Pixel Magazine - Issue 971

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ISSUE NO. 971

www.pixel.co.uk

INSIDE

PIXEL’S 2016 ROUND-UP, PIXEL’S PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION WINNERS, EXOLENS INTERVIEW, NEW CULLMANN LINES, CITIZEN: INTRODUCING THE CX2, BOOK OF THE MONTH, NEWS AND MUCH MORE...

HOLD STEADY

In This Issue...

Exolens:

• As Exolens roll out new products for the iPhone 7, Pixel talks to Luke Marsden, to find out more about the company. P14.

Leading The Way With Mobile Photography As Exolens roll out new products for the iPhone 7, Pixel talks to Luke Marsden, to find out more about the company and the general growing trend in mobile photography Pixel: Hi Luke, it’s great to see the evolution of products coming through from Exolens, can you give us a little more information on the background of Exolens and how the partnership transpired with Zeiss?

Luke Marsden: Sure, well as a relatively new product range, the new ‘Bracket Frame’ landed recently in December 2016 and now we’re into the New Year, we’re rolling out more products. These include the ‘Edge’ which is essentially a version of the ‘Bracket’; much slimmer and simpler to fit into your pocket for occasional use, and another called the ‘Case’, which, as the name suggests, is more of a case, so yes, it’s an exciting time for the brand with the range expanding.

With regards to the company, Exolens sits within the Fellowes group of companies. Fellowes have evolved from a paper products based manufacturer, broadening their scope as people have gradually become less paper dependent. The company have diversified into less paper based products in recent years; air purifiers and the like. They then acquired a company called Optrix, which were basically an action cam manufacturer, (now called Skeleton Works). The owner had been working on the Exolens concept and trying to sell in to Apple stores. He’d made significant ground and had built a relationship with Apple who had made it clear that they were looking for a ‘best in class’ iPhone lens solution to list in the stores. It was then that conversations with Zeiss ensued and since then, the products have been jointly developed so they have Zeiss’ excellent imaging expertise built in. The Exolens went on to launch in Apple stores in June 2016, rolling out further and into specialist stores in September.

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January 2017

Pixel: Can you tell us a little about the benefits that a user can expect to realise from the Exolens?

the market (for iPhone photography) and whilst they prove the growing trend, they don’t offer anything in the way of quality.

Luke: The iPhone sensor, paired with Zeiss glass is a powerful combination. The iPhone is very simple to use and familiar with so many people now.

The Exolens really opens up the artistic breadth for the iPhone photographer, improving the capacity for macro photography and also utilising the digital zoo function on the phone’s camera. The creative scope is really quite broad across the WideAngle precision, Telephoto and macrozoom lenses.

Pixel: Where do you see the opportunities for the specialist retail channel?

Luke: In the UK, Zeiss distribute Exolens and they are, of course, very familiar with the specialist photo channel. Due to this, we see photo specialists as key in our combined strategy to reach end user as the customer is already very familiar with the Zeiss brand. These customers are seeing the Exolens/Zeiss products instore and gasping at the relatively low price when compared to traditional optics.

“We see photo specialists as key in our combined strategy to reach end user as the customer is already very familiar with the Zeiss brand”

Pixel: So how do you see the further development of the smartphone photography market?

Luke: It’s only going to continue to increase.

Right now, we see the detachable lens market for mobile phones being where the headphone market was 5 years ago. Back then the products in the audio market hadn’t moved on in terms of quality but the consumer wanted more and so along came Beats and Bose with their excellent, higher end offerings. There are so many cheap Chinese brands coming into

Pixel’s 2016 Round-up

Luke Marsden

US firm called ‘Moment’, who only sell via their own site (directly) currently.

Pixel: And what about the future road map for Exolens; what can ewe expect to see next?

Luke: Naturally, we are developing products for the iPhone 7+ and there’s a possibility that we with explore ranges for other phone manufacturers too. The trick is to identify the most popular and/or biggest selling handsets in any territory and to then meet that market with the best possible product, but that’s all in the pipeline. We are looking at Samsung for the European market but there are no firm plans right now.

Pixel: Thanks for your time Luke.

Pixel: Who would you say are your main competitors in this space currently?

Luke: There aren’t really any that compare in terms of quality. Olloclip are quite well known in the market and have sold over 1m units to date. Again, the quality isn’t as good as you’ll find with the Exolens/Zeiss produced products but they are quite well known. There’s also a

• If a mobile and highquality photo thermal sublimation printer is something you require, then it’s worth taking a look at the new Citizen CX2 Compact. P19.

• Book of The Month: Great Britons of Photography Vol.1: The Dench Dozen. P24.

2016 was quite a year for the imaging and print industries, with a stream of hot new products and key events taking place throughout the year. In our first issue of 2017, Pixel looks back on the year we’ve just had and its highlights Pixel Trade Awards 2016

Pixel’s Photography Competition 2016

Photokina 2016

2016 has been a prevalent year for the photographic industry, and it’s been nothing less for us here at the Pixel towers.

With our new platform – Pixel. co.uk – being introduced earlier in the year, providing a learning and development platform for retailers to undertake training courses created by manufacturers themselves, as well as offering a communication and news platform for the photography sector, Pixel magazine also welcomed the addition of the Pixel Photography Competition.

Read more on page 10.

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The Photography Show 2016

There have been many developments throughout 2016, including some predictions as well as surprises. Smartphone technology has continued to prevail in the market, along with the VIDEO

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Digital Splash 2016

news of the passings of Celestron’s Dave Murray and industry ‘News Hound’, Chris Cheesman, whose dedication to the photographic industry will be missed by many.

Continued on P6...

increasing desire for virtual reality products, instant photography and 3D printing amongst many others, and alongside the ever-growing market came some disappointing announcements, starting with the -

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FOR 49 YEARS AND COUNTING

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NEWS

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Reveal t h e n e xt step in you r photog raphy c a r eer

r eg is te r to d ay

S u p p or t e d bY Members of trade and pro photographers may apply for free trade passes subject to validation criteria.

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p h ot og r a p h ysh ow.c om

NEWS

WELCOME To Pixel Magazine Happy New Year!

Here we are yet again, welcoming the New Year with open arms, and you’ll fine that our first issue of 2017 is, as usual, full to the brim with the hottest new product releases and news from the photographic industry.

In this issue, you’ll find that we’ve tied up the loose ends of 2016 with our annual Pixel Roundup, highlighting the highs and lows of the year just passed, including a summary of the year’s events and top product releases.

Additionally and just incase you didn’t attend Pixel’s annual Trade Awards ceremony back in

December, we also announce the winners of the Pixel Photography Competition, showing you the winning images to demonstrate the high standard of photography within the industry today.

Elsewhere in this issue, as well as introducing its book of the month, Great Britons of Photography: The Dench Dozen, in association with Leica, Pixel provides you with its regular industry news and hot product launches, alongside interviews with Panasonic and Exolens.

We look forward to providing you with yet another year of industry overview, including expert comment, tips and information.

Enjoy your January read!

Jess Saunders, Editor.

Team Pixel.

BenQ Flagship Photographer Monitor SW320 BenQ has announced the SW320 photographer monitor, a 31.5inch 4K display with class-leading colour performance and HDR capability.

Spanning a wide colour gamut covering 99% of Adobe RGB and 100% of sRGB, and the digital cinema industry’s DCI-P3 colour space, SW320’s true 10-bit IPS panel and advanced 14-bit 3D lookup table deliver spectacular colour quality.

With its impressive 31.5-inch IPS panel with 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution and 178 degree H/V viewing angles, the SW320 also boats some state-of-the-

art color features, including 99% Adobe RGB Colour Gamut and Technicolor® Colour Certification, HDR content support, Brightness Uniformity Function, GamutDuo, Advanced Black and White Modes and Palette Master Element Colour Calibration.

President of BenQ Corporation, Conway Lee said of the new product: “SW320 represents the pinnacle of BenQ colour-critical display technology. This wide colour gamut HDR monitor takes professional imaging to new heights, fulfilling the demanding and exacting requirements of photography enthusiasts.”

Industry News Bites Find out more info on this month’s news bites at Pixel.co.uk

Introducing the FUJIFILM X-A10 FUJIFILM has announced the launch of the new compact, lightweight and stylish mirrorless digital camera, the X-A10; a new addition to the X Series range of cameras that delivers outstanding image quality with the combination of a 16.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and image processing engine.

