Distributers and manufactures have informed us that pricing will increase for all products starting January 1st, 2009. The price increases are expected to be significant.

Many rebates are ending December 31st for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Epson and so on. If you are planning to purchase a product in the new year, we advise you to consider purchasing it before December 31st, 2008 to ensure that the price increases will not affect you.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Theft is something retailers are unfortunately familiar with over the Christmas Season. We have multiple ways of preventing theft in our store.

On December 23rd, a man stole an Iphone 3G from a display in our video section. Since it was a personal item, belonging to one of our staff, it did not have the normal security on the item. The man pocketed the item and left the store.

The thief returned to The Camera Store, most likely in attempts to try his luck again.  He was apprehended by store staff, and taken into police custody.

Click to view the clip from our video surveillance.

           Review sites on the web have noticed tiny black blotches next to areas of blown-out highlights. Apparently it is hard to predict what images these spots would turn up in, as the issue is not consistant. Canon is aware of the problem, and the issue will most likely be resolved with a firmware upgrade in the new year. If you have noticed this issue, it is relitivly simple to remove the spots in post production.

We will keep you posted on any firmware updates, as they become available to the public.

If you have an Ipod or have someone on your list with an Ipod, we have the perfect gift idea! Buy the Scandyna Micropod Dock Kit for only $499.67! (Regular price $587.85)

Scandyna's Ipod Dock Kit, includes 2 state of the art Micropod SE Speakers. These little wonders are curvy, colorful and compact. The Micropod SE set new standards for quality design and engaging sound. With top quality components, including a kevlar bass/midrange unit, a soft dome tweeter and an extra durable finish, the speakers set new standards for small designer systems. Building on our well known reputation to break away from traditionally built speakers without compromising sound quality, the curvy Micropod SE dares you to think square.

Scandyna's Ipod Dock Kit also includes the Scandyna Dock. Get the maximum out of your iPod with the remarkably new and well designed dock. The dock is specially designed to complement the iPod and combines high quality audio with unique design for docking, playing and recharging your iPod.With the dock you get loads of opportunities: with 2x15 watt RMS Class T amplifier, inserts for use with different iPod models, remote control and output to your subwoofer.

 The dock brings your iPod crisp sound, innovative design – all in all…new life.

We are gathering donations for a silent auction to raise funds for the Rosalee Hiebert Memorial Scholarship. The Scholarship was created by The Camera Store to remember Rosalee and to perpetuate Rosalee's generous spirit of giving back to the community.

The Rosalee Hiebert Memorial Scholarship is annually awarded to a student of the Photography Department at ACAD. Rosealee was a graduate of the photography program at ACAD. She worked in the photographic industry in Calgary and Vancouver. She passed away March of 2006. Many people within the photographic community who worked with Rosalee, will remember her for her generous efforts to support various charities by providing original photography.

If you are interested in donating artwork or any other item please contact our event coordinator Evelyn Hein at (403)234-9935 extension 119 or evelyn@thecamerastore.com. The silent auction will take place at the Exposure: Calgary/Banff Photography Festival Kick Off event January 30th

Last year one of a kind photographs and other items were donated by generous supporters.

Join us on January 30th, 2009 at the Gerry Thomas Gallery located at 100-602 11 Avenue SW Calgary for our silent auction and scholarship fundraiser and to kick off Exposure: Calgary/Banff Photography Festival.  This is a great opportunity to get your hands on exclusive artwork.

 

We have new Tilano kits that will allow you to create homemade photo coasters, marble and glass magnets, canvas transfers and fresco tiles. Creating Tilano Fresco tiles with your photographs is a great way to step outside of the picture frame. Developed by a professional decorator, the Tilano Fresco kit brings the secret of Old World art into your home. This fun and easy-to-use kit includes everything you need to turn any photo or image into a truly unique work of art.

Photos and images can easily be transferred without harming the original print. The Tilano process uses a laser photocopy of your image or a printout from a laser printer to transfer onto each tile. Detailed instructions are included in each kit. Plus, there are helpful instructional videos on the Tilano website.

I’ve had quite a few e-mails lately asking me for suggestions for unique photography-related gifts that could be purchased for this Christmas season. Here’s a collection of items to fit every budget…

Stocking stuffers can include tabletop miniature tripods or Gorillapods, spirit levels that fit in the flash shoes, a remote shutter cable, lens cases, books, electronic flash units and a good lens cleaning kit. There is always interchangeable lenses, filters, light meters and rain gear for the camera. Light reflectors are available in a variety of sizes and prices as well. They range from 12” round to 52”.      

