SureLab Integrating thebusiness EpsonhasSureLab D3000 into their helped D3000 into their business has helped Paperwave to meet both challenges Paperwave meet both challenges at the same to time as Joanne confirms: at the same time as Joanne confirms: “We used to print all orders through “We used to printcolour all orders our Xerox 1000 pressthrough which our Xerox 1000 colour which was a two-step processpress of printing was a two-step process of printing and cutting the prints. With growing and cutting prints. With demand thisthe procedure wasgrowing simply demand this procedure wasSureLab simply too inefficient. The Epson too inefficient.

The Epson SureLab D3000 integrates both steps, which D3000 integrates saves us a lot ofboth timesteps, and which effort. saves us a lot of time and effort.

At the same time the print quality is At the same time and the print quality is simply excellent was the main simply excellent and was the main driver for our buying decision.” driver for our buying decision.”

Tetenal Tech Services Tetenal Tech Services After purchasing the Epson After Epson SureLab purchasing D3000 from the Tetenal the SureLab D3000 during from Tetenal the lab was set-up a two-day lab was set-up during two-day installation including staff atraining by installation including staff training by Tetenal Technical Services.

Joanne Tetenal Technical Services. Joanne remembers: remembers: “The installation by Tetenal went “The

by Tetenal really installation smoothly and our lab went has really smoothly and lab day has been up and runningoursince been up and running since day one. I personally didn’t take part one.

I personally didn’t take part in the training but a colleague in the training but a colleague explained to me the main explained me the functionalitiestoafterwards and I main think functionalities and I think anyone with afterwards a print background anyone with a work print with background can confidently this lab can confidently work with this lab solution within minutes.” solution within minutes.”

Joanne also emphasises how Joanne Tetenal also have emphasises supported how her Tetenal have supported her and Aaron in making the right and Aaron in making the right equipment choice for their equipment choice for their business: business: "Tetenal offered great support "Tetenal offered support throughout the great process of throughout process our of choosing andthepurchasing choosing and purchasing our Epson D3000 SureLab. It was Epson was really D3000 helpful SureLab. to visit It their really helpful to and visitruntheir Leicester show room test Leicester show room and run test prints off their Epson printers." prints off their Epson printers."

Official Distributors OfficialPhotographic Distributors Epson Epson PrintPhotographic Solutions Print Solutions TEL 0116 289 3644 TEL 0116 289 3644 phil.barker@tetenal.uk.com phil.barker@tetenal.uk.com www.tetenaluk.com www.tetenaluk.com

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NEWS

PROFIT ‘ON THE CARDS’ FROM FOTOSPEED

LEICA PUTS YOU IN THE RED THIS CHRISTMAS PREMIUM CAMERA BRAND Leica has unveiled what could be interpreted as an affordable gift for the photo enthusiast who has everything this Christmas: a Leica D-Lux Explorer Kit at £920 SRP. Included with the D-Lux camera is an automatic lens cap – negating the need to carry one around (and possibly lose it) – plus, just in time for the festive season, a cotton carrying strap in a striking shade of Leica red. Staying with the red theme, there is also a new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens in red anodised finish available for Leica M mount cameras from this month at an eye-watering £7,575, partly signifying the fact that just 100 units are available.

In further Leica news, the brand has announced a Leica TL compact fashioned from a single block of aluminium, in titanium, silver or black finish, which is being pitched as building on the Leica T camera system, introduced in 2014. The titanium finish version is distinguished by a beveled edge detail to the top and bottom plates, whilst a

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

number of accessories, including smart protectors in ‘Nappa’ leather (at £105), which are designed to remain on the camera when the battery is changed, plus a range of different coloured straps (for £70) complete the system. Launched mid November, SRP for the camera itself is £1,450.

Finally the photo stalwart has redesigned the layout of its flagship Mayfair store at 27 Bruton Place store to better showcase the brand’s photography and sports optics ranges. “As well as accommodating our growing portfolio, this unique space ensures that visitors can experience the brand in a beautiful, engaging environment, with plenty of room to test products thoroughly, and, at the same time, receive advice from our expert team,” says Store Manager Vijay Sebastian. uk.leica-camera.com

Mifsuds’ clean win CLIVE STEVENS of Mifsuds Photographic (in the middle of our picture) in Brixham, Devon, has been in touch with us to share the news that he picked up ‘Salesperson of the Year’ in the 2016 ERT electrical retail awards – in doing so being the only photographic retailer to bag such an award on the night. Clive has worked with Mifsuds for ’some years’ and was put forward in the independent retailer category. www.ertonline.co.uk/awards/

10 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

The paper specialist is offering the trade its innovative new square format paper plus a top seller at this time of year: greeting card packs!

F

otospeed is providing switched-on retailers and mini labs with two musthaves for generating extra profit this festive season.

There’s not only the new Fotospeed-branded square format inkjet papers to stock, launched at Photokina and flagged up in our October edition, but also the perennial favourite of printable greeting card packs. The latter enables your customers to produce their own personalised Christmas cards, or for you to add such a service to your business.

“Our Fotocards – pre-scored inkjet greetings cards that come with envelopes in a variety of sizes and finishes – are another product that is encouraging people to do something with their work rather than just losing it,” enthuses Fotospeed’s Toby Herlinger (above).

“Again it’s a nice, simple possible gift idea that comes with templates.”

Each Fotocard pack comes with the correct amount of envelopes, and the cards are produced using Fotospeed’s high quality papers. Pack prices start from just £11.99 SRP for 25 A5 or A6 sized cards. Paper finishes include Platinum Gloss, Matt Duo, Smooth Art Duo, Matt Ultra and NT Bright White.

