Gadget crazy 'twentysomethings' like to shop

'Twentysomething’ photo enthusiasts – intrinsically part of the social media generation - should not be overlooked by specialist photo retailers, according to a twentysomething photo IT expert.

Jerrel Dulay, 22,  told a Photo Imaging Council of Australia meeting in Sydney today that while young people – the twentysomethings – are heavy users of the internet and social media, they are also keen on a “real shop” experience.

Dulay said young consumers wanted to feel “liked by sellers who cared about them.”

Dulay’s online site iDigitalDarwin.com presents news of new and innovative photo and communication products, some of which he demonstrated at today's PICA annual general meeting.

Among the gadgets he believed were particularly attractive to younger consumers were a wrist watch-controller for online presentations, portable hard drives and solar-powered battery chargers and USB adaptors. 

He also demonstrated a lightweight rifle-type stock for SLR cameras and a multi-purpose shoulder and back strap for photographers “on the run”.

Dulay said he sourced most of the innovative products in the US. “They are quite obscure items and not easy to find locally,” he said.

Dulay was recently commissioned to conduct a social media campaign in support of this year’s PMA Digital Life Expo, held in Melbourne in June.

“We had some positive feedback and it was quite successful,” he said.