Contents

WHAT’S INSIDE Welcome News and Analysis ...... 4 Growing your business ...... 15 Business spotlight ...... 20 Twenty years ago, as a fresh-faced youth, I used to sell Guest opinion ...... 25 cameras for Jessops in Nottingham. I loved it. I was able The Interview ...... 26 to get my hands on all the equipment I read about in Movers and shakers...... 31 photography magazines and then impart my knowledge on the camera buying public. It feels like I’ve come full circle to PMA Newsline ...... 33 be the new editor of a magazine for the photographic trade. And Finally ...... 38 Of course, BPI isn’t just for the high street retailer, it’s also for the lab owner, the distributor, the sales rep, the PR executive, the Saturday sales assistant, the managing director. Anyone, in fact, involved in the photographic industry. Some of you may know that I’m no stranger to the industry. I swapped the www.bpinewsnow.com cut and thrust of retail for the bright lights of publishing in 1990 and have spent the past 20 years working on and editing a variety of titles. BPI is my BPI is no longer just a magazine. Our news of how a rare Nikon lens sold fi rst trade title, though, and I’m relishing the new challenges it brings. daily updated website is online at for over $34,000 as well as how But enough about me, let’s talk about you and how you can make BPI work www.bpinewsnow.com and gives you certain Sony cameras were going for your business. My job is to produce a monthly magazine and daily updated the chance to keep abreast of the to have 3D capabilities two weeks website (www.bpinewsnow.com) that keeps you informed about the comings latest photographic news and views before the offi cial announcement and goings of the industry. The bit I’d like you to get involved in is telling me 24 hours a day, seven was made. Register not only how well (or badly) we’re doing that, but also about your business, days a week. now and you’ll also be your stories and your people. If you visited in able to interact with As long as I’m sitting in this seat, I welcome the past few weeks other users by posting news, views and feedback from all four corners you’ll have seen all comments to news of the photo industry. So, if you’ve got something the latest equipment stories, features and to say, make sure you say it in BPI. You’ll fi nd my releases and read interviews. contact details below.

EDITOR - Roger Payne GROUP ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR Goodbye to photo booths? Email: [email protected] Eleanor Godwin Tel: 07730 542264 Email: [email protected] BPI is produced in association with much-maligned ID card scheme Tel: 01242 211092 PMA Newsline, which has it’s own (and the next generation of GROUP BRAND EDITOR - Grant Scott Email: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER dedicated four page section in biometric passports with it) clarity Fiona Penton-Voak every issue. is still required. You can read PMA EDITORS Email: fi ona. [email protected] Peter Corbett Tel: 01242 265894 In that section you’ll fi nd all the the latest developments in the Email: [email protected] latest news relevant to both PIC PMANewsline section, which starts Tel: 01373 466536 MANAGING DIRECTOR Nigel McNaught OF ARCHANT SPECIALIST and PMA members, which this on page 33. Email: [email protected] Miller Hogg month includes the We’re also delighted to have the Tel: 01438 840367 Email: [email protected] latest on the future of thoughts on the industry from the Tel: 01242 216050 DESIGN - Rebecca Shaw passport photographs. PIC chairman, Gerry PRINTER - Stephens and George While the Coalition Dingley (pictured right). ADVERTISING - Sam Scott-Smith Email: [email protected] BPI is published monthly by government has been Read his Guest Opinion Tel: 01279 815575 Archant Specialist Ltd quick to scrap the on page 25.

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 3 supported by News&Analysis

Research reveals CDs and DVDs not as robust as users may think

RESEARCH and services have been launched which weighs as little as 165g, is in recent weeks that provide available in 500GB (£69.99) and Photographers and businesses alternative back-up options. 1TB (£139.99) options. Both drives relying on CDs and DVDs for long- Mozy offers a secure online are Windows, Mac OS X and Linux term back-up of data or images backup service for Windows users compatible. Details at are heading for trouble and strife, and has introduced version 2.0 www.verbatim-europe.com according to longevity tests carried of its software. Both home and For users preferring to keep their out by the French National Centre professional versions are available work or data on a PC, Freecom offers for Scientifi c Research (FNCSR). with improvements including 25 a competitively priced data recovery In some extreme cases, the data percent faster back-ups and a service. Just £24.95 gets three lasted for just a year. Details of the test were brought //CDs and DVDs are becoming a less viable to light on Click, the BBC’s fl agship method of data storage, so it’s worth technology programme and website, which pointed to the researchers’ considering the option of portable hard drives conclusions that discs often had a or alternative methods of image storage// maximum lifespan of between fi ve and 10 years. The report concluded that the simpler user interface. Mozy is years cover for any hard drive – a Despite the fact that no contact safest way to avoid losing precious a subscription service with 2GB small amount when you consider full is necessary to play or read a disc data was to have the information available free and paid-for services data recovery can cost up to £1500. with a laser, the surface of discs stored in at least two places and that starting at £4.99 per month. For If you’re one of those people who deteriorates with age, a process information should be copied onto a details, visit www.mozy.co.uk thinks that your PC won’t break that the FNCSR was able to create fresh set of discs every two to three For those wanting to back-up to down, Freecom offers some rather artifi cially by exposing discs to water years. a separate hard drive, Verbatim sobering estimates as to why hard vapour, light and heat. With fi le sizes from digital has showcased two new models all drives crash: one percent is due to Not only did the research conclude cameras on the increase CDs, and to featuring the USB 3.0 interface, natural disasters, eight percent due these startling facts, it also found a lesser extent, DVDs are becoming which is claimed to be ten times to viruses or malware, 14 percent by that quality varied across the same a less viable method of data storage, faster than USB 2.0 and offers software failure and 28 percent due brand and that manufacturers so it’s worth considering the option transfer times of 4.8 Gbit/sec. to human error with the remaining putting their logos on to a disc could of portable hard drives or alternative A desktop version is available in 49 percent attributed to other make them more vulnerable to data methods of image storage. To 1TB (£84.99) and 2TB (£139.99) causes. Find out more at corruption. this end, a variety of products capacities, while the portable option, www.freecom.com

3D will be ‘fully embraced’ by UK consumers ROUND UP Sigma prices TECHNOLOGY to play 3D games and a Blu-ray confi rmed player with 3D playback out of the Sigma has confi rmed the If industry experts Future Source box. 3D Vaio laptops are also due to suggested retail Consulting are to be believed, 3D is launch later this year. pricing on its expected to be fully embraced by From a photographic perspective, SD15 DSLR. The UK consumers over the next four the recently announced NEX-5 camera, which will years with 40 percent of new TVs and NEX-3 cameras also have 3D be available from to be 3D by 2014. capabilities, as we’d reported on early July, will Sony has put its full weight the BPI website at the beginning of retail for £899.99. The company behind 3D by introducing an entire June. also confi rmed the price for the range of products that enable users Shots taken using the Sweep 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM to enjoy the latest technology from Panorama mode on these cameras lens at £649.99. The lens is ‘lens to living room’. can be viewed in 3D on compatible For more details on the Sony available now in Canon fi t with In addition to 3D televisions, Sony Bravia 3D televisions. A fi rmware 3D range, visit www.sony-europe. Sigma, Nikon, Sony and Pentax has also announced 3D capable update for both cameras enabling com and to read all the latest mounts following shortly. home cinema systems, a fi rmware the 3D capability will be made photography news fi rst, make sure Visit www.sigma-imaging-uk.com update for the PlayStation 3 console available in July. you sign up to www.bpinewsnow.com

4 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE bpisupported by News&Analysis A rare Nikon 6mm fi sheye lens sold on eBay recently ✎for over $34,000. The optic has a 220 degree angle of view so can see behind itself! What your customers want

It’s been a busy month with product launches right across the photographic spectrum. Roger Payne rounds up the notable introductions in the last four weeks to see what your customers could be asking for tomorrow.

Kodak PRODUCTS Kodak is pushing the low Sony cost of replacement inks in Not content with introducing a whole its range of inkjet printers range of 3D clobber (see p4) Sony hard with multi-platform has also brought out two DSLRs advertising, and a new all-in- aimed at the fi rst-time user. In true one model has been introduced Sony style, there are only minor Panasonic this month. The ESP7250 offers specifi cation differences between Panasonic was among the fi rst print, copy, scan and fax capabilities two the A290 and A390 models, but manufacturers to produce a and claims that users could save up colt those stepping up from a compact ‘hybrid’ camera that married a high to £75 a year on ink. cases for or bridge camera may appreciate resolution stills camera with an No stranger to producing DSLRs and four the choice, as well as the increase in HD video mode and that approach all-in-one machines, the latest model designs, which cater picture quality. continues with the company’s latest also offers the capability to print for various combinations Both models offer a resolution of introduction, the DMC-FX70. documents and photographs straight of kit. And working out where to 14.2 megapixels and feature a new The compact offers a from an iPhone and iPod Touch or put everything won’t be puzzling handgrip design that is claimed to 14.1-megapixel from a variety of memory cards either as every new owner gets a give more comfortable handling. resolution and a by using the integral 2.4in colour pictogram to demonstrate the best Cosmetically speaking, the top-plate Leica-made 5x LCD screen. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled, storage arrangements. See the full of both cameras has been revised to optical zoom that making it handy for home or home range at www.hama.co.uk reduce clutter and make it clearer to gives the 35mm offi ce use. use. Novices will also appreciate the equivalent of a Replacement inks for the Adobe intuitive display that will help them 24-120mm lens ESP7250 are certainly aggressively Software giant Adobe has introduced understand how shutter speeds and and has a fast aperture setting of priced with a black retailing at £6.99 Lightroom 3, the latest version aperture settings relate both to one f/2.2. HD movies are recorded using and a fi ve-ink colour cartridge at of the software designed to help another and the look of the fi nal the AVCHD Lite format. Standard £11.99. The printer is available now photographers organise, enhance image, plus the built-in Help guide defi nition movies can also be with an RRP of £169.99. Visit and showcase their images. Over explains what camera functions do captured as MPEGs. www.printandprosper.com to fi nd out 600,000 people downloaded the with the aid of sample images. Other feature highlights on the more about the range. public beta of Lightroom 3.0 which The differences between the two FX70 include a Motion Deblur mode was originally made available last models are centred around the rear that works with the Power Optical October and the fi nal version takes LCD. On the cheaper A290, the 2.7in Image Stabiliser to prevent blur much of the feedback received LCD is fi xed, of any type be it camera shake or during the test period into account. whereas subject movement, a new image Importing images is now more the LCD processing engine that offers intuitive and Lightroom 3 can now on the better quality at high ISOs and a handle DSLR video fi les as well as A390 touchscreen 3in rear LCD. still images. Tethered shooting from can be Not neglecting its Micro select Nikon and Canon cameras has tilted Four-Thirds users, Panasonic has Hama also been added. and also also introduced the 8mm f/3.5 Hama’s latest line of Canberra bags Image manipulation has been adds the benefi t of Quick AF Live Lumix G fi sheye lens. With a 180º might take its name from the Down improved with Luminance and View. The only downside to the extra diagonal angle of view, the new Under capital, but the feature-rich Color Noise Reduction tools and an features is an increase in weight lens is claimed to be the smallest range is defi nitely more suited to Automatic Lens Correction feature (and price); the A290 tips the scales and lightest digital interchangeable the varied climates of the Northern to remove lens distortions, vignettes at 508g body only, while the A390 is fi sheye and offers extra low- Hemisphere. They feature soft and aberrations. 549g. The tiltable LCD also adds an dispersion glass to reduce distortion handles, sturdy carry straps, soft Finally, sharing images has been extra 4mm in body depth. and chromatic aberrations. shoulder padding, pockets and made easier with new capabilities Pricing on the new models is to be The lens is available now with an compartments galore, a padded to publish collections to online confi rmed, along with an offi cial on RRP of £730, the DMC-FX70 follows interior, rubber feet and – of course – sites. Lightroom 3 is available now sale date, which is expected to be in August when the price will be an integrated rain cover. and you can get more information around August. More details on confi rmed. See more at The nine models include three on www.adobe.com/uk/products/ www.sony-europe.com www.panasonic.co.uk compact camera and video cases, photoshoplightroom