Users are able to capture premium quality images in any shooting conditions with the sharp FUJINON lenses that boast ultimate image resolution, as well as colour-reproduction technology, refined over more than 80 years. Also, the use of two Command Dials means users only need a thumb to

adjust aperture, shutter speed and exposure settings.

Designed for perfect self-portraits, the FUJIFILM X-A10 boasts perfect composition with the slide-and-tilt screen mechanism, ergonomic grip, automatic shooting modes, intelligent focusing, extended battery life of approximately 410 frames per charge, minimum working distance, Super Intelligent Flash system, Full HD video recording and wireless communication function that allows users to transfer images to another device with one-touch operation.

The FUJIFILM X-A10 with XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS II kit is available with an SRP of £499.00.

Introducing Lume Cube – the Portable, Durable and Powerful Light for Photo & Video Tiny and lightweight, the Lume Cube is a powerful LED light source that provides professional quality lighting to your everyday life and will allow users to revolutionise their photos and videos.

These little devices can work either as external flash for photos, or as continuous lights for video. It features 6000K colour temperature and brightness can be adjusted from 0 to 1500 lumens, giving plenty of flexibility

over its use. The light is suitable for use as either a video light or a still photo strobe and it incorporates a rechargeable battery that lasts 20 minutes at full brightness and two hours plus at 50% brightness.

Prices are as follows: • Lume Cube single pack £89.99 inc VAT • Twin Pack - £169.99 inc VAT • Quad pack - £329.99 inc VAT • Accessory mounts from £19.00 inc VAT Visit www.intro2020. co.uk for more information.

Valentine’s Hamper Spend £300 on frames and receive a FREE Valentine’s Stock Hamper.

Worth Over £55 at Guide Call Swains sales office or speak to your Swains Regional Sales Manager to find out more.

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Box Not Included Contents Subject To Change

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NEWS

Paralympic Athletes to Star in Photography Exhibition Some of the Rio Paralympic stars will be the focus of a one-off photography exhibition in London to promote sport in the disabled community.

Pictures capturing the emotion of gold medallists, Jonnie Peacock, Richard Whitehead and Hannah Cockcroft will be featured in the event. The series of pictures was taken by Roger Bool, who was asked to capture official press shots of British athletes who were competing

in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games for the national charity WheelPower. The lens allowed him to capture close-up pictures of the athletes’ faces which will be used

by WheelPower to promote sport among the disability community.

Roger Bool, who runs his own photography company, said: “As good as the action shots are, nothing beats capturing the athletes’ reactions when they break a record, which is truly amazing.”

Introducing the M400 Launched by Metz Metz has launched the mecablitz M400, a compact system flash suited to mirrorless system cameras and is ideal for any photographer or filmmaker looking for a convenient, compact flash unit. It is available in Canon, Nikon, Micro FourThirds, Pentax, Sony and Fuji fittings.

Powered by four AAA sized NiMH, alkalinemagnesium or lithium batteries, the M400 has a zoom-swivel head covering a FOV range matching that of a full-frame 24-105mm lens, with a guide number of 40 at the 105mm position. Depending

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on your camera, the M400 with master and slave mode also offers wireless TTL flash functionality, and comes with an adjustable LED video/modelling light, bounce card and integrated wide-angle diffuser.

Other highlights include high-speed flash synchronisation, second-curtain sync and red-eye reduction, plus it can always be kept up-to-date via the USB interface for receiving firmware updates.

The Metz M400 Flashgun is available now in all fittings for £121.99 including VAT.

Shoot like a Fashion Pro with New NanGuang LED Ring Lights from Kenro Kenro has announced two NanGuang ring lights, new to their expanding range of photo and video lighting and offering photographers a unique lighting effect to make subjects leap out of the photograph.

NanGuang’s CNR480C is an LED ring light that produces soft, diffused, well-balanced continuous lighting, ideal for portraits and fine product photography. It also provides a flattering light for social media live streams such as Facebook Live, and for taking ‘selfies’ with a smartphone.

The light comes complete with

smartphone clamp, and with a mirror that mounts in the centre, making it perfect for the make-up process, etc. Its soft light is ideal for one-to-one video interviews, for make-up tutorials, or any other video where the face is the focus of attention.

Other features include cooling air vents, 480 LEDs with an average life of 50,000 hours, and 100-240V AC power adapter.

The NanGuang CNR480C is available with an SRP of £227.94 including VAT.

Let There Be Lite: New Slik Tripods Feature LED Torch The SLIK LITE Travel Series are the first tripods to incorporate an integrated, removable LED torch in the centre column.

There are five models in the range: 3 are manufactured from highquality aluminium and two models from lightweight 8-layer carbon fibre. All models are lightweight and compact, thanks to the new Rapid Flip Mechanism locks (patent pending) that allow the legs to invert 180° for more compact storage and transportation, making it easy to stow the tripods in a carry-on suitcase or backpack.

All tripods are available now and prices are as follows: • Slik Lite AL-420S tripod - £121.99 inc VAT • Slik Lite AL-420M tripod - £131.99 inc VAT • Slik Lite AL-420 tripod - £142.99 inc VAT • Slik Lite CF-422 carbon fibre tripod £439.99 inc VAT • Slik Lite CF-522 carbon fibre tripod £415.99 inc VAT For more information visit www.intro2020. co.uk

PIXEL TRADE AWARDS 2016

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ROUND UP OF 2016

Pixel’s 2016 Round-up Continued...

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nwards and upwards, and at the start of a new year, Pixel is on hand yet again to deliver a roundup of the top announcements, awards, product releases and achievements.

“Business was very positive in 2016. We have seen growth in all categories, despite shortages due to sensor supply; cameras have grown in volume and value. Noteworthy models from 2016 include Fuji with the X-Pro2 & XT-2.

Sony A7 MKII models have been hard to keep on the shelves as well as great launches like the Canon EOS 5D IV and Nikon D5 & D500.

2017 looks to continue with this trend, certainly if the OM-D E-M1 MK II has anything to do with it,” said Richard Swan, General Manager at Clifton Cameras.

2016 was quite a time for events alone, with the first quarter of the year being marked by: The Societies’ Convention, held back in January at the Hilton London Metropole;

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Photokina though, with all of its the Amateur Photographer Awards, which monstrous success over the years, remains took place and announced its winners on the world’s largest 4th February; and The exhibition event for Photography Show, the photographic holding its annual event “Business has been market, and returned at NEC Birmingham back again in 2016, taking in March and allowing very positive in 2016. place in Cologne’s visitors to learn the We have seen growth in Koelnmesse between latest techniques, spark all categories, despite 20th and 25th creativity, learn from the shortages due to sensor September, and experts, find one-off supply; cameras have Pixel, yet again, was deals and get hands-on grown in volume and fortunate enough to with the latest top-of-thevalue” attend. range equipment from Of course, one more than 200 exhibitors, - Richard Swan, General Manager at event very close to including Canon, Nikon, Clifton Cameras Pixel’s heart is the Panasonic, Sony, annual Pixel Trade Olympus and Fujifilm. Of Awards, last year course, Pixel also had celebrating it’s 12th anniversary and taking the pleasure of attending Wilkinson Cameras’ place yet again at the Grange City Hotel Digital Splash event back in October.

in London’s East End. If we haven’t gone on about it enough, the Pixel Trade Awards aims to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the photographic industry, including retail, supply, manufacturing and innovation by rewarding those who provide a professional, efficient and faultless service in their sector of the industry. Fujifilm struck a number of wins, receiving awards for Print Franchise of the Year, Print Manufacturer of the Year and Camera Manufacturer of the Year, along with Intro 2020 who received an award for Distributor of the Year while the company’s Jim Mackay received recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

2016 saw the release of hundreds of new and exciting products, and here at Pixel we have picked out what we feel were 2016’s most innovative and exciting new devices for budding photographers and videographers to get their hands on…

Panasonic Lumix GH5

Back in September Panasnonic launched the Lumix GH5, yet another quite extraordinary product to grace the imaging industry. Capable of recording smooth and high-precision 4K video, the Lumix GH5 also features 6K PHOTO, which extracts approximately 18-megapixel still images from ultra high-quality video with 9 times the pixel count of Full HD – something we hadn’t seen before in any of Panasonic’s products, showing the true level of innovation within the industry.

