British Photographic Industry News March 2019

Photographic British

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MARCH 2019 • £3

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NEW ‘SHOOTS’ FOR SPRING! PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW PREVIEW ISSUE: OPEN NOW FOR A BUMPER CROP OF THE LATEST PHOTO & MINILAB GEAR!

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IN THIS ISSUE…

FUJIFILM X-T30

THE BIG INTERVIEW

PANASONIC S1/S1R

BUSINESS ADVICE

Self-proclaimed ‘little giant’ among mirrorless cameras, successor to what’s claimed as the best-selling ‘X’ camera ever

We quiz CEWE UK’s new MD Fabian Sparer on the present and future of photo printing in this country – and how we boost sales

The electronics giant’s long anticipated full frame mirrorless system finally breaks cover. Full report for the trade inside!

We advise on how focusing on winning customers locally, rather than over the Internet, can lead to big developments

M I R R O R L E S S R E I N V E N T E D A L L - R O U N D

C R E A T I V E

G E N I U S

The Nikon mirrorless Z 6 has arrived. Inspired by your creative pursuit, Nikon Z 6 is a compact full-frame powerhouse that excels in both photography and videography. Its revolutionary Z mount unlocks the next generation range of NIKKOR Z lenses*, empowering you to capture amazingly sharp images with speed and control – a superior optical performance that’s undeniably Nikon. Elevate your vision with the Z 6 today.

ISO 100-51200 | 4K UHD | 10-BIT N-LOG | IN-CA MERA 5-AXIS VR U P TO 12 F PS | 24.5 M P *Also fully AF/AE compatible with over 90 NIKKOR F lenses when paired with the optional FTZ mount adapter

For more information visit www.nikon.co.uk

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PHOTO TRADE SPRINGS INTO ACTION A

Photographic British

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

Editorial | March 2019

Gavin Stoker, Editor gavin@bpinews.co.uk @GavinStoker

Publisher’s Office: 31 New Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7HZ. Legacy Media Ltd accept no ultimate responsibility for accurate reproduction of digital artwork created by third parties.

Insurance and carriage of products submitted for inclusion in reports rests with the owner. News, data, prices, interviews and opinion are printed in good faith E&OE. Content including advertising artwork created by Legacy Media Ltd or its agents is ©2019 Legacy Media Ltd. ISSN: to be advised.

fter a traditionally quiet period for big news just before and just after the start of the New Year, this past month has seen new hardware announcements, previews and launches coming thick and fast. It seems that, with spring on the way, the photo trade has woken from its slumber and bright new ideas are popping up along with the bluebells and daffodils.

Of course some of these big ideas are continuations – or evolutions – of last year’s. For example, full frame mirrorless cameras like the new Canon EOS RP, and the appearance, finally, of the much anticipated Panasonic S system, its first venture into the full frame market after years of supporting Four Thirds mounts and sensors. We celebrate both of these new arrivals and the continued growth they may deliver for the mirrorless market on

NEXT ISSUE IS OUR PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW REVIEW. Final copy deadline: March 21st.

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COVER IMAGE: Canon’s new EOS RP full frame mirrorless is our cover star this issue. Turn to pages 16 and 17 for more on the selling points for this camera and the company’s plans for The Photography Show this year.

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pages 16 and 17, and 12 and 13 of this issue, respectively. We were able to get hands on with the EOS RP, while a pro photographer/videographer gives us his impressions of the S1/S1R – our aim being to give you the information and sales ammunition you need to entice custom.

APS-C mirrorless hasn’t been forgotten of course and there’s a new Fujifilm X-T30 model revealed on page 8 of News, the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ (just tweak it) sequel to the X-T20, reportedly the brand’s best ever selling X series model. Unlike other manufacturers who appear to be trying to bulk out mirrorless models to make them more of a ‘serious’ proposition for current DSLR owners, Fuji maintains that the smaller format is what makes mirrorless attractive – what we’ve been told from the very beginning – and therefore it should stay that way.

Technology moves quickly though, and, as experience tells us, what’s stated today isn’t always the case for long. We should get a chance to get to grips with all of the above, and find out what else is new in terms of photo accessories of all sizes, shapes, descriptions and prices, at The Photography Show in Birmingham this month, taking place over four days from the weekend beginning March 16th. As this is our Show Preview edition we’ve packed it out with examples of who’s showing what, why you should investigate further and indeed place an order pronto to fulfil expected demand. Yes, once again at this time of year, it’s very much the case that you need to ‘spring’ into action.

We’ll bring you a full review of the show and who was showcasing what next issue, which will be our April cover. Don’t miss it!

BPI News | March 2019 3

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NIKON

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

and blogger Donna Crous and aptly named US wildlife photographer Moose Peterson.

Nikon School trainers Neil Freeman and Ricci Chera will also be on stage throughout the show, imparting further advice.

“The Photography Show is a real calendar highlight for Nikon and we are delighted to once again be exhibiting at one of the industry’s biggest events,” UK Marketing Manager Jeremy Gilbert tells us. “The show continues to afford us the opportunity to connect face-to-face with our loyal customers and with such a sensational line-up of products and speakers to showcase this year, we’re certain that visitors will be impressed with what Nikon has on offer at TPS 2019.”

Head to Stand C11 to meet up Lumix National with Trust POS the Nikon UK team. www.nikon.co.uk

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The new mirrorless Z series as well as existing DSLRs and F-mount Nikkor lenses will unsurprisingly be the chief focus of Nikon’s stand this year. It will also be once again hosting its Nikon School Stage with talks from inspirational speakers including Nikon photographer ambassadors. These will include automative photographer Amy Shore, entertainment and wildlife A3 Poster photographer Conor McDonnell plus wedding and street photographer Ross Harvey. Joining the line up are also wildlife and landscape photographer George Turner, Game of Thrones Principal Photographer Helen Sloan, Nikon USA ambassador Joe McNally, along with food photographer to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.

Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

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

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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arch is again here, and that means a key date in the calendar is rushing up to meet us: The Photography Show, which this year returns to Hall 5 of the NEC and features a dedicated Video Show element for the first time. The dates for your attendance are Saturday March 16th to Tuesday 19th. As usual each year, here we’re taking a look at what a selection of key names in the trade will be doing with their floor space.

We’ve also peppered this special preview issue with further news of who’s doing and showing what – and where to witness it, in order to provide a comprehensive preview and reason for you to visit.

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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ALL (CAMERA) SYSTEMS GO…

CANON

on its stand. This year the line up includes Top Gear’s behind-the-scenes photographer Rod Fountain, Guardian sports photographer Tom Jenkins, landscape and macro photographer Oliver Wright, plus wedding and portrait photographer Sanjay Jogia. Joining them are film-maker Emma Wilson, Pulitzer Prize finalist and photojournalist Ivor Prickett, urban photographer Nigel Levanterman, fashion photographer Lara Jade, and conceptual and fine art photographer Rosie Hardy. www.canon.co.uk

SONY As an early leader in full frame mirrorless cameras, Sony will have its latest line up, plus smaller APS-C models (including the recently introduced E-mount A6400) showcased on what it says will be a redesigned stand (D51). It will have a

As noted in our Canon feature in this edition (see page 16), the market leader will be returning again to Hall 5, where it can be found on Stand D141, E131. Its focus will be very much on full frame cameras – specifically the newest EOS RP, as well as the EOS R, 6D Mark II and 5D Mark IV. WobblerWe’ve also heard that it will have design mock-ups of five of its six forthcoming RF lenses for the EOS R range at the show.

For more turn to our centre spread.

Naturally Canon will also be hosting a broad selection of photographers talking

to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.

Hang Tag

Photographic Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

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News

FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW system cameras – the full frame 24 megapixel S1 and 41MP S1R– are here at last, perfectly timed to debut at The Photography Show (Stand D41). Visitors to the stand will be able to get hands on with its latest kit and also receive advice from its pro photographer ambassadors on the stand. For more from Panasonic in advance of the show, see our article on page 12 of this edition. www.panasonic.co.uk

OLYMPUS pro support desk and dedicated pro video area on its stand, with product specialists on hand throughout the show duration to answer questions.

The electronics manufacturer’s stand will also as usual include a full schedule of live demonstrations and talks from visiting photographers, including portrait specialist Terry Donnelly. In fact it says it will be ‘busier than ever’ this year. www.sony.co.uk

This year Olympus is celebrating its 100th anniversary – and so will be displaying historical cameras and lenses dating back to 1936, as well as references to Olympus’ medical and industrial history from 1919 to 2019. Visitors will also be able to try out its newest mirrorless camera in the OM-D E-M1X (examined in BPI News February), plus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 16x magnification lens, while Olympus’

audio solutions will be demonstrated in conjunction with the OM-D range.

The manufacturer says that its free clean and check service will also be back by popular demand, operating on a first come first served basis.

Olympus ambassador photographers hosting informal sessions on the stand this year include Jay Dickman from the USA who will be appearing at ‘TPS’ for the first time, Fernando Marmolejo from Spain, who worked on launch campaign imagery for the E-M1X, plus UK ambassador Tesni Ward and Ali Kiani from Olympus Europe.

In addition to stand activity, two of Olympus’ ‘special guests’ in Magnum photographer Ian Berry and Olympus Mentor Charlie Waite will be speaking at the Pro Conference, and on the Great Outdoors stage respectively.

Walk on over to Stand D91 to check out the latest from Olympus and check the brand’s schedule at the URL below. www.olympus-imagespace.co.uk

PANASONIC Much anticipated and debated since their announcement at Photokina last year, Panasonic’s two new Lumix S

Don’t forget… that trade visitors and pro photographers can register for a free pass in advance of the show; just head to www.photographyshow.com to do so and check out the promised 300 exhibitors this year. Just make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute! @bpi_news

BPI News | March 2019 5

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SIGMA GOES ‘L’ FOR LEATHER WITH 11 NEW MOUNT LENSES The big news at Photokina last year for anyone who attended was the surprise hook up between Leica, Sigma and Panasonic – otherwise known as the L-Mount Alliance. Now the first physical fruits of that partnership based on Leica’s existing camera mount have emerged in not only the Panasonic S1/S1R cameras (see page 12 this issue), but also newly L mount compatible lenses from Sigma.

Sensibly Sigma is also offering up the option of photographers investing in its MC-21 converter, that allows Sigma SA mount and Sigma’s Canon EF mount lenses to be used on L-Mount camera bodies. This, it says, instantly boosts the number of Sigma manufactured lenses that can be used by the L-Mount system to 29 lenses, though a launch date was yet to be set for both the mount converter and directly compatible lenses at the time of writing.