6 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by News&Analysis Never mind the pixels

Always on the look out for a topical ways of presenting the monthly stats, Peter Corbett found what he wanted in one of the replies in the Daily Mail’s “Answers to Correspondents” section.

may be buying because they need STATISTICS rather than because they want. It may be that people are buying Market data for the year to April 2010 In the issue of the Daily Mail I’ve those more pixel-punchy cameras compared with year to April 2009 been reading today there’s an because they can often offer other interesting question about the functions compared with the lesser Source: GfK Retail and Technology optimum megapixel rating for models but linked with that is the digital cameras. The answer that’s counter thought that maybe others Value % Change Units % Change suggested is that 4MP is perfectly are put off by those very functions, DIGITAL CAMERA 3.6 -7.3 adequate for the vast majority of preferring a camera to be a camera LENSES 0.7 -10.2 users as a camera with this spec to be a camera, and not some kind of MEMORY CARDS -6.2 -9.0 can, stress can but rarely is, be portable electronics armoury. IMAGING ACCESSORIES -0.7 -9.0 used to produce prints up to A4 Overall, there was good news STILL CAMERAS -26.6 -46.6 in size. How often, it’s asked, do and bad news in the digital camera STILL FILM -40.7 -39.6 holiday makers ever need A4 size market in the year to April 2010. The BINOCULARS -3.1 1.4 enlargements, if indeed (my words good news is that the total value of IMAGE DISPLAYS -23.7 -7.6 now) they bother to have any prints sales was up by 3.6 percent, not a lot TOTAL IMAGING -3.8 made at all. but more than the rate of infl ation, An 8MP camera is described in the while the bad news is that the Sales of Digital Still Cameras, Value (£ thousands) answer as “pure luxury” while a 15 number of cameras sold fell by more or 18MP camera would be the choice than seven percent. However, even Value £ Ths % change on 2009 of a “very fussy professional. The in that stat, there’s some good news <2 MP CCD 1,612 17.0 argument continues that lens quality – value up and volume down means >=2 -< 3 MP CCD 211 -42.1 is far more important than the pixel the average selling price was higher >=3 -< 4 MP CCD 556 -87.5 count – “it’s lens, lens, lens every than in the previous year. >=4 -< 5 MP CCD 1,668 535.4 time and never mind the pixels”, Lenses, which have been upping >=5 -< 6 MP CCD 10,461 -15.3 with the combination of a 15MP and downing for some months were >=6 -< 7 MP CCD 2,416 -83.9 camera and a poor lens producing a up in value and down in volume >=7 -< 8 MP CCD 7,526 -89.7 less than satisfactory result. but binoculars, which have seen a >=8 -< 9 MP CCD 22,205 -89.0 I’ve quoted that lot not only decline in sales for some time were >=9 -< 10 MP CCD 15,257 29.1 because it’s an argument that been showing signs of a comeback, though >=10 -<11 MP CCD 307,324 1.9 doing the rounds for yonks, but also their total value still remains in >=11 -<12 MP CCD 7,455 -10.1 because it’s an argument that seems negative territory. >=12 MP CCD 483,593 142.5 to have been increasingly accepted Be interesting to see what the TOTAL 860,984 3.6 by camera buyers, at least if the year to the end of May holds in stats are anything to go by. store. Will the election have had Just take a look at the fi gures for any impact at all? Will punters be Sales of Digital Still Cameras, Units (thousands) the year to April 2010 and especially rushing out to buy a new camera just Units (thousands) % change on 2009 those for 4-5MP cameras and you’ll in case the rumour of a VAT increase <2 MP CCD 53.9 5.2 see that total sales are up by 1,602.1, turns out to be true? Or, and here’s >=2 -< 3 MP CCD 4.8 -80.0 that’s one thousand, six hundred and a thought, will all that cash being >=3 -< 4 MP CCD 17.6 -86.6 two point one, percent compared poured into wide screen HD tellies >=4 -< 5 MP CCD 56.3 1,602.1 with the year to April ‘09, with a for the World Cup mean fewer photo >=5 -< 6 MP CCD 315.3 -3.2 535.5 percent uplift in value. transactions? See you next month! >=6 -< 7 MP CCD 14.5 -86.3 It’s not until you get to 10MP and >=7 -< 8 MP CCD 125.1 -87.1 above, the domain of the “must GfK Retail and Technology sales >=8 -< 9 MP CCD 309.9 -85.4 have one of those amateur” and fi gures are supplied in association >=9 -< 10 MP CCD 161.9 15.2 getting towards that of the “fussy with PMA. Members of PMA get >=10 -<11 MP CCD 2,548.0 29.6 professional”, that both value and access to statustical data >=11 -<12 MP CCD 22.7 -5.6 volume are up again. OK I accept and advice to help them >=12 MP CCD 2,340.1 299.0 that value and volume in the 4-5MP manage their businesses. TOTAL 5,980.7 -7.3 sector are smaller than elsewhere See www.pmai.org but it is an indication that people

supported by BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 7 News&Analysis

ROUND UP Canon takes to the MPA awards screens with EOS and invites entries The Master Photographers PowerShot cameras Association (MPA) has announced details of its 2010 Canon’s latest advertising they capture the camera’s capabilities. awards. Categories are open campaign, Take Stories, is urging their stories. Two The commercials will to all qualifi ed members of the its customers to use its kit to tell enthusiasts use be broadcasting to your Association and include wedding, a story. the PowerShot potential customers portrait, landscape, scientifi c and Shot at the Venice Carnival earlier SX210 IS, taking until the end of 2010, commercial. There are also several this year, the adverts have been shot advantage of the and are part of a full categories that are open to all on EOS 5D Mark II cameras, with camera’s low-light schedule of TV, print and professional photographers. An stills and fi lms from the EOS 550D capabilities to capture their stories online advertisements. For further entry costs £8.50 and forms (pictured right) and PowerShot as the light begins to fade, while the information, visit www.canon-europe. can be downloaded from SX210 IS mixed in. The ads follow third uses the 550D to go behind the com/takestories. www.masterphotographywards.co.uk three photography enthusiasts as scenes of the carnival, showcasing Finally, we managed to make First UK camoufl age Canon is offering cashback on are entitled to £30 (€35) cashback, something of a mess reporting on models in its Legria camcorder while those picking up an Canon’s latest addition to the IXUS launched range purchased HF M or HF S model get range in June’s BPI. Contrary to the Camoufl age is camoufl age, right? before the end of £50 (€55) back, model names stated in the piece, the Wrong! Stealth Gear is set to launch July. Customers providing they correct name for the new camera is the fi rst camoufl age pattern that’s buying a Legria claim before the IXUS 300 HS. Apologies to all created specifi cally to blend in with FS or HF R model August 31. concerned. UK scenery. ‘The current marketplace is saturated with camoufl age patterns specifi cally for hunting, but these £5000 prize for Great are not UK patterns and most Ward will decide who takes the top of them are designed in the USA British Photograph 2010 prize after the closing date of 30 for their countryside,’ says Craig September. For details, visit Derbyshire, MD of Stealth Gear. A hefty cash prize awaits the away with £5000. www.photographymonthly.com ‘We are excited to be the author of the best photograph Images can be of any subject that If cars are more your thing, you very fi rst fi rm to produce a UK taken in any county in England, the entrant feels sums up the spirit may wish to enter the Land Rover pattern that has been designed by Scotland, Wales and Northern of a particular county at any time of competition currently running in photographers for photographers.’ Ireland. The Great British year and entrants can enter as many Professional Photographer. Here, the The design will launch this month Photograph 2010, which is being images as they wish. successful photographer will get to with gloves and camera covers run in association with Land Rover, An illustrious judging panel shoot the new Land Rover Discovery available fi rst. More at is open to everyone and all areas of including Grant Scott, group brand 4 where, when and how he or she www.stealth-gear.com photography. The only categories editor of Archant Imaging, Robin wishes, with a shooting budget of are the names of the counties Derrick, creative director of Vogue £5000. For details go to themselves with the winner walking and landscape photographer David www.professionalphotographer.co.uk

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 9 supported by News&Analysis

Loxley Colour moves to new premises – again! Loxley Colour has completed a £2million move to new premises

After a year’s search, the prolab to major transport hubs. Royal Mail and services that we believe our moved to new purpose-built, and DHL depots are close by – and customers will want to buy into. 60,000 sq ft premises at 1, Drum they are vital components in fulfi lling ‘These days we get competitors able to bolt onto our solutions. We Mains Park, Orchardton Woods, delivery to our rapidly expanding from the UK and also envoys from monitor the way they handle various Cumbernauld – just eight miles from global customer database.’ European labs checking out what we aspects of their businesses like the city centre of Glasgow. Loxley Colour will recruit are doing - and quite openly telling marketing and customer relations.’ Chris Kay, marketing manager additional staff through the year as us they intend to copy our model. I ‘Our mantra has always been to said: ‘Despite the recent recession it rolls out new ranges of software take that as a compliment – it means provide reasonably priced quality we have been experiencing and albums. we are getting it right. printing services and that is what substantial year on year growth for So what is Loxley’s secret to ‘New technology is coming on this new move will enable us to do each of the past fi ve years. This is success. In a business environment stream all the time. In years gone with even greater effi ciency,’ added the fi fth time in sixteen years Loxley that’s seeing many labs close, how by in the lab world my staff would Chris Kay. Colour has moved in the city area – is it this company is continually slip into the darkroom and simply ‘We have new online ordering we just keep outgrowing our home. growing? ‘We are a leading prolab make prints from negs – and that systems ready to go, as part of our We know that to stay ahead of the because we have never been model never moved for years,’ Ian pledge to provide photographers game we must continue to expand frightened to invest in the future,’ continues. with all the latest technology and innovate.’ managing director Ian Loxley told ‘Since the digital revolution things developments and services they He added: ‘Our new unit is BPI. ‘It’s true that the bigger the change and evolve every week. deserve.’ conveniently all on one level and just risk the more we think it through Part of our strategy now is to look Loxley Colour’s telephone number a few minutes drive from the city before we take the leap – but we at business models from entirely has now changed to 0845 519 5000 centre. We are perfectly located for have fi nancial stability now so we different sectors – like BMW and but the old number (0141 333 9444) motorway connections and adjacent can afford to invest in new products Mercedes – to see what we might be will stay active for two years.