Hasselblad X1D & H6D

Hasselblad was yet another manufacturer that prevailed throughout last year, with two of its 2016 releases making Pixel’s picks. Launching the X1D at the Gothenburg Museum of Art in Sweden back in June, the Hasselblad team delivered on their promise of an exciting and dynamic pathway for their product range.

Weighing less than half that of a conventional digital medium format camera – the same weight as half a MacBook Air, the mirrorless 50MP camera was a game changer in the world of photography, similar to another of Hasselblad’s 2016 releases; the H6D. Weighing in with both a 50mp (50c) and a 100mp (100c) version, Hasselblad’s launch of the H6D represented a significant step for the brand, building on the critically acclaimed H6D 50c. Working seamlessly with the 4K video capability of the new camera, the highdefinition touchscreen LDC gives pin-sharp live view and Wi-Fi as standard, and the incorporated HDMI connector for external monitor connectivity presents this camera as a serious toll for any filmmaker.

Fujifilm GFX

Fujifilm have drawn a line in the sand with their newest mirrorless camera system, announced during press briefings at bi-annual photo-trade event, Photokina and said: “The game has changed. Medium-format re-invented. Large sized sensor and large-diameter realise the highest image quality in the history of Fujifim.”

Of course, Fujifilm had various new releases throughout the year, however the GFX, with its lightweight exterior and ergonomic grip, has been manufactured for ultimate consumer comfort. Not only this, but it became Fujifilm’s first model to use a detachable electronic viewfinder.

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Canon 5D Mark IV

As the new and improved addition to Canon’s legendary EOS 5D series, the 5D Mark IV came as no surprise as, earlier in the year, it was the subject of many rumour sites. With a 30.4 megapixel CMOS sensor with wide exposure latitude, internal 4K movie recording, built in Wi-Fi and GPS, as well as 7fps high-speed shooting, the 5D Mark IV was one of 2016’s most prevalent products.

Impossible I-1

When Polaroid closed its last film factory back in 2008, a new company stepped in to save the classic instant film format, and chose the name ‘Impossible Project’. Last year after successfully launching a whole range of instant films, the brand designed its own Impossible I-1. With its own distinctive aesthetic and design, the I-1 introduced some state-of-the-art features, including full remote control from an iPhone via the I-1 Camera app, LED flash ring around the lens and a collapsible optical viewfinder – reminiscent of folding cameras from the 1950s.

Managing Director of Leica UK, Jason Hewes, said: “In so many ways, 2016 will be defined

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as the year when those without new ideas raced to the bottom, whilst those who thought differently thrived. We saw that customers were tired of being sold ‘product’ based on its price and pixel count, and instead were looking for new relationships with brands. Retailers who

understood this prospered well.” Speaking of the difference in trends in comparison to previous years, he continued: “Another notable trend was the increasing number of photographers looking for a point of difference, something that made them stand out from the

PIXEL TRADE AWARDS 2016

crowd. It was a good year for authenticity with to the final day, keeping our staff busy until the a move from mass market to premium.” bitter end!”

Last year also saw the surprising – to The same research showed that the highest some – result of the EU referendum, voting growth areas came from technology products, in favour of Brexit, and with Black Friday just with one of this year’s best performers around the corner, there was much uncertainty being smart audio products, and one of the surrounding the success of the now annual most popular products being the multiroom event in the eyes of the technology sector, and speakers. This area in particular grew 182% it seems uncertain year on year in value, was the right way while another area of to be. Research strong growth included “With the latest advances conducted by GfK large screen TVs (60 in drone technology shows that price inches or above), which changes last year recorded a 135% and the development of were not even nearly increase. But what monitors that cater to as extreme as they about imaging and print both the photo and video were during 2015’s products?

Black Friday event; Speaking of what market; we have steadily from their Online to expect from 2017, seen the industry evolve” Pricing Intelligence, Richard continued: “We they counted 71,000 have seen considerable - Managing Director at XP price changes on improvements in Distribution Black Friday 2015 technology for Drones in comparison to making them easier to the previous day, fly and control, with 4k whereas 2016 saw becoming the norm, just 16,000 on Black quality is better than ever. The DJI Mavic’s Friday versus the Thursday, which shows that availability is set to improve in 2017 and retailers were already using sales promotions competition from the GoPro Karma is sure to previous to the big day. make it another great year for Drones,” while Despite this, the imaging and print industries Managing Director at XP Distribution said: seemed to struggle less than other sectors, “This has been a successful year for the digital and Clifton Camera’s Richard Swan said: imaging industry. With the latest advances “The Cyber weekend was generally busy for in drone technology and the development of the industry. The timing of the weekend in the monitors that cater to both the photo and video month meant business was more weighted market, we have steadily seen the industry

evolve. Many traditional photographic resellers are now actively embracing the need for video products. This year we launched exciting products such as the X-Rite ColorChecker Video range and BenQ’s hybrid colour critical monitors. These products are now in high demand and we expect this demand to increase in 2017.”

Here at Pixel, we look forward to and have high expectations of the year ahead of us, and we will be sure to keep you informed of the latest industry news, events and hot, new product releases throughout 2017.

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PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2016

Pixel’s Photography Competition 2016

Here, we provide you with a rundown on the recent success of Pixel’s new platform, Pixel.co.uk - introducing the Pixel Photography Competition and its winners

W

ith three main areas; communication, engagement and learning, all interlinked with a host of powerful functions, the Pixel Platform has so far helped bring individuals together through online training tasks, therefore strengthening the connection between them broadening their knowledge base and overall sales focus.

The e-learning sector of the Pixel Platform allows and encourages counter staff to immerse themselves into different training modules to ensure they are up-to-date and knowledgeable on selling the industry’s hottest products and information to cater to the needs of consumers. Courses are graded and badges are awarded upon completion of courses, and the Platform can act as a digital portfolio for achievements, where badges will appear on the member’s profile and can be collected and then downloaded into a ‘personal backpack’.

In addition to this, and on the other hand, the Pixel Platform has also been an important tool in keeping members connected with the rest of the industry, with a live newsfeed that allows companies to share new updates and information with the rest of the photographic world, whether this is for new products, events learn more about what retailers need from or general announcements. This industrythem, which is essential.” specific newsfeed will ensure members are up In addition to this and launched last year via to date with what is going on in the industry the Pixel Platform was the Pixel Photography and, with it being Competition, which saw supplemented by a hundreds of budding BBC news block, Pixel. photographers – both co.uk is the go-to site professional and for all key information, amateur – sending in both industry-specific their own shots with the or otherwise. hope of producing a “Pixel.co.uk offers winning image for one the industry an of five categories. Being integrated learning launched over Pixel’s communication new platform meant platform and, therefore, that only registered an opportunity to users of the site or in help each other in - Pixel Editor, Jenny Ardagh other words, retailers, maintaining and manufacturers or other developing the industry experts, were excellence of the the only people able to photographic industry enter the competition, as a whole,” said Pixel Editor, Jenny Ardagh. making it all the more personal to the imaging She continued: “It’s important for staff to be and print industries and keeping the standard aware of the newest products and to develop of imaging high. The categories in Pixel’s the skills and learn the information they need Photography Competition included Landscape, to help customers. In turn, manufacturers can

“As it’s the first year we have run this competition we were super excited to see all of the entries, and were particularly impressed with the quality of the images”

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Fashion, Wildife, Street and Monochrome, and participants could enter images into as many of these categories as they wanted. We were inundated with entries, although there could only be one winner for each category.

Jenny Ardagh also said: “As it’s the first year we have run this competition we were super excited to see all of the entries, and were particularly impressed with the quality of the images. Each category winner used a very

Landscape Category Winner: Simon Barker, Wilkinson Cameras: “Overall, I am overwhelmed to win and I had a fantastic evening at the Pixel Trade Awards ceremony. Over many years in photographic retail, I always enjoyed reading the Pixel magazine and more recently, online.

The awards evening was a particular highlight as I looked out for familiar faces, although it seemed weird to be joining them!” different technique, had a different style and exhibited a range of expertise to produce their final product. Huge congratulations should go to each and every one of them.

I’d happily have each image displayed in my own home!”

Of course, with winning comes a prize, and the winners of Pixel’s Photography Competition were, first off, lucky enough to attend 2016’s annual Pixel Trade Awards.