In total, Sigma has announced plans for a whopping 11 prime lenses for full frame cameras that utilise the L-Mount, covering focal lengths from 14mm to 135mm and which will bear its high performance ‘Art’ series branding. So

far, the L-Mount compatible lenses are: the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM; 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM; 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM; 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM; 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM; 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM; 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM; 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro; 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM; 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM plus the 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM. The manufacturer says that its L-Mount lenses are each capable of

Below: A selection of L-Mount compatible lenses from the 11 announced last month, all heading your customers’ way for a date and price yet to be set

achieving high speed AF results and are fully compatible with AF-C mode, in-camera aberration correction and in-camera image stabilization systems.

Offering a brass bayonet mount, the mount connection area of each incorporates rubber sealing for dust and splash proof construction. More details to follow when we receive them! www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

Little ‘mix: Panasonic zoom compacts upgraded Another figure in the L-Mount Alliance has also been busy this month. Its popular travel zoom – or ‘TZ’ – series of compacts has just received an upgrade in the shape of the Lumix TZ95, which comes with a Leica branded 30x optical zoom lens, 20.3 MP resolution sensor and 4K video shooting. Of interest to long time followers of this range will be the addition of a tiltable 3-inch, 1040K dot rear monitor as well as brand new high resolution LVF (Live View

Finder) that’s 0.21-inches in size.

The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi equipped TZ95 is available from the end of April at £399.99 SRP, in either black or black and silver body options.

The second new zoom camera is the Lumix FZ1000 II. This marries a oneinch sensor to again Leica-branded 16x optical zoom (providing an equivalent reach of 25-400mm in 35mm terms) with f/2.8-4.0 aperture range, and is being pitched as the perfect bridge camera for photo enthusiasts. Also among its key features are 4K Photo and Video modes, plus an angle-adjustable rear screen and electronic viewfinder.

SRP is £769.99 and the camera is available from the end of this month.

In related Panasonic news, the brand has announced it will be offering ‘comprehensive’ support for Lumix photographers on location at the Olympic and Paralympic Games

You do like your zooms don’t you?

Two newbies from Panasonic in the TZ95 (left) and FZ1000 II (above), both on sale this spring

Tokyo 2020. Situated in the Main Press Centre, the new Lumix Pro service and repair hub will be available for the first time to support professional photographers in attendance, further to the recent launch of its Lumix Pro platform (see page 12 for more). www.panasonic.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 6 March 2019 | BPI News

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SEE US AT

STAND F51

PREVIEW

FUJIFILM DEBUTS ‘LITTLE GIANT’ There’s a new APS-C sensor incorporating mirrorless ‘lifestyle camera’ arriving from the photo giant this month – just in time for The Photography Show…

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ecent photo trade talk has largely focused on full frame mirrorless cameras, with Canon, Nikon and Panasonic newly competing with Sony’s longstanding offerings. Bucking that trend is Olympus with its latest Four Thirds sensor OM-D E-M1X (see last issue), and this month, Fujifilm with its APS-C chip incorporating X-T30.

“APS-C is the best balanced system for us,” re-affirmed UK Marketing Manager Andreas Georghiades to BPI News, a stance it also took at last September’s X-T3 launch. The new X-T30 builds on the goodwill and success afforded its X-T20 predecessor, for which, the company told us: “over 90% of users aren’t professionals, but still prioritise image quality and want a nice looking camera. So, the look of our cameras is just as important as the ‘look’ that is coming out of them.”

The new mirrorless X-T30 arrives in a choice of three body colours: silver, black or charcoal silver

COMPACT CAMERA, BIG AMBITION Fujifilm is marketing its new X-T30 as “the little giant”, which means “small camera, big performance.” Despite feeling as robust and well made in the hand as you’d expect, the unit – which the manufacturer is calling ‘generation 4.1’ – weighs just 383g. It arrives in the UK this month in a choice of silver or black, with a charcoal silver version following in May. In terms of the core features you should be pitching to your photographer customers, these include a 26 megapixel back-illuminated APS-C sensor, phase

Fujifilm UK’s Marketing Manager Andreas Georghiades believes that the look of its cameras (X-T30 black version in hand) is just as important as the images they produce.

Meet the team and try the cameras out for yourself at The Photography Show

detection enabled AF, a 4th generation X Processor said to be three times faster than previous iterations, 4K video capture at 30fps, plus Full HD video at up to 120fps. The fourth generation AF system is claimed to deliver more precise and faster auto focus – indeed it is said to be 300% faster in picking up on subjects travelling from far to near, or near to far.

Low light capability has been improved with the latest X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor possessing both more phase detection pixels, plus the ability to deliver a lot more information and a lot more accuracy.

Also improved are Face and Eye Tracking, which have been made ‘more stable’. In fact, the camera will register faces that are 30% smaller in the frame than the previous X-T20 was capable of. For added convenience there’s also a new ‘Face Select’ function, whereby the touch screen or focus lever can be used to direct the camera to automatically track a designated subject.

Speed wise, the X-T30’s capable of delivering 30fps black-out free burst shooting, using the camera’s electronic shutter (with a 1.25x crop imposed), or 8fps using its mechanical shutter. In terms of video, we get many features we saw on the X-T3 last year. In fact, the X-T30 features “video capability far beyond what we had on the X-T20” according to Fuji’s Andreas. This includes an USB-C analogue headphone plug plus a cinematic film simulation mode in ‘Eterna’.

HOT TO HANDLE The new compact sports a very similar design to its X-T20 predecessor from the front, Fuji having taken the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it approach’ to an already popular model. On the back, however, the thumb pad has been removed and a joystick introduced. The camera’s grip has been given a re-design and now has a “nicer feel”, its maker believes. “We still believe the benefit of mirrorless cameras to be their size and weight advantage,” adds Andreas. The EVF is said to be the same as the X-T20’s, yet brighter and smoother than before, while the pop-up flash has been retained.

The X-T30 is released on March 20th, in the aforementioned black and silver bodies. In addition, there is new X-T3 firmware promised for April and a new lens for March too in the weather and dust resistant XF16mm f/2.8 R WR at £349 SRP. The lens debuts in a black version with silver following this May. Also coming soon are a FinePix XP140 tough series camera, plus X-T100 and X-A5 firmware updates.

For now, a body-only X-T30 retails at a suggested £849, it’s £899 if bought with a XC 15-45mm kit lens, or £1,199 if bought with an XF 18-55mm zoom.

There’ll of course be a chance to discuss and handle Fujifilm’s latest cameras at The Photography Show this month, where it can be found in Hall 5, on Stand D61. www.fujifilm.co.uk

New lifestyle camera released this month in the 26 MP APS-C sensor Fujifilm X-T30. See more at www.fujifim.co.uk 8 March 2019 | BPI News

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The Creation Station Gifting enabled kiosk

This kiosk’s got talent Welcome to

Photo Express

Try out the CS1 Kiosk at Stand A53

Kiosk customers can now print their photos from the cloud The frustrating problem for customers of only being able to print in-store using the photos saved on their phone (rather than those saved to the cloud) has now been solved.

The CS1 kiosk now comes with the MikroTik HAP solution for phone Wi-Fi which enables your customers to print their images from the cloud automatically using the store's own internet connection.

NEW FEATURE!

FAST AND EASY IMAGE LOADING Multiple options to connect via Phones, Tablets, USBs, Memory Cards & Social Media

Produce a huge variety of products in-store or through our off-site fulfilment providers.

CS1 Kiosk supports the UK Passport Office online applications With the CS1, passport photos are instantly verified via the official Government website.

When you print your customers’ passport photos from the CS1, a unique photo code is included that they can enter online when completing their passport application.

This attaches a digital photo directly to their application.

Customers can apply for a passport faster online and save money off the cost of their application.

NEW Gifting Products:

Greeting Cards, Wrapping Paper, Slates, Passport Holders, Personalised Engraved Frames

Over 90 existing products:

Including Clocks, Calendars, Mugs, Canvas Prints, Phone Cases, Cushions, Aluminium Panels & much more

Exclusively from Tetenal Ltd | TEL: 0116 289 3644 | tetenaluk.com/cs1kiosk

The Big Interview

PREVIEW

PRINT HEAD

We quiz CEWE’s newly installed UK Managing Director Fabian Sparer on the state of the market for photo printing – and what CEWE itself is doing to drive demand – in advance of exhibiting at The Photography Show this month…

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ne of the biggest names in the business of print, CEWE has a new UK Managing Director in the recently appointed Fabian Sparer, who succeeds previous incumbent Duncan Midwood and interim MD Maik Horbas, who has become MD of the group’s Munich lab. With fresh blood on the team, fresh challenges ahead, and the CEWE team attending The Photography Show this month, where we’re promised a larger stand and presence than on previous occasions, we thought it well worth sitting down with CEWE’s new head of operations in the UK. BPI News: What background and experiences do you bring to your new position? Have you always had an interest in photography and the visual image?

Fabian Sparer, CEWE UK MD: Before taking on my new role in the UK I was based in Munich, where I was the Head of Marketing & E-Commerce for Austria and Italy. Marketing and business development has always been the focus in my career.

Over the past 12 years, nine of which have been spent with CEWE, I’ve worked in different European cities and Asia, and I’ve held different marketing and management roles, including the Head of Customer Care and Head of Italy’s B2C market.

When digital cameras started to be popular in 2000, like many people I carried my camera everywhere with me. I saved all my photos on my laptop, until one day, during a trip in Asia, my laptop was stolen and so were all my photos. Three years’ worth of memories were gone without a trace – and it actually put me off taking photos for a while. Interestingly enough, three years later I started working for CEWE. Today I’ve learnt to back up my pictures and I like to use some of them to create CEWE PHOTOBOOKS, especially since I had my daughter. She is growing up so fast!

Q: How are you settling into your new role and will you be making any changes as regards the current and future direction of CEWE in the UK? I’m still new to our CEWE Warwick team, but I’ve quickly noticed that

As is the case in the rest of Europe, there are many photo printing services and products available in the UK market.

Our aim is to inspire our customers and focus on quality.”

CEWE UK MD Fabian Sparer everyone here – lab staff, marketing, sales and customer service teams – are all very passionate about our products.

The UK is a very advanced photo market and it is our primary goal to strengthen our brand here. Innovation plays an essential part in this. 40% of all printed photos are taken on smartphones, and so we’ve identified optimising the mobile experience as a top priority.