Advertising Feature Th-ink about your sales techniques Learn more about Epson inks and you’ll end up with satisfi ed customers

Most consumers looking for a new in Epson’s comprehensive range use up to 200 years in an album or Stylus Photo R2880, this set of inkjet printer will buy based on a one of three different varieties of ink: 98 years in a frame. eight inks offer a wide colour gamut model’s features, or perhaps the Claria, UltraChrome Hi-Gloss2 and For the discerning enthusiast and, with three black inks, ensure size of paper it accepts. UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta. or professional photographer, or absolute control over the tone and But have you ever considered If a customer is printing images customers producing fi ne art prints, hue of black & white images. For recommending an Epson printer purely from a digital SLR or compact suggest models using UltraChrome this reason, they’re well suited to because of the ink it uses? Having camera, then models with six Claria Hi-Gloss2 inks. These eight pigment- customers who want to print out fi ne a greater knowledge of the type of inks, such as the Stylus Photo P50 based inks ensure natural skin art, photographs and graphics. inks used in the Epson range will and Stylus Photo 1400, are ideal. tones, suerbly accurate rendition Armed with this information you help you pick the perfect model for Claria supports a wider colour gamut of yellows, reds, blues and greens can try a different sales technique. any customer. Happy customers than traditional photo-printing and, thanks to the gloss optimizer, a Rather than simply asking what make for more repeat business, technologies, which makes for better uniform gloss fi nish. features the customer is looking which in turn makes for a better coverage, higher colour concentration Sitting on top of the pile are the for, fi nd out what they’re using the bottom line. and increased fade resistance. UltraChrome K3 inks with Vivid printer for and then recommend an The most popular photo printers A Claria photo print could last Magenta. Used in the range-topping Epson model accordingly. Good luck!

For more details on Epson printers and inks, visit www.epson.co.uk News&Analysis

PRODUCTS GE Cameras has designs No fewer than eight new models have been introduced by GE Cameras ranging from a 14.1 megapixel bridge camera to a 12.1 on digital compact market megapixel point-and-shoot model. Also included is a special edition version, entitled Create Leather, features such Jason Wu’s creation fi ts into a which has been produced under the as face and new Design category all of its own. watchful eye of fashion designer blink detection The key to the Create Leather is Jason Wu. and in-camera simplicity – there are no settings The standard cameras fi t into the red-eye removal. to control, no memory card and four existing categories in the GE Many of these not even a battery to take out and range – Power Pro, Power, Active and features also a 4x internal optical charge. It offers one-touch stills Smart – with most versions available appear on the zoom. and movie capture after which the immediately and others following two new models in the Power series. The Smart series gains the most camera is simply plugged into a later this month. The resolution is also the same as new models with a total of four computer via a slide out USB plug to Top of the tree is the X5 (pictured the X5, but both the E1486TW and additions. Two models, the J1455 download and recharge. The name right) for the Power Pro series. It E1480W feature 8x optical zooms. and A1455, offer 14.1 megapixel comes from the leather cover that offers a 15x optical zoom with image They come in a variety of colours. resolution and 3in rear LCDs, while adorns the front of the camera. stabilisation, pan capture panorama The metal-bodied G5WP sits in the J1250 and A1255 (pictured For further details on the GE where a seamless panoramic can the Active series and, as such, is above left) have a 12.1 megapixel range, and for the chance to win a be captured by panning the camera waterproof down to fi ve metres. It resolution and a 2.7in rear LCD. All Create Leather, visit across the scene and other handy has a 12.2 megapixel resolution and four have a 5x optical zoom. www.general-imaging.co.uk Creating a new designer category

GE chose to show Create to the public for the fi rst time at the Graduate Fashion Week in London’s Earls Court where PMA’s Nigel McNaught met GE’s UK sales boss Gary Sutton.

NMcN: Gary, why a special fashionable. Create by Jason etc. Responses for a built in USB edition now at this stage in the Wu is a culmination of all of this for easy image download, an development of the brand? research with its innovative automated scene mode detection GS: It has been believed that design, its internal memory and one button movie mode were women are heavily infl uential for storing over 1,000 images, very strongly received. We are in camera purchasing decisions its built in battery and integral delighted with the design, the and we wanted to investigate USB connection. packaging and the aspirational this involvement in photography nature of the camera. This will further. The results made us NMcN: Who is it aimed at? certainly increase brand awareness think about camera design GS: The camera is clearly aimed for GE cameras and introduce new in a new way and from there it with 45 women aged between 22 at women of all ages to buy for consumers to the market, people developed, not so much a special and 45 and asked them a whole themselves; however there is also a who perhaps were not previously edition camera, but as a camera in range of questions about such things huge potential for the gift market. interested in owning a camera. new luxury designer category. as camera design, features, how We have collaborated with Jason pictures are stored and shared and NMcN: Do these cameras increase NMcN: And how has the launch Wu, one of America’s leading fashion ease of use. your brand awareness and do they gone here at Graduate Fashion designers to introduce a new One of the fi ndings led to a bring you a new target market? Week? breed of camera to the market. His further study into the icons used GS: We see this as a new category GS: Really well. The fashion creative infl uence is apparent not to represent modes on cameras, bringing together fashion and buyers did not expect to see a only in the camera’s look and feel this revealed that 54 percent of the photography. In the course of the camera here so we had some odd with its high quality leather cover, respondents did not recognise the research many different issues looks until people realised what but also in the luxury leather case most common icons, some of which were identifi ed. For example, most we had and then they got really and gift box design. have been used for many years. of the respondents wished for a excited. They rarely ask about These results demonstrated to high performance camera that was the specifi cations, they are more NMcN: What market research did you us that we needed to go back easy to use, with fewer buttons, concerned with the look and the undertake before launch? to basics and develop a camera smarter technology and software ease of use. And the press has GS: We held six focus groups each that was both simple to use and for downloading images to Facebook been really excited about it.

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 11 supported by News&Analysis

ROUND UP Kodak in the PYNK as new Stirling work from Photomart kiosk software is unveiled Photomart is sponsoring two roadshows in Stirling on July 28 PRODUCTS can be to fi t prints into one of those and 29. The workshop series ‘The photo frame mounts with six or eight Eventrepreneur’ will take place on Ain’t it always the way! You go differently shaped and sized holes the 28th focusing on lighting and on an assignment which would in it. All that Sellotape and pfaffi ng event photography, plus there will normally provide a couple of pages around trying to make sure each pic also be a dry lab mini trade expo on of copy and then they tell you is framed properly, that is assuming both days for photo retailers and lab you’ve got to keep it down to half a it’s the right size. Forget it. operators. Exhibitors at the expo page as “we’re right on the deadline With PYNK punters buy will include Dai Nippon Print (DNP), and all the other space has been the frame and mount of their Exan, Fotolusio, Fujifi lm and allocated.” choice. They go to the Kodak Mitsubishi. For more details visit So, here, says Peter kiosk where there’s a bar code www.photomartpro.co.uk/events Corbett breathlessly, in reader which checks the code or phone 0208 527 6006. a four or fi ve hundred on the packaging. In a few words nutshell is what it moments the correct template was all about! pops up on the screen. The Who? Kodak, their retail imaging so on – but not to the point where customer selects the images she division to be precise. the subject looks like he or she is a (it’s generally assumed the customer What? Press launch of their Picture character from a CGI movie. will be a ‘she’) wants and PYNK Kiosk Software v4.0. They can cure the pet equivalent software automatically drops them What’s the buzz? The new software of red eye – you know, when you take into the spaces. The customer then Samsung NX10 is very user friendly and opens up a a picture of your dog or cat and the has a choice, either accept what the gets update whole range of new possibilities for eyes turn out as blue blobs. machine has done or move the pix retailers with an APEX system to And (and this is the bit I liked around, blow them up, tweak them A fi rmware update for the Samsung make a few extra quid from. personally) they can run a video here and there till she gets just NX10 has been made available Specifi cally? OK, fi rst of all v4.0 sequence shot on their compact what she wants. She hits the “go which promises users enhanced allows customers to print instore camera, select as many individual for it” button and within a couple of stability and performance. Version images they might have posted to images as they like and print them. minutes her images will be printed 1.15 includes new features such Facebook without having to have In my case, that means an end to all out. All she has to do is take the as system stabilization, an EVF their memory card with them. They those frustrating occasions when I back off the frame, pop the prints in, selection function on the AMOLED just key in their Facebook info and have tried to get a good still shot of put the back on and bingo. All done. display menu, MF assist on/off bingo. Same goes for images in the my daughter taking her horse over function and MF usage function Kodak Gallery and on Picasa. a jump. Availability? V4.0 from August, (whilst using K mount adapter). The They can create collages, Is that all? No, there’s one more PYNK from October. update will also offer NX10 users photobooks and other products Big Thing in the pipeline. It’s called Anything else? Masses but you can a faster SD card read/write speed much more quickly and more easily PYNK and it’s a completely new and get it all from Chris Castle or Chris as well as an updated auto white than before. potentially very lucrative service Dawson at Tetenal, 0116 232 4916, balance function. The update They can get rid of annoying which retailers can offer. You know [email protected] or can be downloaded now from facial spots, moles, wrinkles and how awkward and time consuming it [email protected] the Samsung website.

12 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by GrowingYourBusiness Support your customers

Stocking tripods can give you some rock steady margins and scope for further add-on sales. Roger Payne spoke to the key players in the market to see what’s on offer to the tripod buyer in 2010.

ALUMINIUM is still king when it margins on offer to the retailer. to stock, we spoke to leading of lightweight models which are comes to tripods, but increasingly Tripods offer a sanctuary of healthy distributors to fi nd out which constructed from a carbon-fi bre and other options are being used for double digit profi t to your bottom models your customers are likely basalt composite giving the legs leg construction. Carbon fi bre and line, so should be something to to be asking for in the future. added strength and rigidity. In total basalt, for example, offer incredible try and add to every camera sale. there a 19 Geo tripods, and a further strength with supreme lightweight What’s more, tripods themselves Velbon and Slik six monopods, so consumers won’t making such models popular with can generate add-on sales. Models Two tripod brands with plenty of be short of options. more active photographers when with interchangeable heads are history behind them, both Velbon Alongside the Geo range, Velbon’s coupled with a magnesium alloy prevalent, giving you the option and Slik have been going for over ‘bread and butter’ offerings in the head. There’s also been some great to stock supplementary heads 50 years. Slik is the older of the CX series are still going strong. design innovation with models for different photographic uses, two and while the company has a ‘They’ve been around for a number that fold to incredibly small sizes, plus there’s the option of a tripod wide selection of models available, of years now and they do good others with centre columns that carry case for those models that big plans are afoot with a range business,’ confi rms Jane Nicholson, do much more than just go up and don’t offer them as standard, and revamp on the horizon and a new group media manager at Intro down and yet more which can be accessories such as straps, dollys selection of models expected in two 2020. ‘They’re the sort of product opened to full extension and packed and devices to increase stability. to three months time. that suits the less experienced back down in a matter of seconds. To help you make informed Velbon’s most recent photographer, but still sells well What hasn’t changed is the decisions about which products introductions are the Geo series through independent retailers.’

