There are many ways to save money on camera equipment. In fact, I wrote about it on the Photofocus site not too long ago. You can read on the 7 ways to save money on camera equipment here. To sum it up, here are those ways.
- Wait for sales
- The right timing
- Third-party gear
- Buy used
- Rent
- Credit card rewards
- Shop local
Right now, though, I want to focus on Photo Idō.
As you may know, I am the Chief Community Officer here at Imagely. But I'm also a part-time professional photographer, offering portrait work for clients around the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania area. I also teach many photographers through online courses, in-person workshops, conferences and at my free YouTube channel.
Throughout my career in the photography industry, I have had deep relationships and interactions with camera stores. Specifically, independent camera stores like Mack Camera and Outdoor Photo Gear.
As a small business owner, I understand the value of buying products and services from another small business. By doing so you're supporting the people who pour their hearts and souls into what they offer. The people who live and breath the work and products. The people who literally live off of what they sell you.
Unlike big box stores, independently owned and operated stores, which I like to call Mom and Pop Stores, are the backbone to the economy. They are what the big box stores strive to be like, but really can never be.
Unfortunately, many of these small businesses have a hard time competing with the big box stores. Even though the majority of the time, wholesale costs are the same between stores. It's the volume of sales that make the big box stores outperform the smaller stores.
I decided to try and do my part to keep business going at the indie camera stores. I can only do so much on my own, so I created Photo Idō.
We help you save money at local camera stores.
While Photo Idō (pronounced Ee Doh) is still new, its mission is to create a global directory of family-oriented camera stores who love the ever-growing community of photographers. Each of the stores and companies participating will offer some type of discount offer to Photo Idō members. o that wherever you are making photographs, Photo Idō is there to help you, the photographer, get good deals from the stores you love.
Photo Idō is only $25 a year, but with this exclusive coupon, you can save $5 every year unless you cancel. Use the code IMAGELYFRIEND to when signing up as a member!
I was pricing out lenses yesterday not only was the local store cheaper on the lens I want, they advised me to hold off because rebates will be available soon. So yeah, local is a good thing!
Daryl Meek, Real Estate Photographer