We will also continue to expand the range of our key branded products, including CEWE PHOTOBOOK, CEWE CALENDAR and CEWE WALL ART. Apart from that, customer satisfaction has always been the core value of CEWE culture – this is something that we will continue to emphasise in the UK. Q: Where do you see CEWE fitting in now as regards the UK market?

Who are you aiming to engage with,

and get on board as customers and whom do you see as competitors?

As is the case in the rest of Europe, there are many photo printing services and products available in the UK market.

Our aim is to inspire our customers and focus on quality.

I would say all consumers who want to do more with their photos will love our CEWE products; in particular, consumers in the UK who have high expectation and judgement in quality will find CEWE their perfect choice.

Q: What’s new with CEWE UK we should know about, in terms of products or innovations?

Transformation is fundamental for CEWE. We have gone through several change management processes: from analogue to digital, from digital to printing

Visit CEWE at The Photography Show this month in Hall 5, Stand E21.

10 March 2019 | BPI News

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The Big Interview photobooks and other added value products. Constant innovation is in our DNA. Every year in February we have our company’s innovation fair, where all of our international teams present new ideas and on-going projects. That has been an important way for us to launch new products, ordering channels and features.

One of our recent innovations is the ‘hexxas’, an extraordinary product that was introduced just at the end of last year. It is a new form of wall décor with your photo printed on hexagonal photo tiles, as a way to transform your memories into a work of art.

Our newly launched software includes an intelligent assistant which makes creating CEWE PHOTOBOOKS in just a few steps very easy. There are more functions, and you can save time, as you don’t need to go through all of your pictures one by one to select the best ones – the intelligent assistant does the job for you.

Another innovation is software that will allow users to create a photobook using voice control, which was demonstrated at Photokina last year. We don’t have a concrete date for rolling that out yet, but it’s an exciting development.

Q: In more general terms, how is the print marketplace looking from your perspective? Are there any trends, or products of particular popularity, we should know about?

Nowadays people take more pictures than ever before with their smartphones. With so many photos, they need a solution to preserve their favourite memories, and lasting photo products are one way to do it.

CEWE believes there is still great opportunity for growth in the popularity of photo products. We would like to let more people experience the joy

of creating something individual and tangible and be impressed by the results.

meaning and significance when someone takes the time to create it for you as a gift.

Q: Photobooks have always been a hit in Europe, particularly Germany, but haven’t quite made the same impact in the UK. Many experts have told us there is an opportunity here, however.

Can you advise on how minilabs and retailers could do more with – and get more profit from – photobooks?

Q: The question our trade readers always ask is how can we, collectively, get people to print more, and not just leave pictures on their mobile phone or PC hard drive? Is there an answer to that, from CEWE’s perspective?

There are cultural differences across Europe when it comes to photography. In Germany, photography is an essential part of people’s culture and photobooks are extremely popular. In Italy, for instance, the consumer market for photobooks is smaller, but people usually are willing to spend more money on one photobook for special occasions, such as weddings.

We live in a highly digitalised world where photos are shared by swiping and clicking. At the same time, people are looking for ways to preserve their memories. Photobooks can fulfil that need.

So yes, there is an opportunity for photo books, but I believe we need to inspire people to get creative! Show the consumers what values a photobook can bring to them. For retailers, it makes sense to make photo products visible to consumers and make them curious and interested.

Q: Are there any other ways that the UK photo market could benefit from products that have been successful in European markets? Are there any great ideas you’ve picked up in your previous roles?

I think photo calendars still have potential in the UK. Our CEWE CALENDAR is very popular in Europe, especially in Germany. An individually made calendar makes a wonderful Christmas gift. People like things that are personalised, and it lends it much more

With so many photos taken nowadays and stored on cloud storage, it doesn’t make sense to ask consumers to print all of them. So what are the reasons to get photos printed? Many people post their photos on social media, but actually they can preserve their stories in a more emotional way by creating a photobook for themselves, or as a gift. They can choose to post some of their favourite photos online for ‘likes’, and then choose the best ones, the memories they want to preserve, and turn them into something tangible. For us, we see it as a mission to bring new ways and fresh ideas to consumers to enable them to enjoy their photos. With innovation, we make it effortless for them to preserve their memories and bring their stories to life. At CEWE, we are convinced that only high quality products can achieve our goals.

Q: If our readers, retailers and minilabs, want to get more closely involved with CEWE and become a partner in order to use your services and media, and sell them on to their own customers, how can they do that and who do they contact?

We value partnerships and we are open for new ideas and collaboration.

On our website there is also a section that is tailor-made to suit the needs of professional photographers. Apart from that we will be at The Photography Show in Birmingham in March – come visit and get in touch with us!

CEWE believes there is still untapped potential for photobooks in the UK market (its own examples shown), and that retailers should be inspiring their customers to get creative with them

For more on CEWE’s product offerings, please also visit www.cewe-photoworld.com NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | March 2019 11

PREVIEW

ALL SYSTEMS GO: PANASONIC LUMIX S DEBUTS

Panasonic’s much-anticipated full frame Lumix S system hits the shelves – and The Photography Show – this month. We get a hands-on opinion from pro photographer Daimon Xanthopoulos, while Panasonic’s Mike Owen talks us through its main selling points…

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agerly awaited since their announcement at Photokina last year, Panasonic’s two new Lumix S system cameras – the 24 megapixel S1 and 41MP S1R – are finally here, perfectly timed to debut at The Photography Show (Hall 5, Stand D41). What we didn’t know before were the prices: the S1R is a body-only £3,399.99, while the S1 is £2,199.99. All prices quoted here are the suggested retail prices.

As expected, the cameras are joined by three new L-Mount lenses: the Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4 (£2,299.99), Lumix S Pro 70-200mm f/4 OIS (£1,749.99) and Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS (£1,299.99). A fitting match for the camera bodies, all are dust and splash resistant. A kit twinning the S1R body with the 24-105mm is £4,199.99, while the same lens with the S1 is £2,999.99.

Rather than just run through specification you can find anywhere else, we’ve not only asked European Marketing Manager Mike Owen – responsible for setting up the inaugural Lumix Pro programme – to give us his take on why you should be stocking, selling and using the cameras. We’ve also sought real world opinion from pro photographer and Panasonic ambassador Daimon Xanthopoulos, whose projects cover themes, such as child trafficking and slavery, that he believes are “often forgotten”.

Used to working with a wide range of

Much of it was shot on Lumix cameras.

“The GX1 was my first Lumix camera, followed by use of the GH2 and GH4 for many projects,” he explains. “While travelling, I saw the benefit of a system that can do both photography and video and how it helped my storytelling.”

For the last year he’s mostly used the GH5, G9 and GH5s. “Now and then I bring my analogue Rolleiflex FX along to create images with lots of bokeh and I use them together with my Lumix shots in exhibitions or magazines. That’s why I’m very excited about the new Lumix S system. I now have that extra layer of creativity and resolution due to the larger sensor, but without compromising on the hybrid way of working. I can shoot images of high resolution and with lots of bokeh and still enjoy 4K video recording and the Panasonic colours I’ve loved through the years.” cameras, a key part of the Panasonics’ appeal, for Daimon, is the ‘hybrid’ aspect – as he shoots video along with stills. For the past four years he’s been working across Europe putting together a series of images to be published as a book titled The Archeology of Faith.

Full frame flagship: The 41 megapixel S1R has arrived in time for the Photography Show, alongside the outwardly identical (save for its model number) 24MP S1

LUMIX S: AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO MORE With the S series, Daimon simply believes he now has the opportunity to do more. “I don’t say every photographer should start filming, but I believe that option should be in your camera bag. When you find that

Panasonic S system advantages: at a glance

Worth looking into: Three directly compatible lenses debut alongside the cameras, all making use of the new L-Mount and all matching the Lumix S camera bodies in being dust and splash resistant

We asked Panasonic’s Mike Owen (pictured) to give us a run down on the standout features of the S system – and tried to limit him to three, something he admitted to be “a tough task.” So we’ve allowed him four, to include the new Lumix Pro service.

Make sure to visit Panasonic in Hall 5, Stand D41 at The Photography Show to talk with its photographic ambassadors 12 March 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Panasonic S1 / S1R promotion

great story, you can build your film using the one tool you know best: your camera!

“That said, the Lumix S1 is not just a great camera because it does very good video. I’m impressed by the image quality, colour science and detail delivered by the high-resolution sensor too. It’s a very robust and well built camera for travellers, explorers and people who want the best in image quality and flexibility.”

Despite it being a professional grade tool, the photographer likes the S1’s relatively simple and straightforward design, noting “the good firm grip, clear buttons and switches”. Like Marketing Manager Mike Owen, he also singles out its viewfinder for particular praise, believing that it is “simply great to shoot with.”

Daimon adds: “The autofocus is also very nice to use. I’ve been shooting portraits with fast prime lenses and using the autofocus setting that tracks the eye.

n For a photographer, the 5.76-milliondot OLED viewfinder is a dream to use. You receive the quality of an optical viewfinder with the benefits and functionality of an electronic viewfinder, such as the ability to zoom-in on your point of focus without having to take your eye away. For many, the optical viewfinder has been a reason to continue shooting with a DSLR; but with the unrivalled clarity achieved on the Lumix S Series, we feel that barrier has been removed. n Usability is often cited when selecting a camera body. The S series’ functions and features have been designed and built with the user in mind, from the size of the grip to the layout of the buttons and dials. We have also spent

That’s so great, because you now only have to focus on your subject and the camera makes sure the eyes remain sharp. This is especially important when working with an open aperture.

In general I’m impressed with how quickly the camera controls became familiar – and I haven’t even started on the sensor and low light performance.

Honestly, the S1 is a very nice camera for the professional photographer, without losing the hybrid concept that makes Panasonic Lumix so loved.”

Not surprisingly, the photographer’s subject matter sometimes finds him shooting in difficult conditions where his camera has to survive high humidity and the hot sun, yet still deliver the highest quality images. “When I look at the way the camera renders details and colours I’m very pleased. The skin tones are great, and I’ve even photographed

a significant amount of time working on the GUI of the camera to ensure it feels as intuitive as possible for both new and existing Lumix users. n Having the ability to choose from a wide array of lenses from the outset is a serious bonus for photographers and videographers. With renowned lens manufacturers Leica and Sigma, the combined heritage and technology of the L-Mount Alliance opens up a whole range of shooting opportunities for our consumer. We are incredibly excited to see what these two brands bring to the market. n The S Series is designed with the professional in mind and we realise

the stars at ISO 3200 and been very impressed by the low noise, lack of artefacts and the fact that I’ve even been able to capture the gas clouds of the Orion constellation. For me colours are very important because I come from a background of shooting colour slide film.

