photographers

I think everyone would choose to stay busy in their jobs rather than having eight long weeks to wonder where all of your customers have gone.  Unfortunately in the photofinishing industry we have grown use to it.  However, when life gives you lemons, reach out and talk to your customers.

We recently returned from the Carolina Nature Photographers Association convention in Charlotte N.C. which was held at the HiltonCharlotte University Place.  Let me start by saying if your company ever needs to hold a conference in Charlotte I would highly suggest staying here.  The weekend was packed with lectures, workshops and the trade show.  The CNPA was pleased to announce their largest attendence ever for a convention, just under 500 people.  Standing at a table for 10 hours is never something that anyone looks forward to, but talking to photographers that really are still in it for the fun is a nice change.  We spoke with all levels of photographers, but despite the difference in their knowledge, it was great to see that spark of imagination in their eyes.  On the drive home to Greensboro my father and I each commented how much fun it was to be working in an industry that started as a hobby for each of us.  Our table at the trade show was located beside Dan Beauvais of the Outerbanks.  Dan is not only an accomplished photographer, but he is known all over the east coast for repairing both Nikon and Cannon digital cameras.  While at the show he an his partner must have cleaned over 400 cameras, folks were lining up with bags full of cameras for his $30 show special.  If you camera needs repairs or just a good cleaning I would  consider Dan an excellent source.  Contact Dan: dan@danbeauvais.com

If you are like most, you rode the excitement wave of digital cameras right after you bought your new computer to avoid any Y2K issues TEN YEARS AGO.  Can you believe it has been ten years?  You remember your first digital camera, you know the 1.5 mega pixel camera that finally released the shutter 2.4 seconds after you pushed the button.  The one that supplied more pictures of your subject half out of the frame than it did with them smiling for the photographer.

Well now that digital cameras are at rock bottom prices you are probably collecting your old cameras and chargers in a drawer for the day you are going to "need" them.  Let's be honest, that day will never come. It is estimated that the average household has 3-4 old digital cameras collecting dust in their home. Your top of the line Pentex Optio 3.2  that fits inside of an Altoids case can not hold a candle to what you can now buy for under a hundred bucks.  So what are you going to do with all of these? Someone has to want them, right? ...YES! you are correct.