So many photographers these days use the Internet to find the cheapest deals on camera equipment.  It’s so easy to “price shop” using the web, but if you are a professional photographer, I encourage you to keep in mind the importance of having a good relationship with a local camera store in your area.

My photography studio is in Austin, Texas and I do business with a local camera store in town named Precision Camera.   They have been great.   I believe in supporting them as a local business, because I want to see them continue to be in Austin!   It is so valuable to have a local place to go when I need to purchase an item ASAP, or if I need to go in and actually see the item (camera, lens, flash, or whatever) before I buy it.    

Precision Camera has been invaluable to me and my business.   I’ve had a few equipment problems over the past year, and they have been there to help me with the problems and/or deal with the manufacturer to help get the problems resolved.   That has been way more valuable to me than any savings I could have achieved by just shopping around the web for the lowest possible price.   (But I might add, Precision Camera is also quite competitive with online prices in some cases!)

While the Internet is a great resource, I also encourage you to build a relationship with your local camera store.  I just hope you are in a city that has a camera store as good as Precision Camera.  As far as I am concerned, they are the best!

Kevin Gourley
http://www.KevinGourley.com