“I think mirrorless systems are the next evolution of cameras and give many modern benefits. As a photographer I want a system that does not limit me. It should give me the freedom to choose what I need and support my creativity.

“In the end it’s all about what tool the photographer likes working with best,” Daimon Xanthopoulos concludes. “The best stories are not made by cameras but by photographers and it’s great we have the S system now in the Lumix family as a high-end choice. I would urge people to experience the camera themselves.”

To check out more of Daimon’s work, direct your browser to www.daimon.nl

A pro photographer’s dream: Daimon Xanthopoulos (pictured, right) has been using Lumix cameras extensively for his work and is impressed by his amazingly detailed images from the S system, as shown

www.panasonic.co.uk

that for these users the product is only as important as the service behind it.

Delivering quality and assurance was front of mind when we created the Lumix Pro programme to support photographers and videographers when they need it the most. Members will benefit from the same level of service and support on the road as they would in their home region, with access to expedited turnaround times for repairs, as well as provision of loan equipment if required. There is also a range of extra benefits available depending on membership tier from a maintenance service through to lens calibration. Ultimately, our objective is to keep our members shooting.

and get hands on with the full frame Lumix S1 and S1R yourself. Alternatively visit www.panasonic.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | March 2019 13

PREVIEW

PHOTOXPORT BECOMES OFFICIAL CITIZEN PHOTO RESELLER

There’s major news breaking as we count the days to The Photography Show this month, at which PhotoXport will not only be showcasing its Noritsu, OKI and PM2S solutions – but also the Citizen printer range, in its exciting new role as official reseller. BPI News discovers more

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eicester based printer specialist and BPI News regular PhotoXport has been offering a Citizen based mobile printing solution in the compact Snapfoto for a little while now. In fact, we first covered the conveniently wireless option this time last year. Since then the partnership has blossomed to the extent that breaking news this month reveals PhotoXport having taken on the mantle of Official Citizen Photo Reseller – meaning that it will now be able to additionally offer Citizen’s entire range of current and future printing products, proprietary software solutions and accessories, to the UK photo trade. As a result it will be showcasing and taking orders for Citizen devices alongside offerings from its existing brands at The Photography Show or ‘TPS’ for short (Hall 5, stand A31).

“Citizen has established a number of new resellers and partners across EMEA in the past year or so,” explains Gary Andrews, EMEA Business Manager, Photo Printers, Citizen Systems Europe.

“Our latest Official Photo Reseller, PhotoXport, has transferred from the status of Official Photo Partner, having brought the innovative Android-based SnapFoto to market during TPS 2018.

By having direct access to all of Citizen’s

market-leading printers and media, I believe PhotoXport will significantly strengthen Citizen’s position in the UK retail photofinishing market.”

PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse adds: “It’s with great pleasure and huge excitement that we are able to announce this growth in our partnership with Citizen Systems. Coinciding with our 30th anniversary, our status of Official Photo Reseller for Citizen’s photo printers will see us roll out a number of new and innovative solutions to market this year. The Citizen range stands alone in our overall business offering, while adding to the growing number of printing systems on offer from PhotoXport. Dealers visiting TPS this year will have the first opportunity to see these solutions, first hand.”

100 YEARS OF WORLDLEADING PRECISION PRODUCTS Available to test and view by attendees at the show will be leading solutions from Citizen, all perfect for adding to your retail environment, thanks to their small footprint and reliability, plus the quality of both their manufacture and the prints they produce. It goes

Solutions to ‘dye’ for from Citizen, now available via PhotoXport. From L to R: the Citizen CX-02, CY-02 and OP900II printers

without saying that the Citizen brand is well known for its precision when it comes to mechanical engineering – as its long 100 year history of producing watches and timepieces illustrates.

“Citizen was one of the largest, if not the largest, manufacturer of pro-photo printers globally in 2018,” Gary Andrews adds. “This was both as a result of our own, Citizen-branded, and OEM products and demonstrates the modest authority that Citizen has in the photo sector.”

Current recommended dye sublimation photo printer offerings include the Citizen CX-02 (the core component of the Wi-Fi enabled SnapFoto solution), CY-02 and OP900II. The most portable option, the CX-02 is 2Kg lighter than the original CX model and 15% smaller, its compact size meaning it can fit into small and cramped spaces. Time being money you’ll want to know it can output a lab quality print in just 8 seconds, with

“By having direct access to all of Citizen’s market-leading printers and media, I believe PhotoXport will significantly strengthen Citizen’s position in the UK retail photofinishing market.”

Gary Andrews, Citizen Systems

Speak to PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse and his team about the new solutions from Citizen, OKI, PM2S and Noritsu at 14 March 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Citizen / PhotoXport Promotion “Coinciding with our 30th anniversary, our status of Official Photo Reseller for Citizen’s photo printers will see us roll out a number of new and innovative solutions to market this year.”

Derek Fieldhouse, MD PhotoXport a choice of two finish options in either glossy or matte surface selectable via the printer driver. In fact there are two print modes to choose from – high quality mode or high-speed mode – and three print sizes in 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8 inches. It also features a ribbon rewind function, to avoid paper or ribbon waste, while an energy saving sleep mode is claimed to reduce energy consumption by 98%.

The alternative of the CY-02 offers not just user friendliness but high capacity printing with it, being capable of producing 700 4x6 or 350 6x8-inch prints per roll. The idea is that you spend less time at the printer and more time dealing with your customers. Again we get glossy or matte surface options, the same three print sizes as the CX-02, plus the choice of printing at 300dpi or 600dpi.

The third current option from Citizen is the OP900II, which is described as offering premium printing for professionals, with prints providing levels of colour, consistency and permanency described as ‘outstanding’, it’s also a great option for B&W. What’s more it boasts a low cost per print that will be music to the ears of any photo retailer or minilab, with a high capacity ribbon delivering 600 6x4-inch images per roll. There’s a choice or glossy or matte surfaces once again, with a drop-in paper loading system. As well as 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8-inch prints, this model offers an additional 6x9 inch size.

It goes without saying that there are many retail functions that can be served by Citizen printers – for example providing ID photos in conjunction with ID Photos Pro 8 biometric passport software and Print Manager which is a free and powerful multi printer management solution which gives a simple visual reference as to the status of all Citizen printers running at any one time – as regards media types, number of prints remaining and if, heaven forefend, there might be a print jam.

For more on all of the above, including the SnapFoto solution, please talk to PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse.

Derek and his team have recently taken on the French brand PM2S, further expanding their portfolio for 2019

Noritsu’s Green IV dry lab (left) and the OKI 9542 dye sub are just two further options for your business worth speaking to PhotoXport about at The Photography Show

A4 UV printers, the latter two introduced in February’s BPI News.

Providing the OKI Pro 9542 to the photo trade is another new venture for PhotoXport for 2019.

“A key feature with the OKI is the design, which is unique in how it feeds the paper,” Derek Fieldhouse explains. “It has a flatbed feed – in that the paper runs along the bottom – which allows it to take folded sheets, creased paper, perforated paper, plus it can handle media with a 360g density, which is quite chunky. A further unique feature is that it can put the colour white down first, which makes a massive difference and gives you a stunning 3D-like effect.

You can do spot white as well, there’s an envelope feeder, and it can do 50 pages a minute. It’s ideal though for the gifting market – there’s loads of things it can do, including a double sided, three page menu, ideal for the local curry house.”

As touched on in our last magazine, the French designed PM2S A4 UV printer is, as Derek explains “an inkjet print head system – on some machines there is two heads, whereas on the smaller ones there’s one – that can print on anything: glasses, mugs, stone, leather, plastic, ceramic, Perspex. In fact, virtually any flat surface. As it prints a high-resolution image, it then ‘cures’ it with UV light.”

The first unit will also be on display at The Photography Show this month.

Lastly, there’s the much-acclaimed Noritsu Green IV dry lab to check out from the Japanese manufacturer, which originally debuted last year and offers unique print sizes up to a 12x69.92-inch ‘super panoramic’ print. “Because of the reproduction quality that drylabs have

CITIZEN SYSTEM ADVANTAGES: AT A GLANCE n Compact, easy to use, robust and reliable n Superior print quality provides suitability for a range of applications, from social and event photography to ID photos n Thanks to 100 years of watch making and unrivalled experience thereof, Citizen understands the importance of time – aiming to deliver perfect photos in seconds n As well as speed and quality, Citizen printers and print media also offer outstanding value for money n Precision engineered for a long, hassle free operating life – the goal is to keep your business operating 24 hours a day, 365 days in the year n Among the most innovative solutions in the world, with a continuous product development schedule

above and beyond Agx systems, there has been a major move to this technology,” enthuses Derek. “It also offers major benefits such as ease of use by removing the need for in-store chemical mixing, plus it offers significantly lower maintenance and energy consumption.” www.photoxport.com www.citizen-systems.com

PHOTOXPORT: A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR YOUR PRINT NEEDS Also to be found on the PhotoXport stand at The Photography Show are recent new additions to its portfolio of solutions, including the Noritsu Green IV drylab, plus OKI 9542 and PM2S

the Photography Show or call direct on 0116 2675907. For more see www.photoxport.com and www.citizen-systems.com NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | March 2019 15

PREVIEW

CANON EOS FULLY IN THE FRAME AT THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

Canon products will once again be out in force at The Photography Show, with a particular focus on its EOS R system – expanded this month with the addition of the EOS RP – and its full frame range. We also get a peek at its speaker list for the show, and an overview of the latest camera from Product Specialist David Parry

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he camera manufacturer will once again have a major presence at The Photography Show this month, taking place from March 16th to the 19th at Birmingham’s NEC. With full frame cameras very much in the headlines at the moment, the manufacturer will have its entire full frame EOS range to touch and try, with the inaugural ‘R’ model from last year now quickly joined by the EOS RP, more on which later. The location to head for is Stand D141, E131.

As well as visitors being able to get hands on with the above and an extensive range of compatible lenses, Canon will as usual be hosting a full range of talks from leading pro photographers.

