Canadian Studio Supplies

[Natanis]

I am just wondering where Canadian photographers are purchasing their studio suplies from?? I am looking for backdrop stands and backdrops. I have found a ton of USA distributos but would prefer to shop in Canada to eliminate the hassle of shipping across the border. Can anyone help?? I have already found cameracanada but am interested in seeing other options.

[gr82bart]

I have never bought from this place myself, so take this place with a cautionary warning, but it's the only Canadian place I know - Kristian Industries - http://photographybackdrop.com/

I think they're in Mississauga.

Regards, Art.

[Natanis]

Thanks Art!! I'll check it out.

[Mike Guilbault]

I think there's a dealer for most of this stuff out west called Technicare. There's also a Vistek store in Calgary I believe. Maybe someone out in that direction can be more specific, but I'm sure there's something.

[silverwindstudio]

I've bought backgrounds from TimWest backgrounds, owned and run by Mark Hamilton a photographer based out of Brantford Ontario.
http://www.timwestbackgrounds.com/home.html

Also from HeadShot (before they were bought out by the same outfit that runs Henrys) http://www.headshotsrentals.com/ and from Vistek http://www.vistek.ca/ .

My portable background stand ( basically 2 light stands and a crossbar) came from Henrys. http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/sto...nrys/index.jsp

If I can't find it at one of the above my next choice is usually to jump border to BHPhoto http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Depends on what supplies you are ordering the border can be murder, especially if Fedex is the carrier used.

[Natanis]

Thanks so much Peter! Tim West is having a huge sale on backdrops right now 75% off!! I am very excited about expanding my studio equipment. You have been a huge help.

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by gr82bart

I have never bought from this place myself, so take this place with a cautionary warning, but it's the only Canadian place I know - Kristian Industries - http://photographybackdrop.com/

I think they're in Mississauga.

Regards, Art.

Wow! I checked out their site
This is a Canadian company but most of the prices are in US dollars.
I did find some stuff in CDN dollars - Here's an example from their website of US vs CDN prices
2 1/2 times in CDN dollars vs the american price.

I guess we can see where they want to sell to.


Light Blue Solid
9 ft wide
Size USD CAD
9x12 $87.60 $224.04
9x15 $109.45 $245.12
9x21 $153.23 $315.17
9x30 $218.90 $420.24

I won't accuse any retailer of gouging but I certainly have to question the whole supply chain when we can regularily find it cheaper to purchase from the states.

I've dealt with Camera Canada, Henry's, Vistek and the Camera Store as Candadian suppliers. I have bought from the states at times specifically because of the large cost savings on some equipment.

Cheers
Chris

[robfxphoto]

I use http://www.backdropco.com/
Based in Edmonton. Great service.
I have used Dennys in the states (not impressed) and recently I have ordered some backgrounds from http://aurabackdrops.com/ and have been very impressed with service. They ship from New York to Alberta for $20.00 canadian via USPS.

Keep in mind cheapest is not the best when ordering backgrounds. A painted muslin or canvas can look ugly when photographed if the shades do not blend together nicely.
Rob

[gr82bart]

If you are looking to order from the States, check out http://www.backdropoutlet.com/ in Chicago. I know the owner's father, Art Ketchum. OK, it's a bit of a shill, but they have lots of backdrops and provide good service - at least in the States.

Regards, Art.

[Peter Wm. Richardson]

Hi Natanis:
Check out some of the motion picture and heatre supply houses, they carry most of what a studio uses plus a lot more and the prices are usually very good. There are numerous in Canada ranging from White's to many smaller houses.
cheers,
Peter
Peter Wm. Richardson
Photojournalist
peterw@journalist.com