Everything changes so fast in the digital world that there’s always something that needs replacement. New point & shoot cameras have much less shutter lag than earlier models so if  their camera is at least two years old, it’s could be time to replace it. If the camera is still okay, how about a camera case, more memory cards, card cases, accessory lenses, underwater camera cases, tripods, tripod heads, monopods and LCD protective film.

For digital SLR owners, there’s always lenses, LensBabies, Pinhole body caps,
sensor cleaning kits, flash units, lens filters, rechargeable batteries, camera bags, backpacks, laptop cases and photography vests.

Of course, if they have everything they need to take photographs, there’s always inkjet printers and papers, replacement inks, monitor callibration software, photo manipuation software such as Photoshop Elements 7 or Photoshop CS4, daylight color-balanced lighting, digital frames, portfolios, archival CDs to store digital files, portable digital storage viewers like the Epson P-7000, photography courses and other educational gift certificates, membership to NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals). Have you thought about picking up a computer peripheral like a Wacom tablet or an external hard drive with Raid backup to archive all the images they are creating.

If they have everything listed above, they have too much anyway. Invite them to the movies, buy them a bucket of popcorn and pick up some photography gear for yourself.

‘Til next month, happy shopping. 

Peter Gold
The Camera Store
pgold@thecamerastore.com  
 

     I attended Andras Schram’s Wedding Photography Workshop that took place in Calgary on November 29th and 30th, 2008. Andras is an Award Winning Photographer who specializes in Wedding Photography. The business of wedding photography is very competitive and Andras had proven himself to be one of the top North American Wedding photographers. With his unique style, Andras captures what life has to offer with a push of a button.  Once I spent a few minutes listening to Andras share stories about his inspiration, his values in photography and his adventures it was clear that Andras knew how to work a crowd.
   
     From the workshop, I learned that one of the most important tools of wedding photography is yourself. As a wedding photographer you have to be an organizer, a photographer and at times a psychologist. You have to understand what people desire by being an effective listener, and you have to follow through, and exceed expectations. Andras is a professional through and through and always strives to develop a relationship with his clients and students.
   
       The students that attended the workshop were generally advanced amateurs, who had passion for photography. The workshop was fun and exciting, because of the creativity and energy that each participant has when they shoot.

        Each topic we went over was useful and meaningful, and Andras always had a story to accompany his work. He simplified and shared tips and tricks on each topic, that increased confidence in students. We went over marketing and promotion, outdoor and indoor shooting, post production actions, filters and layers, albums and album design, digital workflow and websites. I was impressed that Andras was open to share his secrets to a good business, and was willing to share the mistakes he has made on his journey.
   
        I recommend this workshop to beginners new to digital wedding photography as well as seasoned wedding photographers looking to learn some new to bring to there clients.   This workshop will give you the tools to bring your wedding photography to the next step, bringing clients more than they expect in a modern, sophisticated way. 
   
         If you are interested in attending one of Andras Sachram’s Wedding photography workshops, or would like to view his work visit www.andrasschram.com for details. His next Calgary workshop is scheduled for  March 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009. It will be a 3-day workshop, with 2 full days of shooting including a indoor studio shoot and one day in a class room setting!
   

Below are a few comments from the photographers who attended the workshop:

Thanks very much the workshop was great. I really enjoyed the format of shooting the first day and being able to look at the photos and talk about them the second. Your shots were spectacular and your passion is easy to see and truly inspire one to continue down the photography path. I learned a tremendous amount both technically and on the software and business end of photography. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your course to others interested in wedding photography, and please let me know if you plan further courses in the future. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge!
-Mike

I simply like to say that,  I was very pumped, felt very enthusiastic about whole two days.  I even learned about different  perspective of photography, also how to communicate with my surrounding especially with the couple. In my opinion it was very fulfilling experience, and it made me tick , gave me an lots of ideas through out the whole two days. For next time It would be nice if each person had more opportunity to interact individually with the couple.  I would like to say thanks  to AndrasSchram that you made it happen for us. You have a good soul. looking forward to next year.
-Ali     


