What do you want to see at a resort photo/video centre (center... :D )

[Mike Veitch]

Hey folks,

I wanted to ask this in the basic scuba section as opposed to the photo section as i am looking for thoughts from a more general cross section of divers.

A lot of you go on holidays to the tropics and often spend a week of your deserved holiday at a dedicated dive shop enjoying some great diving and social activity.

i run a photo/video operation at a dedicated diving hotel and i am wondering what people want from such a business? Over the last 5 years so many things have changed in the UW photography realm, over 50% of travelling divers are now carrying digital cameras, a huge figure compared to 99 when i started in the industry.
What sort of services do travelling photographers want? A clean work are for cameras is an obvious one, but what about a computer to work on your images? a burning facility for cd backup? easy access to a 2 or 3 day photography class? a one day class? nightly slide shows? how about critiquing sessions etc?

What about the general diving public? how many regularly purchase group dvds from the local video pro? Best of compilations? video classes? keep the video guy/girl off your boat as you don't want that camera stuck in your face?

Basically, what would you all like to see in the photo/video centre of a resort that would make your stay more interesting and enjoyable?

Thanks
Mike

 

[mikerault]

Definately a place to dump images to a CD/DVD wold be good. A place to do edits would also be good.

 

[beejw]

Hi Mike,

As you said, a clean area to work on the camera is a great idea, albeit obvious.

Some computers with the latest software (not just one program, but a range to cater to different divers who may be familiar with different programs) to edit and touch up photos would be a good idea (maybe 3-5 computers, possibly more depending on the interest and how many divers use the center at any one time) and make sure who ever is staffing the center is knowledgeable in all programs so if someone needs help, they can help them. Also, CD and DVD burning capabilties for the computers with appropriate DVD video making software would be a good idea.

People who are looking to get into UW photography might not have the computer skills to touch up and edit photos, so offering introductory courses to the basics of some of the mroe common programs, like Photoshop CS2 might be worthwhile, and possibly look at advanced technique workshops for those who want to improve there digital editing skills. maybe look at holding video editing workshops as well. It would be awesome to have a video class and then at the end of the class be able to watch the classes videos on a projection screen (which could also be used to hold nightly slide shows, which could be comprised of photos submitted by guests who want to display there work, i know i would.), projectors are relatively cheap these days.

I think one of the most important things is an environment and staff that make the guest feel welcome and willing to part with there hard earnt dosh for video/photography courses that they otherwise may not have participated in. Making sure at every step the guest is fully satisfied with the service they are reciving is also an important factor.

Im going into the diving tourism/dive resort area very soon and am doing a course specialising in resort management at the moment, and being a photographer myself, these are just things that i would really love to have avaliable, even if there was some nominal cost involved for use of the computer. of course i would expect that i would have to pay for workshops and courses.

do not underestimate word of mouth, because if someone come out of there and says "oh my gosh, that center is amazing, they had everything i needed and then some", there friends and people they talk to are much more likely to use your services and facilities.

Hope this helps at all.

Cheers,
Beej

 

[HowardE]

Maybe - some kind of try before you buy options? Do you sell lenses and accessories? If I could get a 10.5mm in the water BEFORE I bought one (which I can) it makes it easier to make a commitment to a large purchase like that.

Also, if the center had basic repair parts for popular housing, o-rings, etc, because not everyone is prepared.

 

[rjsimp]

Mike,

I have been to Cathy's shop a few times in Grand Cayman and spent several hours/days and a small fortune there. There are several things I like about what she has:

• Computers with the software and DVD/CD burning (media readers of course).
• Knowledgable staff that are actual photographers/divers themselves.
• Equipment ranging from beginners to advanced for both rent and purchase. This is a big one I think as I have spent a small fortune at Cathy's store because she had what I wanted and the prices were good (not a resort rip-off price). She carries a very good line of equipment and has most things in stock. The rental side of things is great because you can rent a D200 even and evaluate it. If you like it, you are likely to buy it from them if the prices are good.
• Offer free setup and a short class with the purchase of a camera system. This is much nicer than just sending them out on their way after the purchase.
• Instruction available with professional staff. This should be available on an hourly/half day/full day price. This gives the oportunity to get opinions on your photos and get instruction on how to improve. You should also offer dives during the instruction where the instructor takes the student out on a dive and works with them.
• The obvious things you listed..
• If you have shore diving there or even boats leaving from there, you should have a good rinse tank and towels to wipe the equipment off before opening it.
• VERY good lighting would make it easier to see and inspect the equipment (o-rings especially.)

Okay, I think that covers most things that stick out in my mind.. If you have a shop like that, it would DEFINITELY get me to go back and spend money. It has worked with Cathy's location..

 

[scubadobadoo]

Definately a place to dump images to a CD/DVD wold be good.

I agree. Keep it under 10 bucks a CD though. People know a CD costs about 3 pennies and it only takes a minute. Charge anymore than that and you will likely lose customers as they may assume all of your merchandise is over priced. JMHO's.

 

[Allison Finch]

All that you said with the addition of many plugs for charging batteries per station. Having 110 plugs is a definite advantage for stateside users. Otherwise, have plenty of converters available. Several rinse tanks that are changed daily.

 

[mikerault]

Maybe a low pressure air hose or two for aid in drying....just a thought.

Mike

 

[stu_in_fl]

a couple of ideas:

- if DMs guide guests, have some specific photo tours where the goal is to find photo ops (interesting fish, critters or coral)...other guests may not be so interested so may not want such a tour and sign up wiht the non-photo one.
- if DMs do not usually guide, maybe offereing such a service would be good (or at least make sure the DMs can give a briefing to point out what to look for)

have photo classes for a variety of levels (inexpensive/short courses) - e.g. someone really into photography may want some hours of personal tuition to take them to the next level (or may just want some certain pointers) - someone brand new with a point and shoot may be happy with some tips....having some opportunuty to get feedback / critique / additional tips from an "expert" would probably be greatfully received from everyone....

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

Hottie photo pros!!

Oh and an editing station and plenty of plug ins would be nice!