This year there is truly something for everyone, as names in the frame include Rod Fountain, who has been shooting behind the scenes of Top Gear for the past 16 years, sports photographer Tom Jenkins who has been working for The Guardian since 1989, landscape and macro photographer Oliver Wright, plus Sanjay Jogia, wedding and portrait photographer. They’re joined by film-maker Emma Wilson, Pulitzer Prize finalist and photojournalist Ivor Prickett, urban photographer Nigel Levanterman, fashion photographer Lara Jade, plus conceptual and fine art photographer Rosie Hardy.

1958 and 1961 the manufacturer also marketed an analogue P rangefinder.

Aimed at advanced amateurs, travelers and those who simply want a camera for

A ‘POPULAR’ OPTION FROM CANON As indicated at the start of this article, Canon will be offering touch and try sessions with its entire full frame camera range at the show, including its newest EOS R full frame mirrorless range, currently comprising two camera bodies in the EOS R and just announced EOS RP – the ‘P’ indicating ‘popular’ in the Japanese market. There is some precedence here, in that between

Canon’s David Parry, pictured with the newest EOS RP, just one of several Canon full frame camera options available to touch and try at the Photography Show

everyday use, and sitting just beneath the 6D Mark II and EOS R in Canon’s full frame sensor range, the ‘RP’ is being offered as body-only with lens adapter (at £1,399 SRP) and several lens bundle deals. Said adapter allows it to be additionally used with existing Canon EF and EF-S lenses, of which there are around 71 in total. This would be a great camera for anyone stepping up from an existing EOS M or an entry level DSLR – in short it’s a camera for everybody.

Worth highlighting among its specifications is that 26.2 megapixel full frame sensor, which Canon UK’s Product Specialist David Parry tells us is: “almost the same as the 6D Mark II. Almost, because we’ve had to tweak it to make it work in a mirrorless camera.”

We also get the option to shoot 4K video at up to 25fps, or Full HD footage up to 60fps, with a 4K resolution

Visit Canon at The Photography Show on stand D141, E131 to view its entire full frame camera range, 16 March 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Canon full frame camera promotion 6 more RF lenses on roadmap

time lapse option also provided.

Further key features include: a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, functioning down to the equivalent of -5EV; Eye Detection AF, which will track moving subjects; 4,779 selectable AF positions, plus a first for the range in Single Point Spot AF. With a body weighing just 485g, the EOS RP is the lightest full frame camera in the EOS series, with water and moisture resistance matching the Canon 80D. If anyone should feel the body is a little too small, an EGE1 accessory grip can be added.

The EOS RP slots into Canon’s full frame camera line up to sit just beneath the 6D Mark II DSLR, which itself sits just below the EOS R mirrorless camera and the Canon 5D Mark IV full frame DSLR. The EOS 6D Mark II is a smaller format full frame DSLR that shows its mettle by featuring a dust and moisture resistant build, along with a 26.2 megapixel resolution, 45 AF points, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and large traditional pentaprism viewfinder. A

In addition to the mirrorless EOS RP, Canon has divulged that six further RF lenses are in development and will follow on from the latest camera launch at dates over the next year. These will include three different f/2.8 L series IS USM lenses – a 15-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm – plus a relatively compact 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM. “This covers about 90% of photography,” Canon’s David Parry enthuses, adding that the beauty of the RF system is “that, because the mount is so big, the first lens element can actually start inside the body, so when you mount it on the camera the combined physical size is still relatively small.”

The final two lenses of the six currently being developed are an RF 85mm f/1.2L lens, plus an almost identical RF 85mm f/1.2L ‘DS’ lens. That suffix stands for ‘Defocus Smoothing’ – with Canon promising that the background defocused area will have a ‘different’ look to it. vari-angle screen to the rear allows for the camera to alternatively be used at waist level, while GPS, Wi-Fi and Full HD video are also on board.

As we noted last October, the alternative of the full frame EOS R compact boasts 30.3 megapixels, latest generation Digic 8 processor, swift 0.05 second AF, and ability to determine focus in low light conditions equivalent to -6EV. It can further track subjects at 5fps, while its maximum 8fps frame rate is achieved via fixed AF. There are plenty of opportunities for photographer customers to get hands on, including the ability to ‘touch and drag’ the AF, with 5,655 AF positions selectable.

Another full frame option at The Photography Show will be the pro grade EOS 5D Mark IV. This comprehensively featured DSLR includes a 30.4 megapixel

STOP PRESS! Canon tells us it will have design mock-ups of five (of the six) new lenses on its stand at The Photography Show.

For more, make sure to chat with the team at The Photography Show or visit www.canon.co.uk for an overview of the complete full frame (mirrorless and DSLR) line up from the manufacturer.

full frame sensor to deliver quality described as ‘uncompromising’. We also get the ability to shoot 4K video, while connectivity options include USB 3.0, Wi-Fi and NFC. For more information, make sure you talk to the Canon team across the four days of the event. www.canon.co.uk

Full frame wonders: On show alongside the EOS RP (pictured top of page) at the NEC will be the manufacturer’s whole full frame camera line up, to also include its bigger brother in the EOS R, as well as the EOS 6D Mark II and EOS 5D Mark IV DSLRs

including the new EOS R system, and hear talks from pro photographers. www.canon.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | March 2019 17

WE'LL BE THERE, WILL YOU? If you're thinking about going dry, considering bringing your printing in-house, or simply looking to replace your Large Format Printer, come along and see how you can produce stunning prints with our Epson inkjet solutions.

As an official Authorised EPSON Partner, we'll be presenting the latest hardware and software from EPSON directly at our stand. We invite you to get 'hands-on' with the Epson SureLab range including the D3000 Dry Lab, Micro Lab and the amazing D700 printers. Plus... we'll be demonstrating the very latest Large Format Printers, Kiosk Solutions, and Workflow Software options.

Do you have a wet lab and want to explore the benefits of going dry?

Are you currently outsourcing some or all of your printing to a photo lab?

Let us show you how our customers save thousands of pounds each year through reduced running costs and no chemical disposal. All this without compromising on the quality of their photo printing.

Tetenal can talk to you about profiting from bringing the print process in-house. In addition to benefiting from increased margins, you can make delays in print and inconsistent print quality a thing of the past.

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School photography without the headache Complete workflow & sales platform for nursery and school photographers 1

Photograph students using unique QR cards

2

Upload students' photos to your GotPhoto shop

3

Parents order from unique secure galleries

4

Print and supply orders to parents

Come along to Tetenal's Stand A53 at The Photography Show and we'll show you how Got Photo software can revolutionise your school photography sales and print workflow

Stand No. A53

The Photography Show. NEC, Birmingham 16-19 March Stand Number A53

Minilab News

FUJIFILM DEALERS BLEND ANALOGUE & DIGITAL FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT Two of Fujifilm’s leading retailers – Marlborough Photo Services and Forfar Photo Centre – share ideas and advice on how to broaden your customer base and reap the dividends…

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ujifilm’s annual Conference for its independent photo retailer network (18th/19th May 2019) brings together members for advice, networking and awards. Here it also runs workshops where member retailers are invited to present their own successful business development strategies. Speaking this May are Pete Davies, owner of Marlborough Photo Services, and Forfar Photo Centre’s Chris Simpson.

Pete’s topic is that of ‘community engagement’ – explaining how his store connects with local groups, businesses and schools to generate extra revenue and stay relevant. A desire to interact on a doorstep level is, he says, partly inspired by the fact that he’s not a fan of social media to begin with. “Everyone tells me that online is the future and I’m made to feel stupid that I’m not doing more,” he says. “Yet I come from the days of advertising in the Yellow Pages. At the time that was my ‘social media’ and window to the world.”

Furthermore and slightly refreshingly it has to be said, Marlborough Photo Services’ owner believes he can attract

Being small and independent has allowed us to rip up the business plan on occasion and go out into the unknown” Pete Davies, Marlborough Photo Services an audience without spending all day on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“As a small independent business on the high street, if I can get everyone in my county to come to me, then that will provide enough revenue that I can forget about everyone else,” he believes. “As we’ve been in business for 30 years, everyone in a fairly large circle around us already knows who we are, and where we are, because they’ve come in to have film processed, iPhone pictures printed, photos for visas and passports, or for photo frames. So, for me, online marketing doesn’t seem to be as relevant, or worth the energy and effort it’s required of you to put in.”

While acknowledging his eschewing of online media may not be appropriate

Marlborough Photo Services believes that engaging more directly with its local community, including schools, colleges, camera clubs and even football teams, can reap a greater reward than simply marketing via social media

for a completely new business trying to establish itself in 2019, he adds that: “Being small and independent has allowed us to rip up the business plan on occasion and go out into the unknown. At times we’ve wasted effort and money, but being small allows us to move appropriately if we see the market is going in a certain direction.” From being what he describes as an “outand-out photo processor handling 500 rolls of film a day”, Pete now handles 10 rolls of film per fortnight, mostly for the older people of the town.

“We’re almost becoming purely a print and frame shop, because we needed to get our average sale up. In the days of film you’d buy a roll for a fiver, it would cost you another £5 to get it processed, then you’d buy another roll at £5 to replace it. So you’d be averaging £15 spend from every customer.

“With the advent of digital you can select just the one image and have it printed for 55p. But that still necessitates my staff spending 20 minutes explaining to the customer how to get that picture from their phone, or Facebook feed, and turn it into a print. It’s a very different business now, so our way of getting our average sale up is to sell a frame alongside that print. We also have a range of Fujifilm Instax cameras for people looking to give a camera as a gift, but otherwise we don’t stock hardware any more – a move we’ve made over the past five years. Apart from the photographic students of the schools and colleges around us, virtually everyone relies on their phone, which they upgrade every year.”

A STRONG PARTNER IN FUJIFILM Pete Davies has been with Fujifilm for 18 years. “They’re really the only big player left,” he believes. “We’ve got a top of the range Fujifilm Drylab Printer and we’re doing well with an ever-increasing range of personalised photo gifts which we’ve done for a few years, because the

Boost your print sales in 2019! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_uk@fujifilm.com 20 March 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Fujifilm Advertorial market for just providing prints alone is fairly saturated now.” He also makes good use of the likes of Fujifilm’s Imagine Mobile app “so we can use all the same buzzwords that all the supermarkets thrive on, like click and collect.”

In terms of engaging with the local community, one of Pete’s most successful recent ventures was running a calendar competition with a local school – said calendar being made up of pupils’ winning images.

