Beau Photo is a professional photo supply store located in Vancouver B.C. It's been in operation since 1982 and has a pretty fun story about how it got its name that you can read here. The interview is below!
Tell us a little bit about Beau Photo's history, employees, etc.
Beau Photo has been supplying all things photographic since 1982. We have a staff of 12, and most of us specialize in different areas of the photographic community. Evange, or “Angie”, started the business and is still in charge. He used to have his own studio in the Hotel Vancouver and photographed Bob Hope, Louis Armstrong and Queen Elizabeth to name a few. Those photos are currently hanging in my office. I often look at Mr. Armstrong and ask myself, WWLD? A few of our employees and their specialties…
Mike: Desert landscapes & cityscapes
Jason: Birder
Kathy: Historic processes & large format
Nicole: All about film
Ken: Sports
What are you seeing as a trend in sales?
After having fallen off tremendously over the past 10 or so years, film sales are once again growing. Includes all film types – instant, b&w, color, and large format. On the digital end, many pro photographers are choosing a mirrorless system to complement their DSLRs.
What do you think is the most overlooked resource for customers to utilize when shopping for equipment?
Taking advantage of the knowledge of the sales staff. Talking to someone in person, whether face-to-face or on the phone, often offers a better experience than online forums or searches.
What are your customers excited about these days?
APS-C and full-frame mirrorless like the Fuji & Sony. Alternative & creative photography – alternative process kits, b&w film developing and of course, Lensbaby.
What inspires them and drives their purchase of new equipment?
GAS – gear acquisition syndrome : ) Seeing the results that can be achieved with the gear we sell – in store, online, in magazines.
What do you see as the most valuable way to educate your customers and help them make decisions when purchasing?
Trade shows, equipment demos, and being able to rent the gear before buying it. We give them up to 2 days of their rental fee towards the purchase of that item. We have a huge selection of cameras, lighting and some Lensbabies.
Both Beau Photo and Lensbaby will be out at the CAPA Photo Expo 2015 this weekend, August 1st-3rd, in Vancouver at the University of Bristish Columbia.
Check out their website here
Like them on Facebook here