Johnson PhotoImaging — Local services in South Bradenton

It's been a long time since I'd set foot in a photography store, so I was really pleased to find this shop. I admit I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of items on display, but the staff were very friendly and incredibly thorough and helpful. I was greeted right away, and though I wasn't really looking for a specific item, there are a few general items I've been considering for a while. I knew I needed a better tripod, but didn't know where to start looking, and Faith asked a few questions about what I liked to photograph, what kind of camera I have, and went ahead giving me a demo of a few models. When I decided on a model I liked, she offered to check on other colors available from the back (much to my surprise, you can get tripods in colors other than black now).

I said I'd take a few minutes to check out the camera bags, and she offered to show me some camera straps after that, if I was interested in an upgrade from the standard that comes with my camera. I took her up on the offer, and found one that was more comfortable and suitable for my usage. Again, more demonstration and good insight into how well it holds up and feels in the Florida heat.

She also told me about some photography outings they offer, specifically related to my interests from earlier in the conversation, which would include hands-on help from a pro to get the shots you want done right. These outings seemed reasonably priced for the experience and help you'd get. Classes and related events are also held at the store.

For all the help and time and demonstrations, I ended up buying a very nice tripod and a new camera strap.

Probably what surprised me the most was getting home and checking Amazon out of curiosity. The items I had already bought were well reviewed, and the prices were only a few cents difference. I'll definitely be back when I need (want) some new...

I've stopped by to chat at Johnson's a couple of times and I've purchased a number of accessories, a camera, a lens, and even had images printed from them over the past couple of years while I learned what I needed to before expanding the breadth of equipment I use. My most recent trip and the trip which will be my last was to buy 2 batteries for my wife's camera. Online, at literally every retailer (the manufacturer, B&H, Adorama, Amazon, etc.), the batteries were $56.95 each. At Johnson's, the sticker price is $67. I asked if they would price match. They refused. I left vowing never to return. Brick and mortar camera stores are a rarity these days which is a shame. Heck, brick and mortar stores of all kinds are dwindling as evidenced by all the vacant retail space in this area and the US as a whole. Johnson's lost me as a customer over $20 about 10 months ago. In the following 9 months, I purchased $20,000 worth of cameras, lenses, and lighting online, instead of from Johnson's, because of the fact that they wouldn't price match the MANUFACTURER on those batteries! SERIOUSLY, they wouldn't honor Canon's own pricing! $10 of additional profit on a battery was too important to them and as a result, they missed out on the sale of $20k of other equipment in the short-term, and a dedicated customer in the long-term. Rather shortsighted, huh? Sony A9 Sony A7RIII Zeiss Batis 2/25, 1.8/85, 2.8/135 Sony 24-105 f/4 Sony Zeiss 35 f/1.4 Sony Zeiss 55 f/1.8 Sony 70-300 Sony 100mm f/2.8 STF And a fair amount of lighting, modifiers, and other...

As many others I found this place by accident, I live in Wesley Chapel and have my business in the bay area, but for equipment or service I had to go to the one store that I thought it was the only store open, all the way to Orlando. when I found Johnson Photo I had to check it out, I took the drive out of curiosity and I happen to encounter Skip, This guy was knowledgeable, in the 30 minutes I spend there, talking with him, we exchange lingo and tips, hows, do and donts. it was excellent to know that i can ask question with no expectations, well I know how lots of people go to the store, play with what they want, have that look and feel test, then they go online and purchase without supporting our small business, local business that need the extra hand. ANYWAYS, we talked about the sigma 70-200mm Art lens for canon, I went home and read reviews and watched videos on it, and decided to purchase it, so yes I checked prices online, but because the way I was informed and treated at Johnson Photo with Skip, I decided to make the drive and purchase it from them, in my hands same day, knowing that I would only get the best service as I did the first time, even though the first time I didnt purchase anything. if you are thinking of going there and checking it out, do so, make you are ready to purchase, cause they have just about everything you need. support your...