Not only did they get to devour a 3-course meal made by the event’s venue, the Grange City Hotel in London, but were also invited on stage to receive their own winner’s trophy.

In addition to this, each winner is invited to Genesis Imaging in London, where they will be able to witness their winning shots being printed.

The winners of the Pixel Photography Competition are as follows: Landscape Category Winner: Simon Barker, Wilkinson Cameras Fashion Category Winner: Andy Hoang, Calumet Bristol Wildlife Category Winner: Jorge Mendes, Calumet London Street Category Winner: Andy Robinson, J&A Cameras Monochrome Category Winner: Mark Puertolas, Caulmet London

Fashion Category Winner: Andy Hoang, Calumet Bristol: “I am very grateful and honoured to be awarded best in the inaugural Fashion category. The continued support I receive from all Calumet management and staff in my pursuit to do well within the field of fashion photography is mind blowing. I could not ask for a better team to join me on my journeys.”

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Wildlife Category Winner:

PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Street Category Winner: Andy Robinson, J&A Cameras: “I’ve worked for J&A Cameras for thirty years this month and during a large part of that time, Pixel magazine has been an ever-present companion. As far as I can remember, this is the first photographic competition that has been organised and I am so proud to have won one of the categories, and runner-up in another. In the case of the winning ‘Street’ entry, it was so last minute that I had only taken the photograph two days previously whilst on a lightening trip to Venice. The photograph was taken on my Olympus PEN F with the 17mm f1.8 lens, which proved to be the perfect street camera, discreet and very responsive. I have been exclusively using the Olympus micro system since the launch of the OMD EM-1 and as J&A’s Wedding photographer, trust the system to deliver professional results in all situations! I have never been disappointed!”

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Jorge Mendes, Calumet London: “I am overwhelmed with Joy for such an honour. Photography has been a passion that has been with me since my youth and each recognition I achieve is a step that encourages my self-improvement and strengthens my dedication to it. It has been amazing to work on this side of the photographic business and I have met impressive people with so much talent, from whom I’ve learned so much already. For all of us, it’s working with photography that still makes us smile every morning. This was one of my first experiences photographing wildlife and I was fascinated by the results; the way you can play with the tones and the backgrounds, adapt what you see to the focus of your attention. Overall it was a very enriching experience with great results. The equipment I used was a Canon 5D Mark III with an EF 200-400mm L series lens.”

Monochrome Category Winner: Mark Puertolas, Caulmet London: “I am a big fan of Long Exposure Photography. My winning shot was taken with long Exposure - 15 stop ND filters + Polariser, ISO 100 and 25 mins 50 sec exposure. It was taken with a Canon EOS 5D mark III, an EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM and 34mm Cokin Nuances Filters. I’m very thankful for this award.”

Pixel Photography Competition Runners Up:

Landscape Runner Up: Julian Clune

Fujifilm UK’s Peter Wigington, with his years of experience in the imaging and print industry, was Pixel’s trustworthy partner in judging the competition entries. He said of the winning images: “Of course it is always difficult to judge these competitions - every photographer has a different eye for what makes a good photo and looks at what pleases them most and hopes the viewer sees the same. So in my defense I did as asked - I thought about the category theme and determined to only consider those images that jumped out at me as best representing that BUT that weren’t , dare I say it, composed in a way I’ve seen in a thousand other photos. So it was that I chose on composition, colour, movement, drama - all the things that strike you in a millisecond with an image you like and then keep you coming back to just that one...”

Fashion Runner Up: Andy Robinson

Street Runner Up: Julian Clune

Wildlife Runner Up: Neil Collier

www.pixel.co.uk 13

Monochrome Runner Up: Sam Mossop

ExoLens: Exolens:

Leading The Way With Mobile Photography

As rollout outnew newproducts productsfor forthe theiPhone iPhone7,7,Pixel Pixel As ExoLens Exolens roll talks to Luke Marsden, to find out more about the company talks to Luke Marsden, to find out more about the company and trend in in mobile mobile photography photography and the the general general growing growing trend Pixel: see the the evolution evolution of of products products coming coming Pixel: Hi Hi Luke, Luke, it’s it’s great great to to see through from ExoLens, can you give us a little more information onthe through from Exolens, can you give us a little more information on the background of ExoLens and how the partnership transpired background of Exolens and how the partnership transpired with with Zeiss?

ZEISS?

Luke Marsden: Sure, well as a relatively new product range, the new ‘Bracket Luke Sure, well as a relatively range, Frame’Marsden: landed recently in December 2016new andproduct now we’re into the the new New‘Bracket Year, Frame’ landed in December 2016 and the now‘Edge’ we’re which into the Year, we’re rolling outrecently more products.

These include is New essentially we’re rolling out ‘Bracket’; more products. the ‘Edge’ is essentially a version of the much These slimmerinclude and simpler to fit which into your pocket for aoccasional version ofuse, the ‘Bracket’; much slimmer and simpler into yoursuggests, pocket for and another called the ‘Case’, which, to asfitthe name occasional and the ‘Case’, which, as thewith name is more of ause, case, soanother yes, it’s called an exciting time for the brand the suggests, range is more of a case, so yes, it’s an exciting time for the brand, with the range expanding. expanding.

With regards to the company, Exolens sits within the Fellowes group of With regards to the have company, ExoLens within the Fellowes group of companies.

Fellowes evolved from a sits paper products based manufacturer, companies.

Fellowes have evolvedhave fromgradually a paper products based manufacturer, broadening their scope as people become less paper broadening scope as have people have gradually become less paper dependent. their The company diversified into less paper based products in dependent. hasthe diversified into less paper based products in recent years;The air company purifiers and like. They then acquired a company called recent years; air purifiers and the like.

It then acquired a company called Optrix, Optrix, which were basically an action cam manufacturer, (now called Skeleton which were an been actionworking cam manufacturer (now called Skeleton Works).

Thebasically owner had on the Exolens concept and tryingWorks). to sell The been working the ExoLens concept and trying to sell into in toowner Apple had stores.

He’d madeon significant ground and had built a relationship Apple stores.

He’d ground and had builtfor a relationship with with Apple who hadmade madesignificant it clear that they were looking a ‘best in class’ Apple madetoitlist clear thatstores. they were looking for aconversations ‘best in class’with iPhone iPhonewho lenshad solution in the It was then that lens listsince in thethen, stores. was thenhave that been conversations with ZEISS Zeisssolution ensuedtoand theItproducts jointly developed so they ensued and excellent since then, the products have jointly developed so to they have have Zeiss’ imaging expertise builtbeen in. The Exolens went on launch ZEISS’ expertise The and ExoLens went on to launch in Appleexcellent stores inimaging June 2016, rollingbuilt out in. further into specialist stores in in Apple stores in June 2016, rolling out further and into specialist stores in September.

September.

14 16 www.pixel.co.uk www.pixel.co.uk

HOLD STEADY

Luke Marsden Luke Marsden

you tell us a little about the you a little about the at a tell useruscan expect to realise at a user can expect to realise xolens? xolens?

the market (for iPhone photography) and whilst the (for growing iPhone photography) and offer whilst theymarket prove the trend, they don’t they prove the growing trend, they don’t offer anything in the way of quality. anything in the way of quality.

US firm called ‘Moment’, who only sell via their US ‘Moment’, who only sell via their ownfirm sitecalled (directly) currently. own site (directly) currently.

Luke Marsden

Pixel: And what about the future road map Pixel: And what about the future map for Exolens; what can ewe expectroad to see Pixel: Where do you see the opportunities Phone sensor, paired with Zeiss for Exolens; what can ewe expect to see Pixel: Where do you see the opportunities Phone sensor, paired with Zeiss the market (for channel? iPhone photography) and whilstnext?Pixel: And what about the future road map Can you The tell us a little about the for the specialist retail owerful Pixel: combination. iPhone for the specialist retail channel? owerful combination.

The iPhone they prove the growing trend, they don’t offer next?for ExoLens; what can we expect to see benefits that a user can expect to realise e to use and familiar with so next? anything in the way of quality. from the ExoLens? to use and familiar with so Luke: Naturally, we are developing products Luke: In the UK, Zeiss ee now.

