I Went To The Camera Store

Roberts Camera Is Open To The Public

As Indianapolis, the city I live in opens up gradually, stores and businesses are opening back up again. I was cleaning the studio yesterday and found I was in need of some ink and batteries. What better excuse than to get out and visit Roberts Camera, which is only a few blocks away?

Phil Gibson and Jody Grober, co-stars with me on our regular video series On The Rocks ready to take care of customers
Phil Gibson and Jody Grober, co-stars with me on our regular video series On The Rocks ready to take care of customers

On our last On The Rocks, we spoke about how Roberts was planning on reopening. There are some pretty serious guidelines that Roberts insists on if you plan a visit there. Obviously, first and foremost, is wearing a mask. Also, there is a lot of hand sanitizer available. New procedures also are in place to clean off cameras and lenses when they are shown.

Plastic counter shields safety separates customer and sales person
Plastic counter shields safety separates customer and salesperson

At a number of areas throughout the store counter with plexiglass shields that are in place to protect the employee and the customer.

Surprisingly, the store was busy. The used camera section had numerous customers visiting and buying cameras. The sales staff seemed to be taking things in stride and enjoying being back in front of customers.

Meredith Reinker, partner at Roberts checks a customer out behind the counter shield
Meredith Reinker, partner at Roberts checks a customer out behind the counter shield

As I spoke to the staff, they shared that they are very optimistic and sales were looking good as things began to open up again. The new Nikon D6 is in stock and moving fast. A lot of customers were purchasing supplies as it has been a while for all customers since they have been to the camera store last.

After each camera is shown to a customer it tis placed in this bin and cleaned before being put back on the shelf
After each camera is shown to a customer it is placed in this bin and cleaned before being put back on the shelf

While walking across the parking lot to the store, I saw a broken front window as well as another with a bullet hole. After inquiring about this, I was told that these were a result of the recent protests. Indianapolis took some big hits during the unrest.

Bullet hole in the window. A remnant of the protests in the city
Bullet hole in the window. A remnant of the protests in the city

We are living in a changing and different world. It was good to not only get back to the studio but also visit Roberts again. I always feel at home there as would any photographer. Let’s hope we make progress on all fronts and that we work our way back to a new normal that is safe and healthy for everyone.

Phil Showing off one of the many plastic shields that are stationed around the store.
Phil Showing off one of the many plastic shields that are stationed around the store.

Kevin Raber
June 2020
Kevin Raber
Indianapolis, IN

Photography is my passion and has been for 50 plus years. My career in photography has allowed me to travel the world, meet some of the most interesting people on the planet and see things I could never have dreamed of. My goal is to share the passion of picture taking through photographs and teaching with as many people as I can, hoping it brings them as much joy and happiness as it has me. I do this through photoPXL.com, this site, as well as Rockhopper Workshops, and other projects, as well as teaching as Artist In Residence at the Indianapolis Art Center.

Article Type: News, MISC

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