A Fotospeed square deal backed by full page advertising campaign

Stock Fotospeed’s square paper because… n It’s perfect for Instagram-ers, medium format shooters and photo enthusiasts to produce prints of their work n It’s available in three sizes: 8x8inch, 10x10-inch and 12x12inches n It comes supplied in a choice of three finishes: Fotospeed PF Lustre 275, Platinum Etching and Platinum Baryta n It offers great value and a high quality finish, as well as a very competitive dealer margin

Don’t miss out: Email sales@fotospeed.com or call 01249 714555 NOW for trade details. www.bpinews.co.uk

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

MAKE THE ‘SMART’ CHOICE FOR 2017 WITH

Following the launch of the Japanese print equipment giant’s new modular range of ‘Smart’ desktop printer options at Photokina 2016, stock has now arrived with UK distributor PhotoXport, with orders being taken for January 2017 delivery

T

he wait is over: Noritsu’s new range of QSS ‘Smart’ branded modular desktop inkjet printers has arrived in the UK, ready to ship to retailers and minilabs.

“We’ve had six engineers here bringing everyone up to speed, plus software personnel and sales people,” PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse reveals. “Phillip Khuu, who is Worldwide Support for Noritsu, and just about the best of the best in terms of Noritsu engineers, has been advising us. Machines have been taken apart and put back together again and we had tutorials and demonstrations of the new Smart Picture Creation software from Luke Stutters.”

The upshot is that the two current models in the QSS Smart DR-08 Roll Simplex printer and the QSS Smart DR-012 Roll Simplex printer are not only ready to roll out to the UK photo trade – they come complete with the expert back up and support you’d expect from PhotoXport.

More photo products… for less investment To re-cap if you missed the initial reveal in our October edition, building on the success and uptake of Noritsu’s workhorse QSS Green dry lab, the ‘Smart’ range is all about targeting the photo retailer seeking to make additional profit and also bring a lower cost per print to the market.

There are two options, presently.

Primed and ready to install: Noritsu’s new Smart printers have arrived at UK distributor PhotoXport. MD Derek Fieldhouse (third from right) and his team await your call!

“Feedback has been phenomenal. People can see the advantage. Imagine someone’s got a wetlab and is doing 8-inch prints – 8x12’s, 8x24’s…if they get a Smart 12-inch machine (the DR-012) they can offer a greater range of services and it can sit alongside their existing wetlab” – PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse The DR-08 model offers six ink printing using two print heads and a 320dpi head nozzle. Resolution varies according to printing speed mode. Roll print sizes include 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch by 78-inches. The DR-012 option meanwhile offers an even greater range of roll print sizes, adding 10-inch and 12-inch x78-inches.

Feedback since the Photokina launch has been very positive. Indeed, Derek describes it as: “Phenomenal…

People can see the advantage.

Imagine someone’s got a wetlab

Phillip Khuu (blue shirt), Worldwide Support for Noritsu, brings the PhotoXport crew up to speed on the Smart system, so they, in turn, can advise you

and is doing 8-inch prints – 8x12’s, 8x24’s. If they get a Smart 12-inch machine (the DR-012) they can offer a greater range of services and it can sit alongside their existing wet lab.

“So it’s an additional printer for them – and if anyone is reluctant or unsure about inkjet, then it can act as a stepping stone. We had a chap last week say ‘I want five of these’ and he’s planning on having workstations all over the place. It’s definitely growing beyond a niche. We start shipping to customers in January.”

The new printers have also been engineered to fulfill a wish list of market needs, including that inkjet media should be the same cost as AgX (silver halide) printing, whilst boasting better quality than both AgX and dye sub, due to higher colour gamut and colour depth. Helping to bring media cost down Noritsu has developed new Eco inkjet paper and dye ink. It says this is lower cost than current inkjet and dye sub media – its aim being to compete with the cost of silver halide media.

As we move through the busy

Noritsu QSS ‘Smart’ advantages: n Smart printers can either be used as a low cost engine for desktop printing, as a photo lab, or slotted into a photo kiosk set up n Smart Picture Creation software, compatible with the new QSS Smart printers, offers your customer base the opportunity to order a wide range of photo products and gifts n QSS Smart machines offer a small footprint and versatility for a low investment – being able to deliver high value products including photo books and duplex printing n Wet lab owners can add one of these desktop devices to their existing set up to expand their range of services and offerings n The ‘Smart’ element of the printers comes into play as regards its print head technology. This includes a sensor within the head assembly, which relays info about the head position and paper surface – adjustments made to ensure maximum quality prints for each print speed Christmas period when traditionally the most images are taken and prints made for gifting purposes, it makes sound business sense to contact Derek Fieldhouse NOW on 0116 2675907. For more info visit: www.photoxport.com

To place an order for one of the new Smart QSS desktop printers call 0116 2675907, or visit www.photoxport.com for further details 12 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

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BPI NEWS EXTRA

BPI NEWS REVIEW OF THE YEAR

2016 witnessed another busy and successful Photokina, delays caused by earthquakes and floods in Japan, as well as continued speculation in the wake of the Brexit vote and how that may impact. But many exciting products still made it to market. Here we look back on a year of photography in the news…

S

o that’s another year in the can – one more we can file away for posterity. But what were the highlights? With 2016 having been a Photokina year, product wise it inevitably felt at times like a long build up to our biennial trip to Cologne… and the anticipated big announcements that would await us. This meant a quieter than usual release schedule over the summer for many, and a, by contrast, frontloaded release schedule on the run up to this Christmas.