Luke: arethere’s developing products Luke: In the UK, Zeiss ereally now. for the Naturally, iPhone 7+we and a possibility distribute Exolens Naturally, we are developing products Pixel: Wheredistribute do you see the opportunities for theLuke: Luke: The iPhone sensor, paired with ZEISS iPhone 7+ and there’s a possibility Exolens really that we explore for other phone and they of e artistic forwith the iPhone 7+ranges and there’s a possibility for the specialist retailare, channel? glass is a powerful combination. The iPhone that we with explore ranges other phone and theyvery are,familiar of e artistic manufacturers The trickfor isforto identify the course, the iPhone that we willtoo. explore ranges other phone is very simple to use and familiar with so manufacturers too.

The trick is to identify the course, very familiar the iPhone manufacturers too.

The trick is to identify the and/or biggest selling handsets with the specialist Luke: In the UK, ZEISSmost popular er, improving many people now. most popular and/or biggest selling handsets with the specialist er, improving popular biggest handsets distribute ExoLens The ExoLens really in anymost territory andand/or to then meetselling that market photo channel.

Due for macro anythe and and to then meet that market photo Due interritory any territory to then meet that market and they are, in opens up the artistic with best possible product, but that’s all in to this,channel. weproducts see photo yfor andmacro also withbest the best possible product, butthat’s that’sall all in in ofsee course, very familiar with breadth for the iPhone the possible product, but to this, we photo ydigital and also the pipeline.

We are looking at Samsung for the specialists as key in “We see photo the pipeline.

We are looking at Samsung for the with the specialist photographer, improving the pipeline.

We are at Samsung for the specialists as key in European market butlooking there are nonofirm our combined strategy ndigital on thethe capacity for macro European market but there are firmplans plans photostrategy channel. Due European market but there are no firm plans our combined n on the specialists as key in our to reach end user mera. The right now. to this, weas see photo right now. photography on the right now. to reach end user as mera. the customer is already pe is The really specialists as key in our phone’s camera. The combined strategy the to is already pe is really Thanks for your time, Luke.

Thanks for your time Luke. verycustomer familiar with the across the combined strategy to Pixel:Pixel: creative scope is really reach end user as the very familiar with across the reach thethe end users as Pixel: Thanks for your time Luke. quite broad across the Zeiss brand.

These precision, Zeiss brand.

These precision, theare customer WideAngle precision, customers seeing is already nd macrocustomer is already very customers are seeingwith very familiar nd macroTelephoto and macrothe Exolens/Zeiss s. familiar with the ZEISS the ZEISS brand. zoom lenses. the Exolens/Zeiss s. products instore and These customers products instore and brand” gasping atare the relatively ow seeing the Pixel: So how do gasping at the relatively ow low price ExoLens/ZEISS when the you see the further price products when instore the development compared to traditional low optics. elopment of the smartphone of compared to traditional optics. elopment of the smartphone and gasping at the smartphone hy market? hy going market? the relatively photography Pixel: Who would youlow sayprice arewhen yourcompared main nly to continuemarket? to increase.

Pixel: Who would say currently? are your main nly going todetachable continue tolens increase. toin traditional optics. competitors thisyou space we see the market Luke: It’s only going to market continue to increase. competitors in this space currently? we see being the detachable hones where thelens headphone Pixel: Who would you say are your Right now, we see the detachable lens market hones where the headphone Luke: Theremain aren’tcompetitors really any that compare 5 yearsbeing ago.

Back then the where the headphone in this space in for mobile phones being There aren’t reallyare anyquite that compare in 5 years ago.

Backhadn’t then the terms of quality.

Olloclip well known the audio market onthen theLuke: currently? market was 5 years moved ago. Back terms of quality.

Olloclip are quite well known the audio market hadn’t moved on in the quality but the consumer products in the audiowanted market hadn’t moved onmarket and have sold over 1m units to in the Again, marketLuke: andquality have sold over 1m units toin the quality the Beats consumer wanted Olloclip are as quite well as known incame terms of quality the consumer wanted date. the isn’t good you’ll o alongbut andbut Bose with date.

Again, the quality isn’t as good as you’ll ont,along came Beats and Bose with and thereproduced is also a also a US firm called more andofferings. so along came findwith with the market Exolens/Zeiss products higher end ThereBeats are and Bose find with are the ‘Moment’, Exolens/Zeiss produced nt, higher offerings.

There are onlyThere’s sells viaproducts its own theirend excellent, higher endinto offerings.

There butare they quite wellwhich known. also a site eap Chinese brands coming currently. so many cheap coming Chinese into brands comingbut intothey are (directly) quite well known. There’s also a eap Chinese brands

“We “We see see photo photo specialists as specialists as key key in in our our combined strategy combined strategy to to reach end user as the reach end user as the customer customer is is already already very very familiar with the Zeiss familiar with the Zeiss brand” brand”

INTRO 2020

2017 Welcomes New Cullmann Lines The tripod’s star and screw fittings are manufactured with machined aluminium, and with adjustable legs and a centre column made of anodised aluminium tube, the Mundo tripod provides users with a stable and trustworthy base. The legs can be adjusted in 3 different spreading angles, including an almost-ground-level macro position, allowing users to adapt to all kinds of photographic situations

The second new range of tripods from Cullmann are the Neomax, which come in 3 different models in various sizes; Neomax 220, Neomax 240 and Neomax 260, differing by distinctive extension heights of 78cm, 112cm and 128cm – all of which feature fast operation, high stability and low weight. Each tripod features an aluminium ball head with a quick-release system and tough feet, coming complete with its own case.

With its tiny exterior, the compact Neomax travel tripods offer ‘always-at-hand’ companionship to many photographers, and with thanks to the separately available smartphone holder, this product makes for the perfect addition to any mobile photographer’s kit bag. Users can simply fasten the tripod with the snap hook on the centre column to their backpacks or belt buckles, allowing for easy use.

Other key features include: • Extra fast extension of tripod legs due to telescopic extension • Tripod legs adjustable in 3 positions (including macro position) • Small packing dimension due to foldable legs • 2x extendable centre column • Lightweight and stable • Ball head with QRC0 system • Snap hook for direct fastening

Other key features include: • Aluminium and carbon versions • Quick release clamping for tripod legs and centre column • Tripod legs foldable by 180 degrees • 360 degree slewable centre column load hook • Tripod leg with foam rubber padding (cold/ impact protection) • Additional detachable tripod leg protection sleeve • Skid-proof rubber feet

ax om 0 26

16 www.pixel.co.uk

More product lines have joined the alreadyexisting Cullmann range, including 2 new tripod ranges, LED video lights and photo bags, as well as a new Cullman flashgun. Arriving earlier this month, Pixel investigates these new devices and all they have to offer the photographic industry.

Firstly we have the Mundo tripod. Available to purchase in 4 colours including black, silver, orange and blue, this product allows users to choose and work to their preferences, and rest assure that it can be safely transported with a padded tripod bag included. However, with thanks to its compact design, the packing dimension of just 31.5cm and its lightweight body of just 1 kilogram, it can fit into any backpack. The Mundo tripod also features an integrated Monopod, making it the ideal product for landscape, portrait or architectural photography as a tripod, or a monopod for sports and action photography, making it the new go-to product for photographers with all kinds of focus.

Ne

Mundo tripod

Here, as well as welcoming a new year, Pixel introduces more product lines from the Cullmann range, which graced the photographic industry earlier this month

“

With a design based on the Scandinavian reduced look – ‘simple, clean and without frills’ – Cullmann’s new Stockholm bags come in a range of different sizes, and all come in a cool grey polyester material, making them water repellant and abrasion resistant. Additionally, inside the bags users will find a padded compartment, specially designed for the smartphone, yet again, making this product mobile photographer-friendly. The complete interior is soft padded and provided with variable partitions, making it an even more versatile must-have product.

The all-round zips with covered sawn seams and metal grips make these bags usable in any kind of environment, and users won’t have to worry about their kit being protected in the wildest of weather.

Also, with padded carrier handles and a convenient, wide shoulder strap, which can be fastened or removed completely, Cullmann certainly didn’t forget about the importance of comfort!

INTRO 2020

“Stockholm bags come in a range of different sizes, and all come in a cool grey polyester material, making them water repellant and abrasion resistant”

Stockholm bags

”

Other key features include: • Robust, water sealed floor material outside • Lid opening away from the body • Front bag with organiser • Well padded inside with variable dividers • Integrated rain protection

voltage battery packs and a multi-flash mode for creative effects.