“They were very keen on the idea as we promised them some of the profit for school funds. We chose the simple theme of ‘nature’ and had kids from reception upwards taking part. With almost an 80% uptake, the school said it was the most engagement they’d ever had with parents and students. Some people put in 20 entries, whereas others entered just one image. A password protected private gallery allowed people to log on and have a look at the entries, captured either on cameras or phones.

“From a slow start it just went absolutely wild and we had some cracking entries.

The judging was done by parents who were also photographers – and we donated a prize of a calendar to each of the 12 winners. Each child that had a winning photo was given a month in the calendar and we then sold the calendars to the rest of the parents.”

Unsurprisingly the above is a clever marketing venture that Marlborough Photo Services will be repeating. “Rather craftily, in between some of the calendar’s bound pages there happened to be a little pull-out print offer to get them to come into the shop,” owner Pete adds.

“And we’re now starting to see some of those offers being redeemed by people who perhaps weren’t aware of certain services, such as passport pictures. We profess to be experts in passport pictures of small children and babies – and lots of parents of school children obviously have that requirement. Our trading was 6.5% up for January, which I put down to the calendar competition.”

Pete also organised a photo competition for nearby Marlborough College – Kate Middleton’s former school – with a panel of students as judges and a little silver cup as a prize. The college teaches GCSE and A Level photography. “It proved so successful that the staff asked if they could do one. Their art department now recommend that all their students use us for advice and processing so they spend a lot of money with us on a monthly basis – especially when they’re getting their A level coursework in. We help them print their final pieces – so there’s lots of big prints and additional small prints to show the thought process in their coursework.”

Also engaging at a local level is Forfar Photo Centre. Under 27-year old new owner Chris Simpson, it’s undergoing a re-fit inspired by the bright and airy Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop concept, with bigger margin items like frames placed to the fore

Additionally the pro-active shop owner has run sets of photography evenings with the local Cub Scouts, helping them earn a photography badge.

Again, Pete has won new customers who might previously have gone to the local Boots for prints instead.

“We made up four little packs of digital cameras that any cub can take home for the week to do their project work and then return the next week, when we’ll just swap out the SD card. So, with 24 cubs it takes a few weeks, but it has worked so well that we’re just about to start doing a photography badge with the Scouts too, and let them discover the world through the camera.”

Asked if he notices such inspirational ideas positively affecting his turnover, Pete replies: “Absolutely. Ultimately it’s widened my customer base by approximately 150 parents. Not everyone is going to use us, obviously, but I

certainly notice a lot more people in the shop, and accordingly our turnover over the past two years has gone up, having previously been fairly static.”

As regards future plans, Pete also has adults in his sights, since, until recently, Marlborough hasn’t had a camera club of its own. So Pete is in the process of helping set one up.

“I’m the one that’s got the high street business, so I was keen to keep an eye on it and steer it. But since I don’t have time to administer it, I’m not the Chairman, just a very active member.

We went ‘live’ in January and 30 people have paid £30 to join on the first night.

That money goes towards organising speakers, trips and photo shoots. We’ve reached out to people who might have been intimidated by the cliquey-ness of a typical camera club – there is one in every town around us, but surprisingly has never been one in Marlborough. My hope

Boost your print sales in 2019! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_uk@fujifilm.com NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | March 2019 21

Minilab News

is that it will attract people who haven’t used us before. We’ve given everyone who signed up a £10 print voucher to encourage them to come in and we’ll see how that ‘develops’ in the long term.

“We do keep our eye on both analogue and digital channels, but, as I’m not aiming for global domination or trying to get customers from Scotland, I feel we will be more successful trying to ‘collect’ the people we already have on our doorstep.”

STUDIO LINE Also being commendably pro-active is, at 27 years old, one of the youngest members of Fujifilm’s dealer network.

Chris Simpson took over the running of Forfar Photo Centre in November 2017 from his father-in-law Bruce Robertson, who had owned the business for over 20 years and was reportedly the first shop in Scotland to switch to digital printing with a Fujifilm Frontier 370 Printer Processor.

Chris has been plying his trade as a photographer since 2012, having switched from a career in HR and recruitment. “Taking over the business was part of an effort to be nearer to home – before I was away most of the week – plus I have always wanted to be self employed and running my own business. When I saw my father-in-law was selling, I thought it would be a good opportunity to keep it in the family while modernising things a little bit.”

The relationship with Fujifilm was pre-existing. “There’s photos of Peter Wigington and my father-in-law going back 15 years,” Chris marvels. “The shop’s relationship with Fujifilm is long established, works well and Fujifilm is a good name to have above the door. As part of the package we have with them,

Turning smiles into sales... installing a pop-up photo studio in store, themed around calendar events, can sell a few extra prints, frames and photo gifts

we get free on-loan signage and I have Wendy Grey from Inspires Consultancy coming up to see me this month, so we also get business advice visits.”

Chris currently has three Fujifilm kiosks and two dry lab printers.

In terms of what his customers are asking for, Chris finds more of them wanting prints from their phones than dedicated cameras. “We also do a lot of prints-from-prints and sell a large variety of frames, as well as framed prints, canvas prints and photo blocks. We can do it all in store.”

Forfar Photo Centre is lucky enough not to have too many rivals on its doorstep. “I think there are only three Fujifilm shops in Scotland,” Chris reveals. “The nearest one to us is north of Aberdeen. In Angus, there’s only ourselves and a Max Spielmann in Arbroath, but it’s far enough away that I keep my customers.”

One of Chris USP’s is the setting up of a mini in-store studio, which he says felt like a natural extension of the shop’s services and his photographic skills. “I just wanted to increase revenue, and do that via short 20 minute photographic sessions in the store. They’re pre-booked and people come in with their kids. PreChristmas, we had a winter scene with

gallery (‘Shoot Proof’) so customers can choose their images and place their orders online ‘in a modern way’.

“Usually the family will get an email the same day with a link to their gallery, and a log in. I noticed it had a definite effect on my bottom line for December and I was up financially on last year.”

With the shop currently undergoing a renovation and modernisation broadly in line with Fujifilm’s Wonder Photo Shop concept – in utilising bare brick walls and chalk boards – Chris reveals that part of that reorganisation was to provide enough room on the shop floor to have the aforementioned studio space. “It’s something that I can conveniently put up for seasonal shoots and down again afterwards. I’ll probably do something for mothers’ day and would absolutely recommend it to other retailers. It can be difficult to do if you’re the only one in the shop and you’ve got customers coming in with their phones to get photographs done, so I got another member of staff in for December, enabling me to do the photographs while the other member of staff looked after front of shop. That freed me up to shoot the 20 minute sessions.”

Chris notes that an in-store studio needn’t be expensive, either. He suggests an LED light panel, a backdrop,

The shop’s relationship with Fujifilm is long established, works well and Fujifilm is a good name to have above the door.”

Chris Simpson, Forfar Photo Centre backdrop and props, including a little wooden sledge that we found online. We get about 20 images out of each session of 20 minutes, for which we charge £50.”

For this outlay, Chris’ customers receive five digital images and five 10x8 prints. That deal proved really popular, with 30 photo sessions taking place over the Christmas period. Photos are uploaded to an online client-viewing

Standing proud: Forfar Photo’s owner Chris is very pleased with the support he’s received from Fujifilm during his first year in business

plus several photographic props to keep children engaged, which all together will come to around £170.

Chris is ‘absolutely’ pleased with the support he’s received from Fujifilm in his first year in business. “There’s software support for the kiosks, we’ve got Peter to help with anything to do our memberships, plus we’ve got Wendy from Inspires Consultancy who helps us with any business advice. She’ll be taking a look at which direction we should go in. It’s slowly but surely taking shape.

Behind our frames we’ve got this 3D looking brick wallpaper, and in front this huge shelving unit I got from IKEA. We also use the Fujifilm Imagine Mobile app to draw people in; we promote it on our Facebook page and promote it in the shop. When people come in with their phones I always recommend they go on the app and place their order and pick them up later, as opposed to standing in the shop transferring them and then waiting around.”

For more information on how Fujifilm can proactively impact on your business, get in touch with Fujifilm’s Peter Wigington on 01234 572138 or view www.originalphotopaper.com

Boost your print sales in 2019! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_uk@fujifilm.com 22 March 2019 | BPI News

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Inspiration awaits...

CO -LO C AT ED WI T H

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L A S T CHANCE TO E XHIBIT - ENQUIRE TODAY Contac t us now to f ind out more ab out get ting y o u r b r a n d i n f ro n t o f t h o u s a n d s o f v i s i t o r s .

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THE EVENT FOR EVERYONE PASSIONATE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY & MOVING IMAGE

PREVIEW

BUMPER BATCH FROM KENRO The distributor is debuting a sizeable range of own brand and distributed hardware at The Photography Show (Hall 5, Stand G53) and inviting visitors to get hands on…

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ell-made, value-for-money photographic accessories by the truckload, offering dealers a very competitive margin – that’s Kenro’s proposition in a nutshell.

And there’s a fresh batch arriving in time to be experienced and ordered at The Photography Show, where Kenro will also be distributing a new product brochure on stand G53 in Hall 5.

“Our stand will be more interactive this year – people will be able to get more hands on with our hardware and feel the quality for themselves,” enthuses Kenro MD Paul Kench. “The stand will be more open plan and visitor friendly.

Trade customers will be able to apply for an account with us, and some of our customers selling at the show will have special show deals on the day.”

Worth checking out for the photographer who likes to travel light is the ultra-compact Karoo Travel Tripod Kit, provided with a matched dual action ball head, five section legs and weighing just 1.12kg. SRP is an affordable £59.98 (all prices quoted here are the suggested retail price).

The company has also bolstered its long-running aerosol product range with a new Kenair Lens Cleaner (just £7.14), supplied as a 150ml can which can be ordered as singles or in boxes of 12. As it sounds, this is for your customers to clean and polish all their optical equipment without smearing.

A ‘SOUND’ CHOICE The distributor has further been developing its video-related product range. New here is a clip-on Kenro Lavalier Microphone (£23.94), which has a six-metre cable and works with DSLRs, laptops, smartphones and more or less any audio recorder with a 3.5mm mic jack.

Lots from Kenro to touch and try at TPS, including the compact Karoo Travel Tripod, the Kenro Universal Cardioid Microphone, plus Kenro X3 Slide Viewer

More suitable for outdoor use, as it comes with a ‘dead cat’ windshield, is the Kenro Universal Cardioid Microphone (£39.96), a directional shotgun device which is ideal for interview-type scenarios when you’re trying to pick up a single source rather than ambient noise.