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 15 supported by GrowingYourBusiness: Tripods

Both ranges are distributed by that would be stocked in a includes a case – as do all Camlink to unlock, move and Intro 2020, more details on multiple,’ says Rob. models – and a margin of around 40 then lock the head in www.intro2020.co.uk To get more information, percent to the retailer.’ position really quickly. or 01628 674411. call 01793 615836 or visit Although perhaps not perceived Manfrotto, along www.kenro.co.uk as one of the big tripod brands, with Gitzo and National Benro Camlink are enjoying success. GfK Geographic tripods, As a brand, Benro is already Camlink fi gures for the period Oct 1 to Dec are distributed in established in the Far East, US Until this year’s Focus show 31 2009 showed the brand had the UK by Manfrotto and Germany and now, thanks Camlink offered two tripod the largest market share in the Distribution, phone to UK distributors Kenro, ranges designed for still photographic sector. 01293 583300 or www. they’re looking to get a camera use, that has now For details call 0116 253 0325 or manfrottodistribution. foothold in the UK. ‘The been expanded to four visit www.camlink.eu.com co.uk Benro brand embellishes covering a wide price the product mix from range, which gives the Manfrotto Giottos Kenro, which already opportunity for retailers to You’ll probably already know a Another company that includes Tokina lenses stock tripods costing anything great deal about the Manfrotto had something to shout and Nissin fl ashguns,’ from £10 to around £150; plenty brand, it’s certainly one of the about at Focus this says national sales manager Rob of choice for customers, if you bigger players in the market year. ‘We introduced the Whyatt. ‘We’re currently bringing in have the space. and offers a wide range of Vitruvian VGR (pictured below) 16 tripods in four groups, along with ‘Prior to Focus we had an products for photo, video this year and it’s certainly an three monopods and the current Amateur and a Professional and lighting use for the innovative product,’ says Giottos hero product is the Travel Angel range,’ confi rms Alastair Wilson, enthusiast and professional brand manager Mark Hoskins. range. These models have legs that Fameart’s export sales manager. user. Given recent DSLR ‘The legs fold around the centre fold over the top of the head for ‘We’ve kept the Professional developments, it’s column to make a compact unit storage making a folded-down Travel range, rebranded the perhaps no surprise measuring just 40cm when folded, Angel 20 percent smaller than a Amateur tripods under that the latest but it will support a camera and conventionally designed model. Value and now we’ve introductions from lens combination up to 4kg so it’ll They’re perfect for photographers introduced the Premium the company are comfortably handle a Nikon D300 or who care about the size and weight of range along with two centred around D700 with lens.’ the tripod they use.’ carbon-fi bre models. video use. The There are two versions of the Three carbon-fi bre and three ‘The tripods in the 504HD Systems tripod is marketed Vitruvian; one with aluminium legs aluminium models make up the Premium range essentially very clearly as a crossover product and the other with carbon-fi bre legs. Travel Angel range with the only offer the same features as making it suitable for both full video Neither are heavy – the aluminium main variation between models being those in the Value range, but with a and DSLR use. version weighs 1.5kg and the carbon- stowed size and maximum height. few extras. The heads are removable Also worthy of mention, however, fi bre 1.28kg including the head, so Then there’s the QuickLock series as we recognise that consumers may are the models in the Neotec range. the tripod is proving popular with which also comes in both materials, want to swap the heads for different The 458B isn’t a cheap product, but travel photographers and walkers as but are only supplied as the legs; applications and all the supplied it has won many fans with its rapid well as those with Micro Four-Thirds customers can choose a ball & socket heads have a fl uid effect, which is opening and closing mechanism. cameras. ‘It also won an accolade or three-way head either from Benro useful for those who use their still From a more conventional tripod in a recent issue of Photo Plus or a third party. The same applies to cameras to shoot video.’ perspective, the latest introduction magazine,’ continues Mark. ‘They the FlexPod range, which are supplied The Professional range of four was the M-Y Carbon 732CY (pictured run a feature called Help Me Buy A… as legs and are only available in models is home to Camlink’s most above right) which was added to the where a reader wanted a lightweight aluminium. Finally, there are a couple popular tripod – the Pro24A. The range in late 2009. With a suggested travel tripod. The Vitruvian came out of lower priced aluminium models number refers to the thickness of sell price of £169.95 and a weight on top with a score of 92 percent.’ in the form of the A300 and A500 the legs in millimetres and is used of less than 1kg, it’s likely to prove Beyond the Vitruvian models, which comprise both legs throughout the Camlink range. popular with customers after a Giottos offer a comprehensive and fi xed head. Models in this range boast reversible model that’s both light selection with Mark confi rming With a new product on and splittable centre columns along and solid. that the MTL tripod series is the their books, Kenro are with the option to increase the Manfrotto tripods most popular with the 9351B the obviously keen to get spread of each leg individually. regularly pick up awards, most popular within it. ‘Giottos good penetration with the ‘We go to a lot of trouble to pitch notably from photography is aimed more at the enthusiast Benro brand. ‘We’ve now our tripods at prices that offer good titles, but more recently it photographer, so we like to give got a sales rep in Ireland, value for money for the features and was a couple of heads that consumers the option to mix and which has ensured that’s certainly the case with our scooped the company the match,’ adds Mark. ‘They can either a good take up and carbon-fi bre models,’ continues Best Accessory Award buy the tripod legs on their own, the range generally Alastair. ‘The TP Carbon 24 2010 by TIPA. One of a or with a head, but we fi nd that goes down well with (pictured above) retails at around new breed of joystick we sell two heads for every independent retailers £130, while the TP 28 is £150, heads, the 324RC2 tripod so photographers – they’re not really which is a low price when you and 327RC2 allow clearly like the option to the sort of product consider the spec. This price the photographer change heads as their

16 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by GrowingYourBusiness

needs change.’ These include individual leg angle ‘It’s a fantastic brand,’ confi rms While falling short of specifi cs, adjustments and a shock control Jane Nicholson at Intro 2020 who TRIPODS – Mark told BPI that the Giottos range system which helps prevent camera have had the UK distribution deal HOW IS THE offers retailers ‘very generous’ damage from a sudden drop of the on Gorillapod from the start. ‘It MARKET DOING? margins and that they’re proud both centre column. captures everyone’s imagination and of the level of stock they hold While penetration of Vanguard works well across all retail channels You’ve seen the choice, the and the speed at which it tripods is improving, Mac is keen from mass market through to the designs, the options. You’ve cane be sent to a dealer. to sign up more dealers and independent specialist. The beauty read the claims for each one. It’s possible that points to the fact that ODS about the company is that they’re But should you stock ‘em? The Photokina will see some has brought stability to a always creating new products. answer is yes, yes, yes. more introductions for brand which, he admits, has had They’re working on something for Yes because if you stock Giottos. Mark confi rmed a chequered history in the UK Apple’s iPad right now.’ More details cameras, bags, lenses and other a number of prototypes market. ‘ODS took Vanguard on www.intro2020.co.uk or 01628 accessories but not tripods, were in the pipeline both on two years ago and for 674411. the customer who has to look at higher and lower the fi rst time it’s been more elsewhere for the tripod he/she price points along with stable. The brand is here Trek-Tech is after is a possible customer models featuring video to stay in the UK,’ he A relatively new name in the world of and sale lost. functionality. confi rms. ‘Providing supports, Trek-Tech has been in the Yes, because you can bundle More details from retailers don’t cut UK market for around fi ve years and them up with a camera to make a UK distributors Daymen prices and stick with current distributors, Johnsons better offer to your customers. International on 0845 250 with our suggested retail Photopia, for the last two. Offering And yes, because margins are 0790 or prices, they’ll get margins an alternative support solution, pretty good – and getting better. www.giottos-tripods.co.uk of between 40 and 45 the company’s TrekPod range However, it could be percent.’ comprises three models all of something of an uphill struggle Vanguard If you’d like to know more which are based around the same as stats from GfK show. With a wide range of tripods, it’s safe about Vanguard tripods, call ODS principle of a self-standing monopod, Total tripod sales last year to say that there will be a Vanguard on 02380 266300 or visit which has three fold-out legs at the were down by more than model to suit virtually every type www.vanguardworld.com bottom. 10percent compared with 2008, of consumer to walk through your ‘All the models in the range are and it was the photo retail share door. ‘We’re getting a lot of interest,’ Joby based on the same design, but of the market which took the confi rms Mac Bills, sales director of One of the more innovative have different features,’ explains biggest hit, down by 19 percent. UK distributor Optical Distribution manufacturers to grace the marketing manager Kathryn Edgeley. Mail order and “other” (which Services (ODS). ‘Winning the Best tripod market in recent years, ‘The XL is a carbon-fi bre model so includes on line sales) were Accessory 2009 TIPA award for the Joby originally arrived in the it’s both light and strong, the Go both signifi cantly up which, in a Alta Pro 263AT has certainly helped, UK with just one model – the Pro (pictured) is designed for subdued market, shows just how but we’ve also got lots of enquiries Gorillapod (pictured) – but that’s travel photographers as it breaks infl uential these channels are. about the Alta+ range of lightweight now expanded to a family of down to just 58cm in length Looking at price points to models. Our lightweight aluminium products with a variety of while the TrekPod II Plus is identify where the potential lies models are lighter than some budget applications. a refi ned version of the isn’t exactly straightforward. carbon-fi bre models from other All Gorillapods are original TrekPod model.’ Now that times is really ‘ard, you manufacturers.’ based on the same design As well as having a unique might expect top level models to The Alta Pro range is worthy of principle with bendy legs to leg design, the TrekPods also feature suffer and lower ones to thrive. note. Available in both aluminium enable the user to get support a clever method attaching the But t’ain’t so. The picture is and carbon fi bre guises, the for their camera in pretty much camera. The MagMount Pro head patchy, with entry level tripods unique selling point of the range any situation. The original model, has an adaptor that attaches to the down, mid price ones up and is the centre column which can be now known now as the Gorillapod camera itself, which in turn attaches down and the high end markedly positioned anywhere between 0 and Original is suitable for compact to the pod with a magnet. It makes on the up. 180 degrees and features a cameras, but it’s now been for quick camera attachment and But hang on, it’s not all bad system that Vanguard joined by the Gorillapod SLR, removal and supports cameras or news. The total value of 2009 call ISSL (Instant SLR-Zoom and Focus models, other accessories up to 6kg. sales was up by an encouraging Swivel Stop-n-Lock) which support up to 800g, ‘Photographic stores that have eight percent which means that which repositions 3kg and 5kg respectively. For an outdoors bias do well with this the average sale price of each the column in one compact camera users there’s also range,’ continues Kathryn. ‘We’ll help tripod was well up on that for the movement. the Gorillapod Magnetic, the feet of any stockists who take the products previous year. The 12 models that which attach to metallic objects. with posters and other POS material, Glass half full or half empty? make up the Alta+ But the appeal of the plus we offer incentives to staff to Half full, we reckon! range are a little more Gorillapod brand also extends encourage them to promote and sell conventional in design beyond camera users with the range.’ but, nonetheless, offer models to hold mobile phone, For further details contact some useful features iPods and two Gorillatorches 01782 753300 or visit for the more discerning user. for light wherever it’s needed. www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 19 supported by BusinessSpotlight

The Flash Centre

BPI heads to Leeds to learn more about how this family business is managing to grow in challenging economic times

