Focal Point Imaging - Road Show    July 2nd - Plymouth

Focal Point Imaging based in Exeter has built a reputation for supplying Epson wide format print solutions to educational establishments, professional photographers, commercial entities and image-makers.

Watching the market closely, Chas Halsey (Managing Director) took the big step, a decade ago, of setting up a unique Epson wide format demonstration facility, aimed specifically at FPI's existing customer showcasing the next generation of output systems they could realistically expect to replace their existing equipment. Now ten years on with the benefit of working with Epson, Fuji, Hotpress and more recently Wacom they have become truly the Focal Point for wide format printing solutions.

Installing over 100 wide format printers into diverse locations has provided a unique insight into the applications and demands of this kit. Every install is different says Ken Pearson, FPI's wide format print specialist, we usually spend half a day demonstrating the kit at our showroom at least a week before we install.

Because we have so many users of Epson printers, numerous recent technological breakthroughs in media, ink, and management software made us decide to hold a seminar for several of our major customers to bring them up to date and allow them a platform to share their experiences and knowledge.

Starting off with a brief demonstration of the new Wacom Intuos 4 tablets, the rest of the day concentrated on image management and printing. Alan Winn of 2D gave a talk on image preparation for print, with emphasis on wide format printing. Topics covered included image capture technique, working from camera raw files, workspace and monitor calibration, resizing images and saving in the best format for differing print output. He also demonstrated Open Source Software for image manipulation, emphasising the advantages, in a student-based environment, of non-proprietary - free software, the examples shown included The Gnu Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) running on Linux used to open and work on RAW camera files. Following on in a logical sequence Ken Pearson presented a comprehensive history of the evolution of the Epson Ultrachrome ink-set and its effect on the industry, an insight to future technologies and gave an introduction to the Fujifilm ImageHunter RIP software package which was then demonstrated by Fujifilm.

A well-received lunch at the College was followed by Fuji Film presenting the current range of Inkjet media including the recently expanded collection of Canvas products. This led onto a lively questions and answer session covering all the aspects of the subjects presented during the morning. Steve Goodall of Hotpress/Drytac rounded off the whole event with a comprehensive demonstration of the Jet Mounter range of print finishing devices and various laminating media.

Feed back from the attendees has been very positive,

Hi Chas, first of all, many thanks from Tracey and me for putting on a very professional show. The venue was spot on (although a little far from us, but worth the trip). Image preparation and management plus Wacom were very good - it was delivered in a way that everyone could understand. Wide format print technology was a very good and humorous presentation by Ken, - Fuji and Hot press were also very good presentations (jokes not so good though). Food and refreshments were also of a high standard. All in all, a very professional seminar with the right balance of humour, and a nice relaxed feel.

All the sessions were very informative, especially Alan's who we would be very interested to have a chat with in further detail at some point if we can arrange a day at yours.

This was the first of a series of events planned by Focal Point Imaging, the next training session will be covering Events printing in mid August, Followed by an Epson/ Fuji Print Masterclass in October. Please contact Chas Halsey on 01392 496066 or email chas@focalpointimaging.co.uk for details.