My first tirip to Citizen's Photo was great... I had $1300 to burn on a brand new digital Nikon SLR and all of my questions were answered and the staff was pleasant, though I did seem to feel just a touch of arrogance in the air. Now, I know I am an amateur photographer at best, but it is my goal to eventually become pro. Obviously, I am going to have a lot of questions and will need a lot of guidance along the way. I am working hard to pay for my equipment and trying to learn a lot of things all at once. I've returned to Citizen's Photo twice since my big purchase to pick up small things... My second experience there was fine, not terrible, though the attitude I felt was that I could have been there, or I could have not. It didn't seem to matter since I was only spending under $20. No one was especially helpful or friendly, though I did get what I came for. My third experience was terrible. The same man who helped me with the first big purchase was flustered and annoyed at my inexperience. I felt as though I was in junior high and asking the mean teacher dumb questions. When I stammered when asked about the size of my lens (I needed a new lens cap), he just told me that he couldn't help if I wasn't sure and rung me up for my other item without anymore dialog. I realize it is very amateur and... ok... LAME of me to have forgotten the size of my lens, but why should any employee make someone feel more amateur and lame than they might already feel? Isn't the point of running a photography supply shop to help people become better photographers and help people become comfortable with photography by being kind and helpful and selling your products by doing so? Locally owned businesses are not doing themselves any favor in the race against corporations when they employ people with chips on their shoulders. I just bought a new $500 flash from B&H online today and I couldn't be happier. I will not return to Citizen's Photo.
Pros: Close in SE, tons of lighting equipment, cool old building
Cons: bad parking, apathetic employee, prices much higher than pro photo or b&h
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