Calumet Photographic has raised more than £3,800 for Great Ormond Street Hospital during its spring Open Days. The event also gave customers the opportunity to meet with experts from leading brands, such as Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Sony. The latest equipment was also available for people to test out, including Sony’s new A9. This year’s schedule saw professional photographer and videographer David Newton (pictured) top the bill. He presented several seminars throughout the day at London and Manchester’s Open Days, where he discussed light modification and the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. “It was fantastic to see so many people attend my seminars and become actively engaged in the sessions,” David says. “Lots of people had questions and were obviously very keen to learn more about their artform. It was a pleasure to be there.”

Calumet Press Release

Calumet’s Open Days generates thousands for charity

A leading photography company has raised nearly £4,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital during its spring Open Days.

Calumet Photographic’s retail event attracted thousands of professional and amateur photographers, many of whom gave generously to the nominated charity in exchange for a complimentary DSLR sensor cleaning service.

The exact total at the Capture More Open Days was 3,806.47.

The event also gave customers the opportunity to meet with experts from leading brands, such as Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Sony. The latest equipment was also available for people to test out, including Sony’s new a9.

Les Knight, from Enfield, said: “I’m an amateur photographer, but I’ve been taking pictures for about 55 years. I always enjoy the Open Days because of the huge variety of kit available and I like to keep abreast of what’s going on.

The 70-year-old added: “It’s never the same buying online, because I like to come in and get a feel for the product I’m buying. I also find the Open Days are a great place to learn as I speak to other photographers and this time I sat in on a couple of the seminars.”

This year’s schedule saw professional photographer and videographer David Newton top the bill. He presented several seminars throughout the day at London and Manchester’s Open Days, where he discussed light modification and talked about the function of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

David, who specialises in travel, landscape, fine art and commercial photography, said: “It doesn’t matter what level of experience attendees have, because I firmly believe as artists and photographers we’re always learning and growing. That’s why Calumet Photographic’s Open Days are so important as it gives amateurs and professionals the opportunity to come together to share our craft.

“It was fantastic to see so many people attend my seminars and become actively engaged in the sessions. Lots of people had questions and were obviously very keen to learn more about their artform. It was a pleasure to be there.”

Customer Brian Williams has been a photographer for 70 years, having started as a small child.

He said: I’ve been a Calumet Customer for years and years. I love coming here because I find the staff extremely friendly and helpful. I decided to come to the Open Day to do some research as I really need to update my kit, but frankly I just don’t know where to start.

“However, having been here for a while, I’m starting to get a feel for what I need and I fully intend on asking more questions to find out more.” 

Lauren Ridgers travelled all the way from Kent to attend the Open Day, she said: “As a photography student, I’m still finding my feet and trying to figure out what sort of photographer I want to be.

“Today’s been my first Open Day and it’s been really useful. Also, the instore discounts have been handy, because being a student I don’t have that much money to spend on new kit. It’s also important that every piece of kit I purchase is essential, which is why it’s great to ask Calumet staff their advice and seek the opinions of the brand ambassadors too.”

Jon Warner, Managing Director of Calumet Photographic, which has its head office in Tilbrook, Milton Keynes, as well as an online shop and eight stores across the country, said “Our Open Days seem to get bigger and better everytime. Word has obviously spread because we were inundated.

“Not only do we use these events to provide our loyal customers with great discounts, but we also like to take the time to get to know them and find out what it is they want from us a retailer. Feedback given to us also suggests that those who attend the Open Days find the seminars we hold at the London and Manchester stores with leading industry experts hugely helpful, which is what Calumet Photographic is all about.”

Those who attended the Open Days also got the chance to take part in the UK’s first National Photographic Survey, which has been developed by Calumet Photographic.

Calumet Photographic is a leading photography equipment retailer supporting amateurs and professionals.

It also provides rentals, runs workshops, offers a student membership scheme, and has studio spaces available to hire for shoots

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