Introducing the new PMA Qld Chair

Started in London in March 1968 gradually working in several very large wholesale laboratories + two medium size professional labs.

During this time I processed the first Fujichrome processed paid film in Europe. as well as processing the E3 8” X10” sheet film for the cover of Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon.

In 1976 along with 46 other applicants I was interviewed in London by the late Harold Jeffries for a job with Pacific Film in Sydney finally arriving on Melbourne cup day 1977. In my brief time with Pacific I was part of the team that set up the first E-6 line outside of Kodak in Australia.

Early in 1978 returned to London returning permanently to Australia in March 1979 as QC supervisor with Palcolor in Wollongong. In December I left for Brisbane to take on the role of Laboratory Manager.

After the take over by Hanimex the Brisbane Color services team approached me to look after firstly QC and subsequently the lab manager’s position.

When Hanimex and Fuji got together for the Australian defence of the Americas Cup they gave me the position of Special Operations Manager for the Photographic center this ran from February/March 1986 to February 1987.

In mid 1987 Hanimex the new laboratory was in the final stages of completion and I was heavily involved with the QC aspects of the lab.

From late 1987 to its completion in October 1988 my life was totally consumed by all things at Brisbane’s World Expo 88 both setting up and running all Fuji’s photographic outlets consumer and professional. This was arguably the biggest single photographic event this country will ever see.

After World Expo 88 I held several positions with Hanimex ranging from professional sales representative, Fujitech technical support Minilab installation and training.

Between 2000 & 2004 I ran my own photographic Minilab consultancy business and late in that year was approached by Photocontinental to take over the position of Laboratory manager.

With PMA Queensland I would obviously like to see more members come on board, but more importantly see more members getting involved other than simply attending meetings.

We have started circulating copies of the minutes to all those who are unable to attend and have had some good feedback to this time however this is only a start.

A recent newsletter showed that the Digital life Expo saw quite a few new members sign up and I have already asked for contact phone numbers to give them a call and welcome them our group.

With the Digital Life Expo in mind the show was good; as usual the majority of time was spent between the morning sessions, assisting PMA with the YAA judging, and on the floor of the show.

Over the last three or four years photographic stores have realized that in general the profit margins from 4” X 6” digital prints has shown a downward trend.

Now we are told that photo gifting is the way to help bring customers and profits back to our stores, the only problem is that now the so called big box stores are starting to discount these products to so are we simply going back to square one again?

At Photocontinental I continually look at all the categories we handle and to keep all production costs to a minimum. All labs both large and small must not only concentrate on front of house operations but importantly what it costs back of house to produce them, for example we know that each m2 of paper produces 66 4” X 6” prints and if you sell them for 10cents each then that equates to $6.60 per m2.

Simply do the math at these prices labs will make precious little if any profit at all.

So like all Lab managers I am constantly on the lookout for new ways to market and promote services outside of 4”x6” prints so that we remain profitable and viable.

As chairman of PMA Queensland I look forward to working with all the local members to help strengthen our great industry.

I hope to see you at next weeks PMA Queensland meeting.