Supporting the trade, delivering the goods The start of the year had got off to a flying start, however, thanks to another Societies Convention and Trade Show at the start of the year, and The Photography Show which followed on in the spring. Both events claimed a similar visitor number to previous years (with TPS’ organisers reporting a 4% year-on-year visitor boost), suggesting that interest in photography and people treating it as either hobby or profession has remained fairly constant, which, given the longer gaps between new product releases these days (punctuated

by Mark II, III and V updates), and challenging times for retail, can be viewed with a degree of positivity. The interest is clearly there and people still

BPI News’ staff picks of the Year Our ‘top gear’, in no particular order: n Fujifilm X-Pro2 n Olympus PEN-F n Olympus E-M1 Mark II n Hasselblad H6D n Rotolight Anova Pro n Adobe Creative Cloud 2015.5 n Fujifilm GFX 50S n Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 n Nissin i60A n Sony A7R II want to spend –a conclusion that was also to be drawn after Digital Splash this October, which returned bigger and in a plusher venue than previous years and attracted 6,500 punters.

In terms of actual product though, the year was pretty much bookended by one manufacturer in Fujifilm, with the announcement of the Fuji X-Pro2 system camera at the start, and the tease of the forthcoming GFX full frame medium format digital nearer the end. We also found much to like about the beautifully retro styled PEN-F from Olympus, a camera that will surely be around for a while, along with the accessible and manageable

2016’s Photokina and TPS saw the joy of photography drawing the crowds, whilst more Jessops stores re-opened and there were interesting products galore, including the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic GX80, shown here

Hasselblad H6D, a veritable ‘snip’ at its £17,900 trade-in price. Best value of the year for us though, pound for pound, was probably Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GX80, half the cost of some of its compact system competitors, but no slouch for specification or performance. Canon continued its run of heavy hitters too, announcing the EOS-1D X Mark II and 80D early in the year, whilst Nikon got a head start on 2016 by unveiling the D5 and D500.

As regards the retail sector, whilst there were inevitable retirees amongst the photo independents, we saw a reinvigorated Jessops opening up not only new high street shops, but also fresh outlets within larger Sainsburys stores. Indeed Peter Jones’ chain began the year hitting the big 5-0 in terms of the number of stores re-opened, still somewhat short of the 200+ of its heyday but a very positive development nonetheless.

Grays of Westminster was also flying high, in bagging our BPI News Awards’ Promotion of the Year on the back of a vigorous social media campaign and the fact that it was celebrating 30 years of trading. Meanwhile our BPI News Product of the Year Award for 2016 was split between the Sony A7R

Mark II and the Fuji X-Pro2 which had received an equal amount of plaudits from the trade.

In minilab news, throughout 2016 both Kodak Alaris and Fujifilm continued to push the importance of their respective software apps when it came to aiding customers in their paths to print. Fuji went one step further in taking its show on the road. The Photo Wonder tour called in at country shows and family festivals over the summer season.

BPI News was also invited to Tetenal’s headquarters in Leicester to survey its stylish new showrooms for Epson and Kodak Express services, whilst PhotoXport and Noritsu continued to press the advantages of its Green series printers and latterly introduced the modular Smart desktop system.

One surprise this year, yet in hindsight not that much of a shock, was the disintegration of the PMA in the States – and the birthing of a replacement organisation in the grandly named Imaging Alliance, which we reported on in our September cover issue. It’s still early days, but we look forward to hearing how it will continue to support the trade in hopefully a new and improved way.

Share your own highlights of 2016, from a trade perspective. Send your views to info@bpinews.co.uk 14 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

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MINILAB NEWS From digital files to photo books, Fujifilm’s Imagine software joins the dots to produce high quality product with a great margin

‘THIS IS THE PERFECT TIME OF YEAR FOR OFFERING PHOTO GIFTS’ … so, correctly, says new Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service convert Dantas Photography, a high street business based in Northamptonshire. We catch up with manager Suzanne Smith, who details FDIS’ business-boosting benefits

E

ven established photographic businesses sometimes need the fresh perspective an exterior source can provide – which, in the case of Dantas Photography, based in Rushden, Northamptonshire, is already paying dividends. BPI News spoke to Shop Manager Suzanne Smith, who has witnessed a rapid uplift in business since they signed up to become a FDIS member, as recently as October 2016.

“When the opportunity arose to partner with Fuji it just seemed like the ideal thing for the business at this time,” reveals Suzanne.

“We’ve now got a lovely Fujifilm kiosk, so are getting many more people through the door printing off their own pictures. The machine we had previously from another manufacturer wasn’t compatible with iPhones – it didn’t like anything

Apple – and it really was time for an upgrade. We can now interface with Android and Apple products via the Fujifilm Imagine software and a lot more people have realised that we process pictures.”

Despite only having been open for a short while, Suzanne has already attended a free Fujifilm Imagine software workshop another regular feature of the ongoing Fujifilm support for its FDIS photo retailers.

“We’ve now got the opportunity to show them lovely photobooks and gifts and all the other things we can do. We place them where the customer can see them. We’ve got a shelf literally above the kiosk with photo coasters and mini photo books on – as well as a new window display with a lot of the gift ideas.

This is the perfect time of year for offering gifts.”

“When the opportunity arose to partner with Fuji it just seemed like the ideal thing for the business at this time.

We’ve now got a lovely Fujifilm kiosk, so are getting many more people through the door…”

– Dantas Photography Manager Suzanne Smith Hot right now In terms of what is selling well this season, Suzanne adds that customers love her rotating photo cubes, sourced via Swains. “We’ve put a couple of working devices

in the window and they’re quite a good size, so are catching people’s attention. Children think it is magic.

You can position six 6x6-inch photos on the cube and it rotates quite slowly, powered by one AA battery.

“People are buying them as a gift, with the added benefit being that people are also bringing their photos in and printing them at 6x6 on our kiosk, a format which is not a standard size, so that is another reason to come to us as well. The cubes retail at £12.50 which is inexpensive, but the margin’s pretty good and, of course, if we get to do the prints too then the margin’s even better.”