Pricing • Mundo Tripod: £179.99 including VAT • Neomax mini travel tripods: £59.99 - £79.99 including VAT • Stockholm bags: £44.99 - £89.99 including VAT • CUlight LED video lights: £49.99 - £299.99 • CUlight FR60 flashgun: £249.99 including VAT

For any further information or enquiries, please visit www.intro2020.co.uk

CUlight FR60 flashgun

And finally adding to Cullmann’s new range of products are the CUlight LED video lights, available in 5 different sizes – 3x daylight and 2x bi-colour light – plus a Cullmann flashgun; the CUlight FR60.

Excluding the high flash factor 60, TTL functions for Canon, Nikon and Sony camera, a zoom range from 20 – 200mm and a USB interface for firmware updates, the absolute highlight of the CUlight FR60 flashgun is the integrated radio remote control, which works over a distance of 100m and doesn’t require a line-ofsight link. Therefore, it can be installed at exactly the locations where it can provide the absolute best possible illumination.

Additionally, the FR60 flash itself offers high-speed sync up to 1/8000 second, an external power socket to support high-

CUlight LED

video light

www.pixel.co.uk 17

DP-SL620 ALL-IN-ONE COMPACT KIOSK

Do much more with DNP!

H STYLIS DESIGN

,1’’ WITH 10 CREEN TOUCHS

DS-TMINI ORDER TERMINAL + DS620 PRINTER Design bb&b - Photos: ShutterStock, DNP

DP-SL620 can be connected to all DNP printers

Biometric passport photo function

4 exclusive photo finishes

Panoramic prints

Ideal for retails

Validates ID photos to meet the official requirements for any country

Glossy, Matte, Luster* & Fine Matte* with one media

Up to 6x20”with DP-SL620 and up to 8x32’’ with DS820 connected

Low investement, great returns

The biometric passport licence must be purchased

*Available for DS620 and DS820

DNP PHOTO IMAGING EUROPE sales@dnpphoto.eu www.dnpphoto.eu

18 www.pixel.co.uk

FOR THE KEEPERS OF THE MOMENT. Reliable Photoprinting Solutions.

in print

RETAIL SOLUTIONS FOR THE PRINT PROFESSIONAL

Introducing the CX2

If a mobile and high-quality photo thermal sublimation printer is something you require for event photography, then it’s worth taking a look at the image results of the new Citizen CX2 Compact, which will be available in early 2017. Pixel investigates…

FOR THE KEEPERS OF THE MOMENT. Reliable Photoprinting Solutions.

www.pixel.co.uk Citizen CX2 Compact – The better solution for photo kiosks!

No hassle • No queuing • No moaning • No waste of materials • www.citizen.photo

19

CITIZEN

Introducing the CX2 Continued...

E

vent photography is somewhat of a growing business segment, and what better demonstrates proof of a competent event photographer than the ability to present printed images to his/her customers at the actual event? Seeing results leads to satisfied customers, good word-of-mouth publicity and further follow-up orders, and Citizen’s brand new CX2 Compact printer, which will be available for purchase during this new year, promises all of these elements to be within reach. The requirements of an event printer are often very stretched; people want a compact, light, sturdy and fast-delivering product, and of course one that presents first-class and high-quality images. Despite numerous new products being released in the industry every year, finding a printer that meets all of these requirements can often prove to be quite difficult, but with the Citizen CX2, this should no longer be a concern.

20 www.pixel.co.uk

Quality and portability are often the most critical requirements for a photo printer, and users won’t need to look any further than the Citizen CX2 Compact; the product that adds even more to Citizen’s already high-regarded CX Printer range; providing users with new levels of quality, portability and compactness and causing it to now be the go-to product for event photography in particular.

The Citizen CX2 Compact – with a weight of approximately 12kg – is 2kg lighter than its larger brother, the CX model, and is 15% smaller, with dimensions of 275mm x 366mm x 170mm.

While smaller size can often suggest smaller capability, the Citizen CX2 proves that size isn’t everything and nevertheless prints 300 x 300 dpi photographs in laboratory quality in just over 8 seconds per image! In addition, and incase this just isn’t quite good enough, the high-quality mode is also available, allowing the printing of images with a resolution of 300 x 600 dpi. As well as all of this, the element of giving consumers the choice of a glossy or matte finish on their end photographs combine to make the Citizen

CX2 Compact the perfect printer for event photography, party photo booths and retail kiosks.

Speed is everything with the CX2, and even in high-quality mode, a 10 x 15 cm print requires just 11.3 seconds to produce a first-class print.

For the 13 x 18 cm print, the CX2 Compact needs just 14.2 seconds (or 19.2 seconds in HQ mode) and for the 15 x 20 cm print, it requires just 15.6 seconds (or 21.3 seconds in HQ mode).

With the Citizen CX2, 400 images in the format of 10 x 15, 230 images in the format of 13 x 18 and 200 images in the format of 15 x 20 are all possible without even having to change rolls, providing consumers with endless hours of photo fun, and event photographers with impressive prints.

Additionally, with the new ribbon rewind function, the use of 15 × 20 cm material for 10 × 15 cm prints can save color and photo paper, causing it to be much more than a one-time only partner for event photographers; it’s an economic system for continual use. A further advantage of this innovative product in the packed-out photographic industry is

“Speed is everything with the CX2, and even in high-quality mode, a 10 x 15 cm print requires just 11.3 seconds to produce a first-class print”

the very fast and easy media exchange: the new and improved printer driver keeps the user constantly informed with direct real-time feedback.

In addition, with event photography, the ability to produce never-ending amounts of prints is an incredibly important element, especially those who desire memories of a birthday event or special occasion. This is where the new Event Photo software, and app, comes into its own. There is of course, as all professionals know, money to be made from party images that would otherwise just sit on peoples’ smartphones and tablets, and with the ‘selfie revolution’ seemingly here to stay, capitalising on this trend in the simplest way possible is where the market needs to steer. Event Photo allows photographers to create a whole new revenue stream from their service, and allows users an easy and fuss-free solution to keeping their memories in a more traditional way. As a fantastic way of differentiating your service, guests can download the Event Photo app, take photos of themselves and their friends at the event, connect quickly and easily through Wi-fi to a Citizen printer, and have their own print in no time. The software is also compatible with Wi-Pics, so users can also upload photos to Event Photo from a professional camera.

Continue reading for an interview with Citizen’s EMEA Business Manager, Photo Printers at Citizen Systems Europe, Gary Andrews for more details on the all-new CX2 printer.

www.pixel.co.uk 21

The Big Interview:

Gary Andrews Pixel got in touch with Citizen’s EMEA Business Manager, Photo Printers at Citizen Systems Europe, Gary Andrews for more details on the all-new CX2 printer:

Gary Andrews, EMEA Business Manager, Photo Printers at Citizen Systems Europe

The photographic industry is full-to-thebrim with printers. What is it – besides the fact that it is a much more compact product – that makes the CX2 stand out from other products of its kind in the market?

Although it is an OEM printer, meaning it’s the same as DNP DS620, the hardware looks more appealing than the DNP version, to the point that it looks like a different printer! Everyone prefers the CX2 design. Compared to the inkjet solutions and Mistubishi or other dye-subs, the quality of the hardware is higher and print quality better. Those that have seen the printer believe the sharpness and blacks are very good

“Event photography via professional photographers has been popular for a few years, but the real boom is in photo booths and ‘selfie’ style solutions such as Citizen’s Event Photo” – and I agree – but this is subjective. Citizen is a premium Japanese brand in photo and this is the level I have been pitching at.

Why do you think event photography has become so prevalent?

Event photography via professional photographers has been popular for a few years, but the real boom is in photo booths and ‘selfie’ style solutions such as Citizen’s Event Photo.

The photographer is effectively taken out of the equation. The customer for the printer now may not be a professional photographer but a hotel, a club, a venue or Joe Bloggs renting photo booths and other event applications. Citizen printers are also extremely reliable. No one wants the printer to fail at an event, because a broken printer equals no revenue.

22 www.pixel.co.uk

Is the CX2 compatible with smartphones? If not, will this be the next step to take?

The CX2 is compatible with smartphones via kiosk software and solutions such as Event Photo, and by no other means. However, smartphones can be connected to all printers

by USB.

the ribbon is re-wound so that the other half of the ribbon is used.

Can you expand on how the ribbon rewind function economises printing?

