Don Denton is a photographer, photo editor and photo coach who lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Wilf Schmidt and The Little Photo Shop – Photographers’ Work Spaces and Studios
March 29, 2010 | Filed Under Gallery & Workshop, Interview, Photo Studios and Work Spaces
I was in Kamloops this past weekend, the first time I’ve spent anytime there in at least three years. One of the last times I was there I’d come across this gallery/store on 3rd Avenue run by photographer Wilf Schmidt and I was curious to see if he was still there, and he was. Schmidt calls his place The Little Photo Shop and claims it’s “The World’s Smallest Photography Supply Store’. The former high school photography teacher sells prints of his own work but also stocks black and white film, Holga cameras and has a group of pinhole cameras in the back of the shop as well as other photo odds and ends. It’s a very cool space and it’s tiny which just adds to the charm. The shop is currently a little more crowded than usual as he is selling off his darkroom equipment and has the boxes stacked there. Hidden behind him is an antique safe, part of the original furnishings in the heritage building his store is located in.
Wilf in the ‘office’ section of his shop.
Wilf shows off a tiny camera that actually works. It originally came with rolls of film.
A few of Wilf’s photographs
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6 Responses to “Wilf Schmidt and The Little Photo Shop – Photographers’ Work Spaces and Studios”
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I need photo paper for pin hole cameras and photograms
50 sheets of each. Do you have these types of paper?
I love this little shop. Though catching it during opening hours can be tricky. Wilf processes my Holga 120 film for me, and does fine work for good prices ($6 for 12exp 120 roll) Always nice to find another person or store dedicated to film.
[...] teacher, Wilf Schmidt. If you’re ever passing through Kamloops, BC, please stop at The Little Photo Shop! Oh, and the little postcard being held by the ukelele is a drawing of the Hollywood Theater here [...]
[...] Don Denton, photo. Please visit his blog to see some wonderful photos of Mr. Schmidt in his store. [...]
Rest in peace Wilf, your tremendous talent and wonderful personality will be missed.
Thank you Wilf, we will miss your humorous signs and your wealth of knowledge. So glad to have known you.