Printed canvasses have also increased in popularity closer to Christmas and Fujifilm has an offer for its dealer partners (see box out) – which Suzanne has taken up. “We offer canvasses for our studio shoots

Boost your print sales in 2017! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 18 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

FUJIFILM FDIS PROMOTION

and they go quite well for pictures of children and weddings in particular.

We’ve also had a few more people coming in lately with their own pictures. We’ve altered the layout of our shop display so it’s easier for them to see an example of, say, an A2 canvas and how much it would cost them. The closer idea you can give people of what something would look like the better – people don’t always have as much imagination as you might hope – you have to join the dots and say: ‘you could have your picture looking a bit like this.’“

Fade to Gray Advice was also given to the business by Fujifilm’s on-the-road expert Wendy Gray of InSpires

Consultancy, who we’ve previously featured in BPI News: “Wendy has been in and given us some pointers and suggestions. As she has her own business she’s well placed to give us advice on the ‘customer journey’ and first impressions. Rushden is not a wealthy town – there’s a lot of people on a reasonably limited income –so we don’t tend to have a lot of big sales. It tends to be a lot of smaller transactions from mainly young mums and grandparents, wanting photos of the children.”

In this regard Dantas Photography is fortunate in offering two studios on site – one at the back of the shop, the other on the floor above – so it’s able to both generate the work and deliver the end product. “The studio downstairs has a low ceiling but is

Fujifilm frames two Christmas retailer promos Demonstrating just how much it supports its trade partners, the brand’s Peter Wigington informs us of a pair of exciting festive promotions.

The first is Fujifilm’s ‘Frame In A Box’ offer. “We supply participating stores with 50 gift boxes and a POS kit to offer a free frame in a box with 50 prints,” Peter explains. “We have also suggested that they can use these same boxes for other gifts, such as mini photo albums or keyrings.”

The second seasonal promotion to flag up is a FDIS retailer offer in partnership with Photowonder, whose services are now on the Fujifilm Imagine kiosk. “Here we’re offering to subsidise five of the Photowonder services at better than half the normal price FDIS members would normally pay –

Dantas Photography’s smart new Fujifilm branding has already attracted new, additional custom to the store - something Manager Suzanne Smith (above) is very happy about!

wider, so it’s great for getting photos of the children playing and less formal photos. And we have a nice viewing room as well so they can come back and see photos on the big screen as well.”

Although it has been a FDIS member just a short time, it’s clear that the move has been worthwhile.

“We’ve definitely seen an uplift in interest that has followed on from our having new Fujifilm branded signage. Rushden is getting a new out-of-town retail and leisure development, with big name shops, so it’s more important than ever for us to stand out on the high street.

we are paying Photowonder for the balance – so that the FDIS store can present a pre Christmas offer on canvas prints from the service.

For example they may like to offer customers 20% off their normal canvas price.

“We suggest a 20x20 canvas, as this can be done on a 24-inch wide format printer and made up using our ‘Wunderbar’ canvas wrap bars. As well as subsidising the Photowonder cost, we are also supplying layered poster artwork for an A2 poster FDIS members can print off instore.”

Both proactive offers are designed to boost the bottom line of FDIS members and maximise your sales at this time of year. To find out more, contact Peter via pwigington@fuji.co.uk or on 01234 572138.

There is quite a lot of activity at the moment to make Rushden High Street attractive and keep it alive.

We want to make our location a benefit to us, not a loss. One of the suggestions involved upgrading shop fronts, so actually the timing in our partnering with Fujifilm has been very good for us.”

To find out what Fujifilm and becoming a member of its FDIS service can do for your own set up, get in touch now via the contact details below and make 2017 the year when a re-think and a refresh boosts your own business.

Boost your print sales in 2017! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | December 2016 / January 2017 19

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

BPI NEWS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: OLYMPUS E-M1 MARK II

BPI News gets to grips with the second iteration of Olympus’ flagship compact system camera, to ascertain if you should be recommending your customers add it to their Christmas’ lists this festive season…

W

ith stock due to be hitting shelves from early December at the time of writing, we had an initial look at the new flagship E-M1 Mark II at its Photokina launch – as reported on in our October edition of BPI News.

It looked impressive, albeit very similar to its predecessor. But all we really had the chance to do was feel the weight in our hands, and take pictures of the dustproof, splashproof and freeze-proof body for a first look.

Fast forward to mid-November however and we subsequently got to have a day’s play at the races with a working sample; a fast-moving subject – horse and rider – being seemingly the ideal visual and technical challenge for a test of the camera’s mettle. Upon its unveiling, Olympus did promise the new Mark II was offering ‘the fastest possible performance to professionals’. Not taking any chances, the brand had equipped our sample units with 2000x speed Lexar Professional SDHC cards. And lest we forget, the Mark II now offers 18fps burst shooting at full resolution, in Raw format and with continuous auto focus.

Rather than merely ‘machine gun’ our subject however, we also wanted to see how responsive Auto Focus was when simply pin-pointing a specific subject and following its swift-moving course within the frame – in single shot capture mode – and on a 40-150mm telephoto lens. The answer, as our sample images verify, is that AF handles tricky shots surprisingly well.

This may be party down to the fact that Olympus has given the

Equipped with a telephoto zoom to throw backgrounds out of focus and maintain subject sharpness, results from the E-M1 Mark II would give dedicated DSLRs a run for their money, picture wise. AF is responsive enough to keep track of subjects, both on and off the course

Mark II a new AF system, with all cross type focus points (121 cross type, phase detection and contrast AF focus points in all). It can also preempt action by buffering 14 frames in Raw format before the shutter is pressed. But that rather feels like cheating.

Donkey or thoroughbred?