NEVER judge a book by its cover. If it’s when you have a very good you thought The Flash Centre (TFC) month that takes you a little bit by was something of a one-trip pony surprise – trying to get the stock selling, well, fl ash gear and little is harder than its ever been, partly else, then you’d be sadly mistaken. because of the volumes that are Truth is, behind the very specifi c shipping through and partly because company name lies a multi-faceted we place advanced orders and the business with touchpoints right good month takes a lot of stock out across the photographic industry. of them. Running for over 25 years, TFC now has a portfolio of UK What does ‘lived up to distribution accounts including expectations’ mean? Elinchrom, California Sunbounce April was ahead of last year, as a and Lumedyne, boasts retail outlets company we’re running double digits the revenue stream? make very slim margins because in Leeds, Birmingham and London, ahead of last year. If you look at the Even Canon pro dealers such as we like to make our pricing very is an offi cial Phase One reseller, an trade as a whole I think it’s currently ourselves we of all people having competitive into the UK market, authorised Canon Pro Centre and a going through an extraordinarily experts, carrying rental stock, which is probably why we do well. Gitzo 5* dealer. diffi cult time. There are a lot of carrying demo stock, being able to And because of the knowledge we Not to mention the training changes and in many cases the do sensor cleaning and offer really have of the industry, particularly and rental sides of the business. traditional dealer is stopping high levels of technical support, on the lighting side, we’ve created And with such a diverse range stocking typical products. particularly with the HD video products that we like to think people of products and services comes For example, we’re agents for products that are coming to the want to buy that are at the vanguard an equally diverse clientele California Sunbounce and they’ve market, should be able to make of technology and quality in the with customers ranging from just introduced a new product which a margin. But the truth is we’re marketplace. keen amateurs to multi-national is a perfect add on product for DSLR, operating on our demand drivers. companies engaging with TFC either dealers get a 40 percent discount on Demand drivers were a process Tell us more about how you got face-to-face or online. the £46 RRP and that makes a nice introduced by Canon to allow started in the business. Roger Payne met managing add-on sale. dealers such as ourselves to put I fi rst got involved in 1968, when I director Chris Whittle (pictured So we’ve been going through the on functions that would in part was 13 years old. My father, Malcolm, right), to fi nd out more about the process of looking at the dealers be funded by Canon. In reality, had been a teacher for twenty-odd company’s origins, discover how who would potentially stock that they’ve created an events business years and bought a small company they’re shaping up in the current product and it’s amazing how many that subsidises their distribution called Yeadon Camera Centre from a economic climate and, of course, try dealers no longer sell DSLRs. You business. It’s easy to see why the chap called Jim Clark. It opened just and unearth some of the secrets to would have thought it would be the photographic trade is fi nding it so after Retail Price Maintenance had TFC’s considerable success. bedrock for a traditional dealer. A lot hard at the moment. been gone. The fi rst agency he took of dealers are under pressure. was Hasselblad and, effectively, he How’s business? But The Flash Centre is enjoying became one of the fi rst price cutters Schizophrenic. January was Where’s that pressure coming from? double digit growth. What do you in 1968. horrendous because VAT had gone There’s pressure from Best Buy put that down to? We were doing black & white back up and it was so cold. February coming into the market and when We are truly independent. We processing, we had a small studio, picked up nicely, March was a you take on overhead to establish a do import certain products for we did wedding photographs. In my fantastic month and April lived up to model when there is no price which we can choose how much summer holidays, I did black & white expectations. If there is a problem control in the market, where is margin we make, but actually we processing and glazing – we sold

20 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by BusinessSpotlight

//My father bought a small company called Yeadon Camera Centre from a chap called Jim Clark. The fi rst agency he took was Hasselblad and, effectively,

B&W prints for 4 old pence a time. deal, took on the agency for a little he became one of the fi rst price cutters I was paid £4 a week, which I didn’t business called Elinchrom. in 1968.// think was much, especially when my The owner of Elinchrom got colleague Kathy, who’s two years cancer and it was evident he wasn’t older than me, was paid £6 a week. going to survive, Malcolm considered A couple of years later we moved his options and bought Elinchrom. to Leeds and changed the name He moved to Switzerland and then of the business to Leeds Camera I came in to run the business in Centre, then we opened premises the UK. In the interim, I’d become in London. The business grew very a small business consultant and in quickly and it was bought out by the processing of fulfi lling various investment company Guinness Peat. contracts I gained qualifi cations We then bought ourselves back and that enabled me to deliver business concentrated on the pro side of the advice. In many respects, the rest business before being bought out is history. I was coming back to my again by Quadrant plc before we roots. Now my wife, myself and my really started concentrating on the sister wholly own the business. fl ash business. What are the upsides and downsides So where did the interest in fl ash of being a family business? lighting come from? We grow organically, we reward In between the Guinness Peat and our successes and we don’t beat Quadrant buy outs, Malcolm set up ourselves up too much for our a business with Laurie Atkinson, failures. If it works we keep on doing which imported Broncolor and it, if it’s not working, we accept our that introduced Malcolm to the failure and move on because that’s fl ash lighting business. Eventually, the way that family businesses Malcolm bought Laurie out of the work. There’s a very high degree of partnership and, as part of the forgiveness in this business; how do

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 21 supported by BusinessSpotlight

you take risks otherwise? to be careful about what we sell. As a business we have absolutely no borrowings. So you come to an Where do you think photography economic situation, such as that will be in fi ve years? we’re in at the moment and you can I think from the image making almost say that the harder it is, the perspective, this is an incredibly better it is for us as it will sort out exciting time. There have never those companies who have raided been more images in use than there their business to distribute the are today. With the infl uence of the profi t in the good times, plus they’ve internet this will grow. Now, anyone borrowed high amounts in the good can go out and produce stunning times and now they’re having to results – experience is no longer a service those borrowings. precursor for getting work. It works We’ve spent every penny as if we against the old order and people owned it and we spent every penny need to reinvent themselves. as if it might not be easy to make Stills photographers for a long time the pennies tomorrow. have done a fabulous job of taking a still image and telling a story. It’s As a business, you seem to have //People say that the internet is so much easier to tell a story with a knack of knowing where the faceless, but it isn’t. The forums aren’t a short video clip. The skills stills industry is going and you react to photographers have exercised will that. What’s the secret? faceless. The internet is so interactive.// take those photographers into short It’s serendipity, it has to be being video and doing it as well if not in the right place at the right time. and so on. In a sense he evangelises product. Two, how many companies better than existing players in the Imagine, for example with the what’s good about Elinchrom. He no longer produce on-paper movie industry. Ranger Quadra that has a continuous explains how it works, why it works literature. Three, what is the value It plays very much in favour of daylight-balanced modelling light, so well and invites course attendees to a good reputation of customers the likes of Canon. The pro has to that with the high ISO of the EOS to look around at everything else in who frequent forums and give us keep one step ahead of the amateur. 5DMkII that it can shoot video at the the market. If they can fi nd anything positive write ups. How do we as a The pros have to embrace the new same time as taking fl ash stills. And else that will do the job better, buy small team (20 people) do the same technology, they have to lever that imagine that neither Canon – nor it. If they can’t, buy Elinchrom. It’s a job as a really big team? The answer technology and inject into that their we – knew that knew that each other compelling argument. is by encouraging our customers to own creative eye. By doing that and was going to bring that product out He gets the reward from the say what they think about the Flash using that fi nd new customers who at all. That has to be serendipity. weekends he puts in getting every Centre and if we make a mistake and will pay. Things are growing so quickly, penny he makes out of it. What we get it wrong, I can promise you that you’re only as good as your last gain is the sales that we make. In a we’ll work harder than anyone else And what about the retail side of success. The successes last a sense, it’s about family, it wouldn’t to put it right. photography? reasonable length of time – the work if we were a greedy plc saying People say that the internet is Everybody has to look at the Ranger Quadra, for example, is we want a share of those profi ts. faceless, but it isn’t. The forums fulfi lment process. If they don’t unique in that there’s nothing else aren’t faceless. The internet is so give the customer a reason to come like it. And it’s intruiging in that What do you look for in employees? interactive. to them for fulfi lment, there is no it was voted Best Professional We very rarely advertise. We know We decided a little time ago that raison d’etre. The big challenge Product 2009 by SWPP members the industry, we know people we’d we had set the highest level in terms is going to be one of differential ahead of the Nikon D3 and Canon like to consider for the qualities we of customer service, but we couldn’t pricing – if there was no customer EOS 5D MkII. I don’t know how that see in them. We don’t always get it have any differential between the loyalty and price was everything happened. It’s amazing that a little right, but we’re in control and we’re price we sell in the shops and the then it would be very diffi cult to see company like Elinchrom can actually responsive. In one way we take price we sell on the internet. We also anything other than a price based beat these models. It’s a success the view that we’re allowed to fail decided that our dealer customers future for distributive industries. story for the little guy and it shows because that’s the price of getting to would need to be responsible for But as products become more that the little guy can succeed if he the next level – you have to try. the margins at which we can all complex, that fulfi lment has a very puts his mind to it. sell, so we take our pricing from important information and training How does the internet fi gure in the internet. So we don’t have to based dimension to it. I can buy an Can you explain how the training TFC’s business model? worry about the internet because iPhone but what benefi t am I getting side of the business works? It’s becoming an increasingly if someone goes on there looking from it if I just use it as a phone? We don’t own TFC courses, it’s large driver in terms of sales and I for the best price on a product it If I have a phone provider who can owned and run by our dealer sales would say it’s a fundamental part should be The Flash Centre. We set show me how to get the stuff that manager Chris Burfoot. We were of the commercialisation of every our pricing at the same level as I need to be able to do, and sell me happy for him to use our name. It’s product that is currently being equivalent dealers; we have to apps at the same time, why would about not being greedy. Chris gives manufactured. Number 1, where do argue that as a pro centre the I not want to keep going back to up 20 weekends every year to offer most people go to get non-hands service we can offer is more them. Why should a camera be any training for the RPS, TFC for dealers on preliminary information about a comprehensive, but we also have different?

22 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by GuestOpinion

Gerry Dingley PIC chairman refl ects on the halcyon days for the UK photo in- dustry and explains why the recent alliance between PMA and PIC is so important.