For those shooting on film, there are two new slide viewers in the Kenro X2 (at £20.52) and X3 Slide Viewer (£37.38), which indicate the amount of magnification each provides. Both are intended for 35mm mounted

Further accessories to stock and sell include the Kenair Lens Cleaner, multiple NanGuang lighting kits (3M option shown) and Kenro Universal Charger

slides, with the X3 also compatible with standard 35mm film, and offering more magnification and more power thanks to its 6500K LED light source.

The final addition to the Kenro hardware line-up is the Kenro Universal Charger (£20.40), which charges the majority of standard batteries, plus battery-powered devices that charge via USB. A two-year UK warranty is provided for peace of mind.

Also new are a number of NanGuang lighting kits, offering everything you need to get started, including a handy carrying case. The Mixkit 3M (£999.96) features three large panel lights: the Luxpad 43H; a Mixpad 106, which gives the option of hard or soft lighting; plus

RGB173II, which offers the benefits of both pads plus 360 RGB colours and special effects. A smaller option is also available in the Mixkit 3S (£519.96).

The RM1017/3K is described as great for product photography, featuring three small Fresnel lights with a still life table and light stands for £479.94.

A fourth option in the Compac200/2K kit is, at £1449.96, currently its maker’s biggest and brightest kit. In fact there is a whole new line up of NanGuang Compac series lights (including the 40C, 68C, 100C and 200), which replace the older Combo lights and are brighter.

Finally, also check out the NanGuang 2.4G Wi-Fi Control System at £279.96.

This allows photographers/videographers to control all compatible NanGuang lights via a smartphone app, and is described as “akin to a DMX mixing desk”, in that quick adjustments can be made without needing to fiddle with each light individually. For more on all of the above, visit the Kenro website, or find it all at The Photography Show in Hall 5, Stand G53. www.kenro.co.uk

Contact Kenro’s sales team to order all the above on 01783 615836 or visit www.kenro.co.uk for more info 24 March 2019 | BPI News

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PREVIEW

THE DPS GROUP SHOWCASES LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS & FINE ART MEDIA The Kent based re-seller is looking forward to welcoming both existing trade customers and future partners to Stand D150 at The Photography Show this month, with MD Maneesh Patel promising there will be plenty to touch, try and talk about…

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f you’ve been considering adding a large format printer to your business offering and investing in quality media to deliver a product with a highperceived value on which you can enjoy a very competitive sales margin, then head straight to Stand D150 in Hall 5 of The Photography Show this month.

Here you’ll find print specialist The DPS Group. “We’re the UK’s number one source for large format printers (LFP’s), inks and media,” enthuses MD Maneesh Patel, who will already be very familiar to BPI News readers. What you may not be aware of, however, is that besides being a leading dealer for Epson, Canon and HP large format printers, the reseller is also a key retail partner for the likes of fine art media suppliers Canson and Hahnemühle, as well as EIZO and Apple “amongst other stellar names”.

A MULTI BRAND LARGE FORMAT OFFERING “As the only truly multi brand large format printer dealer in the UK, we pride ourselves on being able to provide genuinely impartial advice,” MD Maneesh continues, by way of his company’s unique sales pitch.

“That means we can tailor solutions according to customers’ own specific needs and budgets – rather than being limited to any one manufacturer.”

As a case in point, The DPS Group’s online and mail order division (to

“As the only truly multi brand large format printer dealer in the UK, we pride ourselves on being able to provide genuinely impartial advice and tailoring solutions to customers’ needs and budgets.”

DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel

Plenty of ‘Solutions’: The DPS Group are back at The Photography Show this month, offering a broad range of print media and the large format printers to deliver you profit

be found at www.dpsb.co.uk) will be showcasing the latest and greatest Epson and Canon 24-inch and 44-inch large format printers for photography and fine art output.

It will also be displaying what it promises is a brand new, general use poster printer, perfect for the ‘business in a box’ concept.

“We will be printing onto the best photo and fine art media from Canson and Hahnemühle on the high-end printers at The Photography Show, whilst introducing cost effective paper solutions from Indigo Inkjet for printing on the general use printer,” MD Maneesh Patel adds.

“Our online and mail order division DPSB.co.uk is renowned for providing the best deals all year round and our stand at this year’s event will be the

place for visitors to benefit from even greater discounts and incredible show offers on printers, inks, paper, hardware and much more. Place your order at the show with us and get it delivered hassle-free a day or two later.”

GET IN TOUCH Alternatively, if you would like to arrange a timed personal demonstration at the show or at the company’s South East London showroom all year round, please email: sales@dpsb.co.uk or call 020 8466 7230.

“We look forward to meeting both new and existing customers on Stand D150 at this year’s show,” concludes Maneesh. Don’t miss it! www.dpsb.co.uk

Talk to DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel at The Photography Show or visit www.dpsb.co.uk for more info NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | March 2019 25

News

NEW ‘TELE’ & WIRELESS FROM SONY The electronics giant is offering your Alpha full frame camera-owning customers a new bright/fast E-mount telephoto lens. The relatively compact yet robust FE 135mm f/1.8 G Master series optic arrives this April at £1750 SRP. Also announced, and witnessed in a glass case display at the launch of the above, is a wireless controller in the RMT-P1BT. First stock also arrives April, at £65 SRP. Features of the magnesium alloy constructed lens include an 11-blade circular aperture, dual front and rear motors, plus XA and Super ED glass elements, which in combination are claimed to deliver great corner-tocorner sharpness. The chief appeal for the audience of portrait and wedding photographers it’s aimed at will be that f/1.8 lens aperture, keeping fans of defocused backgrounds happy.

Designed for those who want to shoot video as well as stills, the lens weighs 950g – which its

maker suggests is lightweight for its class – and focuses as close as 0.25 metres.

In all there are a total of 31 full frame lenses for mirrorless cameras in Sony’s current line up, with this new announcement being currently the 9th lens in its premium performing G Master series.

Key features of the all-black wireless RMT-P1BT remote meanwhile include Bluetooth connectivity, a claimed fast response, camera status feedback, plus dust and moisture resistance. It can receive 360° signals from five metres away.

In addition to the above, Sony has also revealed a little more about its free-of-charge Ver 5.0 firmware upgrade for its existing Alpha 9, coming in March. This is being pitched as quite a big development, with improvements made to the camera’s AF system to include real time tracking with real time eye auto focus. If it can’t find an eye, the camera’s AF will now

Sony full frame shooters have a new 135mm telephoto to play with for beautiful ‘bokeh’, as in sample shot shown

change automatically to object tracking.

Also previously announced and expanded upon is its Ver 3.0 firmware for the A7R III and A7 III, which now delivers Real Time Eye AF for animals, plus interval shooting for time-lapse video. Sony will also exhibiting at The Photography Show at the NEC this month where it can be found at Hall 5, Stand D51. www.sony.co.uk

A RIOT OF NEW RICOH PRODUCTS Having been relatively low key for quite some time, suddenly there are new cameras and lenses aplenty bearing both the Ricoh and Pentax brands heading your way. Just as we closed our previous issue of BPI News, two new Pentax lenses were announced in the HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 and HD Pentax-DA 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW. Both are designed for use with Pentax’s K-mount digital SLRs and are available now at suggested retail prices of £399 and £1,399.99 respectively.

Arriving this month meanwhile are the Ricoh GR III premium compact

and toughened Ricoh WG-6 snapshot (above), at £799.99 and £379.99 respectively. The latter includes a multiapplication ring light unit and 4K video recording, and is trumpeted as the most durable waterproof camera in the WG series’ history. The GR III meanwhile is the latest in its manufacturer’s run of high-end options for photo enthusiasts.

Following on in May – and furthering

the destruction-proof theme – is the Ricoh G900. This is described as a heavy-duty camera for challenging worksite situations and sports a waterproof, dust proof, shock proof and chemical-resistant body. SRP is £699.99. For a suggested £100 more there’s the Ricoh G900E option, which is again designed for worksite use. This version is claimed to add enhanced intranet data management, wireless communication and security functions.

Finally, for now, there’s the latest generation of the company’s slender 360° shooting device first launched in 2013. The newbie is the flagship Ricoh Theta Z1 (left), which arrives this April at £899.99 SRP. The pitch this time is that it’s capable of achieving 23 megapixel images in the round, in a single shot. It’s also claimed to shoot 4K videos at 30fps, backed up by built-in three-axis image stabilization system to compensate for any rotational shake.

The camera also now supports Adobe DNG (Raw) format, while photographers will appreciate the fact that it boasts a one-inch CMOS sensor at its heart. www.ricoh-imaging.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 26 March 2019 | BPI News

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PREVIEW

‘NET GAIN FOR HAHNEMÜHLE, AS ECOMMERCE SITE LAUNCHES World renowned for its fine art papers, which it will be exhibiting and demonstrating at The Photography Show this month, Hahnemühle’s other big news is that it has launched direct sales via a new ecommerce website platform. BPI News attended the London launch to find out more…

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ith its digital fine art papers until recently distributed to the UK market via resellers, the leading German paper manufacturer with a history extending back to 1584 has evolved its offering and introduced direct sales via a new online shop for the UK. Its existing partners in the photo trade haven’t been forgotten, however, as it told us at the London launch that there would be a separate retail site and a separate trade site. For the latter, Hahnemühle’s UK General Manager Simon Waller told us: “We’ll have a unique catalogue of products tailored around you.”

Over 1,000 different products will be offered via its new ecommerce site – which launched last month and can be visited at www.hahnemuehle. co.uk – with distribution based out of a UK warehouse. This, it promises, allows for next day delivery, while the website itself now provides the customer with the opportunity to shop “anytime, anywhere and on any device.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to launch online shopping in the UK. This significant milestone fully rounds out Hahnemühle’s multichannel offering.”

UK General Manager Simon Waller Complementing local retail... fine art paper specialist Hahnemühle has newly launched a UK specific e-commerce site at hahnemuehle.co.uk which it sees as a way for customers (including those in the trade) to be able to order its products anytime, anywhere and via any device

A STEP INTO THE FUTURE FOR HAHNEMÜHLE Simon Waller added that the German print and paper specialist was “pleased to be investing in the UK, no matter what’s going on in the next few months.” The website is uniquely tailored and accessible to those in the UK, with product prices given in £’s, rather than Euros. The site is also described as fully responsive, meaning that it automatically adjusts in size to fit the device it’s being viewed on, be that a desktop PC, smartphone or tablet. Customers can also post their reviews of products to guide others and allow Hahnemühle itself to continually improve and evaluate its services.