Another claim made in advance of the camera’s official release was that the electronic viewfinder is so good that you’d be forgiven for thinking you were looking through the optical variety instead. This claim seems true as, concentrating on the subject, we did indeed forget that the camera had an EVF. The description we’d use therefore is ‘life like’.

As we flagged up in our October issue preview, the Mark II also features a completely new battery compartment, along with dual card slots, 20MP LMOS sensor, higher

speed data readout, TruePic VIII imaging processor, 5-axis Sync IS technology for up to 6.5 EV steps, and 4K video shooting, which the manufacturer described as ‘Cinema 4K up to 30P.’ We didn’t get to test the latter but dynamic range has been improved by up to one stop and once again we get a 50 megapixel high res shot option – which also helps prevent image blur of moving subjects. The pro DSLR or

Racing ahead... the E-M1 Mark II has had plenty of customer interest, in spite of a price tag higher than many may have initially expected

rangefinder-like dials and knobs on the top plate and back of the E-M1 Mark II body require a bit of initial familiarisation, even if you have used an Olympus PEN or a less expensive OM-D such as the E-M10 before. Everything about the E-M1 Mark II feels like it’s on steroids’ in comparison.

Yes, some may baulk at the asking price in this post referendum world (a not inconsiderable £1,849), but Olympus’ ambitious retort is that it is being pitched against flagship DSLRs from Canon and Nikon (in comparison with which it appears reasonable), not merely CSC’s from competing brands. It will be interesting to see whether photographers interpret the cost in the same way. As Olympus brand ambassador, photographer Damian McGillicuddy, told us at the race event: “Is it worth it? Absolutely!” www.olympus.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 20 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

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8” 1 unit

360

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BPI News | December 2016 / January 2017 21

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

ADD KENRO’S SARAMONIC & SEVENOAK TO YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST Seeking to fulfill the needs of DSLR photographers shooting video and recording sound, Kenro has expanded its range of Sevenoak stabilisation products and Saramonic audio accessories.

MD Paul Kench talks us through its complete solution…

P

hotographers shooting video on their DSLRs are on the rise – and so is the breadth of product you can pitch to this receptive audience via proactive distributor Kenro.

New among its range of Sevenoak branded camera stabilisation equipment is the Follow Focus Pro SKFX2 (above right), a professional device in anodised aluminium designed to be attached to a 15mm rod support system – such as the Sevenoak DSLR Camera Cage SKC03.

The Follow Focus, the first of its type from Sevenoak, has a lightweight build and adjustable height gear drive, allowing use with a wide range of lenses. Its gearbox has a left or right function to enable its wheel to spin, which pulls the lens focus in either direction. SRP is a competitively priced £203.94.

“Follow focus has had a lot of interest from within the DSLR video market,” Kenro MD Paul Kench enthuses. “As has our camera cage – the advantage being that lots of accessories can be attached to it – and our dolly slider. Kenro’s always been known for the photographic, but the video market is a natural extension for ourselves. We’re putting accessories, that can really improve the results you get from DSLR video, within the reach of the enthusiast.”

A case in point is the swish looking Sevenoak Dolly Slider (below), which is, as it sounds, a camera dolly and smooth slide rail in one. Coming with a spirit level, this allows users to create production quality video transitions on a budget – and of course your customers only have to

“Kenro’s always been known for the photographic, but the video market is a natural extension for ourselves. We’re putting accessories, that can really improve the results you get from DSLR video, within the reach of the enthusiast.”

– Kenro MD Paul Kench transport one device with them to achieve both effects. SRP is £122.34.

Also worth flagging up as a complementary product is Sevenoak’s Electronic Motorised Pan Head. This can be used with jib arms – such as the Sevenoak Carbon Fibre Jib Arm, also available via Kenro and which can swing in 360° arcs – plus tripods and sliders. “You can mount the electronic head on the end of the jib arm, and control it remotely from a distance,” suggests Paul.

Furthermore there’s an upgraded version of its Electronic Ball Head (SKEBH01PRO), suitable for creative pursuits including time-lapse photography and videos, with battery life lasting an impressive six hours.

Saramonic: the perfect sales tonic Videographers should likewise be enticed by a lot of new products in the extensive Saramonic audio range – plus there are demo videos

to be found via Kenro’s website demonstrating the advantage of better quality audio. Within this line up it says there has been interest building in the directional TM1 Small Shotgun Microphone and TM7 Large Shotgun Microphone.

“The TM1 features a rechargeable lithium ion battery, which quite amazingly gives 150 hours of operation,” details Paul. “The price of it compares exceptionally well with the brand leader too.” SRP is £227.94, while the larger, more proend TM7 is £455.94.

Also worth pitching to your videographer customers is the Saramonic LavMic, an Audio Mixer with Lavalier Microphone Kit. This is described as an all-in-one hands free

recording unit for DSLR, GoPro, Android or iOS devices.

For those recording music or concert performances, the Saramonic SmartRig+ (below left) should also be worth seeking out. Powered by one 9V battery, this interesting two-channel device allows the user to connect microphones and guitars to create music with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices or record quality audio to a DSLR or camcorder. SRP is £105.54. Again, the pitch is pro audio on a budget.

As usual there is plenty to interest both the photo retailer and its enthusiast photographer customer base. So get in touch with Paul and his team now to place orders on 01793 615836 or via sales@kenro.co.uk www.kenro.co.uk

Nissin fits the bill Dealer alert! Coming this December is the Nissin Di700 Air in Fuji and Four Thirds fits, joining the existing Canon, Nikon and Sony compatible versions. To recap on this product, this upgrade of the Di700 includes a wireless receiver that operates with an Air Commander radio trigger, offering control of up to 21 Nissin Air System flashguns. The Nissin Di700 Air and Air Commander Triggers can be bought and sold either as a bundle, or separately.