I JOINED Rank Photographic separates and video players and with little or no communication or UK will never get out of the mess in 1975 as director and general Leek Wharfedale speakers. sharing of mutual interest. that the Labour Government created manager. I had been head-hunted The division also controlled So here we are, over three for the new coalition. from a builders merchants group – Rankcolour processing labs and the decades after I joined the industry, There could not be a better time to say it was a different world is a famous Rank Film Library that later having just announced the alliance for PIC and the PMA to form its own real understatement. became the Rank Video Library. between the organisation that I chair coalition and be able to forcefully Previous to my arrival, such All-in-all it was a mini-conglomerate the Photo Imaging Council and PMA, represent the issues that currently names as Norman Harrington with a diverse product and workforce the Photographic Marketing face us or will face us in the years (Introphoto) and Dick Luff (Minolta) range that was unique; dominating Association. ahead. The meetings between had been in the company. I inherited both the photographic and hi-fi Why has it taken so long to the parties representing both a management team of industry markets until such time that the recognise that as an industry we organisations have been frequent luminaries such as Harry Collins home manufacturers decided to need to be represented as one and charged with a real desire to be (Nikon) together with Bob Pike who control their own fortunes. voice if our aims and problems are able to put together a structure that later joined Sangers, Dougie Williams For my part I represented Rank at to receive appropriate airing and would work for members of both (Mamiya), Tony Armstrong (Sankyo) the British Photographic Association recognition from both Government associations. and Laurie Moore later of Pentax, (BPA) for manufacturers who were and the media? I was privileged to chair the fi nal Minolta and Konica. British based – even then I could not When I joined Rank, there were meeting between manufacturers The retail customers really added and retailers and it was truly to the village of characters with encouraging to hear the exchange Stanley Kalms of Dixons, now Lord //We now operate in a legalistic of views and conclusions that were Kalms, Alan Sugar, now Lord Sugar, environment which intrudes on reached with the full support of all Alan Jessop, who had just begun management decisions at every present. I was also struck by how his building of the Jessop chain and young everyone seemed or perhaps Derek Gardner who had installed step we take.// how old I am now, perhaps its time to photo shops called DG Leisure in sit back and watch future? Debenhams. understand why the industry was so approx. 3000 accounts – now I am Frankly I am delighted that at The buying groups of fragmented with its representation advised there are less than 300! last we have forged a partnership Photomarkets and Fotovalue had to Government and the media. With the digital revolution we have between the two associations their own leading men in Mike Stern In 1979, I left Rank to set up seen the death or dying moments that should have been obvious and Allan Warren and Gerry Hicks Pentax UK one of the fi rst of the of numerous products and services to everyone years ago. But never respectively. Reg Atkins was there ‘big fi ve’ Japanese brands to set up that could only be part of an say ’never’ and I am really looking too! its own company here in the United analogue marketplace. forward to the many challenges that They were heady days of a market Kingdom. Even headier days were to We now operate in a legalistic lie ahead. This time, though, we’ll be that sold hundreds of SLR bodies, follow. Pentax became brand leader environment which intrudes on going forward with manufacturers, heaps of lenses and fl ashguns, boxes within one year and the market management decisions at every distributors and retailers of fi lters and service contracts that reached a unit level of over 800,000 step, be it with employment or supporting our efforts to make this ensured future revenue. SLR bodies in the early 80s. rationalisation or our workforce, the industry that much better for all Rank had an enviable product This time it was the BPIA, the way we make an offer, the price we concerned. portfolio with brands that included British Photographic Importers sell at and even the way we dispose Let us hope that the people of the Nikon, Pentax, and Mamiya, Sankyo Association, that I joined to of our waste. UK give the same support to our (cine cameras and projectors), Aldis represent our company interests. In the current economic climate new Government so that they too projectors and Harkness screens. But nothing had changed with the we will face, like others, diffi cult will rebuild a new country where our The audio range was equally diverse, various associations representing times, and almost defi nitely higher efforts and other industry efforts including Akai, Rotel, Toshiba hi-fi numerous sectors of the industry costs in some form, otherwise the can prosper.

Do you have an opinion that you’d like to share with BPI readers? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Email Roger Payne on: [email protected]

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 25 supported by TheInterview

Amanda Bedborough Corel’s executive vice president, global sales, talks to Martyn Moore about where digital imaging is going next and how Corel is helping it get there

COREL creates, among other How have the industry and your located in Ottawa, Canada and we and we own WordPerfect. Prior things, photo and video editing company changed since then? have offi ces in the United States, to Corel, I held various sales and software that is described as a Digital photography has exploded United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan, marketing positions with graphics powerful and affordable alternative over the past few years as cameras China and Japan. hardware companies such as STB to the mega-buck pro tools and in general have become smaller, less Corel is a creative company at Systems and 3dFX. Following my open source freebie applications. expensive and more accessible. With heart. We believe in the power EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Amanda Bedborough has served increased pixel counts for greater of choice, the freedom of self- Africa) experience I now thoroughly as a member of Corel’s senior image quality, people are now taking expression and the satisfaction that enjoy the global challenge of working executive team since joining the fantastic photographs with mobile comes from sharing. By offering with new cultures and learning company in 2001. In her current role devices. as executive vice president, global Photo editing software has sales, Amanda is responsible for developed signifi cantly since 2004 defi ning and leading the company’s refl ecting the key challenges facing global channel, e-commerce and today’s photo enthusiast. We need to OEM sales strategies. constantly ensure we are providing With over 19 years of international the right editing tools for their sales experience, she has built requirements. Corel is involved in strong working relationships with the changing dynamics of the photo global distributors and OEMs and industry and are committed to has established a successful track delivering software that is fl exible record of expanding business into and intuitive. new markets. Prior to joining Corel, she served Tell us a bit about your company, as vice president, EMEA operations, what it does, how big it is, what for 3dfx Interactive, Inc., and as makes it special. international sales and marketing Corel revolutionised the graphic director at STB Systems Inc., before design industry when it introduced //Corel has a community of more it was acquired by 3dfx. Amanda CorelDRAW in 1989. Today, Corel than 100 million active users in Bedborough is a Member of the continues to lead the market Institute of Directors. with award-winning graphics and over 75 countries.// productivity software. Amanda, let’s start by telling Corel is also at the forefront of the readers when and how you got digital media revolution, delivering a comprehensive choice of photo, new business practices. Opening started in the photographic the industry’s broadest and most video and DVD, illustration and businesses in both Moscow and industry. innovative portfolio of photo, video design and offi ce and utilities China were great experiences in the From a Corel perspective it was and DVD software. software, we put the tools at diversity of cultures. We continue to on October 14, 2004, when Corel Corel has a community of more everyone’s fi ngertips to help them build the Corel business across many acquired Jasc Software and its than 100 million active users in over express themselves, engage the new markets. Paint Shop Pro product line, but I 75 countries, and a well-established world and accomplish what they have always had a keen interest in network of international resellers, need to do. Tell us about the Corel idea of photography and enjoy the fl exibility retailers, original equipment bringing together different types and creativity of digital photography. manufacturers, online providers and Take us through the most important of media manipulation into one I’ve recently purchased a new Corel’s global web sites. phases of your career so far. interface. Panasonic Lumix, which allows The passion and commitment of My fi rst job in IT involved training Corel believe in providing me to be more creative and the people that work at Corel make customers to use WordPerfect when feature-rich yet easy to use digital experiment more by using both it an enjoyable and special place it was a DOS based application. media applications that provide photo and HD video. to work. Corel’s headquarters are Twenty years later I am EVP of Corel creative tools for everyone to use.

26 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by TheInterview

Corel Digital Studio 2010 took a experience simple and fun. By through the learning process of Working for a global company revolutionary approach to photo making the whole editing and using new editing features that allow provides a host of challenges, editing and movie making software sharing process easier and less time them to grow with the application. especially when you factor in as it provided all the applications consuming we are encouraging users Thus, delivering a value solution that multiple time zones, business needed, not only in one box, but to take more photos and videos is both feature rich and provides a practices and cultures. Luckily, we integrated into a common user as they no longer feel that these range of high level editing functions live in a technology age where we interface so that they would all work editing processes are the daunting to allow everyone to become a have Skype and video conference together. Bringing photo editing, task of the past. more confi dent and experimental technology on hand so I do not have movie making, DVD/AVCHD burning, Ease of use does not only exist in photographer. to spend all my time on a plane. creative projects and easy sharing our entry level applications though. Working in IT is always fast software together, with one common Adding a valuable ‘learning centre’ What are the biggest challenges moving, so we are constantly making look and feel it has broken down the to Corel PaintShop Photo Pro was a you face in your current role? I’m sure that we are not only keeping technological barriers to entry level major innovation that has allowed talking about the kinds of things pace, but staying ahead of the curve photo and video editing. us to help the enthusiast do more that might keep you, or lesser so as to innovate and deliver exciting It makes the whole digital with their photos and also help them mortals, awake at night. new ideas.

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 27 supported by TheInterview

What are the biggest opportunities //If you could have a night out with Do you have any rules or beliefs or for you and your organisation? maxims about doing business that Capturing, sharing and protecting any special person, living or dead, who you can share? Or maybe fi ve top memories through photos and video would you choose?// tips. have become an important part of 1. Articulate your vision (business everybody’s day-to-day life. Corel plan) are exploring new platform-agnostic 2. Sell that vision to your customers technologies and creative solutions and employees. that push technology and UI design 3. EXECUTE. to the limit. We strive to provide 4. EXECUTE. the latest cutting edge design that 5. EXECUTE. breaks away from the traditional menu driven user interface and Execute, execute, execute… so allows one to share and synchronise you’re a do-er, then. Always busy digital media content quickly and getting the job done. What would easily anywhere, anytime. you like to be doing fi ve years from now? What other issues lie ahead for the Ideally, lying in a hammock on a photographic industry, what’s the beach in the Bahamas, sipping a next big thing? cocktail! Mobile phones are becoming much more like one stop multimedia Sounds idyllic. Let’s keep it devices and these may take over personal, then, if you don’t mind. If from point and shoot cameras as you could have a night out with any resolution and features improve and special person, living or dead, who most of us move to just one device would you choose and what kind of to capture, view and share. night out would it be? Our picture taking habits are This is a tough question. Dinner at still evolving and we now take many the Fat Duck with Andy Warhol. Not more pictures than ever before and //Dinner at the Fat Duck with Andy only because I think he’d enjoy the we are sharing these using different artistry and creativity of food there, media, so everyone will move to Warhol. Not only because I think he’d but also following an evening of a way of doing this all from one enjoy the artistry and creativity of food discussion and many questions I’d be device. Although we will still see there, but also following an evening of able to fi nd out whether he is really professional photographer outlets, a creative genius or a commercial I think they will need to embrace discussion and many questions I’d be genius! all digital media media to offer a able to fi nd out whether he is really complete experience to the client a creative genius or a commercial What was the fi rst record you ever and increase revenue streams. bought? With the move to ‘cloud based’ genius!// I didn’t actually buy it, but I was 12 infrastructure and so many media years old and on Saturday morning clips fl oating around different But going right back now to has inspired you in your career? Swap Shop with Noel Edmonds. I locations, it is going to be even physical media for a moment, how There are many people who have swapped ten calculators that my more important for people to fi nd a can we get people to print more inspired me over the years but one dad had in the garage for copies of solution that allows them to manage photographs? that stands out is Steve Jobs. Grease albums. I ended up keeping and protect their media plus fi nd a By encouraging and teaching He’s done an amazing job taking one of them and selling the rest to way to tag and identify all that is people how to edit and enhance Apple from the brink of disaster to my friends at school! important in a photo or video clip. their photographs so they are the success story of today. He is a proud to share and show them visionary and the brand personality, I saw that show. I was so jealous Sorry to do this to you, Amanda, but off. By integrating value printing plus he truly understands what it that you had ten calculators! I need to intrude here to explain that technologies into photo editing takes to innovate. A great quote that Finally, describe the perfect Sunday. ‘platform-agnostic’ refers to media software we make it easier for sticks in my mind is, “You can’t ask I like to wake up late and after a that works on TV, computers, web, photographers to edit, share and customers what they want and then few hours of lounging in bed with a mobile and tablets. ‘Cloud-based’ print from within the one easy-to- give that to them. Buy the time you coffee and the Sunday Times I like is the idea that your photos, videos use interface so they can go from PC get it built, they’ll want something to take a decent length cycle ride to and other media fi les will be stored to doormat in one simple operation. new.” The lesson that I took from a country pub for a hearty roast and remotely via the internet, rather that quote can apply to many facets bottle of red. I’d then have to try to than locally, fi lling up the disks on That’s fascinating. So users can of leadership... anticipate your remain on the cycle path home to people’s computers in the home or order prints by mail, direct from customers, motivate your employees collapse on the sofa for a black and offi ce. Just wanted to clear that up. within Corel software. Genius. Who and don’t be afraid to take risks. white movie.