“We’re thrilled to be able to launch online shopping in the UK,” says Simon.

“This significant milestone fully rounds

Online sales are just one component of successful marketing. We do not view the online shop as an alternative to local retail, but rather as a complement to it.”

Marketing Manager Fanny Danskanen out Hahnemühle’s multichannel offering.

Along with over 100 art supply stores all over the UK, customers will now have 24 hour access to the best papers for traditional and digital fine art via their computers, smartphones and tablets from anywhere in the UK.” Hahnemühle’s Marketing Manager Fanny Danskanen adds that: “Meeting the demands of a challenging market

is not guaranteed through an Internet presence alone. Online sales are just one component of successful marketing. We do not view the online shop as an alternative to local retail, but rather as a complement to it.”

As well as checking out the product range online, the trade will be able to discuss the company’s latest offerings at The Photography Show this month, where it can be found in Hall 5, Stand C111. It promises us there will be ‘Exciting announcements and a chance to get signed images from exhibiting photographers on our stand.” www.hahnemuehle.co.uk

For more, please visit www.hahnemuehle.co.uk and talk to the team on stand C111 at The Photography Show @bpi_news

BPI News | March 2019 27

Business Advice

FOCUS LOCALLY FOR A BIGGER RETURN

The world of retail is ever changing, observes business expert Adam Bernstein.

But while it’s true the high street has its fair share of challenges, for a photo retailer it’s also important to not lose sight of the one advantage bricks and mortar has over online: a local community to market to…

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nstantly satisfying a need for an item is a clear advantage the high street photo retailer has over the Internet – even in these days of Amazon Prime.

For the customer, the ability to walk into a store, pick up and examine products can be invaluable too – especially when considering purchase of that higher ticket value item. It’s also often less of a faff to nip into a local store for that emergency purchase of printer ink, paper or other

28 March 2019 | BPI News

consumables, than having to wait a few days for an online order to be delivered to get on with the business at hand.

With spring on the way, high street photo specialists have a golden opportunity to refresh their window displays and set up themed promotions. And did we mention that there’s a(nother) royal baby on the way within the next few weeks? A perfect time to target new or soon-to-be parents, advising them that a dedicated digital

camera is going to be so much more suitable for high resolution stills and 4K video of their new arrival than a smartphone, especially in low light. Throw in some time-limited or value-added offers, to generate a sense of urgency to buy.

Get it right and you can draw in customers who are literally on your doorstep (a theme we also explore with Fujifilm dealers on page 20 of this issue). So, how best to engage with your local community?

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Boost business on your doorstep Be seen as someone who gives to the community: the more networking you do, the better your reach and the bigger your catchment area for potential customers.”

DEVELOP A RAPPORT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY You’ve probably already considered the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for your local marketing – constructing and maintaining a good presence while following and interacting with your local village or town-based communities – but also consider getting involved with local groups in the real, rather than merely virtual, world.

After all, they’re another potential source of new business – and one that you’re not competing with every photo retailer who has a web presence for.

Think of the earlier example of a new arrival; see if there are any antenatal groups (including the National Childbirth Trust, or one run by a local GP’s surgery) that you can offer photographic advice to. Treat it as a soft-sell, with tips for expectant parents on how to get the best images – as well as talking about how to frame the subject and use the best available light, detail what to look for in a camera too. Talk about common problems and mistakes when taking pictures. Remind parents that those once-in-a-lifetime moments happen literally just the once.

Schools, voluntary organisations (such as your local Round Table) and business breakfast clubs are further

ways to propagate a business among the locality. But wherever you visit and whomever you talk to, let the advice do the work here – a good rapport with the audience will do more for the business than pushing products hard ever will. Put yourself in their shoes.

What would you want to know?

If you have time, join a local chamber of commerce, or your parish or town council. Be seen as someone who gives to the community: the more networking you do, the better your reach and the bigger your catchment area for potential customers. A solicitor once remarked that he never turned down an invitation to a funeral. He wasn’t ‘ambulance chasing’, but rather making the point that he had no idea of the potential future leads such an event might throw up, no matter how awkward the circumstances at the time.

FORGE TIES CLOSE TO HOME Can you arrange a tie up with another local organisation or event – the annual village fair or weekly farmers’ market – to cross-fertilise business? Just as a local ale and cheese shop could partner with a music venue to host a beer and music festival (the venue benefitting from the footfall, and the suppliers able to put their goods before a new audience),

could you do the same and start a local event where others run stalls and you run, say, a kids’ photo competition, with a prize that is presented in your shop and which can be publicised to the local paper (if you’re fortunate enough to still have one published for your area), or community website?

On that note, make friends with local journalists and ‘influencers’. This takes a little time, but you could help them out with a decent image that they can use (accredited, of course), a story of interest which has nothing to do with your business, or maybe you could just be someone to have a coffee with – after all, people buy from people they like, as the saying goes. No matter what your approach, aim to do something newsworthy that gives the journalist a reason to get you (and your business) in print.

Remember that such PR can be a very good, cost-effective option. The local press, radio, online publications and even podcasts love to feature local businesses, as they thrive on feel-good stories – and the closer they are to home, the better.

To sum up, don’t get so hung up with fighting your retail battles online that you ignore the potential custom that can be found on your doorstep.

Promote yourself correctly and your local community can provide your bread and butter income, while their positive word of mouth will provide you with your best advertising you’ve ever had – yes, better than Facebook or Google ads – and at virtually zero cost too.

Business matters – a handy update Here’s a quick round up of recent developments that may affect photo businesses… and, to that end, we can’t avoid the dreaded ‘B’ word.

The government has published a series of guides attempting to provide information on the potential effect of a deal or no-deal Brexit on consumer rights and how they will be protected (Consumer rights and protection after Brexit). There’s also a look at how disputes will be resolved between consumers and businesses (Alternative Dispute Resolution and Online Dispute Resolution after Brexit), with notes on how a no deal situation could result in businesses and consumers not being able to access the Online Dispute Resolution platform. For more see: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ your-consumer-rights-after-brexit

n Meanwhile the Law Society has new guidance for employers and businesses that use NDA’s (non disclosure agreements) to stop commercial information from being shared inappropriately and to avoid reputational damage. Non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses in an employment law context, focuses on situations where confidentiality provisions aimed at preventing disclosures have potentially led to a dispute, or to the breakdown of the relationship between an individual and the business for which they work. Find out more at: https://bit.ly/2VEuh9J n Also published by the Law Society is guidance for employers aiming to create a culture of respect and dignity in the workplace. Workplace harassment: guidance for employers gives recommended practical

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steps for employers to follow in order to minimise the challenge of workplace harassment. It covers leadership, policies, training, data, insight and culture. https://bit.ly/2RzDil8 n Finally, a report from the FSB suggests that a high proportion of businesses are under-insured and will suffer if hit by any form of insurable calamity. Research from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Building Cost Information Service suggests that as many as 80% of businesses in England and Wales are under-insured on their commercial properties. The report points out that, as a result, claims can be reduced proportionately. If, for example, rebuild costs are underestimated by 50%, then the insurer will only pay out 50% of a claim. https://bit.ly/2UWGW6O

BPI News | March 2019 29

News

ROTOLIGHT PROMISES 15 ‘CUTTING EDGE’ PRODUCTS IN NEXT 5 YEARS UK-based lighting specialist Rotolight, recently featured in our February edition, has been in touch to tell us it has gained significant equity investment via Octopus Investments – a growth capital fund of £5 million – to enable it to support ‘ambitious growth plans’. These include delivering 15 cutting edge products over the next five years, as well as marketing and international expansion. This will all lead to the creation of a number of new jobs at its Pinewood Studios HQ, it claims.

Rotolight CEO Rod Aaron Gammons (pictured) says of the exciting time ahead: “Octopus bring a wealth of expertise and added value which was very important to us, and really understood and bought into our vision for the future”.

As part of the deal, Rotolight has

New home is where the art is for RPS also announced that the former MD of Dixons and CEO of Jessops PLC, Christopher Langley, and Martin Wood, formerly of Tetley Group and Hozelock Group will be joining the company board of directors, as Chairman and chief financial officer respectively. www.rotolight.com

The Royal Photographic Society has completed its move from Bath to Bristol and is now installed in an eyecatching new building in the city’s Paintworks creative quarter. The new space, which opened on February 7th, is designed to exhibit photography and also features a 101-seat auditorium, as well as providing an education and resource centre and accommodating the RPS staff. www.rps.org

SONY TAKES THE FAST TRAIN The electronics firm has unveiled what it’s pitching as a super fast and tough new memory card: the CFexpress Type B. Along with a new CFexpress Card Reader, it will hit the market early summer 2019.

Chief selling points for the new card include a claimed high reliability in extreme conditions, and read and write speeds of up to 1700MB/s and 1480MB/s

respectively.

The company believes it meets future requirements for secure industry data recording as well as, of course, professionals’ demand to capture highresolution images and high bitrate video. It’s also temperature proof, X –ray proof, anti static and is able to withstand 70N (Newtons) of force.

In other Sony related news, two British photographers have secured wins at the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards. Hull based telecoms engineer and passionate wildlife photographer Tracey Lund has scooped Open Natural World & Wildlife and UK National Awards with her shot ‘Underwater Gannets’, taken on a trip to Shetland.

Richard Ansett meanwhile has won the Open Portraiture category with a portrait of Grayson Perry (pictured). Richard has worked with the artist for five years, shooting photographs in support of Perry’s documentary films about British life. www.sony.co.uk www.worldphoto.org

FIRST NIKON Z F/2.8 PRO LENS LAUNCHES Following much talk about Nikon’s full frame Z cameras in recent months, the manufacturer has announced the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, described as a compact professional grade ‘workhorse’ lens with extensive weather sealing. Sales start April at £2199 SRP. Featuring a nine blade aperture, Nikon promises it will deliver beautiful ‘bokeh’, with the brand’s Senior Product Manager Tim Carter adding: “If you can only take one lens with you, the Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/2.8 S offers the ideal combination of compact build and pro performance.

Every component of a scene is rendered with lifelike clarity, and the full weather-sealing readies this lens for any location.”

In related news there is new firmware on the way for its Z7 and Z6 cameras. This will enable new functions such as Eye Detection AF, raw video output and support for CFexpress memory cards (see opposite), while the cameras’ AF/AE functions will also be improved, it claims. www.nikon.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 30 March 2019 | BPI News

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