New from Kenro: Sevenoak Follow Focus, Camera Cage & Jib Arm, plus Saramonic TM1 & TM7 shotgun mics 22 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

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PHOTO RETAIL NEWS

AS PHOTOGRAPHY BECOME THE LATEST STORE TO JOIN THE GROWING KODAK EXPRESS NETWORK Based in Bournemouth, AS Photography integrates a professional Photography Studio with large range of Photo Retail Offerings

B

usiness owner Adrian Suckling has always had a passion for photography and accomplished a photographic degree at Westminster University, however, he spent most of his working life in the financial services industry. After working abroad for several years, Adrian located back to the UK where he decided to implement his idea of opening a photographic studio. Adrian explains how this plan developed: “During the process of bringing the idea to fruition it became clear that having a mix of studio services and a retail store offering would be beneficial for building a strong customer base. Offering a photo print service for customers to come in and create prints from their own photos is a fantastic way to drive business for other photo products too.”

Concept and branding After deciding upon the main concept of his business it was important for Adrian to get the branding right and clearly communicate his services. This is where Adrian considered making AS Photography a member of the Kodak Express network of stores: “I wanted to make sure that shoppers knew our business isn’t just about the photography studio. I see the Kodak name as synonymous with high street photo printing which will be a clear message to our customers that they can come to us to print their images. In addition to the Kodak signage we have branded our studio as ‘Main Frame Studio’. The two sit perfectly together.”

Showroom visit In order to offer a wide range of photographic products to its

customers, Adrian purchased a Kodak APEX together with a Kodak Kiosk as well as a Photobook Printer and a Large Format Printer through Tetenal: “Being new to photo printing it was extremely useful to visit Tetenal’s office and showrooms in Leicester as we got to see the Kodak Kiosks and APEX dry lab in operation and could test it to make sure it was right for us.” To complete the offering, Adrian also

integrated sublimation equipment into his store which enables him to produce a large array of photo gifts including t-shirts, mugs and other household items.

With Christmas around the corner AS Photography will run its first Marketing activities all around the festive season. The main initiative will be turning their studio into a Christmas grotto where children can have their picture taken with Santa Claus.

““It was extremely useful to visit Tetenal’s Showroom and see the equipment in use” – AS Photography owner Adrian Suckling Building awareness “We are a brand new store so linking our photo offering to family Christmas shopping trips will be great way to make people aware of our business, especially at such a crucial trading period.”

Contact the team at Tetenal NOW to discuss how you could join the Kodak Express Network 24 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

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ment kling

TETENAL PROMOTION

Even more stores joining this year It’s a busy final quarter for Kodak Express with another four new stores joining the network as the busy Christmas Season approaches.

EVEN MORE STORES JOINING THISTHEYEAR PRINT COPY CENTRE

PHOTABULOUS

It’s a busy finalof the quarter Prestwich, just north busy forvibrant Kodak with and city Express of Manchester, another four newnew stores will soon have a brand Kodak joining theasnetwork as the Express store Photabulous open busy Christmas Season their doors to offer a full range of approaches. photo print and gifting services.

PHOTABULOUS Photabulous Co-owners Batsheva Prestwich of the previous busy and and Moshejust arenorth bringing vibrant city of Manchester will soon photographic retail experience have a brand new Kodak into the new venture and Express see store as Photabulous open their Kodak Express as the perfect doors to offer a full range of photo partner to help get their business print and gifting services. off to an exciting start.

Photabulous Co-owners Batsheva Moshe there are bringing Inand addition, are alsoprevious three photographic retail experience into previously non-photo businesses the new venture and see Kodak entering the network after Express as the perfect partner to deciding to include a photo retail help get their business off to an area in their existing business to exciting start.

attract new customers as well as

Inoffer addition, also three photothere printare services to their previously non-photobase. businesses current customer entering the network after deciding toKELLEHERS include a photoPHARMACY retail area in their existing business to attract new customers as well as offer photo print services to their current customer base.

KELLEHERS PHARMACY

their growth of photo products

print and areaservices with frames and chose photo theTHE PRINT COPY CENTRE Kellehers gifting products.

Wanting to haveasan Kodak Express network their established brand to help build their ideal partner. growth of photo products and services Kellehers chose the Kodak Express GHI COMPUTERS network as their ideal partner.

GHI COMPUTERS Based in Dumfries, Scotland, The Based in Dumfries, Scotland, The Print Copy Centre is, as its name Print Copy Centre is, as its name would suggest, an existing copy would suggest, an existing shop which has added the Kodak copy shop which added the Express branding to theirhas current Kodak Express branding business and added a whole rangeto their added a of photocurrent servicesbusiness into their and portfolio.

Located in Ballincollig, Ireland, Kellehers Pharmacy has added Based in South Shields, GHI Kodak kiosks into their store and Computers is the second GHI continues to expand their photo branch joining Kodak, following whole range of photo services We’ll bring you more information on Located in Ballincollig, Ireland, Based in South Shields, GHI print area with frames and photo their store in Jarrow. into their portfolio. these stores next year Kellehers Pharmacy has added Computers is the second GHI gifting products.

Wanting to have Kodak kiosks into their store and branch joining Kodak, following We’ll bring you more information on these stores next year an established brandtheir to help continues to expand photobuild their store in Jarrow.

Contact Tetenal to discuss how you could join the Kodak Express Network TEL 0116 289 3644 www.tetenaluk.com

Call 0116 289 3644 or direct your browser at www.tetenaluk.com for more information @bpi_news

BPI News | December 2016 / January 2017 25

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

How to add sparkle to your seasonal sales pitch With the most crucial sales period of the year upon us, business expert Adam Bernstein advises the photo trade on how it can counter the challenging effects of rising import costs, the transparency of pricing on the Web and the continuing fall out from the Brexit vote…

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he high street has long been challenged by the web and now, following the Brexit vote, it’s facing margins that are being squeezed further with rising import costs and inflation.