28 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by Movers&Shakers

Recognise the achievements of Hasselblad UK MD takes your people here on global marketing role in BPI magazine THIS section of BPI is here for you to tell the rest of the UK HASSELBLAD has appointed its UK needed a paradigm shift.’ photo industry about the people managing director Chris He adds: ‘I spoke to in your company. Russell-Fish with immediate effect hundreds of photographers as its new global marketing director, before I launched a mission Many company leaders tell us in addition to his current UK role. to change all the inaccurate that their people ARE their Announcing the new appointment perceptions of Hasselblad company and they’re very proud Hasselblad Chairman and CEO in the UK. Now we are doing of what their staff achieve. Dr. Larry Hansen said: ‘Hasselblad things differently – and it’s Movers&Shakers is the perfect and the entire imaging industry paying off.’ platform to recognise those are facing change. Through his Chris’ strategy of listening achievements. work in the UK Chris Russell-Fish to customers isn’t rocket has demonstrated that he can science, but it’s certainly If your company has taken on a identify and take advantage of working and has led to a range new employee, tell us about it the subsequent opportunities that of new ideas, initiatives and and get their career with you off change creates.’ programmes being introduced. to a fl ying start. We want to hear Chris (45), a sales and marketing These include the launch of about the recruitment of senior expert and former senior manager the Hasselblad Owners’ Club, executives, middle managers, at Kodak, will continue to manage a nationwide educational salespeople and Saturday boys operations in the UK, alongside and girls. They are all as his new global brief. ‘I am thrilled important as each other. with this appointment and the //I believe that every photographer new additional challenge,’ he said. When you promote a member ‘I will be reporting directly to the should aim to have a Hasselblad of staff it’s because they have chairman and CEO and my new in his/her armoury.// done good work. Show them how worldwide responsibilities will cover proud you are of their talents by corporate marketing, branding, PR, sending us an announcement. If photography relationships and the ‘Things just had to change.’ says roadshow and a series of seminars somebody does well on a training coordination of marketing in all our Chris. ‘We knew from research that that enable photographers to course, or exceeds their sales subsidiaries around the world. in some quarters we had been seen become part of the Hasselblad targets, let us know. ‘I believe that every photographer not just as too costly but also as community. should aim to have a Hasselblad resting too much on historic laurels. But the interactivity doesn’t Every Movers&Shakers in his/her armoury - and that Some photographers thought stop there. Hasselblad experts will announcement is accompanied creating an environment in which (wrongly) that our cameras and demonstrate equipment at any by a short profi le of the company photographers at all levels can get software were diffi cult to use. studio location in the country (go to the person works for, so the whole their hands on one of our cameras is And when people were asked how www.handsonahasselblad.com to fi nd company benefi ts from the good one of the most important things we much they thought a new Hasselblad out more), while the London-based news. can do,’ he continued. ‘My aim will be cost they would say ‘Oh that’ll be Pro Centre, which has specialised in to replicate what we are doing in the £25,000 or £30,000 won’t it?’ camera and lighting hire since 1988 Send all Movers&Shakers UK, all over the world. ‘It’s a serious misconception. is set for it’s biggest ever facelift. stories by email to: We have a superb product in the Our latest cutting edge, and quite Clearly, Hasselblad has recognised [email protected] new H4 series and the company has remarkable, H4D Series starts at the huge efforts Chris has put and we’ll do the rest. a great future as long as we continue just £12,995 for the body, viewfi nder into the UK market and now want to listen to our customers’ needs and and an 80mm lens. his skills to wrap round the world. develop our solutions accordingly.’ Additionally, many had no It’s a bold appointment and one Chris took over the reins at idea that we have a full service which Chris himself recognises as Hasselblad just over a year ago and department in the UK – and that being a step off safe ground for the he immediately initiated a radical their cameras didn’t need to be sent company. He concludes: ‘I know that culture shift in a bid to increase back to Denmark for repair. There all this represents a massive sea customer exposure to the latest was a serious disconnect and lack change. But it’s all deliverable. And ranges of medium format capture of understanding about where we it will be.’ technology. A key challenge was to stood in the marketplace - and it was Visit www.hasselblad.com to fi nd overcome perceived price issues. costing us market share. We urgently out more about the range. Credit_Biewoef

BPI MAGAZINE | JULY 31 supported by PMANewsline Passport photos - future still unclear as government policy detail awaited

The long running saga of the future Speech but, while the documentation of passport photos is still with us produced after the speech and, at the time of this magazine mentioned the national ID card going to press, the future is still scheme, no mention was made of unclear. biometric passports. One reason for The Coalition government in their this may be that the two are quite initial document stated under Clause different programmes. 10, Civil Liberties: “The parties agree However, the Identity and to implement a full programme of Passport Service issued a notice measures to reverse the substantial to interested parties in which it erosion of civil liberties under the said: “As a result of recent policy Labour Government and roll back changes……UK Border Agency is state intrusion. currently considering its options and This will include…the scrapping of hopes to confi rm its requirements ID card scheme, the National Identity under this procurement by the end register, the next generation of of June 2010. “ biometric passports and the Contact Meanwhile, PMA continues to Point Database.” monitor the situation and hold However for many people it was discussions with the various Goodbye to photo booths? Maybe, not clear what was meant by “the stakeholders to try to ensure that maybe not as photo next generation”. the photo retailer maintains his retailers await de- PMA had hoped for some ability to participate in this vary tails of the Govern- ment’s proposals. clarifi cation after the Queen’s important business area. Retail Business Development Forum to include round table discussion groups

Final details of the date and venue be introducing new products and for the 2010 PMA Retail Business services to help you grow your Development Forum have now been business. confi rmed. Places at the PMA Retail Business It will be held at the Holiday Inn, Development Forum cost just £40. Birmingham Airport, on Tuesday, To register call PMA on 01438 September 14th and PMA is busy 840 367 or email Tracey Chapman lining up top speakers with retail [email protected] business expertise who will be happy Don’t forget to make a date in to pass their thoughts and advice on your diary now for the forum that to you. helps you succeed. A key feature of this year’s forum will be the round table discussion Right: Round table discussions, featuring suppliers and retailers a success at the 2009 Business who will be invited to share with Development Forum, will also feature at you their experiences and will also the 2010 event.

BPI MAGAZINE | PMA NEWSLINE | JULY 33 PMANewsline

In store, surrounded by friends, that’s a different story I see that Waitrose is branching out from supermarkets and is to open its fi rst convenience stores, notes Nigel McNaught, who muses: “Is your photo retail store “convenient”? Is it “easy” to shop there?

I QUITE like it when we’re proved new Kodak kiosk software and you’ll That guru of retail photo therapy home, on your own, no-one next wrong because it gives us an see the potential benefi t. We all Bill McCurry once said to me that to you to share anything with, why opportunity to re-evaluate our know that teenagers and those with if we want teenagers and the like would you print? But in the store, actions. Facebook pages are content just to to print their photos then we have surrounded by your friends, that’s a But what if the thing about send their photos to each other for to pitch it right to them, in their different story; sharing by handing which we’re proved wrong has been sharing; they don’t want prints do space; in other words make it easy round a print is actually easier than around for years and is built into they? or, as far as Waitrose is concerned, sharing by getting everyone to look our subconscious? Well it makes no Well that’s where we might have to “convenient”. at a screen. And when one person difference, it might just mean that makes a print then the peer pressure we take longer to accept that we is on, not that I’m advocating “rent- might have been wrong. //If we want teenagers and the like to print a-crowd”. What has prompted this train of their photos then we have to pitch it Perhaps this is part of what they thought? I was in the Kodak Express mean when they talk about the store in Stevenage last week. This right to them, in their space; in other “Retail Experience”. is owned and run by Jonathan words make it easy or, as far as Waitrose Now in the same way that one Ellam and he showed me the latest is concerned, “convenient”.// sunny day doesn’t make a heat wave, addition to their kiosk. Open up the we will need to get more evidence screen and it shows you all your than from this one shop operating various sources of photos for you to rewrite the books because Jonathan But can it really be that simple? Of on one weekend; but I do hope that print from, exactly as you expect. told me that when they launched it course not. Convenience may be just our widely held views can be proved But there was an extra icon, the the previous weekend the kids were one piece in the jig-saw. After all, if wrong. Facebook logo. So this kiosk enabled queuing up to print photos from it was down to making it easy, then Please let me know your own you to access your Facebook pages their Facebook pages, and not just the on-line print facility of facebook experiences when you start to offer and then print the images. Okay one each either. So are we wrong in would be working overtime. this service; and just to make it easy nothing overly clever so far, but read our historic belief? And why are we So perhaps there’s also a and convenient, here’s my email on and also check the story on the wrong? psychological aspect. Sitting at address: [email protected]

PMA UK - MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

• Preferential commission rates on credit and • Low premiums for personal and staff health • Discounted entry to all PMA events, debit card transactions insurance UK and worldwide • Low premiums for business insurance • Regular email newsletters to keep you up to • Promotional materials, advertisements, • Free Business Support Helpline for all legal, date with all the photo industry news posters and editorial employment, health and safety issues • Up to date information on passport photo • National industry promotions • Contract of Employment writing service requirements, UK and Worldwide • Staff training programmes • Seminars, workshop sessions and • Access to the PMA International Newsline • Careers guidance conferences for learning about what is with daily updates on world news • … and lots more new and for networking with others in the • UK, European and Global Market Research business data, forecasts and trends analysis Check out www.pmai.org/uk

