Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Sintz.
Hi Ken, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I grew up with photography– my father was a photographer and I started taking photos at 12 years old. Every house I’ve ever lived in had a darkroom. So photography has always been part of my life.
In the early ’90s, I helped open another photography store in Salt Lake City, but I always had a dream of opening my shop. This dream came true in 2020! I was driven to open a shop with my wife, Lisa Sintz, to build a photographic community through a small boutique shop located in the vibrant 9th & 9th business district of Salt Lake City.
We’ve been open for almost three years now and I am still overwhelmed with the amazing support we’ve received for the shop and the excitement surrounding what we do. I’m so looking forward to growing and supporting the photographic community in Salt Lake City and beyond in the years to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening a new business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic certainly had its challenges, from supply chain issues to sourcing shelving for the shop, we ran into our fair share of challenges.
Opening a new venture is never smooth, but the fact I had experience in this industry for so many years and made wonderful connections with vendors and photographers across the country, especially in Salt Lake City, made it way better than expected. I’m so grateful for the friends and business connections I’ve made along the way and the support they’ve provided to Essential Photo Supply! We’re especially thankful for our new and returning customers who make our shop what it is– we have the coolest customers!
The other challenge I faced was adapting to the needs of the community I was serving. This came in the form of opening a film lab! Processing and scanning 35mm and 12 mm film wasn’t part of the original business plan, but we made it happen after hearing about how many photographers wanted us to host a lab in our space.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Essential Photo Supply?
1. We chose the name “Essential Photo Supply” because we wanted to make sure we covered all of the essentials in photography. We wanted to always offer the essentials – not too much to overwhelm, but enough to support any photographer at any point in their photographic journey.
2. We specialize in digital photography and analog film photography. We offer new and pre-owned cameras and gear. We have a consignment program that allows photographers to trade in or consign their gear to level up, which in turn supports photographers who are just starting, or looking to upgrade for a great price!
3. We carry the top brands in photographic gear and accessories, and are always on the lookout to support new and up-and-coming brands!
4. What sets Essential Photo Supply apart from others, is that we’re a small, locally-owned business with a community-based mindset. We’re focused on the needs of our customers who come in, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting! Our goal is to meet you where you’re at, as a photographer, and provide an ear to listen to your project and support you with any tools you may need.
5. We also showcase local artists through gallery events. We want to support our range of skilled photographers and their unique perspective of the world in our shop.
6. We are unique because we have a camera store AND a film lab! This is a throwback to our roots of visiting one-hour photo labs in the ’90s, and our goal to bring back that culture of photography.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We’re so thankful to be featured by Voyage Utah!
The art of photography, and what photographers bring to the table, still surprises and inspires me every day. The exciting advancements in technology that allow photographers to capture their vision and bring their perspectives to life are so cool to follow. Every conversation with a new or repeat customer makes me excited for Salt Lake City and the young community of photographers who get to connect with seasoned pros who can guide them on their journey through the lens.
Seeing analog photography come back in a big way has also been such a treat to be part of! We love seeing old cameras get a new life, and are happy to provide services that continue making memories last a lifetime!
Pricing:
- Processing color or black & white film: $8.00
- Medium scans for 35mm or 120mm film: $7.00
- Large scans for 35mm or 120mm film: $12.00
- New and used camera gear: prices vary
- Memory cards, tripods, camera bags, darkroom supplies, etc.: prices vary
Contact Info:
- Website: www.essentialphotosupply.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/essentialphotosupply
Image Credits
Trent Nelson, Victoria Hills, and Scot Zimmerman