What does this mean? Well, in simple terms, it’s never been more important to make the most of the assets you have and take a good long and hard look at how you are viewed by the public. You need consumers to think of you as the retailer that offers a warm, professional greeting, assistance, plus quality customer service – the John Lewis standard.

So with this in mind, how can you perfect your ‘welcome’ – an essential part of your sales pitch during the Christmas buying season and New Year sales period?

Get your welcome right Most of us are familiar with the key reasons why customers go to a traditional bricks and mortar retailer rather than buy online. These include an immediate need for the item they wish to purchase, to view, touch and try the device they’re considering, plus a desire for the personal service and experience that comes from speaking directly to reliable and knowledgeable staff.

Shoppers perceive themselves to be time poor, so they want staff to make a genuine effort to acknowledge and assist them in a reasonably prompt manner. Few have the patience to wait if they feel they’re being ignored. We’ve all done it - if we can’t get the service we’re after, we move on, or buy from

26 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

the web. Let’s face it – the likes of Amazon have made that very easy.

Recalling the old adage that people buy from those that they like, you need to ensure that staff welcome customers with a smile, whilst not jumping on them the second they enter the store. Some experts suggest that customers should be greeted within 30 seconds of entering the store. The real answer is that it’s a question of degree and what seems right in the moment. Just remember the smile.

By extension, unless they’re already serving a prior customer, shop staff should aim to stop what they’re doing to assist the new arrival.

Stocking shelves, noting inventory are important, but they’re not as important as taking time to deal with the customer – after all, they’re the

reason the shelves are being stocked.

Next, be helpful. A customer enters the shop looking for something. It’s a new shop to them, or it’s the same shop but with a new layout. Either way, they’re after something and they can’t find it. Staff should look out for customers who appear a little perplexed. Be proactive and offer help. Go the extra mile.

Don’t just tell them where the item they’re after is – show them. It doesn’t take long but the customer will feel appreciated and, in turn, appreciative.

You need to be prepared to show off your expertise – that’s possibly what the customer has come in for – but don’t do it at the expense of not asking questions. Consider your business. You stock a multitude of cameras, lenses, bags and accessories with countless different functions.

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BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

“It’s never been more important to make the most of the assets you have and take a good long and hard look at how you are viewed by the public. You need consumers to think of you as the retailer that offers a warm, professional greeting, assistance, plus quality customer service…”

You know (or should know) what they all do and how they work, but it’s a fair bet that many of your customers won’t. By asking questions you can establish their level of technical knowledge and what they want the particular product for. Get this right, and thus be able to steer them towards what’s most suitable for them personally, and you’ll have a happy customer. Fall at this hurdle and, while you may still make a sale, there’s a chance that you may not see that customer return.

Presentation counts – and the rules on staff appearance Remember that presentation counts for everything and that means that staff should dress properly and professionally. Staff are the customers’ window into your world, and so they shouldn’t wear anything provocative or which may offend. If

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there’s no official staff uniform, ensure that staff are dressed conservatively and appropriately for the shop environment. They should be neat, groomed and free of any personal hygiene issues. That might be an obvious point to make, but customers will make value judgements on staff cleanliness.

If, on reflection, you feel the presentation of your staff falls short and want to tackle the issue, how should you go about it? You may have concerns or questions about what you can impose. You need not be as worried as you think. Clothing is relatively easy to discuss and so long as policies and rules apply to everyone equally, aren’t discriminatory, and are based on health and safety grounds (where relevant), you should be on safe ground.

But what of the trend for tattoos and piercings, which have surged in popularity in recent years?

Interestingly, under UK law at present,

can relate to physical appearance is that of disability and ‘disfigurement’.

However, and of interest to employers, Part 2 section 5 of the Equality Act (Disability) Regulations 2010 expressly excludes both tattoos and piercings from this protection.

A potential problem area for an employer is the protected characteristic of religion or belief. If a tattoo, or a piercing, forms an integral part of a person’s religion or belief, the argument could be made that any blanket ban would be indirectly discriminatory.

For further reading on such matters, ACAS has guidance on dress code policies (http://bit.ly/1vDVwR4), including consideration of tattooing and piercing as well as clothing. It encourages employers to strongly consider the reasons behind any dress code and to have such policies written down and clearly communicated to all staff. Emphasis is placed on policies being reasonable and proportionate.

Sadly, employees may still cross the line and, ultimately, the last option is to dismiss. To stay out of the tribunals the dismissal must be fair.

On this, the Employment Rights Act there is little restriction on an 1996 sets out five specific grounds employer’s self-imposed dress code for dismissal, for it to be considered and appearance policy, unless it as fair, one of which is conduct. offends the provisions of the Equality Issues of conduct can include the Act 2010, by way of discrimination, or refusal of a lawful request, such as the harassment. employer asking their employees to Discrimination is only classed cover any visible tattoos or piercings, as such for the purposes of the or the need to follow a dress Act if it is based on a ‘protected code. In deciding such a claim, an characteristic’ – namely age, disability, employment tribunal would consider gender reassignment, marriage and whether the request was reasonable. civil partnership, pregnancy and This will include consideration of maternity, race, religion or belief, sex whether the policy itself is reasonable, and sexual orientation. if it addresses a legitimate business You need to note that need, and if so, if the effect is discrimination can be either direct or proportionate to the outcome it indirect. Direct discrimination arises wishes to achieve. when an employee is treated less Lawyers often suggest having favourably because of a protected policies in a written and accessible characteristic. Indirect discrimination format, while ensuring that any occurs where a ‘provision, criterion or changes in policy are reasonable and practice’ of the employer is applied communicated well to employees. equally to all employees, but has Luckily for the employer, the grounds the knock-on effect of causing less for challenging such policies are favourable treatment to those with limited under current legislation. one of the protected characteristics.