It means a single media (6x8) can be used for both 6x8 and 4x6 prints without wasting any ribbon. If 6x8 media is used in the CX printer (and many other printer models), 4x6 prints can also be printed via double cutting a 6x8. However, if an odd number of prints is sent to the printer, half of one 6x8 panel of ribbon and paper is wasted. With the CX2,

Where else and when are you planning on making these printers available?

EMEA shipments start this year in the UK via our friends, Photomart. The public can see the CX2 at the SWPP show in London this month. It’ll be there on the Friday if there is any readers who wish to meet me!

Is your main clientele event photographers?

I believe it is. My customers are resellers and they sell to all photo segments. I understand event photography is where most of my printers go in the industry.

For more information, please visit www.citizen-systems.com

FOR THE KEEPERS OF THE MOMENT. Reliable Photoprinting Solutions.

Premium photo printing.

With printers for professionals.

• Top quality

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Economical professional printers

Citizen photo printers: solutions for professionals W E CX2 COMPACT N A NEW LEVEL OF QUALITY OP-900II

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CX

CY

LARGE MEDIA CAPACITY AND EASY TO USE

CX-W

HIGH QUALITY AND PORTABILITY

HIGHLY PORTABLE WIDE FORMAT PRINTING

Citizen software solutions: solutions for professionals EVENT PHOTO

NEW WIFI PRINTING SOLUTION FOR SMARTPHONES • CASH IN & BENEFIT FROM THE SELFIE TREND • COMPLETE PACKAGE WITH SOFTWARE AND WIFI-ROUTER • WI-PICS COMPATIBLE

Max reve imise nu even e at ts

www.citizen.photo Otto-Hirsch-Brücken 17 • 70329 Stuttgart, Germany

www.pixel.co.uk 23

BOOK OF THE MONTH

BOOK OF THE MONTH Great Britons of Photography Vol. 1: The Dench Dozen National Diploma in Science, playfully swings her left foot as the Kodak Portra 160 reels steadily forward through Pannack’s Hasselblad.

We pause for more talk over lunch at the Waterfront Cafe that has no view of the water. Pannack winkingly manoeuvres the salt shaker in front of me and suggests a portrait. She can’t remember the last time she took a picture she liked but her pictures have been liked enough to take her far. She has shot for the Guardian, Sunday Times and Telegraph among many others, won and been shortlisted for several awards including The Sony World Photography Awards, The Magenta foundation and Lucies IPA. She was recently awarded the Vic Odden by The Royal Photographic Society of photography by a British photographer for ‘a notable achievement in the art aged 35 or under’; she has six to be notable again. In 2009, Pannack years left received first prize in the Portrait Singles category of the World Press Photo awards for a portrait of recovering anorexic, Graham. Graham was photographed using in his bedroom, the winning shutter-shot natural light against a light blue wall deployed during a shared moment silence as Graham reflected on of his illness. It’s this shared emotion of silence that is key to Pannack’s most successful photographs and projects (that or the deployment of a salt shaker in many of her photographs, overridingly though, I think it’s the shared emotion of silence). Young British Naturists, Young Love, The Walks… all of these projects are deafeningly silent but have taken a lot of chatter to achieve. Her current project on a tight-knit community is around years in the making, averaging three just over one picture a year. Pannack is undeterred, a firm believer that “time, trust and understanding is the key to portraying subjects truthfully.”

Waiting for the return train home, I crack open a can of Strongbow cider.

Pannack swigs back from a bottle of Pinot Grigio, peels open the pack of nude playing cards purchased from a Southend joke shop and gently asks: “What have you learnt about me today, Dench?”

I know what this is, this is one of those shared moments of silence, of reflection, of emotion. I think about the powerful photograph she took of Shay smoking a cigarette from a car window on a day out with the teenager. “WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT ME TODAY, DENCH!” Oh! It wasn’t a shared moment of silence and reflection.

I’ve learnt that I prefer it when Pannack smiles and those smiles have to be earned. Arriving back among the city suits drinking pints of Peroni in low-level Fenchurch sunshine, we say goodbye. I hesitate Street at Tower Hill underground train station, pull out my own camera and pull on tight my rucksack and decide that today, it’s better to walk.

T

he grandfather clock dispatches each tick with authority. every At the top of each hour, its chimes reverberate in corner of the extensive Devon farmhouse, bouncing prints, off the framed Cecil Beaton and Tierney Gearon 25,000 pounding around the en-suite office that stores over over the Sir rolls of film in regimental black binders, skipping fur of belly the ruffling and shirt football Alex Ferguson-signed back in the resident golden retriever, Sandy who’s lying on her bedroom living room. The photographer stirring in the master time. His time is acutely aware of the fickle and finite ticking of that has been successfully deployed during a 25-year career of a photographers portrait go-to the of one him made has generation. It’s 7am and time for him to get up.

Nelson I slide out of the guest bed, which snappers, Zed before and his partner Maja Daniels slept in just a few nights and join (hoping that I had chosen to sleep on Maja’s side) home-baked Harry Borden in the kitchen where he is slicing up casually bread for marmalade on toast #bakingborden. Dressed Gap blue-and-white-hooped in an inside-out, made-in-Vietnam, arranges the T-shirt, knackered dark shorts and Croc shoes, he he would breakfast condiments on the table as obsessively as construct one of his portraits.

As I sit sipping milky tea from a Charles and Diana it’s clear wedding mug, listening to Borden’s rapid chatter, not only that from the very beginning, Borden likes to win; win, but to out-skill, out-think, out-manoeuvre, out-earn World and out-photograph his competitors. He has won of Press Photo awards in 1997 and 1999 for portraits (a entrepreneur Richard Branson and singer Björk respectively Prize competition he has also judged twice), won the Naylor National for Photography for a portrait of a farmer at The Portrait Open Art and has had work selected for the National nine for once prize, portrait photographic Gallery’s annual three images consecutive years in a row (in one of those years, than more were selected). The National Portrait Gallery holds 100 examples of his work in their photographic collection published and there aren’t many magazines that have not yet over his his work. Borden’s most satisfying victory is, arguably, to be Jewish-American father. When he declared aspirations it takes. a photographer, he was told that he didn’t have what in His father had worked as an ad man on Madison Avenue with great the 1960s (one of the genuine Mad Men) working take a job photographers, so he knew, and advised his son to in a camera shop instead.

125 www.laurapannack.com

124

Dench would eventually complete an assignment in every country across the planet.

After Dench had paid off his parents’ mortgage and upgraded them to a house in Poundbury, Dorchester (a town built according to the principles of Prince Charles), he embarked on an ambitious three-year project documenting the alcohol-drinking habits of the English. The reportage became an instant classic, delivering the first of his 13 World Press Photo awards and was subsequently published as a book translated into 27 book was described by international different languages. The thriller writer and winner the Nobel Prize for Literature, of Tom Knox as: “A clever, poignant, challenging, sometimes dazzling, sometimes affecting photodiary of Anglo-Celtic drunkenness . The result is a unique and compelling visual history, full of photography that bears a striking resemblance to the drinking it depicts: at best it is perfectly intoxicating.” Dench’s editorial career blossomed, his constant contributions to the Sunday Times, Telegraph, GQ, Marie Claire and Tatler magazines reversed a decline in editorial publications and revived an industry. As the editorial market continued to recover, Dench decided to take up the pen in addition to the Olympus, with hilarious results.

Dench pinpoints the catalyst for his global success in the photographic industry as the day his first Dench Diary was published in Professional Photographer magazine; it was a sharply observed, layered and satirical account of his life as a sometime-

150

working professional photographe r. The diary begins with an entry chronicling a voluntary eleven-day stint he undertook, flipping eggs in the canteen at Capital Radio to raise money for the Save the Children charity. The Dench Diary became to photography what Kitchen Confidential is to the culinary world.

The royalties enabled Dench to launch the flagship Gallery Dench UK in London’s Mayfair, a brand that has been rolled out across Europe and has become a career highlight for photographe rs to exhibit at.

After an engaging afternoon in his company, I ask the enigmatic Dench: “Is there anything you miss in life, anything at all?” I’m sure I detect his eyes moisten as he fixes my gaze.