As a wedding photographer full time in Banff/Canmore area, I was very please to joint the workshop with Andras Schram Photography. I have learn lots about details on how interacting with clients to find better poses in a natural way. Andras has a really good and comprehensive way to teach. I am glad with the results and would definitely do an other workshop with him. Thank you so much!
-Eric


Andras, thank you!! I loved the workshop. I love making connections and learning more and more about photography. I would like to add for the record that I think you are very sensitive and wise, yet you teach and photograph with a bold creativity and great passion. To me this is crystal clear in both your images and your teaching. You are very generous with your knowledge and experience, humbly sharing all you have learned. Thank you for including not just the technical and creative stuff but also the business side of things. I greatly appreciate all I have learned from you.
-Marie

Andras, I can not thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to join you this past weekend at your workshop. Working alongside you and many other photographers helped to expand my knowledge on not only photography, but different obstacles photographers can come across in the business side of things that I had not even thought of. Giving me insight of how you create your story-telling-photos was an experience I will treasure always. To find someone as knowledgeable as you so willing to share your technique, style, and passion is a true rarity. Again, many thanks Andras!
-Chandra

Andras, your workshop was the best! Thank you for not only teaching us the technical aspect of photography, but for letting us ask questions and answering in return, the questions we all want to ask other photographers but never get a reply. I had so much fun and can't wait for the next workshop! You are truly inspirational, and I always loved your work, but after this I fell in love with your work. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
-Nicole

Photolife "Cool Gadgets": Scandyna Micropod Dockpack's
By Evelyn Hein

When I designed my personal editing workspace at home, I decided to create a
modern comfortable area that inspired creativity and expression. I did not want a
drab, stuffy area that made me feel like I was at work. I also did not want a
cluttered workspace, so I needed unique equipment that was visually appealing to
achieve the look that I wanted.

Sound is important to me for all my creative ventures. Most high-quality sound
systems are balky and very generic. However, Scandyna is a company dedicated
to creating high-quality speakers that come in a “riot of colours!” and are styled to
produce ultimate sound. The speakers that I choose from Scandyna are small
basic pod speakers. The package was called the Micropod Dockpack. The
Dockpack allows the attachment of an iPod and has two speakers to amplify the
sound.

I chose the Micropod Dockpack because the speakers are small and unique looking. Each speaker includes a kevlar bass and midrange unit as well as a soft-dome tweeter. I was impressed with the sound quality while I was listening to my music. I am even able to use the speakers for video editing when I donʼt want to be attached to headphone cords. Even though the Micropod speakers come in a variety of fun colours, I decided to go with the white ones to match my computer. My home office decor has been influenced by my technology, and everything has a nice clean relaxing look to it. I am thrilled to have found sound equipment that did not look square—I recommend this product to anyone who enjoys thinking outside the “sound box”.

At The Camera Store, we use the Micropod SE speakers for our music sound system.  Visit The Camera
Store on-line at www.thecamerastore.com to find a wide variety of audio and visual equipment to suit your home office needs.

Visit Photolife online to view more "Cool Gadgets" in the Photolife Online monthly newsletter.

 Panasonic HDTV's now at Great Low Prices, just in time for Christmas!

Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTV's:
Wonderfully rich colours, remarkable contrast and superb moving image resolution. The sheer realism of VIERA images gives them a deep emotional resonance. It all comes from the incredible technology embedded within every VIERA television. That’s what gives VIERA Plasma its unparalleled picture quality and what sets it apart from any other flat panel today.

42" HDTV 720p Plasma
$899.99 (While in Stock)

42" HDTV 1080p Plasma
$1288.00

46" HDTV 1080p Plasma Viera Cast
$2449.00

50" HDTV 720p Plasma
$1275.00

50" HDTV 1080p Plasma
$1899.00

*Panasonic Flagship Model
50" HDTV 1080p Plasma Viera Cast
$2699.00

Panasonic VIERA LCD HDTV's:
Welcome to a whole new visual era. Prepare your senses for the culmination of over half a century of innovation. Viera by Panasonic. LCD displays that exhilarate the senses with brilliant clarity, true-to-life colour, enhanced sound and networking capability. It's a whole new visual era. A world where innovation meets inspiration and ideas come
to life.

32" HDTV 720p LCD
$688.00

37" HDTV 1080p LCD
$1099.99 (This Special Price Expires December 7th, 2008)

Note: HDTV's must be purchased in-store.

For any questions about this, or to put an HDTV on Hold please contact us at (403)234-9935.