In conclusion, consider what Sam Clearly any policies on tattooing Walton, the founder of Walmart, or piercing – if you choose to Asda’s parent company, once said: have such – need to be applied “There is only one boss. The customer. universally across all employees, And he/she can fire everybody in which means that they are unlikely the company from the chairman on to be directly discriminatory. Indirect down, simply by spending his or her discrimination, however, may possibly money somewhere else.” Remember arise in certain, limited circumstances. this and you’ll do well – or better than It’s worth noting that one of the you possibly would otherwise – this few protected characteristics that busy festive season.

BPI News | December 2016 / January 2017 27

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Get your products and services seen and in front of the trade and your peers – from manufacturers to wholesalers, distributors to retailers…

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TALK OF THE TRADE

CHRISTMAS WISHES & NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

2016 has been a rollercoaster as regards the world stage. How has that impacted on the UK photo trade? To get an insight we’ve asked leading lights to give us their wishes for Christmas 2016 and resolutions or predictions for the year ahead…

T

he end of one year and the start of another gives us all the opportunity to take stock and, if we choose to be positive, look forward with a fresh outlook and perspective… as well as renewed energy to grasp any task with both hands, no matter how challenging.

With this in mind there’s never a more perfect time to take the temperature of the trade and as a bit of fun too, ask notable figures for their Christmas wish and New Year’s resolution or prediction…

David Parkinson, Managing Director Wilkinson Cameras:

“My Christmas wish for the industry is to stop being negative! Business is changing, our industry is changing, the retail environment is changing.

Change is GOOD, change with it. Don’t be a Comet, BHS or even M&S… stay in touch with your customers’ needs and desires and deliver it to them however they want it. The future will provide a future if you make it happen.”

Don Kennedy, UK Director The Imaging Alliance (formerly PMA): “My Christmas wish is for government to oppose the The Imaging Alliance to proposed introduction of succeed in building upon ‘selfies’ for passports and the good work done for driving licences, and to the industry over many ensure that the production years by PMA, and my of ID photos remains in New Year resolution is the hands of the photo to keep pressing the UK industry experts.”

Barnaby Sykes, Head of Imaging Marketing, Panasonic UK:

John Walshe, General Manager Nikon UK:

Jason Mitchell, Director CameraWorld:

“My Christmas wish would be to hope that the government take swift and decisive action on Brexit to avoid any lasting damage to the UK market. My New Year’s resolution is to try and provide more support than ever before to the photo specialists.”

“My Christmas wish is for stability. A year with a stable exchange rate, with a stable US President, stability in the Middle East and most of all… in the imaging market!

My New Year’s Resolution is to spend more time with my family and friends.”

“My Christmas wish is the suppliers look upon the smaller dealer with more consideration in terms of stock allocation. My prediction for 2017 is that the multiples and large retailers will get a better stock allocation from suppliers than the smaller independents.”

Jonny Sullens, Head of Events at Future: “My Christmas wish is that cameras on mobile phones under the Christmas tree inspire the next generation of budding photographers to get into the industry.

My New Year’s resolution is not to go out until five in the morning on the Sunday night of The Photography Show.”

Have your say in BPI News! Send your thoughts and opinions on the present & future of our trade to info@bpinews.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | December 2016 / January 2017 29

TALK OF THE TRADE

CHRISTMAS WISHES & NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS (continued) Gray Levett, Founder, Grays of Westminster

“My Christmas wish was voiced so eloquently by Charles Dickens: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” My New Year’s prediction is that Nikon will enjoy a stellar year to celebrate their 100th anniversary (1917-2017).”

Georgina Pavelin, Olympus Marketing Manager:

Paul Kench, Managing Director, Kenro:

“My Christmas wish would be for all our trade customers to have a prosperous and profitable Christmas trading period.

My prediction for 2017 is that we’ll continue to see the growth in DSLR video use and increased demand for accessories, as people want to achieve better results. I feel there’s still a lot of positive opportunities within the industry and that’s what I want to focus on.”

Theo Georghiades, General Manager, Fujifilm UK:

“My Christmas wish would be that everyone stop using their phones to take pictures and to use cameras!

Smartphones just don’t cut it!! #pickupacamera #mirrorlessisthefuture!

Be more creative with your picture taking and picture making!

My New Years resolution is to embrace my inner photo enthusiast be more creative with my own work.”

Tracey Fielden, Customer & Channel Marketing Manager, Canon UK & Ireland:

“My Christmas wish? World peace of course! That and huge positivity, new experiences and a lot of fun from our new kit! We can’t wait for 2017.”

Adrian Deary, London Camera Exchange:

“As Christmas is a time for giving I hope everyone does something ‘selfieless’ this Christmas – turning our thoughts and cameras away from ourselves and helping others instead.”

“It appears predictions are particularly tough at the present time and pundits and pollsters are in danger of being consigned to the category of soothsayers, crystal ball gazers and ‘tasseographers’ (readers of tea leaves – Ed). The UK voting to remove itself from the EU, Donald Trump being elected president and Leicester winning the Premier League title were all missed. To be fair though, rapid technological and social change must make it difficult to foretell the future with any accuracy.

So no predictions from me, just a wish that all members of the supply chain – manufacturers, distributors and the humble retailers – are willing and agile enough to respond rapidly to any opportunities wherever or whenever they come along next year to keep our industry buoyant and, oh, maybe a little less reliance on ‘market research’ data.”

Have your say in BPI News! Send your thoughts and opinions on the present & future of our trade to info@bpinews.co.uk 30 December 2016 / January 2017 | BPI News

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