Need some new photography gear? Photo Idō lets you save on photo equipment when you buy from independent stores.
Whether you’re upgrading your photography gear or looking into adding some new equipment to your tools, here’s something that could be useful for you. Photo Idō is a new photo service that allows photographers to save on photo equipment while also supporting independently owned and operated stores and service providers.
Founded by New Jersey-based photographer Scott Wyden Kivowitz, Photo Idō (pronounced “Ee Doh”) hopes to give photographers more options to get their photography gear and products apart from big box stores and large online retailers. Their mission is to put together a “global directory of family-oriented camera stores who love the ever-growing community of photographers.” By supporting these local, independent stores and sellers, photographers who sign up to the service stand to save lots of cash each year through flash sales and ongoing member deals. Photo Idō membership requires a low annual fee of $25, and with it comes a virtual ID card, and access to exclusive offers and deals from their participating stores for photography services, courses, print labs, rentals, used shops, new equipment, and more.
According to Kivowitz, his experience working for a small retail store straight out of college and his love for independent stores was his inspiration for Photo Idō. In turn, the service seeks to support “the moms and dads who spend their lives building a beautiful family owned and operated business.” They also believe that by shopping at these physical stores, photographers get to connect with both the business owners and their patrons, therefore expanding their networks.
Photo Idō is regularly adding participating stores to their network and introducing them to members through their blog. So, make sure to visit their website to find out more and sign up for their service.