“I miss… I miss… I miss the cricket.” www.peterdench.com

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his new collection of intimate, acute and heroically revealing insights into the lives and works of some of British photography’s most colourful characters, is an instant classic; often hilarious, sometimes crazy, always engaging. Pixel introduces a unique collaboration with the team behind the imaging Journal, Hungry Eye to produce Great Britons of Photography Vol. 1: The Dench Dozen delivered as a limited first edition, high quality, case-bound coffee table book with gold foil detail, in association with Leica UK. “Leica UK is proud to be associated with this project. It is a celebration of true British creativity and photography,” said Managing Director at Leica UK, Jason Heward. He continued: “Leica is the choice for many of the photographers involved in this book. It beautifully captures what is possible when superb photographers use the best cameras.”

The content within this brand new – and may we say, quite extraordinary – book is the result

24 www.pixel.co.uk

of years of personal encounters between Peter Dench and his choice of photographers. In conversation pieces that serve as a celebration of British photography, Great Britons of Photography: The Dench Dozen gives a unique insight into the lives and professional practices of an impressive list of subjects, including: • Jocelyn Bain Hogg • Marcus Bleasdale • Harry Borden • John Bulmer • Chris Floyd • Brian Griffin • Laura Pannack • Martin Parr • Tom Stoddart • Homer Sykes • Anastasia Taylor-Lind • Peter Dench Peter Dench also commented: “All of the photographers featured have shaped me in

some way; sometimes professionally, more often, personally. I view each piece as a collaboration, a written account of our time together, a glimpse into the lives and practises of extraordinary photographers, all of course, with a healthy dose of Dench!”

Hard copies of Great Britons of Photography: The Dench Dozen are available for purchase on the Hungry Eye magazine website, and you could even cop yourself a limited edition copy, signed by Peter Dench himself!

For more information please visit www. hungryeyemagazine.com or contact our Editor via jess@lifemediagroup.co.uk

£ 50.00 - Hardcover First Edition - Limited to 500 ISBN: 978-0-9926405-2-1

Image: Vicki-Lea Boulter Image: Vicki-Lea Boulter

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• Two BT telephone lines and BT internet connection.

• Website trading under www.dentonphoto.com • 3 year lease, rent only £75 per week, rates approximatley nil, run on a part-time basis of 13.5 hours per week (no Saturdays).

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Contact Dave Norton on 07967 271840 for more information

NEWS BITES NEWS

TAOPIX UPGRADE PHOTO COMMERCE PLATFORM

Here, Pixel investigates Taopix’s new upgrades version of its Photo Commerce platform, its key features and all that it has to offer both businesses and consumers

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K-based software developer, Taopix has released the latest version of its photobook and gift platform, its 4th release of 2016, and one that has been available for purchase since December.

The Taopix platform provides users with the ability to create and order personalised products from a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and PCs. Heavily focused on ‘user experience’, the originally HTML5-based online designer tool boasts a range of features and seamless designer-to-cart user journeys, therefore allowing your customers to design and order beautiful photo products in as few clicks as possible and consisting of a very quick, simple and efficient process.

However, Taopix now offers the Desktop solution, and with this businesses can customise the Desktop Designer interface to match their brand identity. The new Desktop Designer Theming Model enables licensees to fine tune the look and feel of the interface to meet their preferences and deliver a completely tailored experience. Almost every aspect of the Desktop Designer interface can be customised, including colours, borders, tool icons and buttons.

Key features of the Taopix platform – besides the creation of top-of-the-range photo gifts and products – include its ability to host social media upload and social share. Both the Taopix Online and Desktop solutions allow consumers to import photos from social media sites and share their finished photo projects with friends and family via email or social media. Additionally, with a

flexible shopping cart, the platform offers a wide range of high margin add-ons that complement the initial purchase. For example, brands can choose which add-ons they want to profit from, such as gift boxes, ribbons and even services such as embossing.

Also with the upsell and cross-sell tools, businesses can add prompts to encourage consumers to upgrade their products whilst they are designing them. For example, cusomers starting with a 10x10 cover photobook can be asked to upgrade to a 30x30 cover, or prompted to add more

“Key features of the Taopix platform – besides the creation of top-of-the-range photo gifts and products – include its ability to host social media upload and social share”

CREDITS & CONTACTS

in print

RETAIL SOLUTIONS FOR THE PRINT PROFESSIONAL

Managing Director: Lee Mansfield 01323 819007 lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editor: Jenny Ardagh 01323 819011 jenny@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Sales: Darren Sinden 01323 819007 darren@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Subscriptions: Linda Grace 01323 819015 linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Operations Director: Clare Fermor 01323 819016 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editor: Jess Saunders 01323 819007 jess@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Sales: Geoff Diamond 01323 819007 geoff@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Production Manager: Amy Watson 01323 819018 amy@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Title Manager: Elliott Mansfield 01323 819012 elliott@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Sales: Mike Deedigan 01323 819015 mike@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Published by: LMG SE LTD (Life Media Group) 1 Swan Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BY

26 www.pixel.co.uk

personalisation before they hit the shopping cart.

The question most frequently asked by brands is, Online or Desktop? Well why not both, putting the choice firmly in the hands of the consumer? Where an online solution might benefit a particular group of customers, such as general or first-time users, a desktop solution might suit regular or professional customers working with numerous images at a time.

The new version of the Taopix platform includes support for PayPal PLUS as an alternative PayPal Express, and this new payment gateway gives online purchasers the ability to pay by Direct Debit, on account by invoice or by PayPal. The Taopix photo commerce platform offers 3 packages to tailor to businesses of all sizes.

For all information, visit taopix.com.

Printed by: Gemini Press, Unit A1 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6NZ

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Pixel Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Pixel Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Pixel Magazine. All prices featured in Pixel Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2017©

PHOTO RETAIL NEWS

Tetenal organise a special Christmas Hardware delivery for London Camera Exchange Store Manager Jason Keys (left) and Lab Manager Marc Green

Tetenal, the leading UK Photographic distributor, arranged a special early morning delivery for London Camera Exchange in Chester.

The LCE Group is one of the largest family owned chains of specialist photographic shops in England, with 29 stores across the country. In addition to offering a wide range of photographic equipment, many branches also provide high quality image processing services. Their Chester branch recently decided to upgrade their processing equipment.

Store Manager Jason Keys explains why it was the right time for his business to replace their wet minilab with the Epson SureLab D3000 from Tetenal: “The cost of running the wet lab was becoming ever more expensive and after seeing the quality the Epson D3000 delivered it was the obvious switch to make for us. Also, the maintenance of the wet lab was becoming more difficult, the new Epson is so much cleaner and economical to run.”

After the decision of making the switch from photo chemistry to inkjet, the real challenge lay in delivering the new equipment to the store in Chester. As the shop is located on the 1st level of a shopping arcade where many historic buildings are based, it cannot be entered on ground level.

Therefore, the Technical Support Services Team at Tetenal organised a delivery for the Epson SureLab D3000 by crane through the store’s window. Store Manager Jason Keys reflects on this unusual delivery: “I would imagine we weren’t the easiest of installations to do with the only access being through a 2nd floor window but Tetenal made

Tetenal Ltd

|

sure it ran smoothly from start to finish. From the arrangements of organising the Tele-lifter to the removal and disposal of the old Agfa D-lab 2 machine.”

Tetenal Operations Manager Rob Blanchard explains why this delivery was unusual even by Tetenal standards: “We have delivered equipment with cranes before but this install was particularly challenging as we had to close the entire street for health and safety reasons. This required us to start operations at 4am in the morning!”

He further explains how such installations are organised by Tetenal: “Whether it’s a standard delivery through the door or a more unusual one by crane as for LCE, at Tetenal we always aim to make our hardware installs as smooth as possible. This means planning is key. Prior to every equipment delivery we do a site survey and carry out all necessary risk assessments, to anticipate any challenges that may occur on the day.”

Jason Keys explains how Tetenal supported him throughout the buying process of his new equipment: “Tetenal were excellent in explaining the benefits to be gained from making the switch. We even had the opportunity to visit their Leicester HQ and see the Epson in action. This also gave us the opportunity to see other equipment that we hadn’t even thought of adding to the Epson at a later date to grow the printing side of the business.

Tetenal can help you find the ideal mix of photographic equipment for your business.

Contact them now for a free appraisal and demo.

TEL: 0116 289 3644

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TEL 0116 289 3644 www.tetenaluk.com www.pixel.co.uk 27

www.tetenaluk.com

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