34 JULY | PMA NEWSLINE | BPI MAGAZINE PMANewsline PMA moves 2011 show to September, opens doors to the public

PMA’s Annual Convention and Trade videos, and moving the show to It’s back to Vegas Show will be held in September for PMA 2011 but September highlights photography next year, rather than in February date is changed to for those holidays. This includes September. or March. Dates are September new cameras and camcorders, but 8th to10th, with the Las Vegas also the evolving photo publishing Convention Center as the venue. market, including photo books, cards, And for the fi rst time, the show calendars and more.” will be open to the public, albeit on Right: Ormond Explaining the decision to open just one day, Saturday September Williams and Linda Pujo of what has so far been exclusively the USA Framing Competi- 10th. tion at the judging of the a trade show to photo enthusiasts The PMA show is traditionally framing competition at the he went on: “Our very successful held in the fi rst quarter, but changes PMA Convention in Ana- Digital Life Expo, held each year in heim earlier this year. in industry buying cycles and in Australia, has shown the consumers’ technology developments made the appetite for hands-on photography new schedule advantageous. experiences is considerable. “Based on input from key “For the fi rst time, enthusiast and suppliers and trade groups, the PMA hobbyist photographers can walk show is changing dates to better the show fl oor to see and to touch serve the photo industry,” said PMA the latest cameras and imaging boss, Ted Fox. technology.” “PMA member retailers and PMA member associations, service providers can now use the including the Digital Imaging largest annual photo imaging show Marketing Association, Photo and conference to fi nd those new Imaging Education Association products and services that will make and Professional Picture Framers a holiday season successful. Association, will also move their 2011 “Also, world-class PMA convention conferences dates to September. education will provide the most However, because of their different up-to-date retail trends and market requirements, PMA is considering information.” Conversely, the autumn show dates for the Christmas holiday selling a spring 2011 event for the Ted Fox points out that today’s are ideal for those large chain stores season,” said Fox. “The PMA show Professional School Photographers fast-paced business world means that do place purchase orders long serves as the media showcase Association International and nimble retailers and service in advance. for the photo/imaging industry, Sports Photographers Association providers no longer need the “The early September date generating thousands of blog posts, of America. More details will be long lead of a fi rst-quarter event. makes PMA 2011 the ideal kick-off newspaper articles and YouTube available shortly. Play your part in shaping future skills

Skillset, the Sector Skills Council Industries are eligible to participate to then work with industry to target • Developing courses to meet the for Creative Media, is currently so please get involved at resource to real need and develop needs of the workforce. undertaking the largest formal www.skillset.org/playyourpart bespoke skills solutions, thus making • Targeting funding opportunities to review of skills needs and working The independent research sure the photographic industries in meet industry needs life in the UK’s photographic consultancy IFF has been the UK are world leaders. • Providing opportunities for industries. Results will directly and commissioned by Skillset to record The results of recent Skillset industry to infl uence and inform HE quickly shape all Skillset’s work, the answers and prepare the data industry research are published curriculum to better serve industry including future training support, for analysis by Skillset, and will on Skillset’s website, www.skillset. needs. pinpointing skills gaps and making treat any information provided org. Search for Strategic Skills PMA fully supports this important sure our industries maintain their confi dentially and in strict adherence Assessment for the Creative work and urges you to play your part world class position. to the Data Protection Act. Industries 2010 into the search box - your involvement will make a big All employers and individuals Large-scale quantitative feedback on the Skillset home page. As a difference. If you have any queries working in the Creative Media direct from industry enables Skillset result of this research, Skillset is: please email [email protected]

BPI MAGAZINE | PMA NEWSLINE | JULY 35 PMANewsline Learn from the rest of the world One of the benefi ts of belonging to a global organisation like PMA is the ability to learn from what is going on elsewhere in the world. For some time now, PMA Newsline has carried articles from First Retail in New Zealand, www.fi rstretail.co.nz, and this month we have taken the opportunity to ask Chris Wilkinson, First Retail’s MD, about the experience he brings to us in the photo industry.

PMA: Chris, can you tell us a little for ourselves and our clients. our location is unimportant – in fact successful clients focus strongly on about your company and how you a few of our team spend most of the very core products we often take began working with the photo PMA: A number of retail categories their time on the road or working for granted – and do extremely well. industry? are facing similar issues to from clients offi ces. Wilkinson: For 26 years we have photography. What would your PMA: What trends and been in the on-site photo business, advice to them be? PMA: If you were a photo retailer opportunities do you see in the starting with one store, then building Wilkinson: Ironically we have been here in the UK what would be on future for our industry? to a regional chain. During that time, working closely with booksellers your shopping list this year? Wilkinson: A real trend is our market we started working with other photo where there is a huge sense of Wilkinson: Number one would be going full-circle. I think we’ll see retailers and product manufacturers deja vu with the journey photo online printing and gifting – that’s studios come back in vogue, and a overseas, developing strategy and shops have been on. We’re dealing a must have as we are seeing huge greater emphasis on photo décor. systems. with digitisation, print on-site and growth from those that have become With new dry-lab systems I see it internet fulfi lment – all key elements involved in this. Secondly you must will be much easier to produce photo PMA: And now your work spans in the photo market. Our advice is be doing photo gifting. Whether books. other categories as well? How have to tread carefully, choose strong it’s a full line of products, or simply you adapted to the diversity from supply partners and time the move instant photo gifts, the time is PMA: What are the key differences fast photos to fast food or fashion? into technology carefully. Too early right and consumers are becoming you see between photo stores Wilkinson: First Retail now has and their investment could easily be increasingly aware of the potential globally? Anything that UK a wide range of clients not only compromised. with their pictures. Photobooks, too retailers could be embracing? in retail, but service and local are a favourite of ours. Just look at Wilkinson: Yes, a key factor in government too. Essentially we PMA: First Retail is based in New the statistics – make sure you are driving sales for minilabs is the work with any organisation that Zealand, but you have clients offering them! number of kiosks in store. Whilst we has a stakeholding in the retail around the world. How do you understand that space and costs are sector as the dynamics are very manage this geographical spread? PMA: Any tips you can share from at a premium in Europe, it’s vital to similar. Our background with the Wilkinson: Our time differences help successful clients? have plenty of kiosks so customers photo market has been extremely us work well in all markets. We are Wilkinson: Don’t ignore the basic can feel at ease when they make valuable because most people in slightly ahead of clients in Australia products like digital prints and their orders. Extra time also allows business recognise the challenges and overlap the afternoon for those enlargements. Too often retailers for ‘discovery’ of additional services our industry has faced over the past in the US. Some of our team start get wound up with new services, like collaging, photobooks, canvas decade. To have come through this early in the morning to catch the more capital investment or chasing and other premium products labs successfully is an achievement both European market. With technology, the competition. Some of our most desperately need to move towards.

6Sight Report imaging news. The 6Sight Report media, fi le formats and more; and imaging technologies and trends. Weekly Briefi ng is a concise executive Industry Updates – signifi cant Each issue of this monthly publication Weekly Briefi ng report focusing on four key areas: developments in such imaging areas can be downloaded for a small After 17 years as subscription-only Mobile & Internet Imaging – camera as printers, scanners, and application fee or received via email as paid newsletter, The 6Sight Report Weekly phones, online photo services, tools, software. subscription electronic publication. Briefi ng is now available online and and applications; Digital Cameras – The 6Sight Weekly Briefi ng is a free Sign up now at www.6SightReport. through email at no cost to all those the latest technology and product companion publication to the monthly com, a new blog which serves as interested in an executive summary news; Components & Architectures 6Sight Report, a monthly newsletter core community for weekly briefi ng of the week’s most important photo – sensors, processors, removable containing in-depth reports on vital readers.

BPI MAGAZINE | PMA NEWSLINE | JULY 37 AndFinally...

Archant News

Professional charting one month of his hectic Turning Pro Photographer schedule for the magazine. The July issue Someone making waves in the The second of Professional international fashion world is young edition of this Photographer Essex photographer Alice Hawkins. latest launch magazine Her image and approach are from Archant is a post confrontational and unique but they Imaging goes on production are working for her. You can fi nd out sale on the 15th special more in her fi rst major magazine July and features featuring a interview. The July Issue also charts even more real report on the the true life story of a Grand Prix life stories of state of the pro post production shoot and features all of the latest photographers industry in 2010. news, views and reviews from the forging successful It also features photographic world of professional photography. professional legend Barry Lategan who is There is also an opportunity to win a careers as well COPYRIGHT: MARK PAIN COPYRIGHT: currently being rediscovered by a £5,000 shoot budget to photograph as essential new school of fashion and beauty the latest Land Rover Discovery. information for anyone considering Podcasts photographers. In an exclusive taking that big career step. With an The Photography Monthly podcasts interview he talks about his career On Sale 23rd June £3.99 emphasis on wedding and social/ are becoming increasingly popular and inspirations. event photography it is fi lled with with over 5,000 downloads every If you’ve ever wondered how a Photography Monthly inspirational photography and month from iTunes alone. With the photographer gets to shoot the Stop Press News essential information. highest chart position so far being cover of Vogue, there is no better Recognising The second issue has a special number 20 in the iTunes top 100, and person to ask than the photographer the diffi cult feature focusing on how to fi nd a The Archers at number 1! shooting them. Regan Cameron economic niche within event photography Having created podcast specials shoots more than most and tells the climate as well as a head to head review for Christmas Eve, and covering magazine how he got his break and Photography between the Canon EOS 5DMKII, the TIPA awards the latest is a how he built his career. Monthly July, Nikon D700 and the Sony Alpha 900. World Cup special in which the One of the busiest professional August and It also gives advice on how to handle Photography Monthly team talk to photographers in the UK today must September an interview and present your work pro sports photographer Mark Pain be award winning David Loftus. Not issues are on sale at an exclusive in the appropriate way for the client in Johannesburg about his pitch side only is he Jamie Oliver’s favourite, £2.99 in WH.Smith High Street you’re hoping to work for. After a experiences and the Nikon kit he his work his so in demand that it’s stores. The August issue will also phenomenally successful launch the uses for every game. almost unbelievable in these diffi cult be at this exclusive price within second issue is looking to go from Watch via the website times. He has compiled a diary WH.Smith Travel stores as well. strength to strength. www.photographymonthly.com

Quirky snippets from the internet – and beyond!

Pentax K-hameleon Putting a (big) foot in it fee. The competition website states Up for the cup No, you haven’t A competition to fi nd and that the event, planned from July Online auction site eBay is currently had one too photograph Bigfoot has, perhaps 10-14, was cancelled due to a ‘lack of awash with coffee cups in the shape many cups unsurprisingly, turned out to be a participation’. and form of Nikon AF-S 24-70mm of coffee, hoax. Photographers in and around and 70-200mm lenses. The cups, this really is Silverton, Colorado were lured to Digital? Pah! which we’d like to point out, are in a rainbow- part with a $250 entry fee in return Lomography is alive and kicking no way affi liated to Nikon, follow coloured Pentax for the chance to win a $1,000,000 thanks to the new Spinner 360, on from a similar receptacle that K-x. Some of you might not be too prize. But the competition was which was launched this month. The mimicked Canon’s 70-200mm f/2.8L. sorry to hear that this psychedelic cancelled when it came to light that Spinner uses the beloved medium BPI hasn’t had hand on one of the DSLR won’t be making its way on none of the supposed sponsors knew of fi lm to capture eight 360 degree cups, but they are said to be 1:1 to the UK market, but we quite like anything about the contest and were panoramic images. The lens is a scale and bear a close resemblance the quirky colour scheme. Just 1000 in no way affi liated with it. fi xed 25mm affair and the Spinner is to the lenses in question. units have been made and will be The competition was organised by set spinning by pulling on a trigger They even come with a pouch case sold exclusively in Tower Records Silverton businessman Rick Lewis cord, just like an Action Man with and lens cap, or should that be lens stores in Japan. One to mothball and who, BPI assumes, will now be facing eagle eyes. The mechanical drive cup? fl og for a huge profi t in 50 years fraud allegations as it is unclear is controlled by a high-tech rubber time, we reckon – remember the how many photographers actually band so no batteries are needed. garishly-striped Paul Smith Mini? parted with the astronomical entry Visit www.lomography.com

38 JULY | BPI MAGAZINE supported by