The digital demise of Cruz Bay Photo
After nine years in business at Wharfside Village, Cruz Bay Photo’s final day is Friday. Owner Craig Dengler blames the evolution of photography.
“No one comes in with four rolls of film they want developed anymore. Now it’s all digital and there’s no money in that for me.”
Craig says he’s added telescopes and cameras and binoculars in recent years, but the shifting state of photography, along with rising St. John rents, means the business no longer makes sense for him.
So what’s next for Craig?
“The first thing I’ll do is go back to my hometown Rochester to see my Mom and family,” he says. “I’ve got some land in the Finger Lakes wine country. I’m working on an online start-up business that would let me spend time in the Finger Lakes and St. John. It’s a good time for me to write the next chapter in my life.”
Depending on when you’re reading this, you may still have time to get a Going Out of Business bargain. Craig says the store will be open all day Friday.
May 22nd, 2008 10:28
major bummer! I’m coming down in 2 weeks. During that time, I am taking a photo class with Steve Simonsen. I was hoping to print some of my results while on-island…I guess that will have to wait.
May 22nd, 2008 11:13
good afternoon
maybe you could give all the tourists coming off the ferry a disposable camera and before they leave they would have to stop at the camera store.
have a great memorial day weekend
May 22nd, 2008 12:07
We used CBP every year to develop our underwater shots until two years ago when we purchased a digital underwater. It’s a shame that technology advances often has such consequences for business folks like Craig. Craig will find a lot of sympathetic ears back in Rochester where the switch to digital has had a huge effect on Kodak.
May 22nd, 2008 16:08
Sorry to hear about this. He was very helpful to us last year when my husband’s underwater camera case kept fogging. We wondered how his business survived, given the digital age. I hope that this situation gives him an opportunity to do new and exciting things.
May 22nd, 2008 17:53
Craig has been a friend and neighbor for many years. We wish him all the best and hope we can come visit when the log cabin in the Finger Lakes is done.
-Ruth & Ron
May 22nd, 2008 18:07
I found CBP always very helpful. Best of luck on your new venture.
May 23rd, 2008 15:42
I’m sorry to see Craig go – he was always so helpful whenever we needed anything.
Good Luck on your next chapter!
May 23rd, 2008 16:56
Craig is such a nice person., Good luck to him…….
May 25th, 2008 07:52
And what’s Alice gonna do? Got a job for her Ruth?